An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 13 and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) process, reconnaissance patrols, observation posts, ambush principles were also reviewed in advance of the patrol exercise insertion to the Slieve Bloom mountains. The biting wind and rugged terrain of the Slieve Bloom Mountains added a layer of realism and hardship, pushing students to rely on their training and each other. Platoon Commander's Orders were given the night before the 72-hour patrol exercise, including student appointments as Section IC and 2/IC. The following morning a FRAGO was given and PNCO students moved from Cathal Brugha Barracks to the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The occupation of the Patrol Harbour involved a loaded march to our objective area and use of Patrol Harbour occupation drills including STOPCPL (Snap ambush, Take a look, Occupy, Perimeter check, Clearance patrols, Post sentries, Labour) and the Harbour routine. Local patrols began straight away with support from 7 Inf Battalion exercise troops, whose eagerness and enthusiasm requires a notable mention, the exercise was further enhanced with the deployment of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) demonstrated by a team from the EU Battle Group. Patrol assessments took place the next day, a series of patrols were released with each student given a mission and was assessed on their orders delivery, pre-departure rehearsals, the execution of the patrol – skills, drills and tactical viability to perform a Close Target Reconnaissance (CTR) of the enemy location, followed by a detailed patrol report. Mid-way through the exercise, a new threat emerged in the form of adverse weather conditions which saw a drop in temperature followed by sleet and snow. Welfare of the troops came to the fore through the use of wet/dry routine, good personal admin and the buddy-buddy system which all played an important role in sustaining students and exercise troops throughout the cold snap. Patrols continued until all objectives were recce'd and assessments complete. Back in barracks, all kit was cleaned and returned to stores followed by a rest period before the class completed their General Test reviewing all aspects of the course covered since September 2024. Easter Sunday saw the course complete its heritage block with a tour of the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks led by Commandant Lar Joye (DFHQ) with a focus on actions in Dublin City during the 1916 Easter Rising. The visit served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the 1916 Easter Rising, reinforcing the values of service and national pride that underpin the Defence Forces ethos. The offense phase of the course began with revision of Section Battle Drills and a fresh set of Platoon Commander's Orders before the course departed for Coolmoney Camp. Our poor luck with weather continued as heavy rains became a recurring feature of our Quick Attack training and assessments. Students were put through their paces moving between different command appointments and roles within the section with rolling section attacks. The PNCOs were tasked with generating and delivering a set of Quick Attack Orders as Section IC and leading their Section to attack the likely enemy position and successfully performing the role of 2nd In-Command (2/ IC) providing service support to the Section and deputising the responsibilities of the Section IC. The course was visited Josh Crosbie from Newstalk who took time to meet PNCO students and two-star privates from 2 Bde and DFTC on their three- star course. The course departed Coolmoney Camp the next day with an unexpected stop in Clondalkin where we dismounted transport, RV'd with colleagues from the NSR PNCO Course and commenced a TAB for the final 10km along the Grand Canal Greenway with the 2 BTC and NSR pennants leading the way to the finish line in Cathal Brugha Barracks marking the end of training. The course held it's passing out parade together with the NSR PNCO course in Cathal Brugha Barracks on Saturday 17 May with 20 AR Cpls and 6 NSR L/Sea returning to Units nationwide ready to support recruit training as numbers across the Reserve continue to grow. Orders Prep - Slieve Bloom Mtns Sec Comd Orders - Glen of Imaal March from Clondalkin to CBB Gnr Donnelly interviewed by Josh Crosbie from Newstalk www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE

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