An Cosantóir

The Working in Confined Spaces course provided participants with the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to safely and effectively search, manoeuvre, and operate in restricted environments. These skills are not only mission-critical but also directly enhance the safety of personnel conducting search, rescue or tasks that involve countering any explosive threat(s). Engineer Operations in Confined Spaces Modern operational environments demand highly trained personnel capable of working in challenging and high-risk conditions including, but not limited to, confined spaces. Developing and maintaining Advanced Search Capabilities such as Working in Confined Spaces and Roped Intervention Search, Access and Rescue (RISAR) ensures that personnel remain prepared for complex and often dynamic missions, whether in domestic security operations, overseas deployments, or multinational crisis response. Operating within this environment could also be expected in any response or recovery efforts in the likes of Gaza or Ukraine, by way of recent examples. The mindset required to operate for extended periods, or at short notice, can be demanding of the modern Irish Sapper – particularly from a psychological perspective. In ancient Irish Mythology, those dark, enclosed, rarely entered caves and abysses were believed to be a crossing point into the Otherworld or a gateway into the dangerous and unknown - such as the ancient Warrior Nera who was said to have transcended into the Otherworld to battle evil spirits through Uaimh na gCait (Oweynagat Cave) Co. Roscommon in defence of Queen Medb. Bringing myth into reality, our modern Sappers must prepare prior to each entry and appreciate the psychological shift needed to enter environments where visibility, mobility and sensory feedback are reduced as part of High Risk Advanced Search (ESSC) Operations. During the exercise serials in the Cork Harbour Area, the students donned all equipment which included breathing apparatus, gas detection equipment, camera equipment, PPE, decontamination kit, communication equipment and other Specialist Search kit –and prepared to enter these areas. It was in the isolated prison of the dark that teamwork, intuition, communication and leadership were all tested and refined through assimilation and a demanding exercise scenario. The scenario in this case revolved around the actions of an unlawful anti-state actor and their efforts to conceal weapons, documents and advanced surveillance/ surveying equipment on board a cargo vessel and nearby tunnel locations that had been seized as part of a high profile seizure at sea as well as other areas in Cork Harbour area. Fort Davis was also utilised to good effect as part of a realistic exercise serial where students were lowered down via high directional line by attached Engineer Rope Operators through a narrow, high level entry point. Benefits of International Collaboration Training alongside colleagues from other nations builds more than just technical skills — it fosters mutual understanding, trust, and interoperability. By working with partners from Cyprus, Spain, and Italy, participants gained exposure to different techniques, domestic (and EU) legislation and operational experiences, which enriched the collective knowledge of the group. It was found that Corps of Engineers participants could consistently offer their knowledge gained from recent and similar activities such as UNIFIL, UNDOF, domestic ATCP operations and other ongoing capability development efforts such as Rope Rescue training as led by Capt Bryan Dwyer (SME) where School of Military Engineering and Engineer Field Company personnel have made professional leaps forward in training, equipment and safety awareness in close cooperation with industry and other training partners. These parallel efforts and recent operational experiences have complimented one another well for all training efforts across the spectrum of Advanced Search operations. Such multinational training ensures that when our Defence Forces personnel operate as part of affiliated forces, they can integrate seamlessly and contribute effectively. Shared standards, common procedures, equipment crossover and personal bonds forged during training greatly improve the effectiveness of future joint operations. Looking Ahead Just as Uaimh na gCait Cave once symbolised a liminal passage between worlds, every entry into a confined space arena represents the crossing of a threshold: from routine to risk, from certainty to the unknown – and, with the correct preparation, back out again. As threats evolve, so too must the training and skills of those tasked with addressing them. Maintaining cutting-edge expertise in advanced search disciplines such as Confined Space Operations and Roped Intervention, Search and Access (RISAR) is essential. The Defence Forces Corps of Engineers, through continued engagement with the European Defence Agency and our international partners, remain committed to developing and sustaining these critical capabilities and technical proficiencies. Note: On the above theme of warriors, this course would not have been possible without the leadership and keen eye of Comdt John Murphy (a recent addition to the First Line Reserve). Having completed a WICS Instructor Course with the Swedish Armed Forces in 2021, Comdt Murphy has overseen and developed the concept of Advanced Search in High Risk Scenarios such as Working in Confined Spaces in the Defence Forces. The School of Military Engineering, on behalf of the wider Corps of Engineers, wishes to thank Comdt John Murphy for his vision, drive and ever professional input – "Is fearr coinneal a lasadh na mallacht a chur ar an dorchadas" ("It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness") | 17 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE Search Pair 1 are lowered into Tunnels in Fort Davis by Corps of Engineer RISAR Team (Att)

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