An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 25 and delivering reports under time pressure, ensuring that vital information can be passed up the chain of command without delay. Another major element of the week is the occupation and routine of a patrol harbour. Students learn the correct drills for establishing and maintaining patrol harbours, emphasising discipline, stealth and all-round protection. Another evolving tactical element which needs to be considered within the occupation of a patrol harbour is C-UAS (Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems). Students established their HQ element within their Patrol Harbour and used Anti Drone Thermal Netting for their overhead protection to eliminate any possible ENFOR air threat. Training also included instruction in raids and ambushes. While the primary role of the cavalry scout is reconnaissance and information gathering, there are occasions when direct kinetic actions are required in order to exploit an opportunity. Students also conducted water confidence training in the DFPES. Operating in difficult terrain often requires Scouts to cross water obstacles or conduct operations near rivers and lakes. Developing confidence and competence in these conditions ensures that students can maintain operational effectiveness regardless of the environment. Week Three: EX CLOSE LOOK & FIRST VIEW The third week introduces a significant increase in intensity as students participate in a demanding 48-hour field exercise conducted in the Powerscourt Estate and Hollywood area of County Wicklow. This exercise is designed to place students in realistic reconnaissance scenarios where they must apply the skills developed during the first two weeks. Operating in small detachments, students conducted reconnaissance missions on multiple NAI's (Named Areas of Interest) by way of CTR's (close target reconnaissance) throughout the Powerscourt area. These locations represent points where enemy activity is present and where important information can be gathered. Information collected during these tasks are compiled and reported to higher HQ, contributing to the broader operational picture. Students then received a new mission which included a move to the Hollywood area, where they established an OP screen along a designated MSR (Main Supply Route). Observation screens are a critical tool used by cavalry scout detachments to maintain contact with enemy forces once they have been located. By monitoring movement along key routes and decision points, scouts provide commanders with valuable intelligence that can influence operational planning and decision-making. In addition to their 48hr EX students utilised their skills learned in the DFPES and conducted a tactical crossing in Blessington Lake. This element of the course reinforced the importance of adaptability and physical endurance when operating in challenging and changing environments Week Four: FTX SABRE STRIKE The final week of the course culminates in a demanding 72-hour FTX conducted IVO of St. Kevin's Way and the Wicklow Gap. This exercise serves as the final assessment, confirming that each student has developed the skills and professional understanding over the last number of weeks, required to operate as a Cavalry Scout. Students began by inserting into the operational area with the support of armoured elements from 1 ACS and 2 Cavalry Squadron. Once deployed, students infiltrated and established a patrol harbour and began to receive multiple new taskings. These included further CTR's, OP's and Call for Fire Missions. Throughout the exercise all information gathered by the students is continuously reported to higher HQ. This information and intelligence contributed to the overall battlespace picture, allowing commanders to track enemy activity and make future operational decisions. The exercise concluded with a troop-level ambush conducted onto a final TAI (Target Area of Interest). This final task allows students to demonstrate their ability to coordinate reconnaissance information with decisive kinetic action, highlighting the importance of accurate intelligence in shaping a successful operation. Conclusion The Cavalry Scout Tactical Course represents a demanding but essential step in developing the next generation of reconnaissance soldiers within the Cavalry Corps. Over four intensive weeks, students refine and build on skills learned from their respective instructors, which gives them the understanding of what is required to work as part of a small Cavalry Scout detachment. A massive positive for the students on the course was the introduction of the Defence Forces new stream of communication equipment, the SDR (Software Defined Radio) Squadnets. This modern advancement in individual comms allowed students to always maintain a high level of communications within their respective Troop and Detachments, a vitally important element of any successful operations. The course concluded with the recognition of Tpr Manley as Best Overall Student, a reflection of his professionalism and high performance throughout the course. A word of thanks to the instructors from 1 ACS, 1 Cavalry Squadron and 2 Cavalry Squadron whose professionalism and mentorship ensured the success of the course. Congratulations and best of luck to all successful students as they return to their units. They now carry forward the skills and knowledge gained during the course, strengthening the dismounted capability within the Cavalry Corps and contributing to the overall operational effectiveness of the Defence Forces.

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