An Cosantóir

www.military www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 13 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE January 2026 under the guidance of their team coach Sgt Axel Foley. Their selection reflected the high standards displayed throughout the Platoon in Attack Competition and the confidence placed in them to represent the battalion at one of the Army's premier competitions. Since the beginning of the year, the soldiers had undertaken a demanding training programme designed to develop their physical fitness, marksmanship and the military skills required to compete at AFSAM level. Training was focused primarily on the shoots that they would be taking part in both by day and by night. The teams were required to undergo the Infantry Low Light Equipment Operators Course (ILLEOC) which allowed them to operate the new Night Vision Equipment (NVE) and Lazer Light Modules (LLMs) for the competition. The team found the LLMs to be a very useful piece of equipment but unfortunately not very robust. Out of twelve that were issued we were down to three for the competition due to technical errors. Our new NVE was the envy of all the competitors taking part in the competition and was an excellent piece of kit. The teams were also fortunate to receive training from members of the ARW which included CQB and transition shoots in the DFTC. Special thanks also have to go to members of 1 Cn Cois who had competed in AFSAM 25 for their assistance and AAR from the previous year. Speaking during training, members of the team acknowledged the pride associated with representing the battalion and the motivation that came from being selected from the winning platoon of the 2025 Platoon Attack Competition. The commitment shown since January has reflected their determination to perform to the highest standard at AFSAM 2026. The teams arrived in North Little Rock, Arkansas on the 18th of April for the two-week competition and after a brief rest period reported for day one of the AFSAM. The first two days were not scored events. This was designed so that teams could get used to the conditions and different strength Ammunition in Camp Robinson. The first day included a registration for both teams and a full equipment check. This was then followed by a zeroing practice that was completed by each team in order to fully ensure all weapons were ready to undergo the competition. The zeroing practice took place from 100-500 yards and plenty of time was allocated to allow competitors confirm their zero at a variety of ranges. The second day included a pistol practice that saw competitors get familiar with the formalities of a pistol range and how it would be conducted. Again, this event was not scored and was done to give the competitors an idea of how the upcoming events would proceed. That evening the teams completed a nighttime zeroing with their IR lasers to ensure they were fully ready for the competition. The third and fourth day involved day and night CQB practises with both the rifle and the pistol. Day 5 was cancelled due to thunder-storms.

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