An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir May / June 2026 www.military.ie/magazine 30 | FIGHTING FIT FIT ARTICLE BY CPL FIONNUALA GRAY (RDF) 1 CN COIS T he Defence Forces Physical Education School in DFTC recently hosted a Physical Training Leader (PTL) course for members of the Army and Naval Service Reserve. The week long course was designed to qualify selected RDF personnel to safely and effectively deliver physical training within their units, while also reinforcing the high standards expected of those appointed to leadership roles in physical fitness and wellbeing. The course brought together 27 students drawn from across the Reserve. The course opened with a welcome by instructional staff from the Defence Forces Physical Education School with an overview of the course programme, assessment procedures and SOPs. This initial phase set the professional tone for the week and highlighted the structured and disciplined approach taken throughout the course. Following course administration, students commenced the academic element of the programme with a series of lectures aimed at providing the theoretical foundations required of a Physical Training Leader. Instruction throughout the week covered a wide range of subjects including anatomy, principles of training, muscular systems and nutrition. The first lecture focused on the skeletal system and provided students with a comprehensive understanding of bone structure, the different types of bones within the body, and the distinction between the axial and appendicular skeleton. Emphasis was placed on correct anatomical terminology, ensuring that students could accurately identify and reference skeletal components when planning or delivering training. Following lectures, students transitioned from the classroom to the practical training environment for their first physical training session of the course. This session consisted of an eight kilometre run and was designed to introduce students to the correct conduct of a Physical Training run in a military setting. Instruction was delivered on the importance of a structured warm up, appropriate pacing during the run and a thorough cool down on completion. The instructional staff took time to explain the purpose of each phase, reinforcing the importance of injury prevention, recovery and overall training effectiveness. This session concluded the first day of the course and provided a clear indication of the physical standards expected throughout the week.

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