An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 15 Running in parallel was the development of a comprehensive Training Needs Analysis of unit capability, orchestrated by unit DCO, Comdt Ed McAuley, and actioned by the sub-unit commanders and the dedicated unit S7 staff. It was decided to prioritise the re-invigoration of the Sp Coy capabilities of Anti-Armour, Reconnaissance, HMG and 81mm Mortar, followed by Infantry Light Support Weapons, alongside a robust and varied weekly training programme. CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT With boundaries and LOE defined, the unit got down to business; in collaboration with 27 Inf Bn the unit ran a Basic Infantry Recce course qualifying six soldiers, one NCO and one Officer in this skill. Next more than a dozen students completed a Javelin YE Cse, with one NCO and two Officers going on to complete the Instructor Cse in the IWW, and the unit attested more than 50 new Recruits into the organisation before the Christmas dinner! CQMS Charters deserves a special mention, not only for his contribution to unit morale that evening, but on every exercise, competition and event hosted by the unit throughout the year. In addition, each member received a Christmas card from the Battalion Commander as well as the families of personnel serving overseas to thank them for their hard work and make them realise they are all part of the wider Dublin Battalion family. Induction training continued from January to June providing some of the four recently commissioned Lieutenants and four recently promoted Sgts their first opportunity to command a platoon, ably supported by a cast of new (and not so new...) Corporals. The unit ran a second Javelin YE course concurrently to qualify another dozen personnel and then made the most of a dry summer to light up the GOI (...figuratively of course if DFTC TIS are reading) with HMGs and 81mm Mortars fired by over 30 newly qualified students. The contribution of personnel from across the organisation must be acknowledged and the willingness of units to share resources and collaborate to develop capability is a core strength of the Defence Forces. In that sphere 7 Inf Bn contributed to, and benefited from, courses and exercises in SERE, MOUT, LFTT, SDR, CBRN, Administration, Logistics, Transport...the list goes on. The unit saw more than 50 personnel prepare for, and complete career courses since this time last year. TROOP PREPARATION A key element from the unit "Pulse Checks" was the desire of soldiers to participate in the military training they joined the Infantry for, and to have pride in the job they do. Building soldiers' confidence and developing pride in 7 Inf Bn was the key tenet connecting all activities throughout the year. Unit battle runs through the city, combined with visits to culturally and historically significant sites such as the Pearse Museum, Glasnevin Cemetery and the GPO, were a proving ground for the 30km Norwegian Foot March which 7 Inf Bn was the first Irish unit to complete. This challenge proved to be one of the most galvanising events personnel ever experienced with 81 people achieving the Norwegian Flash and the unit attaining the Unit Citation as the first DF unit to complete this challenge. The 16-week journey took place alongside courses, TRRs, duties, exercises, shooting and recce competitions and demonstrated willingness to do training runs outside working hours voluntarily to get the citation. The unit ran an intra-battalion falling plates competition and competed in every military skill and sporting competition in the Defence Forces this year. We had successes with our PDF and RDF Novice Rifle teams in the DF Small Arms Competitions, with Capt Doran winning the All Army Marksman, as well as reaching the final of the Cunningham Cup, winning the 2 Bde Medical Services Cup, 2nd in the DF Recce competition and 3rd in the Infantry Platoon Attack competition. However, it wasn't all about the mud, sweat and blood. The Dublin Battalion embraced and investigated its roots through a speaker series including Brent Pope, Pat Falvey and Emmet Kirwan who spoke about the importance of accents and identity, further instilling the Dublin Battalion with pride in where they are from and what they represent. Personnel also took part in a local initiative with the City of Dublin FET College in Rathmines, with over 20 achieving QQI Level 5 Awards in Communications and Personal and Professional Development over the last 2 years. The unit also conducted fundraisers around unit events with Damien Dempsey and Dan McCabe playing in the mess and raffles and auctions to raise funds for Archie's Army, ONE, Cancer charities, Croi and the Curragh Lourdes Fund. In addition, the unit hosted a Civilian Staff Appreciation Morning to show appreciation to the civilians working in the barracks and most recently held a Culture Fair that celebrated the diversity of backgrounds now represented within Cathal Brugha Barracks and to ensure personnel feel included and respected. OUTPUT All of this training and preparation had a clear purpose: delivering on operational and ceremonial taskings to the state at the highest standard. Whether it was the Inauguration of An tUachtarán Catherine Connolly or securing Druids Glen as part of OP FIANNA and support to Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU, 7 Inf Bn could have confidence that it was deploying personnel who are both competent and confident in their capabilities and responsibilities. Unit on Parade 2026 – Áras an Uachtaráin Michael Collins Day Parade CBB - Lt Joe Tallon Members of 7 Inf Bn at Pearse's school on the first historical battle run Sp Coy 7 Inf Bn in the Dublin mountains at Fairly Castle early 2026 A Coy Recruit Pl on final walk back through Dublin mountains before receiving their berets 7 Inf Bn on return to CBB after a 14km night run to the 1916 site locations in Dublin City Successful 7 Inf Bn GAA Team summer 2026

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