24 |
Cpl Brennan during
Cpl Dunne covers off
Report and Photos by CQMS Mike Barrett (D Coy, 7 Inf Bn)
T
he 'Single Force Concept' has seen a major reorganisation of all reserve units in the Defence Forces;
many units have relocated while some have been integrated into other units. However one of the advantages in the new reserve are the opportunities to partake in types of training courses, which were
until now, rare or not available.
In mid August 2013, reserve troops from D Coy, 7 Inf Bn, began a 2-day Mowag familiarisation course in
Cathal Brugha Bks, Dublin. For most of the 24 reserve personnel who took part, this was their first chance to
"get up close" to the 18-tonne DF vehicle.
The course with PDF instructors from 7 Inf Bn, began with classroom lectures on the characteristics of
the Mowag, safety briefs and a detailed series of lessons on the comms/radio systems on the vehicle. The
students were then brought outside to meet the two Mowags, which were allocated to the training.
The PDF drivers introduced all the troops to the turret and drivers station. Instruction on seating arrangements, mounting and dismounting drills, and safety aspects of the ramp followed. The drills for
dismounting and
taking up tactical
positions became
refined with practice, before the
first days training
came to a close.
The second
day of the course
involved more
classroom lectures,
on such aspects as
APC Coy organisation, vehicle tactical markings, and
some interesting
discussions on
Mowag operations
An Cosantóir September 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie
Cpl O'Reilly (left) with
