An Cosantóir

24 | Training by Sgt Steve Conran (Res Trp, 2 Cav Sqn) Photos Sgt Stephen Conran, Coy Sgt Alan Lowry. Group photo: Sgt Karl Byrne T his year's all-army RDF Senior NCOs course was the second run since the RDF was established in 2005 and the first since the recent DF reorganisation. The course ran from May through July and was comprised of several weekends and two weeks of full-time training. There were 11 students, representing companies, squadrons and batteries from both brigades, as well as the DFTC and RDF Training Element (RDFTE). The course was conducted under the auspices of the NCO Training Wing, Military College, and had a mixture of PDF and RDF instructing staff. The result was a very successful, demanding and practical course that, by all accounts, left the students feeling prepared for additional responsibility, and with a greater understanding and appreciation of the roles and functions of a senior NCO. The aim of the course was not only to qualify people for promotion, but to focus and concentrate on the role of a senior NCO in peacetime, as well as in an operational capacity, thus enabling them to be better resourced NCOs within their current rank and appointment. The course was comprehensive in its scope, covering areas as varied as logistical resupply of munitions, BCR (battle casualty replacements) management, types of replenishment, sighting casualty extraction and collection points, the echelon system, personal navigation skills, the intelligence cycle, ISTAR, casevac drills, CBRN, roles of a senior NCO in combat, functions of a senior NCO in an orderly room, ceremonial drill and composition of guards, military law, leadership principles, range management, military writing, TLPP, the 7-question estimate, the '9-liner' reporting system and the (AT)MIST casualty card. An Cosantóir October 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie There was great emphasis placed on the necessity for parity of training and sharing of knowledge and doctrine across the organisation as a whole. Given the forecasted increased interoperability between reservists and their full time counterparts under the new Defence Forces structure, there will undoubtedly be increased expectation for reservists to fulfil their role and perform in their rank when called upon. Consequently, this and other courses are being designed and conducted with that as an important consideration. The students reported that they found the course to be varied in content, non-repetitive, practical and enjoyable, and that the instruction, reception, organisation and professionalism of all staff were second-to-none. While it is hard to pick out exactly what were the best and most enjoyable aspects of the course, there seems to be a consensus amongst the students that the CBRN exercise, casevac drills and CIS equipment demo (C1 & C2 containers and DC trailer & comms suite) were particular highlights. Some of the most noted and memorable lectures were those delivered by the guest speakers from the CIS, Transport, Ordnance, and Cavalry corps, as well as representatives from the legal office, DFPES, PSS, Press Office, MPs, medics and the Curragh military museum. From my own point of view, this was my first interaction with the NCO Training Wing, having completed my other promotional courses (Pot NCO and Std NCO) with the BTCs (AR). I was very impressed with all aspects of this course, from instruction and expertise, through to organisation and delivery. It was particularly refreshing to see that both the PDF and RDF staff were very consistent and complementary

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