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Defence Forces Newsletter Spot the difference COMPETITION LAST ISSUE'S WINNER WAS GAVIN BUCKLEY To be in with a chance of winning some An Cosantóir goodies: 1) Record the number of changes in the area provided. 2) Mark them on the photo and fill in your details. 3) Post it in by 14 Feb 2014 to: Spot The Difference, Connect, DFHQ, Block 5, Ceannt Bks, Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare. Number of changes: Name: Address: Email: COURSES FEBRUARY 2014 - MAY 2014 Course From/to Pln Cmdr Peace Support 10 Feb – 25 Apr All Arms Std NCO 18 Mar – 23 May LFTT 27 Jan – 14 Mar Javelin CLU Conversion 17 Mar – 21 Mar Recce Concentration 18 Mar – 21 Mar MUAV Operator 27 Jan – 07 Mar Arty Std NCO 17 Feb – 25 Apr Email Cse 12 Dec, 21 Jan, 23 Jan MT Dvr Instr 20 Jan – 28 Feb MT Dvr Tester Cse 03 Mar – 14 Mar Life Saving Cse 13 Jan – 07 Feb PTI 27 Jan – 16 May Basic Swim Cse 10 Feb – 21 Feb Obstacle Cse Instr 18 Mar – 21 Mar Asst. Swim Teacher 24 Mar – 04 Apr PMS Instr 13 Jan – 24 Jan Ord Rm Cpls Cse 17 Feb – 14 Mar All courses are subject to change; contact your orderly room. FIXTURES Event Date Advanced Para Display Cse 29 Apr – 17 May DF Hill Run Series 26 Feb, 26 Mar, 23 Apr DF Indoor Track & Field 03 Feb CISM Day Run 14 Feb DF Half Marathon 23 Apr Judo Trg Camp 17 Feb – 23 Feb Clay Pigeon Sport Shoot 20 Mar DF Volleyball Champs 26 Mar – 27 Mar Ladies Soccer Camp 05 Feb – 07 Feb Hurling; DF -v- Cork Garda 26 Mar Boxing; Level 1 Coaching Cse 10 Feb – 12 Feb Boxing; CISM Trg Camp 29 Jan – 31 Jan All fixtures are subject to change; contact the relevant representative. Location IWW NCOTW IWW IWW IWW Arty Sch Arty Sch CIS Sch Tpt Sch Tpt Sch DFPES DFPES DFPES DFPES DFPES Mil Admin Sch Mil Admin Sch Location DFTC TBC Athlone Various Locations Galway DFTC TBC TBC Galway Cork McKee McKee Christmas – celebration or time out in preparation for the New Year? No matter what our belief system, we can't but be affected directly or indirectly by the arrival of Christmas. For many of us who are off duty at this time, Christmas provides a time to meet up with friends and colleagues, a time to reconnect with family members and a time to reflect. However for others Christmas can be a stark and indeed sad reminder of who is missing from their lives. It calls on us to reach out to others, being aware of those colleagues and friends who have been bereaved in the past year. For our personnel overseas and their families/ extended families, despite Skype, internet and mobiles -it may be very tough emotionally to experience that separation process. The Personnel Support Services- the BPSSOs and the Occupational Social Work team are available to any personnel who may encounter any range of stressful situations trying to cope with the financial or social pressures that celebration ironically may bring in its path. As a community the DF are known for looking out for their colleagues and Christmas presents as no exception to this proud tradition. When the busy lead up is over, there is an opportunity for reflection – where we can reflect on how we are in ourselves and how we are with others before we start into the New Year. The Occupational Social Work Service or BPSSOs can be contacted within the local offices. Colin Fallon PSS Defence Forces Newsletter It's YOUR newsletter! If you have suitable content, email it to connect@military.ie CLICK HERE TO VIEW A2 POSTER

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