An Cosantóir

| 25 V Pops ox Cpl Kevin Doherty, B Coy "It has been a good exercise and a learning curve for everybody. We've had to learn to work with the reservists and they've had to learn to work with us. Believe it or not the standard amongst the reservists is quite high and you can see they've been doing a lot of training. We had a number of two-stars moving onto their threestar course so they needed a bit of tuition but that is to be expected. In my section I had privates from B Coy who were helping out the reserve guys. Everybody has been working very well together." by Wesley Bourke Photos by Cpl Neville Coughlan serving their country. Others, like Coy Sgt Liam Kelly from D Coy, come with a wealth of experience already. Liam previously served in both 1 Cn Cois and 28 Inf Bn for six years before going on to serve with former RDF units 19 Inf Bn FCÁ and 58 Res Inf Bn for another 20 years. "The 'Single Force' concept is working well," Liam said. "I was a strong proponent of the previous integration model but it has to be said this is better as it is now allowing us to learn from guys who are doing this every day." Lt Neil Maryfield, E Coy, concurred with Coy Sgt Kelly's sentiments. "This type of exercise is so beneficial for us," he said. Our troops are getting the exact same training and the exact same experience as their permanent counterparts. The added benefit for us is the knowledge transfer. Because the exercise is hard it means the learning curve is much steeper; however it is also much more valuable." Integration also means the battalion commander is directly responsible for the reservists and in turn they must report to him. "The integration with the regulars and reservists in 28 Inf Bn is going very well," said Comdt Peter Kennan, OC E Coy. "In the 2005 re-org RDF units were twinned with PDF units but with the 'Single Force' concept we are totally integrated. For example, this morning I was at the Battalion Commander's Conference with all the other company commanders and I can tell you the OC did not treat us reservist any different and expected us to be of a high standard. He asked each company commander for a full brief on their company and how the exercise was going. And you are expected to have the answers. As Lt Maryfield said, the learning curve is much steeper but we are meeting the challenge." Cpl Christina Fox, E Coy "The 'Single Force' concept is going very well for us and exercises like this are a great learning experience. The regular soldiers are very helpful and have no problem giving you advice and teaching you anything that you ask them. I've learned loads and the fact you have someone beside you with so much experience is great. Its invaluable experience we would not have previously got." Pte Paul Gallagher, C Coy "I think the 'Single Force' concept is a great idea as guys from our company have done so much since the re-org including public order training and improving infantry skills: it's been great. This exercise is tough as we're not used to being on the ground for such a long period with so much kit, but it's very enjoyable. Last night we carried out a four-hour patrol; I've never done anything like that before. The regulars helped us out in putting up our 'bivvies' and making sure we kept dry." Pte Chris O'Mahony, C Coy "The training this year has been great and we were straight into it with public order training in Finner Camp and Rockhill. Not easy; tough, but we had great fun. We've a few lads in our unit from across the border and when it comes to training like that there's always good banter. I'll admit though I was nervous when the re-org happened because I didn't think the regulars would accept us in their unit. But they've been so helpful and friendly to us. They give us advice on anything we ask and show us how to do it. It's been great." www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

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