An Cosantóir

26 | Training O by Lt Ross Wainer Photos Cpl Catherine Donnellan (both 2 Arty Regt) n 7th December 2013, members of 4 and 5 Reserve Batteries of 2 Arty Regt, based in Mullingar and Athlone, underwent their first experience of fighting in built up areas (FIBUA), and from all accounts it seemed to be an enjoyable and insightful experience. The training consisted of several parade nights of preparation prior to an exercise in the tactical training area (TTA) in Haulbowline Naval Base, Cork. The preparatory training included several lectures on FIBUA tactics and theory, combined with practical lessons around Custume Bks, Athlone. Gunners of all ranks learned about all aspects of FIBUA, including the organisation of a section; the use of cover, camouflage and concealment; entry methods; room clearance drills; casevac drills; and POW handling. The training culminated with a small-scale, section-level exercise in the TTA involving 30 troops of all ranks. The group started off with dry drills at buddy-pair level and then moved up to section-level tactics, under supervision from PDF officers: Lts Wainer and O'Donnell (both 2 Arty Regt) and Sub Lt McLaughlin (NS). Next, operating as three sections and using blank ammunition and pyrotechnics, the troops carried out the drills at full pace, requiring them to put the theory and practical lessons into practice. Throughout the day as one section put in an attack another section would act as enemy, while the remaining section regrouped and prepared to mount the next attack. The exercise was conducted at a high pace, with very short debrief and turnaround times between attacks. As a consequence, a massive improvement in skills and drills was noticeable between the start and finish of the day. The exercise gave the participants a real appreciation for how heavy and cumbersome the new equipment is while working in small and confined places; how demanding FIBUA tactics are on ammunition and personnel; and the importance of command and control. This was the first of many such exercises for these two batteries under the new re-org and was built on the success of the 2013 orienteering and small-arms competitions, the An Cosantóir 10K, and two live-firing exercises with 120mm mortars and 105mm guns in the Glen of Imaal. The Reserve batteries of 2 Arty Regt now look forward with confidence to the challenges of 2014. An Cosantóir February 2014 www.dfmagazine.ie

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