An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 15 In May 2007, UNTSI conducted a Security Awareness Course for mem- bers of the newly formed Rapid Response Corps. block for the 2014 CIMIC course. UNTSI also appreciates the co-operation of other units within the DFTC who provide Army Reserve personnel as role players on the School's exercise scenarios. The exemplary and dedicated service of Capt Conor Gal- vin (who retired recently) in helping to formulate and con- duct the first International CIMIC course deserves men- tion. As a lecturer on MA programmes in UCD, he enabled the CIMIC course to develop the humanitarian dimension that is now standard on every course. Conor was also a key instructor on the School's International Human Rights course and his close ties with Irish Aid ensured an effec- tive collaboration on joint endeavours with the School. The 20th anniversary of UNTSI also brought a period of reflection and review. On the initiative of School Com- mandant Lt Col Dan Harvey, a working group was set up with the aim of examining the future role and focus of UNTSI over the medium to long term. This review was completed in the second half of 2013 and UNTSI is now de- veloping courses and instruction that will better cater for Defence Forces personnel deploying overseas. UNTSI Chief Instructor Comdt Ronan Corcoran repre- sents the Defence Forces on NATO's 'Training and Educa- tion of PSOs' working group, which ensures that UNTSI is continually developing its provision of training within the international security community. For example, in order to maintain relevancy in the ever changing world of peace- keeping and crisis management operations, UNTSI is in the process of developing its own core competencies with regard to the protection of civilians. This module of train- ing will be mainstreamed into all future UNTSI instruction and courses. Emerging from the review of pre-deployment training for Defence Forces personnel, UNTSI, in co-operation with J7, developed an overseas qualification course, the aim of which is to brief and train personnel deploying over- seas as military observers or in staff appointments. This three-week course is divided into three modules. The first week of briefings is conducted in UNTSI where personnel are instructed on human rights, cultural awareness, child protection, gender awareness, media awareness, and stress management. The second week provides a full medical first responders course conducted in the Medical School, DFTC, at the end of which successful students are certified as first responders. The third week encompasses C-IED and mine awareness training conducted in the Ordnance School and Engineering School respectively. On reflection, the 20th year of UNTSI has been with- out doubt its busiest – a total of 26 weeks of instruction was carried out, with approximately 400 students and personnel coming through the School. 2014 looks set to be even busier. Given this workload, the demands on UNTSI's instructors and staff will no doubt prove chal- lenging but rewarding.

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