www.military.ie the defence forces magazine
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As reservists, members of the unit have to take time
off from their day jobs to put in their time at sea, on exer-
cise, in training, or on ceremonial duties: it is a huge com-
mitment. Like their army counterparts they come from
all walks of life. In the Dublin unit there are IT experts,
plumbers, office workers, a theatre technician, and care
workers, to name a few.
Over the time we spent preparing this article the unit
carried out a number of exercises with their Army Re-
serve colleagues; several joint NS/NSR guards of honour
around the country; pilot survival training with the Air
Corps; exercises with Customs; training with the RNLI
and Coast Guard; round-the-clock security and water
rescue at the Tall Ships; and provided liaison for visit-
ing naval vessels; all in addition to continuing their own
training and providing personnel to augment NS crews.
The important role played by the NSR is acknowledged
at the highest levels. DCOS Support, Rear Admiral Mark
Mellett DSM, told us: "The NSR facilitate our engage-
ment with civil society in a unique manner while mak-
ing an important contribution to our operational and
ceremonial outputs."
