www.military.ie the defence forces magazine
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Each shoot designed by the stu-
dents must be original in its design,
incorporate realistic scenarios, and
utilise different exercise areas. The
buddy-pair shoot is classed as the
minor test, while the major test
takes the students up to section-
level attacks, and involve the use of
a flanking-fire weapon (normally a
GPMG in the sustained-fire role) and
the SRAAW (short-range anti-armour
weapon) or high-explosive grenade.
When constructing a section-level
shoot it is extremely important that
originality is shown by the student
to prove that they can plan a shoot
on their own. Both the minor and the
major tests are scrutinised down to
the last detail in order to maintain
the professional standard that the
IWW set for each course they run.
While the challenges of the LFTT
course are mainly mental they are nevertheless physically draining
and it is not a course to be taken lightly. The fail rate on the course,
while it has dropped down to approximately 25% over the years,
is an indication of the difficulty faced by students, who often find
themselves working after hours prepping for the next day's chal-
lenge to pass a trace, RASP, or template.
With LFTT seeming like a natural replacement for stages 4 and 5 of
the annual range practice, these students are essential to Defence
Forces' progression in the LFTT world.
A 203 grenade being slotted into its ammo
pouch, making it easily accessible for use.
The final assault of an attack.
Sgt Greene briefs the troops for an
ambush exercise.
Troops being briefed from a
RASP for a two man team shoot.
A 203 grenade is launched on
the enemy.
Equipment used to make
a trace.
