An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir June 2014 www.dfmagazine.ie 38 | AngelA lyons lieutenAnt 44 inf gp, iReCon, unDof W hen I was studying for a degree in physical education and chemistry at the University of Limerick there were two of- ficers from the Defence Forces on my course, with whom I had lengthy discussions about a career in the army. I also spoke to a number of female of- ficers who I played football with. After I graduated I decided it was a career that very much appealed to me. I particularly liked the prospect of under- taking robust training, maintaining high levels of fitness, learning military skills and getting the opportunity to lead troops. Due to my background, I spent almost two years as the Brigade Physical Education Officer, responsi- ble for conducting the fitness testing of all person- nel in the brigade. I also co-ordinated any brigade sporting events and oversaw the running of numer- ous gymnasiums. In 2 Cav Sqn I operated as troop commander and later as the operations and training officer. I also successfully completed a number of courses, including yO's corps specific training, reconnaissance, motorcycle dispatch rider, military static-line para- chuting, and Mowag crewman. In 2012, I was attached to 02 ISTAR Coy, EU Battle- group as a troop commander. In this role I was in command of 30 troops and four cavalry-variant Mowag Piranha MK III APCs, two close-recce and two medium-recce cars. We underwent continuous training and multiple exercises in order to be prepared for deploy- ment once the 'stand-by' phase was reached. Al- though the battle-group was not deployed during its stand-by period it was an excellent experi- ence in training and command- ing a full recce troop. It also afforded me the opportu- nity to travel to Germany with a small representative group from the company, for the Force HQ simulated certification exercise. I was notified of my selection for overseas service with UNDOF in October 2013 and commenced phase two of pre-deploy- ment training with 44 Inf Gp in January 2014 in Stephen's Bks, Kilkenny in anticipation of our deployment to the Golan Heights. My appointment is Recce Section Commander with the Force Reserve Company (FRC), and in this role I operate with the cavalry variant of the Mowag Piranha MK III and act as patrol commander for the various patrols conducted within the UNDOF area of responsibility, from force commander escorts to routine patrols. This is my first overseas mission and to date it has been a very enjoyable trip. I have an excel- lent section under my command, with invaluable previous overseas experience. It is of great benefit being able to draw on this level of experience and balance it with my own determinations. I also enjoy working with the various other troop-contributing contingents within the camp and learning from them militarily and culturally. Although I miss my family and home, being overseas is made easier by the friendliness and solidarity of our group and our fellow occupants of Camp Faouar. " being overseas is made all that easier by the friendliness and solidarity of the group and indeed of all fellow occupants of Camp Faouar."

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