An Cosantóir October 2014 www.dfmagazine.ie
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By SGT EAMON MCLOUGhLIN, C COy, 1 CN COIS PhoToS CPL JOhN GREENE, 1 CN COIS
T
he first RDF recruit course conducted with the new training syllabus (TS 16/2014) was run by
1 Bde in Lynch Camp, Kilworth, Co Cork, from 9th to 22nd August. Spearheaded by 1 Cn Cois,
the two-week full-time training course for 37 eager recruits was made possible with the as-
sistance of RDF and PDF instructors and support staff from 3 Inf Bn, 12 Inf Bn and 1 Arty Regt.
During their training the recruits received extensive instruction on a range of subjects such as foot drill, arms drill, rifle
marksmanship and field craft.
During their tactical phase the course was visited by Chief of Staff Lt Gen Conor O'Boyle who observed the recruits in
training. At the end of his visit Lt Gen O'Boyle addressed the course and expressed his satisfaction with the standards he
had witnessed.
Despite the heavy mental and physical demands on the recruits, the level of motivation was noticeably high. However,
this was no surprise to 1 Cn Cois training officer, Comdt Cathal Clarke, "Having been involved in the interview process, I was
aware of the high calibre of the students that the Reserve was getting," he said. "This followed through into the recruits'
high capacity for learning new skills."
From aggressive bayonet charges, to occupying a patrol harbour, the
range of activities undertaken on the course was extensive. The packed
programme culminated in an overnight exercise
followed by the Defence Forces fitness test and
firing on the Electronic Target Range - the first
RDF recruits to do so.
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"
I expected
the course
to be tough
enough and my
expectations
were fulfilled
"
