An Cosantóir

With an ARW Patrol in Chad taking you a stage further | 25 Indeed, in many cases selection is often based on an The G2 Cell MNBC KFOR individual's military employment and their particular experience gained within the DF. The experience gained on overseas deployment is held in extremely high regard by many third-level institutions. Finally, while the decision to attend third-level can be a daunting one, prospective students should always remember that quite often they already posses the necessary skills and ability to successfully complete third-level. Skills gained within the DF such as time management, lesson planning and class presentation all transfer quite easily to the civilian environment. In deciding whether to apply or not, first speak with colleagues who have already attended university. Ask them what the experience was like and how it benefited their military career. Identify any potential difficulties that may arise before you make your decision. In summing up, the American psychologist Abraham Maslow famously said: 'If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail'. This observation shows the benefit developing different 'tools' and what better way is there to do this than through further education, which helps to equip an individual with a greater range of skills and qualifications. About the author: Patrick Finucane retired from the DF as Standard NCOs Course D DFT is responsible for the administration of external education schemes provided by the DF. The DF currently offer the opportunity for further education to its mem- bers under the following schemes; Refund Of Fees TI 04/2000 The aim of this TI is to enhance personal development for DF personnel by providing funding for relevant civilian educational opportunities to DF personnel who have not previously received DF funding. Courses under this scheme are conducted in one's own time. Courses specific to DF Requirements – TI 05/2000 The aim of this TI is to fund selected personnel to undergo relevant external courses to obtain qualifications which have been identified as being essential to meet the funda- mental requirements of the D. Funding can be sought for courses conducted on a full or part-time basis. DF Adult Education Scheme TI 07/2002. The aim of this TI is to enhance the educational opportuni- a Sergeant in January 2011 after 21 years service. He holds an MA in International Relations from DCU, an M Litt in Terrorism Studies from the University of Saint Andrews, and he is currently pursuing his PhD with the School of Law and Government in DCU, where he was awarded the inaugural Charles J Haughey Doctoral Fellowship. His PhD deals with Violent Islamist Radicalisation in Ireland. ties for DF personnel. The scheme is open to all ranks for courses conducted in own-time only. There is no service undertaking for courses under this scheme and priority is given to, PSS applications and PSS literacy applications. Pers not previously funded for education. Pers living in single quarters in Bks. Army Trainee Technician Scheme – TI 04/2002 The aim of this TI is to provide a structured approach and outline responsibilities in the sourcing, training and employ- ment of trainee technicians (TTs) recruited from within the Defence Forces. The CSSC is the TT Co-ordinating Centre. Foreign Language Training (FLT) TI 06/2005 The aim of this TI is to bridge the gap that exists between DF language requirements and current competency levels. The following languages are designated as the current pri- ority languages for the DF; French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and German. THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE

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