An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 13 A vast array of light mechanised APCs waited patiently for the direction to move to the firing point to unleash an onslaught of 7.62mm and 12.7mm rounds at floating targets in the sea just outside of Naqoura, home of UNIFIL HQ in South Lebanon. Italbatt and the Sector Mobile Reserve (Italy) fired first from their IVECO VTLM followed by MALBATT (Malaysia) with their RPZ CONDOR and ROKBATT (Republic of Korea) with their own armoured APCs. The 40mm grenade machine gun (GMG) used by the Italians was one of the more impressive pieces of weaponry early on in the display; firing 40mm TP-T rounds quickly and accurately at targets over 300m away. Even more impressive were the black capercaille feathers on the helmets of the 'Bersaglieri', the light mechanised infantry corps who are renowned for the fast paced jog that they keep on parades. Four Irish vehicles rumbled into position on the firing point overlooking the navy blue Mediterranean. The targets were at- tached to anchors that held them floating in position for the firers. First to open fire was the GPMG mounted LTAV. The long, de- liberate bursts of 7.62mm were soon intermingled with the short and sharp thud of the .5' bursts from the two MOWAG Infantry Variants. The beating zones of both weapon systems kicked sea water high into the air which provided confirmation to the crews that they were on target. After the vehicles had expended all rounds in the targets at 200m, the CRV MOWAG moved into position and, with the help of one of the MOWAG Infantry Variants, engaged targets at 600m. So accurate was the display of firing from both crews that word got down to the firing point that if the vehicles continued to fire directly onto the target there was chance that the chains holding the targets afloat would break and the targets would float out to sea! The crews began strafing fire and moved fluidly between the targets. Having been immensely impressed by the capabilities of the Irish vehicles, Brig Gen Del Col was eager to have a more in depth look at the weapon systems and technical equipment. He joined the crews at the firing point and commended them on their high quality gunnery skills. Next up were the Finnish contingent with their HMG mounted on the formidable SISU. Our battalion partners certainly packed a punch as they laid down wave after wave of 7.62mm and .5' from their three APCs and four dismounts. They carried out the prac- tice with extreme precision showing their professionalism and competence from a force made up primarily of young soldiers on National Service. Finally, sniper teams from all contingents gathered at the firing point to demonstrate their sharpshooting talents. The Finnish and Irish teams engaged a variety of targets at 600m with accuracy and diligence, maintaining their high standards while rubbing shoulders with the members of Sector West Commander's Close Protection Team (CPT) and MALBATT. The exercise was topped off by a fabulous outdoor barbecue prepared by the Finnish catering staff. The exercise was a resounding success with all aspects of the shoot in a manner that portrayed the profes- sionalism and dedication of both Irish and Finnish troops. The importance of fire support procedures and knowledge of the capabilities of other contin- gent nations cannot be over stated. Increased inter- operability between contingents and intra-operability between Finnish and Irish troops was one of the main aims of this exercise and we can only hope for the continuation and prosperity of these relationships that the Irish Defence Forces has worked so hard to build.

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