An Cosantóir May 2015 www.dfmagazine.ie
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From
With the Recruits of 1 BTC
to
An Cosantóir was invited to visit and follow 135/136 recruit
platoons from enlistment to passing out: here is their story...
by SGT WAYNE FITZGERALD PhotoS by SGT MICK BURKE, SGT KARL BYRNE AND CPL NEVILLE COUGHLAN
O
n 20th October 2014, 80 young civilians took the Oath of Allegiance to the state, as has everyone who has
served with Óglaigh na hEireann, going back 90 years to when General Eoin O'Duffy and the General Staff
took their oaths in front of the president and government in Government Buildings at 3.30pm on Thursday 9th
October 1924 (An t-Ógláċ, 25th October 1924).
These 80 civilians were the successful ones from thousands of applicants. However, the real test of their suitability
to be soldiers in the Defence Forces awaited them on the training grounds of Cork and the surrounding counties.
In his opening address, Comdt Fiachra Keyes, OC 1 BTC, said to the families of the successful applicants: "I'll make sol-
diers out of them. At times they will call you, and seek your love and support, as this training won't be easy ... In line with
the tradition of the 1913 volunteers I congratulate you for supporting your sons and daughters in attaining enlistment."
Comdt Keyes also spoke about the transition of the Defence Forces over the last 20 years and how the health and
welfare of its soldiers was now a top priority. He then asked his instructors to briefly introduce themselves, which they
did, and their wealth of experience and eagerness to start training these recruits was clear for everyone to see.
