An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 19 held their passing-out parade. The ex- recruits rushed around to get everything would mark the end of 17 long weeks early mornings and late evenings, 17 weekends off in between. said: "This was a first for 1 BTC and a members of the platoon coming from such a may have meant they took longer to gel and put in a great effort. Training was recruits along the way." of both recruit platoons came forward attributes the recruits had learned during from the Oath of Allegiance, saying how orders", Rec Murphy spoke about the "right enunciated in the Dignity Charter, and and responsibilities, including "loyalty, and mental courage". the rank of two-star privates, the new not over yet, and in fact is due to step up their three-star training. shane black: "Tougher than I was expecting, challenging but very rewarding considering all we did. Definitely the life for me! Up at 4am, spending all day in a trench – its different, hard to explain how good it was after it was done! My long term goal is to try the ARW selection course and also recce and sniper training and to go cavalry." daniel O'Rourke: "It was tough, especially the Platoon Commander's Challenge – a tough physical challenge of battle PTs. I learned a lot of life skills, like discipline and time keeping. I'm going to 1 Cn Cois in Galway - there are 19 or 20 going to Galway so I'm in good company. I'd like to get to the Curragh eventually with either the Medical Corps or Transport Corps." Rebecca barry: "It was tough, but looking back we got through by going day by day and we made great friends. I had it in my mind to finish the training and it really was mind over matter! I'm being posted to 1 Cn Cois in Galway – I can't wait!" Katie Twohig: "It was good but hard and at times I didn't think I'd be standing here today! I found the trenches hard and also it was difficult to adjust at first, losing contact with family and friends. I'm used to it now though and now I'll miss having breakfast with all my friends. I'm going back to 12 Inf Bn in Limerick, where I started in the RDF with D Coy." Ciaran behan: "I found it challenging and there were a few times when I thought 'Will I get through?' But it was very rewarding and I'm really glad I did it. You build friendships here that you won't get in civilian life – and we all kept one another going." brendan Murphy: "Mentally and physically tough, more mentally for me as I didn't realise it was going to be that tough. This group of soldiers are probably the closest friends I'll ever make – the things we went through – you couldn't do it without your friends..." Chloe McMahon: "It was hard work; I didn't think I could do it but I'm de- lighted I did. Especially after the trenches, I now appreciate the comforts in life that we all take for granted! The major part for me was the friend- ship, the bonds we built – they will last forever." Kiev dollard: "Tough but very rewarding – and looking back it's hard to believe we did it and got through – especially today! I'm going to 3 Inf Bn in Kilkenny, I want to get as many courses done and to go overseas. I made great friends during training – especially the girls!" Vox Pops

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