An Cosantóir

strategic review | 23 days to conduct FIBUA ops. Weeks six and seven con- sisted of the battle camp were all the skills learnt during the previous five weeks were put into practice. Exercises involved key leadership engagements (KLEs), offence/defence, FIBUA, DIBUA, FIWAF and patrolling. The course also had to con- struct a forward operating base (FOB), similar to ones used in Afghanistan. During our time in the FOB we came under constant indirect fire and small- arms fire from the IBS's exercise troops, Mandalay Coy, Royal Gurkha Rifles. The first eight days of battle camp were spent in SENTA and the last four in Caerwent, an old ammo compound that is ideal for constructing FOBs and for FIBUA ops. It was during this phase that I received my command test appointment as platoon sergeant for a deliberate attack on the last morning of the exercise. During our assault on three buildings the platoon commander was 'killed' by an IED so I had to step up. This was a very realis- tic scenario as it has happened many times on real BA operations. After a well-deserved weekend off it was straight into phase two of the course, live-fire tactical training (LFTT). All LFTT courses are conducted in the Small Arms School Corps (SASC) and even though I had completed the LFTT course at home in the IWW, I still learned quite a lot on this part of the course. In the BA NCOs are trained in the planning, conduct and supervision of all ranges, using all weapon systems. We were also trained in the use of ex- plosives on the battle range, something I had never done before. The SASC staff were constantly on hand to assist with any problems the students encountered. The range areas in SENTA are quite large in parts, which allowed us to plan very demanding, realistic exercises. I ran a night ambush using claymores and a day deliberate section-in-attack using mortars and grenades. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the IBS, where the staff employs what they call 'big-boys' rules'. This meant there was very little shouting by the DS. The students in appointment were given tasks to complete within a certain time frame, the DS would head off and come back at the appointed time, and the task was always complete. As an NCO I found this very refreshing as there was no-one looking over your shoulder during the prep phases of operations. Mission command is used on a large scale by BA officers and the IBS was no exception: NCOs were trusted to do their jobs to a high standard and at no stage were the DS disappointed with the effort from the students. At the end of the course I was very proud of the fact that I was one of only five students to receive the 'Instructor Recommendation' by the School Com- mandant and also that I was the oldest NCO ever to pass the course. I cannot speak highly enough of the instructor staff of the both the Battle School and the SASC. The colour ser- geants and staff sergeants were avail- able to us at all times for assistance on everything ranging from orders prep to RASP completion. At no stage was I ever made feel like an outsider by either the staff or the students themselves. I also had the opportunity to speak to my instructors after the www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE course to learn how they 'do business' as a training institution within the BA. I learnt much from this meeting and I intend to make use of the skills and drills used by instructors in the IBS back in the Cadet School. The course also validated the training I have received at home as I realised that the Defence Forces can 'mix-it-up' with one of the best armed forces in the world. I would highly rec- ommend any NCO to put themselves forward for this very challenging but rewarding course.

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