An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 23 These recruits represent a new era in the RDF where the need to match the very high standards set out by our Permanent Defence Forces colleagues are of para- mount importance. The recruits have completed Annual Range Practices (ARPs) on the Steyr rifle with recruits Cusack and Smart achieving marksman scores showing great potential for future rifle team participation. They all completed a 24hr regimental guard duty in Aiken Bks. They performed very well in Fitness tests parts 1, 2 and 3 with a number of recruits achieving grade 1 fitness. The recruits took part in a 24hr tactical exercise, 'Bayo- net Lightning' in the Cooley Mountains, which incor- porated a tactical route march, obstacle crossing, and occupation of patrol harbour and section level tactics. They also completed judging distance lessons and tests. They trained in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Celsius in a tactical scenar- io and learned about hygiene and sanitation in the field, tactical ration pack discipline. These recruits have managed to balance busy personal lives, work and college com- mitments, and still maintain the dedication required to be a member of the RDF. This group of recruits highlight the diversity of the RDF, as they travel from counties Monaghan, Meath, Tyrone, Cavan and Louth. Their careers include a manual handling and airport security instructor, a barber, students and many trades' people. One recruit has recently been offered a position on an inter county Gaelic Football Team. Two members of the recruit platoon are a couple, recruit Farrell is from Slane, Co Meath and recruit Hofmane is Eastern European. They have both operated under the clear guide- lines of interpersonal relationships within the Defence Forces in a high intensity competitive setting and did so in a professional manner. The platoon passing out parade took place in Aiken Bks on Sunday 13th March 2016, and was followed by a reception for their family and friends. All recruits received their two star rank marking sliders from the parade commander Comdt Enda De Bruin, 2 I/C 27 Inf Bn. An Cosantóir's Cpl Lee Coyle visited Aiken Bks to chat to members of the platoon to see what they thought of the training. Vox Pops "I am 19-years old and from Car- rickmacross, Co Monaghan. I seen the recruitment advertisement on Facebook and my father served in the 27 Inf Bn, Sgt Pat 'Bilco' Cusack. I found the training intense; marching took me time getting used to. I enjoyed the tactical phase and adapting to the outdoor environment." - Pte 2 Star Jason Cusack "I am 33-years old, and the 'old man' of the group. I seen a recruitment stand in the shopping centre in Navan, and then I signed up. I found out then I knew a good few people serving. I found the training an eye opener especially due to my age. The pressure makes it strangely enjoyable. Presently I am working in Dublin Airport Security." - Pte 2 Star Ciaran Farrell "I'm originally from Latvia, and living in Navan 10-years now. I missed my normal luxuries during the 'on the ground' training. I am 29-years old and found my fitness has improved greatly from the military training. I'm studying part-time in accountancy and currently work- ing for EPCO in Navan." - Pte 2 Star Ilone Hofmane "There was an excellent high stan- dard throughout, with great dedica- tion considering the traveling distances some did. Cpls John McKenna and Ollie Dunne were the RDF lead instructors, who were of a high calibre and liaised regularly with their RDF/PDF counterparts." – Lt martin mcCabe, Carrickmacross, Co monaghan, 15-years service Comdt De Bruin presenting Pte 2* Ilone Hofmane with her award. Members of the 27 Inf Bn Recruit Platoon.

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