An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 19 just how well the team had performed. Our second challenge was the tyre change stand, which involved having to change a tyre on a light armoured vehicle (LAV) while behind enemy lines. In training the team had been able to complete the task in 3mins 30secs. However, on the stand there was a tactical element that drew two of the team away, leaving just three to work on the LAV. However, the guys pushed themselves hard and the stand was completed in 5mins 40sec. With a break for lunch after the tyre stand, there was time for a quick look over the notes before heading to the general knowledge stand, which comprised a written test covering the history of UNDOF, the terms of the peace agreement between Syria and Israel, rules of engagement, and general knowledge of the contingents. Out of a possible 165 points the team scored 147, the highest of all the contingents. AFV recognition came next, which was one of the harder stands, comprising a slideshow of 30 vehicles, ranging through main battle tanks (MBTs), fighter aircraft, artillery, engineering and many other vehicle types that may be spotted in the mis- sion area. The main information pack provided to the teams to learn off had contained 156 vehicles, which gives some idea of the degree of difficulty the teams faced. Each team member was tested individually, with the scores combined to give the overall mark. We scored 117 points out of a pos- sible 150 and finished second behind FijiBatt. At the end of the first day, the FRC team was in overall first place with FijiBatt and IndiCon providing tough competition. With the second day being more physical and tactical, the trophy was still up for grabs. The second day began with the minefield scenario, which involved extracting an injured local civilian from a minefield. IndiCon were the first team up, scoring an impressive 45 out of 50 points. FijiBatt went next, also scoring 45 points. On the FRC's turn, the drills learned during our pre-deployment training paid dividends, with the team scoring 47 out of 50, keeping us in the lead. After a quick rest and intake of water, the teams moved onto the run and shoot. With tem- peratures rising, and the competition also heat- ing up, this was a crucial event. The route was from the main square for 1.5km around the perimeter fence of the camp, collecting ammunition along the way, and ending with firing at targets from 100m. The scoring system for this stand (quickest time plus accuracy) required a balanced ap- proach. A steady pace on the run allowed for steadier shooting on the range. Five rounds were collected at each ammo collec- tion point, so the need to load ammunition on the move and also ensuring each team member had four rounds by the time they reached the firing point, took planning and co-ordination and was handled well by the team. Although IndiCon scored the fastest time, the FRC scored highest on the range, giving the teams' joint first place. The final test was the dreaded obstacle course, consisting of a 300m run while carrying four full water containers weighing 20kg each. The course included tyre steps, over/under obsta- cles, tyre jump, a contaminated area, balance beam, container climb, rope-bridge, and a sprint to the end. With tired bodies and minds, this was possibly the hardest of all the stands. All teams displayed the most important aspect of any obstacle course, team work, as they all helped each other over obstacles and pushed and pulled each other along. The spectators were also excellent, cheering on all teams, regardless of nationality. The FijiBatt team could definitely give demonstrations on the best way to tackle an obstacle course and the training they had put in was clearly evident as they finished in an incredible four minutes flat. IndiCon finished second on 5mins 9secs, fol- lowed by the Irish team on seven minutes. With all the stands completed and the scores added up, the Irish team came out as victors, lifting the UNDOF Force Commander's trophy for 2016, with FijiBatt a close second, IndiCon third and NepCon fourth. This excellent achievement, considering the obstacles faced during our short preparation phase, was only possible due to the teamwork, commitment, and hard work of the team, and the support received from our colleagues in 52 Inf Gp. A very enjoyable experience overall.

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