An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir October 2016 www.dfmagazine.ie 22 | Exercise Arduous Serpent 2016 by COY SGT DAVID O'CONNOR, CMU 2 BDE T his year's british Army medical services tactical training exercise, 'Arduous Serpent', took place in Queen Eliza- beth bks, yorkshire. For the fourth year in succession a team from the Defence Forces took part in the competition, which is designed to test leadership, command and control, military, and medical skills. this year they faced stiff competi- tion from 17 teams from regular and reserve medical units. I was appointed manager of the DF team, which comprised Comdt Michael Campbell (CMU HQ), Sgt Philip Green (CMU 2 Bde), Sgt Sue Brennan (CMU 2 Bde), Cpl Ryan Halpin (CMU 2 Bde), Cpl James Condron (CMU 2 Bde), Cpl Orla Keily (CMU 2 Bde), Cpl Paul Burke (CMU HQ), Pte Eric Redmond (CMU 2 Bde), and support staff Pte Dathan Brennan (CMU 2 Bde) and Sgt Aidan Doyle (CMU 2 Bde). Our objectives were clear; represent the DF in the best pos- sible manner, be competitive, and gain experience and knowl- edge from observing the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) used by other nations. The team prepared intensively for the competition with invaluable assistance from Med Sch, ARW, MP Sch, Engr Sch, CMU 2 Bde and 2 Bde Ord Det. The exercise was broken into three phases, commencing on arrival with kit checks and familiarisation training on the SA 80. Phase two saw the competition begin in earnest, with teams navigating tactically to various stands to be tested. These stands included: C-IED; care under fire; CBRN; timed tactical advance to battle; command tasks; dismounted close-combat trainer; assault course; Role 1 medical treatment facility; triage; deployed healthcare; and pre-hospital emergency care. Each stand required a unique skillset and provided true tests of tactical, medical and leadership know-how. At the end of the second day the Defence Forces stood in a very respectable third place, with just 16 points separating first and third. The team's performance had demonstrated their high levels of motivation and high standard of training; reflected in their score of 904 points out of a possible 1,300. The final day of the exercise began with a timed battle run, followed by a testing circuit of the assault course car- rying full kit and equip- ment. Also included in the day's tests was a timed, blindfolded assembly of the SA 80. Despite much trepidation about this, given the limited training received on the weapon, the nominated mem- bers of the team put on a remarkable display under pressure and scored the highest out of all 18 teams! A huge effort from the DF team moved them into second place and giving them a great chance of bettering last year's second place finish heading into the final event; a straight run- off between the top three teams. Despite their best efforts, the DF team slipped back, finish- ing third overall. Notwithstanding their disappointment, the team displayed great resolve and determination throughout and represented the values of the DF at all times. The team proudly accepted the third place perpetual trophy, while Comdt Campbell received the Best Officer award. Arduous Serpent is a superbly organised, well-run exercise that is mentally and physical challenging, and affords the Defence Forces the opportunity to demonstrate our high standards of training and professionalism on an interna- tional stage. Participation in this exercise would not have been possible without much behind-the-scenes support and we thank all who supported this endeavour. Also a special thanks to Col Moore, 2 Med Bde, British Army, who represented the mili- tary medical teams from Ireland, north and south. CMU will continue to participate in Arduous Serpent, and I have no doubt will one day realise its ambition to win the competition. Team: Standing (L/R): Col Moore (British Army), Cpl Burke, Comdt Campbell, Cpl Halpin, Sgt Green, Coy Sgt O'Connor. Kneeling (L/R): Cpl Condron, Sgt Brennan, Cpl Keily and Pte Redmond. Sgt Brennan moves over obstacle course. Sgt Brennan, Cpl Condron and Comdt Campbell are briefed on C-IED stand.

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