An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/744741
www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 15 By LT JOHN PAuL LEE, PL COMD, 106 RECRuIT PLATOON, 1 MECH INF COY www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 15 Their journey began with adjusting to a new routine of early mornings, main- taining high standards of cleanliness, learning foot drill, and operating under a constant level of discipline. As the weeks passed and the expected standards began to become second nature, the intensity increased as the platoon progressed to weapons and arms drill, culminating in the firing of the Steyr, GPMG and M72A1 grenade. The select few who earned their marksmanship badge on the ranges wore them proudly on their uniforms. Next up was the tactical training phase, consisting of camouflage and conceal- ment, basic tactics, patrols, section attacks, unarmed combat, and two 24- hour exercises to test their progress. The physical training also intensified, with the recruits swapping singlet and shorts for combats, boots and battle runs. After much anticipation and prepara- tion, the platoon embarked on their final tactical assessment week in the Glen of Imaal, which provided a true testing ground for the recruits and gave them the chance to prove themselves as soldiers. The week consisted of long-range, recce and fighting patrols, section attacks and a defensive dig- in exercise on Cemetery Hill. The recruits were also pitted against enemy forces in Stranaheely forest in an exercise that tested their ability to ef- fectively find and destroy an enemy. The week ended with the recruits proudly marching back to the Curragh, where they were warmly wel- comed by the privates, NCOs and officers of their unit. The platoon then went on to conducting guard du- ties and a medical first-responder course, while at the same time preparing for their passing out. Finally, having completed 17-weeks of rigorous military training and with their passing-out parade behind them, their road now leads on to their 3-star training course. I n May 48 young men and women from many different backgrounds embarked on a 17-week journey from civilian to soldier with 106 Recruit Platoon, 1 Mech Inf Coy. The pressure and requirements of recruit training saw some leave early on, with 42 making it to the platoon's passing-out parade on September 22nd.