An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 17 "Having done a level-5 course in Sport, Recre- ation and Ex- ercise helped me with the physical side of recruit training, and I'm now looking forward to our three-star training, which will bring a new set of challenges and experiences and further our journey to becoming trained soldiers." PTe Kevin Moloney (21) FroM newBriDGe, Co KilDare "I have always wanted to join the Defence Forces. My dad served for 13 years before leaving for a career in the private security sec- tor, and my uncle and aunt are currently serving as a company sergeant and sergeant major, respectively. "In 2014 I was with 104 Recruit Platoon, 1 ACS. The training was tough but we soon realised it wasn't about being an indi- vidual but being part of a team; that we were all in it together. "Things were going fine until I suffered an injury while on a battle PT run. I was given plenty of opportunity for my injury to heal, although I missed a lot of training. Even though I gave it my best, the injury ultimately came against me and on the day my fellow recruits were heading to their passing-out parade I was packing my bag for home. I was devastated and felt that a career in the Defence Forces was out of reach. "After some serious soul searching I reapplied for the next recruit competition, and made it through to 106 Recruit Platoon. At the start I questioned whether or not I had made the right decision as I knew what lay ahead; how hard it was going to be and the time I would have to spend away from friends and fam- ily. Within days, however, I had developed new friendships and bonds with my fellow recruits and my doubts were banished. "My story shows that if you want something badly enough you have to keep focused on that objective until you accomplish it despite any setbacks along the way. I have learned a lot about myself, and made many great memories. I'm excited about the next phase of training and really looking forward to my career in the Defence Forces." PTe aaron Phelan (20) FroM BalTinGlaSS, Co wiCKlow "I completed a one-year level-6 course in Security, Legal, and Business Administration as I felt it would stand to me when ap- plying for the Defence Forces. "I found the training to be tough and hard at times but the friends I've made are friends for life. We are lucky to have got this opportunity as many who apply don't make it through. "It's great to be doing so much and learning more and more each day and I hope to keep improving and learning; to get overseas; and to make myself and my family proud, as well as the NCOs that have trained me so well." PTe ThoMaS ProCTer (20) FroM Calver- STown, Co KilDare "I lived in England until I was 11 and moving to Ireland was a massive change, but it's worked out well as I've been able to fol- low my dream and join the army, something I've wanted since I was 7 or 8. "I'm a member of Scouting Ireland and the British Scouting Association. Both my parents were scout leaders and I was six weeks old on my first camp! Being a scout leader brought me into contact with many people from the Defence Forces who are also scout leaders. "The training has been hard but good and I found help- ing others in my section and platoon really helped me. We all bounced off of one another and grew as one. Our training NCOs are brilliant and really know how to get you up to the required standard needed. "I can't wait to progress in my career and get overseas. In the future I might try for the Ranger Wing or maybe a cadetship. I also plan on doing the full 21 years as I am enjoying every day." PTe riCharD reDDen (21) FroM BaliTore, Co KilDare "My family's ties with the Defence Forces go back to my grand- father who was in the Blue Hussars and was part of the colour party that raised the Irish flag on Spike Island when Britain gave it back to the Irish state. He served during the Emergency and later transferred to 3 Inf Bn in the Curragh. Despite this, to be honest, the Defence Forces didn't appeal to me when I was growing up. My main interest was in tractors and farming and in 2013 I went to agricultural college where I got a level-5 qualification in Agriculture. "After college I was working on building sites when I success- fully applied for the Defence Forces. I was hesitant to take up the offer at first as I was in a good job with a good wage. In ad- dition, my fiancé was recently pregnant and spending so much time away from her on recruit training was a tough decision. However, my fiancé told me she would support me the whole way and my job said they would take me back if I didn't like it. "It was too big a chance to pass up so I joined 106 Recruit Platoon and I haven't looked back. The training has been very good with many challenges. I've made great friends and had some great experiences. I have thoroughly enjoyed my training and now I couldn't imagine a different life. "It's exciting to think what we have accom- plished so far and now we have our three-star training next. I'm delighted I decided to pursue a career in the Defence Forces with its many possibilities and opportunities and I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds." | 17

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