An Cosantóir February 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie
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by LT STEVE BYRNE, 53 INF GP
Article written while on deploy-
ment with the 53 Inf Gp UNIFIL,
May - November 2016.
I am currently serving as
platoon commander with 4 Pl, B
Coy, 53 Inf Gp. Prior to my deploy-
ment I was with 3 Inf Bn in James
Stephens Bks, Kilkenny, where I had been a
recruit platoon commander and ran infantry
light support weapons courses.
I was delighted to be informed of my
appointment with 53 Inf Gp and deploying
overseas as a platoon commander, it has
been the proudest time of my career to date.
I could not have been luckier with the
platoon given to me as many of them are
from my home unit, along with my platoon
sergeant, Sgt Ian Martin. Personnel in the
platoon were mainly from Kilkenny, but
we also have soldiers from Cork, Tipperary,
Waterford, and Carlow.
I have been amazed by how cohesive a
unit they have become and how quickly
this was achieved. I have learned an incred-
ible amount throughout the deployment to
date from all ranks within my platoon and
company. Every day is very much a school
day overseas and it has been an amazing
experience so far.
There are several key things that I have
learned out here that will shape my deci-
sion-making and attitude in the future.
Firstly, it is refreshing to see how profes-
sional and competent Irish soldiers are at
the international level. Having worked with
many nations in Lebanon, I can state cat-
egorically that Defence Forces personnel are
as capable and competent as any.
Every day
is very much
a school day
overseas
and it has
been an
amazing
experience
so far.
"
"
4 Platoon, B Coy, 53 Inf Gp
A Platoon Commander's View
from Lebanon
