An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 13 skills. To start off the first week it is customary for a rigorous PCMLCT known as 'scratch', to get the recruits used to crawling around in the mud and water, getting cold, wet and dirty. Most of the first week is taken up by section-in-attack drills, which are practiced, and rehearsed until they run like clockwork. They will also get an introduc- tion into a platoon-in-attack. The recruits will then be tested individually in what are known as 'star tests', which cover a range of subjects, such as observation, target indication and recognition, judging distance, and field signals. Their fieldcraft skills will also be tested in rela- tion to camouflage, use of cover, and individual fieldcraft movements. These are broken into three stages, battle preparation, movement with and without weapons, and the stalk. The second, and most physically demanding, week starts with a 24-hour patrol harbour exercise, where dif- ferent types of patrols are conducted and tested using several different scenarios. At the end of this exercise a hasty 'bug-out' is initiated and a loaded march carried out to a dig-in site where the recruits will be required to construct two- or three-per- son trenches in strategically placed positions. A defensive exercise takes place over the next 48hrs before the recruits undergo another loaded march, to simulate a withdrawal from a hostile zone, over a distance of 10km. The ground phase is physically demanding and is designed to push the recruits to their limits; to show them what they can achieve and what is ex- pected of them. It also builds comradeship and instils in them the ethos of the DF. It is the first experience that truly makes someone feel like a soldier; part of a close-knit team and part of something bigger than themselves. On completion and passing of all the star tests, a recruit becomes a two- star private at their passing-out parade; a proud and memorable day for any soldier, and one which is celebrated with their family looking on. If you know anybody who is looking to become a member of the Defence Forces, tell them to check out www.military.ie for enlistment opportunities. Rec cian Folan (23), galway "I found the ground phase one of the most enjoyable parts of the training so far, as it gave us the chance to put what we learned into practice. I found the hill walk the toughest part of the two weeks." Rec David tyrrell (20), Donegal "I was working in a bar before I joined the DF, it was kind of bor- ing and this is much more exciting. I found it hard to visualise what we were being shown in the class- room but it fell into place once we got on the ground." Rec chloe Foley (19), meath "I'm the second youngest in the platoon and was straight out of school when I joined and as a result I wasn't as confident as the rest of the platoon, but I love a challenge. I found the night section-in- attack very good, but difficult too." Rec Brandon Darcy (20), meath "I really enjoyed the dig-in, especially the attack and the setting up of the trip flares; although the cold made it difficult." Vox Pops members of 60 and 61 recruit platoons, who are currently undergoing training with 2 Btc, cathal Brugha Bks, shared their views on the ground phase of their course. 60th Platoon & Instructors reach their RV in Glenmalure & bring an end to their 2 week tactical phase finishing with a 13km crossing of Table Mountain 60th & 61st Platoons watch their instructors do a Demonstration Section in Attack

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