An Cosantóir May 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie
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REPoRt & PhotoS by
CQMS MICHAEL BARRETT
RDF, 7 INF BN
T
he first weekend in April saw RDF members of 7 Inf bn
conduct their annual range practices (ARPs) on the rifle
ranges in tIS Kilbride Camp, Co Wicklow. this was the
second weekend in 2017 that saw 7 Inf bn RDF members on the
rifle range, in an effort to get all Reserve troops qualified on the
Steyr rifle.
The day of the shoot was dry, warm and sunny; perfect for
shooting. Along with 7 Inf Bn, RDF elements from 2 CIS and 2
Cav Sqn were also firing their ARPs on the ranges that day. The
three units had departed Cathal Brugha Bks in convoy, and on
their arrival in Kilbride Camp the waiting armourer checked and
examined all rifles to ensure they were safe to use. Table 8 is now
the standard table fired by all RDF troops, and after the first shots
were fired the armourer would, if needed, adjust rifles for precise
aiming and zeroing purposes.
All DF personnel, regardless of service or corps, must be able to
efficiently and safely operate their own personal weapon. This is
achieved by spending time and training on the weapon, undergo-
ing tests of elementary training (TOETs), and, finally, firing it on
the range with a satisfactorily high score for qualification, or pos-
sibly a marksman qualification.
An ARP qualification is required by all RDF personnel for reasons
including: it is a nominal requirement for almost all courses in
the DF; to qualify troops to perform armed security duties; and to
facilitate selec-
tion for shoot-
ing teams.
Lunch was
delivered from
the cookhouse
in Cathal
Brugha Bks and
all three RDF
elements had
a shared meal
before resum-
ing firing.
Once prac-
tices were
complete, all
weapons and
equipment
were cleaned,
checked and loaded onto the transport, before all troops departed
Kilbride Camp to journey back to Dublin.
This range qualification was another step in 7 Inf Bn RDF's on-
going training and development of infantry skills prior to taking
part in exercises with our unit's PDF companies later in 2017.
