An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 15 The objective of Module 1 is to assess the candidate's levels of physical fitness, motivation and suitability to progress onwards to SOFQ Modules 2-5. During Phase 1 of this Module, all candidates must pass a series of fitness as- sessments, map reading and individual navigation assess- ments, claustrophobia, water confidence and psychometric testing in order to progress to Phase 2 (an overview of these tests is published on the ARW IKON page). The candi- date is then assessed further by a series of individual navi- gation exercises with set weights but unknown distances and completion times culminating in a 60km cross-country march, carrying a 65lb combat load. Officer candidates are also subjected to rigorous assessment of their planning and decision-making skills to assess suitability to achieve a command appointment in the ARW. The pass rate for Module 1 in the last number of years has been approximately 20%. In 2016 however, the Mod- ule 1 pass rate was at its lowest at 14%. The graph below provides an overview of why candidates did progress to Module 2 in 2016. While injury is always a fac- tor in the SOFQ process, vol- untary with- drawal was the primary reason why candidates did not progress to Module 2 last year, followed closely by Test Failure. In or- der to be suc- cessful, candidates must stay true to their reasons for being on SOFQ. It is tough, but remember: it is simply a means to an end… becoming an ARW SOF Operator is the goal. At the commencement of Module 2, SOFQ candidates who are of private rank are then promoted to the rank of A/Cpl and are in receipt of ARW Allowances. Modules 2 – 5 consist of further training and assessment in areas such as SOF weapons & marksmanship, Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT), SOF Conventional & CT TTPs, combat wa- ter survival, SERE, communications & medical training. Candidates are awarded the 'Fianoglach' tab on suc- cessful completion of Module 3 and are assigned to the unit and awarded the distinctive ARW Green Beret on completion of Module 4. Candi- dates are also promoted to the rank of substantive Cpl on conclusion of this Module. During Module 5, SOFQ candidates receive further training in military leadership as well as SRV Gunnery training. On conclusion of the SOFQ course candidates are posted to an operational ARW task unit as an Assault Team Opera- tor and can expect to undertake numerous further training in areas such as advanced medical skills, military freefall, combat diving and boat handling, close protection and advanced weapons skills. The overall pass rate for the SOFQ course (Modules 1-5) is 15%. Of those candidates that pass, 40% are on their second (or more) attempt. There is no doubt that the SOFQ course is inherently tough. It is designed to test character, military skills and physical fitness over an extended period. However, all it takes to succeed is proper mental and physi- cal preparation, coupled with personal motivation and a desire to serve in the ARW. log onto the arW iKon page for more information on sofQ Course alpha-two.

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