An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 13 The DCs of each competing team then conducted combat estimates before delivering their own 'O' Gp and conducting final rehearsals. Teams were then moved by Mowag APC to a drop-off point in the exercise area on the shore of Blessing- ton Lake, where they secured the 'home bank', signalled a RIB waiting off-shore, and were inserted under cover of darkness by boat to their first RV. They then had seven hours to com- plete route recces and identify form-up points and fire sup- port group locations for a UN force to clear Lacken village. Before first light the DCs reported to their next secure location, compiled their reports and availed of three or four hours rest before the commencement of the situational training exercise (STX) phase. During this phase teams were scored for their performance at five managed stands: judging distance; reaction to effective fire; the search of an abandoned enemy area; a medical stand; and finally an obstacle crossing-point recce. Teams rolled into their final RV that evening for another short period of rest before commencing an abridged 12-hour simulated observation post (OP) phase. This phase was conducted throughout the night and morning and tested the detachments' ability to deploy a covert OP and accurately report enemy activity. As this phase ended, teams came together again for a staff-led debrief of each team's OP site ensuring maximum learning took place. On Wednesday afternoon the group reported to Kilbride Camp, 25km from their original starting point on Mon- day, for a mandatory five hours rest. Teams then transi- tioned from blank to live ammunition for the final live-fire phase of the competition. All of Wednesday evening was spent rehearsing close-quarter battle (CQB) TTPs. With a night's rest in camp and a hot breakfast in their bellies, the teams left early for the Glen of Imaal on Thursday morning for the final phase, which included advanced detachment-level LFTT and target grid procedure with live 81mm mortar bombs. Finally, the teams went through a realistic AFV recognition test in a simu- lated battle area. This day's events were amongst the most chal- lenging events of the week and ensured that all competitors ended the week on a high. The RIR DC, Sgt Dave Browne, commented that the live-fire day was amongst the most challenging they had conducted and that the training benefit for them was exceptional. Later that night there was time for a well-earned BBQ, set- ting the scene for the scores to be announced in the canteen. Following a rigorous assessment of the results by IWW staff and consultation with the team captains, 27 Inf Bn were announced as winners with a score of 665 out of a pos- sible 800. The Royal Irish were runners up with 580 points and 6 Inf Bn, 3 Inf Bn, 7 Inf Bn and 28 Inf Bn were 3rd to 6th respectively, with only 33 points separating them. Recce is hard graft and one detachment commander commented: "It's not nearly as 'sexy' as the sniper stuff; there is no badge, no 'Gucci' kit issue, and as a recce sol- dier you are expected to have the highest standards." Recce teams at the concentration were overtly passionate about their skill set because it's hard and it's rewarding, and because the people involved are positive and professional. Finally, good luck to 27 Inf Bn on the Cambrian Pa- trol and we hope to see the RIR, and other international competitors, for DF Recce Concentration 2018. The Basic Recce Course is for mature, motivated, fit individu- als: if you are interested by this article and want to develop your soldiering skills, talk to a recce instructor in your unit and look to prepare for the next infantry or cavalry course.

• Cover