An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 19 cation and Training Board (ETB). The military training and educational elements are supported by the Department of Social Protection, which, as well as being involved in the selection process, provides a liaison officer. The first two weeks of the programme were fully residen- tial in Ballymullen Barracks, Tralee. Thereafter it was residen- tial from Monday to Friday in Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick. Participants who successfully complete the ESS programme will re- ceive the following accreditations: A certificate of completion from the Defence Forces; a reference from the participant's OiC outlining the participant's performance; a basic medical training certificate; a manual handling certificate; a HACCP certificate; a Solas Safe Pass; and a QQI Level 5 component award in Information and Administration. In addition, suitable participants, as determined by the OiC and the DSP case officer, may be selected for further ETB courses. Vox Pops Jack o'Shaughnessy (18) "I've recently finished school and thought this would be interesting to do. I wasn't really looking forward to fitness part of it but I'm hoping to grow personally during the course. "I'm enjoying the course so far and beginning to like the military life; it makes me want to join the DF even more. "The course has improved my confidence, along with my fitness and strength, and it has also made me a better team player with all the team building stuff. After this I plan to keep an eye out on the website for the next enlistment, while also keeping up with my fitness. "I think everyone should do this course." Sean price (21) "When I heard about the scheme I thought it would be a good way of working on my confi- dence. I'm looking forward to learning medical and communication skills and getting on a navy ship and an Air Corps helicopter sounds really cool too. "I'm getting on ok. Sometime I feel like going home but I'm pushing myself through it and I feel myself improving in different ways, like my fitness and confidence. "After this I'm hoping to get a course or ap- prenticeship in computer maintenance. I'm also hoping to get my driving licence, and what I learned about the Rules of the Road on the course will help with that." Caleb Brennan (22) "I studied journalism in college and have an inter- est in writing but I was in a bit of a rut and this is a good opportunity to help me out of it. Looking at the programme, the bridge jump into water is going to be nerve racking as I can't swim, but the hiking and abseiling sound really good. "I'm finding the course good, and understand what it's about now. We have earned a lot of certificates, which is great. The military parts are tough but I'm getting use to it, plus it's a bit of fun. I feel I've a swagger and a bit more pride in myself lately. "It's important to work together on the course and to look after each other, while also learning from each other. They're a good group of people. "I'm not sure what I'll do after this but I have more enthusiasm and ambition. I would highly recommend it, but you need to be strong willed and be prepared to work as a team." Jessica Stokes (20) "I was a little terrified after I signed up for the scheme, as I didn't know who was going to be here and what exactly was involved. For me the jump off the bridge was going to be the hardest thing on the scheme as I'm afraid of heights and also of water, so I was very happy with myself for doing the jumps into the pool. After a while I was happy and had no fear jumping into water from different heights. I'm not afraid now and I'm more able to trying new things, because I feel proud after I do them. "After this I am thinking of going to Limerick In- stitute of Technology to study to become a chef."

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