An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 13 dents are exposed to the course concept followed by an introduc- tion to a generic command framework for marauding terrorist attacks. An operational framework is the key to success in an event where the number of casualties is the principal determinant of success or otherwise. The students benefit from experiential learning developed from the successes, and failures, of person- nel who have been involved in Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA) events. This learning is critical and was the cornerstone of the C-IED effort i.e. making sense of the loss of so many lives where others may learn and survive. The loss of lives demands that every effort is made to learn from it. Tactical medicine and its impor- tance are also covered at an appropriate level on the course. The students engaged practically with private sector entities and are put through syndicate exercises directly with concerned parties. A lack of engagement from the security services is a com- mon complaint across many countries and exposure in this area on the course has yielded many positive outcomes. The course was paired with Airbox Systems (MOSAIC) and Klas Telecom to provide for an introduction to operational tools that are essential for success in the complex attack scenarios envisaged. This pairing has allowed the school to challenge the students in table-top exercises in 'low-tech' (maps and boards) and 'high-tech' (Common Operational Picture & Tactical Edge Communications). Lastly, the students were exposed to academic learning in both analyses of recent events and the mental conditioning required for the information blizzard that they will face under complex MTA conditions. The course design addresses what happens when the shooting starts and essentially 'all bets are off'. There is a multitude of efforts designed to address the intelligence picture, community engagement, radicalisation etc. The course is solely directed towards effective command of the myriad of actors required to end the event with minimal casualties. Introduced into November's offering was a Command Level Ad- vanced Situational Awareness Training (ASAT) module designed to enhance responder survivability. ASAT in this instance adapts the successful USMC Com- bat Hunter program to an MTA environ- ment. Boeing Defence provided situational awareness analysis focused in the 'right of bang' environment familiar to proponents of C-IED. Boeing has essen- tially added a scientific component to experiential learning. Overall, the course built on the success of the first two itera- tions. The Ordnance School provided input in C-IED/IEDD at command level, managed, and directed the course. Diversity in both instructors and students provided for a challenging and dynamic output. The inclusion of the military in every effort to develop a sound C-MTA response plan is a key enabler for success in this endeavour. Many military theatres of operation have proved to be enormously challenging resulting in expertise that does not exist in any other state agency. No single state entity has the ability, skills or resources to resolve these attacks. The practi- tioners that have undertaken these attacks thus far have had minimal, if any, military training and have been lightly armed or utilised available resources such as vehicles and knives. Experi- ence in other theatres, and an understanding of experienced military operators points towards more complex attacks further down the road. The military has the experience and knowledge required to prepare and work with all actors to meet this devel- oping threat. It is important that efforts like this course, that in- cludes students from emergency services, the private sector and other state agencies is replicated at a national level. In short, we must all work together. Key lessons learned/identified: • Empower downwards and manage upwards • Dynamic command and control need to be institutionalised • Understanding each agencies culture to benefit outcomes • Advanced situational training for all including First responders/Public • Requirement to develop tactical medi- cal/fire/IEDD response • Importance of Psychology in MTA incidents International students on the recent C-MTA course in the Ord Sch. Advanced Commander's Counter Maurading Terrorist Attack Course 2017. Photo: Ord Sch

• Cover