An Cosantóir

something the students knew was going to be even tougher. The two-week, full-time training block brought with it a jam-packed programme filled with many elements that not only reinforced learning to date but also brought students to the next level of their training. Training and learning commenced straight away and incor- porated a balance of both classroom and physi- cal tasks. Day one included a navigation exercise while on day two students learned to appreciate daylight and the advantages it brings when they set out on a night navigation exercise across the Curragh. Battle PT sessions were among the many syndicate assignments on orders, and various patrols and movements to refresh and further develop tactical skills. Students completed their general assessment at the end of the first week and then com- menced their command test appointments. This was the time for the students to bring all their learning from modules one and two together to demonstrate their skills in the areas of orders, model making, platoon-in-attack and first aid, along with displaying softer skills such as good leadership traits. From this point the students took the physical challenges the students faced through- out the two weeks and another run across the Curragh plains in full CEFO and the obstacle course were both on the agenda. Topics such as HRM, navigation, signals, military law, first aid, model making, the organisation of an infantry platoon, company and battalion, tactical elements and orders, shaped the first few days for the students along with plenty of PT and tactical move- ments across the ground. The course was extremely lucky to receive a reins with the instructors assessing. Over the remainder of the course students took their places within their command test appoint- ments. During this phase the course received assistance from 62 Res Transport Coy, 54 Res Cav Sqn, 62 Res Medical Coy, 37 Inf Bn and 67 Inf Bn, who supplied personnel for security, en- emy and troops to fill out the platoon. Support staff on the ground did an exceptional job and worked with and for the students at all times. The 48 hr exercise commenced on Tuesday talk from Patrick Bury, a former captain in the British Army's Royal Irish Regiment and author of 'Call-Sign Hades'. Patrick very kindly shared his experiences and learning from his time in Afghanistan, giving the students plenty of food for thought regarding what it is like to have such responsibility for troops and their well-being in one's hands when the prospect of danger is a matter of 'when' rather than 'if', and with an enemy all too real. In addition, the students also received a talk experiences on the British Army's Platoon Sergeants Battle Course. It was through this talk that the course developed the mantra "big boy's rules", a saying that was imparted through Sgt Duff and lived on throughout the remainder of the course through instructors and students alike. The understanding and logic to this being that at this stage in their military careers stu- dents would, and should, be trusted with an or- der, and from there it's up to them how things get done. They are entrusted and empowered to make the right decisions and to use the right resources to complete their mission. Sgt Daly (RDFTA) gave the students a presen- from Sgt Gerry Duff (Cadet School) who gave the students a great insight into his recent tation on first aid, covering defibrillation, care in the field, wounds and dressings. Here the students gained a great insight into the latest medical procedures involving nine-liners, MIST cards and casevac procedures. The first week of module two involved the 19th June with the move out from the Curragh Camp to the Wicklow mountains. The first 24 hrs involved platoon-in-attack exercises before the course dug in for the night. The following morning students moved into a patrol harbour and conducted various recces and patrols, as well as a resupply. The exercise ended with an ambush in the RDF | 25 as the students loaded into trucks to make their way back to the Curragh Camp. However, it wasn't over yet! Stopping 4kms outside the camp, the course dismounted the trucks to once again put on full CEMO on and march rest of the way to the armoury at McDonagh square. Tired and wet the students pushed on using the very last of their resolve, knowing they would very soon hear those desired words, 'End ex!' A sense of achievement that can only be very early hours and from there the students marched back to the patrol harbour area where they woke the support troops with an early morning song! Despite the continuous rain morale was high gained through the toughest of endeavours was very clearly in the air when we reached the armoury and realised that we'd done it! The course was not easy and was a real test of mental and physical strength, bringing out the best in students by challenging them and demanding the highest levels of professional- ism, personal administration, leadership skills, resilience and accountability. The final day of the course saw a debrief for students working in the classroom and out on the ground daily. Training spanned topics as di- verse as model construction, platoon-in-attack, everyone involved and the students were then dismissed, leaving the course to return to their units throughout the country armed with the knowledge, latest techniques and confidence to perform as effective and resourceful sergeants. www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE

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