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BEST FOOT Forward A
BY WESLEY BOURKE PHOTOS ARMN NEVILLE COUGHLAN
as all those weeks/months of hard work and training finally come to a conclusion. All those doubts you had during the toughest times on the course now seem a distant memory and you know it's all been worth it. However, for a member of the reserve it can be even that bit more special as undergoing any career course involves giving up substantial amounts of their free time. September saw two reservist passing-out
passing-out parade is a special occa- sion for those involved, with family and friends looking on, the band playing,
parades in Stephens Bks, Kilkenny (1 S Bde): 1 Rec Pln and 5 Pot NCOs Cse. The members of 1 Rec Pln were the first to be trained under the new reserve recruit syllabus, which saw recruits from the various corps being trained together in Res BTC in Stephens Bks. Over six weekends and two full weeks recruits under- went a rigorous programme of foot and arms drill, weapons skills, fitness training, live-firing, and tactical training. The toughness of the training can be seen in that of the 60 who started the course only 24 passed-out. For the members of 5 Pot NCOs Cse training
Sheehan (OC 1 S Res BTC) wished the RDF's latest privates and corporals all the best in their military careers and told them he hoped to see them all again on future courses.
was even more physically and mentally de- manding in order to prepare them to become junior leaders and instructors in their units where they will be responsible for motivating and developing those under their command. At the passing-out parades Capt Pádraig
An Cosantóir November 2012 www.dfmagazine.ie
