An Cosantóir

Vox Pops Recently passed out reservists of the 1 S Bde Sgt Donal O'Brien (34 Res Inf Bn) with sons Cpl Chris O'Brien (No 3 Ops Wing), and newly promoted Cpl Daniel O'Brien (34 Res Inf Bn) BSM Leslie Doyle (RDF HQ 1 S Bde) left, is pictured with driver and nephew Pte Doyle and Pot NCOs course student Cpl Bernadette McSweeney (31 Res CIS Coy) in the middle. | 9 Pte Michael Troy (19), 31 Res Tpt Coy, Sarsfield Bks My father and grandfather where both in the PDF. I always wanted to serve. Hopefully after gaining a few years experience in the reserve I will go on and join the PDF. Training was hard but I enjoyed it. I am currently studying Com- puter Maintenance and Programming in Limerick Senior College. Pte Colin Dillon (35), HQ Coy, 33 Res Inf Bn, Wexford Military Post The age limit in the reserve is 35. Serving in the Defence Forces is something I've always wanted to do. I was working in the financial services and I simply didn't have the time. I got a chance and went for it. I got sworn in two days before my 35 birthday. I'm now currently finishing a degree in chemistry in Waterford. The training was excellent, challenging at times and very physical, which I found tough. Capt Nicolas Moran (1st Sqn 221st Cav, Nevada National Guard) with Lt Denis O'Connell (1 S Bde Res BTC). Denis and Nicolas met in UCD in the 1990's. Both joined the FCÁ together; 14 Inf Bn and 11 Cav Sqn respectively. Nicolas later emigrated to the US, joined the National Guard and went on to do two tours, one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. Nicolas will be Denis's best man at his wedding. Pte Jonathan Blackmore (40), Sp Coy, 32 Res Inf Bn, Tipperary Town I've always wanted to serve in the Defence Forces. I signed on when I was 35 but I had family since. It's hard to leave home when you have four kids. I was lazy and over 18 stone starting the training, very unhealthy and unfit. I can now run 3.5km in 15mins; I can do the 10km loaded march in under 90mins and have no problem doing the push ups or sit ups. I have gained ten years back on my life. I'm not kidding, the training was robust. I'm a lecturer in Limerick Institute of Technology in the Dept. of Built Environment. Pte Steven Pardy (18), HQ Coy, 34 Res Inf Bn, Collins Bks I've just finished my Leaving Cert. I joined the RDF so I could gain experience and then apply for the PDF. I applied for the PDF this summer. I was accepted and I start in three days. So from one two star course to another. The training we went through I'm hoping will prepare me for the regulars. It was robust, with a lot of PT, but I loved it, especially the tactical training. Tpr Elliot Cagney (20), 31 Res Cav Sqn, Collins Bks I've always been interested in the Defence Forces, especially the Army. I hope to someday join the PDF. The training was tough and challenging. I really enjoyed it, especially the fitness. I now have to go on and do a three star course and after that I will start to do my Cav Corps courses. I work in Marks & Spencer's. Cadre Sgt John Barry with son Pte Niall Barry (both 31 Res Eng Coy), pictured with them is Michael O'Callaghan (Niall's grandfather and John's father in-law). Michael served for 30 years in the FCÁ, including the Mallow Battalion during the Emergency, the 13 Inf Bn, and the 1 Fld MP Coy. Cpl Bernadette McSweeney (27), 31 Res CIS Coy, Collins Bks I joined the reserves eight years ago. I joined the CIS because I wanted to learn different skills rather than just go to the infantry. I applied for the Pot NCO's course because I wanted to further my career and become an instructor so I can pass on the skills I have learnt. I have a driver's course done and I'm trained on the Singar and Harris radios. As an NCO I now have to go on and do a Detach- ment Commander's course. The NCO's course was infantry based. On occasions tough but we had a good time. I am currently studying Fine Art in CIT. Cpl Aoife Eagan (24), 31 Res Med Coy, Sarsfield Bks I joined the RDF in 2005 because I wanted a challenge. Our unit is great. I am trained up to Ambulance skills. As a medical unit we get tasked with providing medical cover for everything from range practise to exercises and camps. There is also a good social life in our unit. I did the NCO's course so I could develop my leadership skills. I am currently studying my MA in Environmental Biology in Carlow IT. Cpl Shane FitzGibbons (23), 31 Res Tpt Coy, Sarsfield Bks I joined the RDF after a few of my friends joined up. I really enjoyed it and de- cided I wanted a career in the PDF. I've been accepted and start recruit training in Collins Bks next week. My time in the RDF has been great. The training and friends in my unit are great. Hopefully the training I've received will stand to me in the PDF. www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE

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