An Cosantóir

22 | new bloodn 62 Res Inf Bn Recruit Camp 2012 Report & Photos by CQMS Mike Barrett (D Coy, 62 Res Inf Bn) A recruit training camp was conducted by 62 Res Inf Bn between June 23rd and July 5th, with recruits from several units in the Dublin area, including 2 AD Regt, 62 Tpt Coy, 62 Fd Arty Regt, 62 Cav Sqn, 62 Fd Eng Coy, 62 CIS Coy and the companies of the 62 Inf Bn itself. The training was based on the approved RDF Recruit Training Syllabus, with NCOs from participating units and 62 Res Inf Bn appointed as instructors. The first day of the course saw over 50 recruits turn up at Cathal Brugha Bks, where all personal would be living in on week-one of the course. After the usual admin, training started in earnest with rifle marksmanship and various lectures on military and DF topics, the aim of which was to bring everybody up to the same standard. Courses with personnel from different units will always have different levels of competence, and this must be addressed in the early stages. Classroom lessons included the assembling of PLCE, fire orders, organisation and equipment of an infantry section and platoon. A new feature of the training in barracks was the introduction of the new Steyr arms drill. An instructor from 2 Inf Bn conducted a short training course for five RDF NCOs, who in turn instructed the recruits, and in no time the sight of RDF soldiers carrying out the new drill on the square drew many a glance from the PDF personnel in Cathal Brugha Bks. Long hours spent on the Steyr concluded with TOETs, in preparation for the recruits first time firing a weapon, in the second week. The second week began with the course moving to the Glen of Imaal, with fieldcraft and basic tactical training becoming the main focus of attention. A day trip to Kilbride range saw all recruits firing the Steyr Table 21, before the main tactical exercise of the week, Exercise 'Holdfast', a test of section- and platoon -level drills and base-camp routine. The recruits then moved to Leitrim Forest, where lessons in camouflage, concealment, observation, and base-camp routine were put to the test. Towards the end of the week Brig Gen Finn, GOC 2 E Bde, paid a visit to the training camp, and watched the recruits carrying out their field craft. On his arrival to Coolmoney Brig Gen Finn was met by an honour guard of senior privates, who presented arms using the new drill. The recruit camp concluded on Friday July 6th, and the course returned to Cathal Brugha Bks, from where the students returned to their units, taking their newly learnt skills with them. An Cosantóir Dec 2012/Jan 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie Sgt Craddock dresses off the Honour Guard

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