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VOLUME 70 Number 7 September 2010

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FEATURES 11 Exercise Green Zone By Wesley Bourke 16 Harbour Patrol By Wesley Bourke 20 Strategic Review By Col Brian Dowling 22 Campa Gaeilge By Wesley Bourke REGULARS 6 On Parade 10 World Strategic Picture 18 Def Tech 25 Tac Aide 26 History 28 Sport 31 Gadgets 32 Noticeboard 33 Reviews 34 What I do… 11

AN COSANTÓIR September 2010 3 00-An Cos-SEPT-10 (p1-5 EDITORIAL) 15/09/2010 10:20 Page 4

Editor 00-An Cos-SEPT-10 (p1-5 EDITORIAL) 15/09/2010 10:20 Page 5

An Cosantóir VOLUME 70 editorial Number 7 September 2010

MANAGER: his month, we have two interesting articles on the Ordnance Corps and the work they do to train Capt Rory Esler our troops and international students to tackle the ever-growing threat of the Improvised Explosive [email protected] Device (IED). Our lead article looks at a recent Counter-IED course and in our Strategic Review EDITOR: piece, the Director of Ordnance gives his perspective on the evolution of the use of IEDs in Sgt David Nagle Tmodern warfare. [email protected]

JOURNALISTS: We turn to all things maritime next, taking to the high seas with the Naval Service Reserve as they patrol Wesley Bourke off Crosshaven during the Cork Week sailing regatta in July. Terry McLaughlin For you lovers of the Cuplá Focal, we have a report from the last Campa Gaeilge and get CONNECT: Cpl Paul O’Neill some of the students’ views on how they reconnected with their native tongue.

PHOTOGRAPHER: In Def Tech, we have attempted to outline the six section battle drills, which we hope will give you some Armn Billy Galligan understanding of the working of the infantry in battle. [email protected] In our history section, we go back in time to early-19th century America and the Ulster Folk Park in Omagh SUBSCRIPTIONS: Cpl Finola Lafferty to follow re-enactors telling the story of the American War of 1812. Editor [email protected] Free this month with An Cosantóir is the 2010 Defence Forces Review, edited by Comdt Mark Hearns. Its ADVERTISING: content’s covers a wide range of military-related subjects and a must have for anyone looking for a more in EU Publishing Michael Whelan depth perspective on both home and international military theory, doctrine and opinion. Brian Clarke As always, we have our regulars - Tac Aide, Gadgets, Sports Round-up, Reviews and What I Do. Tel: 01 7071931 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

DESIGNER: CLARIFICATION M & J Graphics In our July-August issue on page 14, we incorrectly [email protected] printed the name, Corporal John Moore.This should PRINTER: Sgt David Nagle have read Corporal John Power and we are happy to Turner Print Group clarify this. The fact that an article appears in this magazine does not indicate official approval of the An Cosantóír 10k 2010 DF Review Congo Booklet views expressed by the author. This will take Free with A limited number of place on this issue is the pictorial Congo © Published by October 6th in a copy of booklet are still avail- OiC Public Relations Section the Phoenix the Defence able from Military for the Defence Forces at DFHQ, Infirmary Road, Park and is Forces Archives and to Dublin 7, Ireland. open to serving PDF, RDF Review fea- obtain a copy, email: Tel: 01 8042691 DoD, retired and invited run- turing a [email protected] with Fax: 01 6779018 ners and walkers. See mili- series of your postal address tary.ie or contact your Bde articles on various aspects and we will send you Front Cover: BPEO for application forms. of military related matters. a copy. An Ordnance Corps C-IED specialist moves towards a suspect device, supported by APC-borne troops. Writing articles Sending in a photograph Photo by: Armn Billy Galligan. and letters When sending photographs in, Naturally, if you are sending in a especially by email, please consider number of digital photographs, Ideally we would like submitted the following: burn them to disc and post in! articles and letters in by email For more Defence Forces or on disc. Hardcopy articles • Save as jpeg format Clearly mark envelope photographs, checkout: are also accepted. • File size: No less that 1.5Mb and no ‘CD with Photographs’. www.flickr.com/photos/ As a general rule, we look bigger than 3Mb (as jpegs) Also submit a short note with dfmagazine for two to three page • Resolution: 300 DPI details like: articles with 600 to 700 words • Dimension: 150x100mm per A4 page. Larger articles (6x4in) minimum • Who took the photograph An Cosantóir are considered, though they • What was the occasion ONLINE may be spread over two issues • Where did it happen To access past issues of or submitted to the Defence • Who is in the photograph (left to An Cosantóir, log onto: Forces Review with the right, back to front, rank, first and dfmagazine.ie. author’s approval. surnames) All material submitted This month’s username is: should be of a military If sending in photographic prints, avoid september and the password is: related topic. writing on the back of them. september (lower case).

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on parade • on parade • on parade • on parade • o

Honour Guard The newly-appointed Maj Gen Ralph James (D COS Ops) paid a visit to his for- mer command, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel on August 20th. He is seen here inspecting an honour guard under the command of Lt Odhrán Murphy. As an Air Corps officer, the new D COS Ops will retain his blue uniform. Note his major general rank markings which include an extra silver bar. Photo by: Armn Dermot Molloy (AC Photo Sec). Farewell The Engineering Corps said farewell to one of its longest serving NCOs, Sgt Maj Nicholas Bennett (SME, DFTC) on August 19th at a stand down parade in the . Sgt Maj Bennett joined as an apprentice in 1967 and served 34 years in 1 Fd Engr Coy, Cork, before moving to the Engineering School in 2004. He also clocked up 15 trips over- Eyecatching seas in Lebanon and Kosovo. Sgt Maj The crew of the LÉ Aisling, while alongside Fenit Harbour, Co Bennett is seen here inspecting some of Kerry on August 21st, played host to this year’s Rose of Tralee his former colleagues who turned up for contestants. Ship’s Coxwain, CPO Paul Ryan is seen here with his stand down parade. Photo by: Armn two budding Roses during their time onboard. Photo by: LS Billy Galligan. John McGarry (LÉ Aisling). Because We Care Left: On July 15th, soldiers from Kickham Bks, Clonmel who served with the 101 Inf Bn in Chad last year made a donation to the South Tipperary Hospice Movement. They raised over €1,265 through a variety of fundraising initiatives. Pictured here at the presentation are (l/r): Ms Winnie Cosgrave, Fr Anthony McSweeney, Cpls T Weldon, D Meade, E Leahy, Pte K Walsh, Mr Brendan O’Keeffe (Mgr Hospice), Comdt R Kiely, Sr Ann Grace (Clinical Nurse Hospice), Coy Sgt Seán Cosgrave, Ms Ann Cosgrave, Comdt Eric Larkin (OC Kickham Bks) and Coy Sgt Tom Carroll. Photo by: Cpl Bob Cantwell (31 Res Cav Sqn). Safely Home Minister for Defence, Mr Tony Killeen TD is seen here with Lt Gen Seán McCann (COS) and Maj Gen Dave Ashe (D COS Sp) in Dublin Port on July 26th to watch the unloading of Mowag APCs, vehicles and essential equipment returning from Chad onboard the MV Grande Senegal. The transport vessel had just berthed in Dublin and her crew assisted by DF logis- tical specialists ensured all military stores were present and correct. Photo by: AC Photo Sec. Strike up the band This year’s RDS Horse Show, held in early August was another rounding success. Apart from the Army Equitation School Riders taking part in the show jumping itself, the combined DF bands (Brass and Pipes) played every day during the show, entertaining the crowds of Irish and international spectators. Seen here are the combined bands marching on the main arena, just before the Aga Khan Cup was about to start. Photo by: Armn Billy Galligan.

6 AN COSANTÓIR September 2010 00-An Cos-SEPT-10 (p6-7) 15/09/2010 10:13 Page 7 arade • on parade • on parade • on parade • on parade

ON PARADE

■ Navy tracking system to Chief’s Visit crack down on drugs The Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Seán McCann recently paid a visit to RDF troops smuggling on camp in the , Co Wicklow. He got an opportunity to talk and A sophisticated new €1.4 million vessel see some of the training the reservists undertake during the week-long stay in Coolmoney Camp. Lt Gen McCann is seen here talking to troops during tracking system for the Naval Service is a HMG shoot. Photos by: Armn Billy Galligan. expected to boost the surveillance of drug smuggling ships. The use of the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) Sun Cream Applied will see patrolling naval vessels Capt Coffey (left) is currently serving with the MINURSO mis- respond quicker to suspect ships sion in the Western Sahara and he is seen here with (l-r): Maj Alexander (Russia), Capt Ichil (Mongolia) and Sayeda approaching the Irish coastline. (POLISARIO Liasion Officer) taking a break outside a tradition- Irish Examiner, August 9th al desert hut made of reeds. Temperatures can reach up to 60°C at this time of year. Photo courtesy of: Capt Coffey. ■ 1,400 apply for 46 jobs in Lebanese Visit the Navy Below: On August 9th, HE Ms Isolde Moylan (Ireland’s Ambassador to Lebanon) called into the UNIFIL HQ in Naqoura, More that 1,400 people have applied for South Lebanon and met Irish military officers currently serving just 46 posts in the Irish Navy, from as in the the mission area. Pictured here are back row (l-r): Coy Sgt far away as Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria. Colin Campbell, Capt Martin Ryan, Mr Tom McNally The exodus of 50 staff from the Irish (Ambassador’s husband), Comdt Owen McNally and Sgt Maj Navy since the ban on public service John O’Connor. Front row (l-r): Lt Col Joe Scanlon (SIO recruitment last year put the organisa- Naqoura), HE Ms Isolde Moylan and Lt Col Eamon Colclough tion under pressure. (Contingent Commander). Photo courtesy of: Coy Sgt Campbell. Evening Echo, August 9th Trooper Retires ■ Hoaxers hit Army’s Elite Left: Capt Tom Fahey (31 Res Bomb Squad Cav Sqn) retired from the Almost one-third of all call-outs for the Defence Forces after 40 year’s Army’s elite bomb disposal team in the of dedicated service. Capt Fahey (centre) is pictured here first six months of this year involved old at his recent stand down shells and grenades dug up during parade with Comdt Seamus building work. And another 30 per cent Ryan (OC 31 Res Cav Sqn) and were hoaxes, officials said yesterday. Capt John Power (2i/c 31 Res Defence Forces’ Explosive Ordnance Cav Sqn). Photo by: Cpl Bob Disposal teams were called out 96 Cantwell (31 Res Cav Sqn). times up to the end of June. Irish Daily Star, August 14th

■ One-fifth of Defence Forces served overseas last year Almost one in five members of the Defence Forces served on overseas missions last year, according to the joint annual report of the Defence Forces and Department of Defence. The figure are believed to be the highest ever. The Irish Times, August 18th

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on parade • on parade • on parade • on parade • o A Day to Rem The 50th Anniversary of Photos by: Flt Sgt Willie Barr and Cpl Declan Parke (AC Photo Sec)

On July 23rd, hundreds of mission to the Congo and to memory of Congo veterans, accompanied honour the Irish service men service aliv by family and friends mustered who paid the ultimate sacrifice years. He a in Casement Aerodrome, for peace in Africa between 1960 to commem Baldonnel, some fifty years after and 1964. Followin they took off from the airfield for An Taoiseach, Mr Brian al service, overseas service with the UN in Cowen TD paid tribute to the chance to v the newly independent Congo. courage, bravery and dedication many equip For some it was the first time of the soldiers who served in the displays m since the airlift in 1960, that they Congo and to the veterans, their These incl got an opportunity to meet for- families and the veteran’s asso- modern an mer comrades of the ONUC ciations, who have kept the equipment

8 AN COSANTÓIR September 2010 00-An Cos-SEPT-10 (p8-9) 15/09/2010 09:59 Page 9 arade • on parade • on parade • on parade • on parade o Remember rsary of the Congo Airlift ke (AC Photo Sec)

o and to memory of their peacekeeping and a An Cosantóír stand. ON PARADE vice men service alive over the last fifty A limited number of the picto- e sacrifice years. He also unveiled a plaque rial history are still available and etween 1960 to commemorate the airlift. if you would like a copy, simply Following the official memori- write to: Military Archives, Brian al service, veterans got a Cathal Brugha Bks, Dublin 6. te to the chance to view some of the Tel: ++353 1 8046457. dedication many equipment and static The following photographs erved in the displays marking the occasion. are a selection taken on the day erans, their These included a display of both and they certainly capture the ran’s asso- modern and vintage military atmosphere and sense of ept the equipment; a military archive occasion.

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after the party that won the most seats outburst, EU and US diplomats in March’s election suspended talks on walked out of the funeral. forming a government. • On August 17th, two kidnapped • Eden Aberjil, a former Israeli soldier peacekeepers from the joint UN-AU was criticised recently for uploading force in Darfur were released photos of herself with blindfolded unharmedafterthreedaysofcaptivi- Palestinian prisoners on her Facebook ty.The Jordanian police advisers page. Eden has stated she saw nothing werefreedandwereingoodhealth. wrong with her Facebook postings and Since early 2009, 19 aid workers and was bemused why so many people UN-AU troops operating in Darfur were offended. She named the photos with UNAMID have been seized and ‘The Army - The Most Beautiful Time of allbutonehavebeenreleased.UN My Life’ and they were taken in 2008. records show that 300,000 people The young Israeli has since removed have been killed in Darfur and more the photos because of death threats than 2.6 million displaced since she received. Israeli army officials said rebels took up arms in 2003. the pictures were ‘shameful’ and that they would investigate the incident. Americas CAPTIONSEurope Some Palestinian groups have • In August, US Defense Secretary • On August 13th, UK Defence denounced the photos and have likened Robert Gates announced that the US Secretary Liam Fox, like his US coun- them to those taken in 2003 at Abu will cut thousands of defence jobs as terpart (see below) outlined his plans Ghraib prison in Iraq, which showed part of an ongoing effort to streamline to make the Ministry of Defence more US soldiers humiliating Iraqi prisoners. its military operations and to slash defence spending. He will recommend efficient and less centralised in order to enable the UK’s armed forces to Asia to President Obama the closing of the target current and future threats. • Afghan’s President Karzai recently Joint Forces Command and the termi- Britain’s Defence Secretary also cast announced that he will close over 50 nation of two Pentagon agencies, doubt on the future of Trident, the private security companies operating impose a cut in intelligence contracts UK’s submarine nuclear deterrent. It in the country by the end of 2010. This and reduce the number of admirals is estimated that it would cost £20bn seems to have caught NATO and US and generals. Although the cuts will to replace Trident, with the MoD and officials by surprise as security com- save an unspecified amount of money, the British Treasury debating who panies employ 26,000 people under US US defence officials characterised should pay for this defence system. contracts. If the Afghan president fol- them as a political preemptive strike Mr Fox outlined that military procure- lows through with his decision, it to fend off growing sentiment in ment should flow from a defence could quickly strip NATO of private Washington to tackle the US govern- strategy, which should be led by forces that have provided protection ment’s soaring deficits by making British foreign policy and any review for convoys. It could also force diplo- deep cuts in military spending. could lead to staff cuts at all levels in matic missions in Kabul to seek alter- President Obama has exempted the Ministry of Defence. native ways to protect their com- national security from the budget cuts. pounds. More worrying, it could create • The Russian government has contin- a disaffected group of militants from ued to deploy troops and extra fire- the thousands of unemployed security fighting equipment to tackle the wild- guards, some of which are suspected fires, which have destroyed large of having links with the . tracks of the countryside. The scorch- President Karzai has long argued that ing heat and smoke made life hell in the private security firms act as an Moscow, with the city residents living armed force that undermines the with temperatures over 32° degrees. national police and army. Large numbers have fled the capital and stayed away from work, as fire- • In August, UN Secretary-General Ban fighters battled the wildfires covering Ki-moon visited the flood disaster some 1,740sq kilometres. The ministry region of Pakistan, while urging the of emergency situations has appealed international community to assist the for volunteer firefighters, acknowledg- 20 million people affected. Government ing that the 10,000 already deployed officials brought him to survey the dev- are overwhelmed. Italy, France and astated region, which is battling al- Poland have offered firefighters and Qaida and Taliban militants and has a aircraft to help quell the fires. The fires weak and unpopular government. The have also affected Russia grain indus- Secretary-General stated that he had try with production down a third this visited many natural disasters around year. Russia has placed an emergency the world, but nothing like this. • Meanwhile in Havana, former Cuban ban on all wheat and barley exports in President Fidel Castro (above) who order to protect its domestic markets. Africa just turned 84 made an appearance Naturally, this has seen a rise in grain • Embattled Zimbabwean President on TV. Opinion is still divided about prices on the international markets. Robert Mugabe during the state whether this flurry of recent appear- funeral for his sister on August 1st, ances, breaking four years of seclu- The Middle East told the international community to sion following his 2006 illness, will • At least 59 people were killed and over ‘go to hell’ and stop interfering in his help or hinder prospects for change 100 injured in a suicide attack on an country’s affairs. Mugabe has sought in one of the world’s last communist army recruitment centre in Baghdad on to engage the EU and the US in states. One party official, stated that August 17th. This attack comes as the removing sanctions against his Castro was strengthening his broth- US Army is about to end combat oper- regime, but stated that they keep er’s government at a difficult moment ations in the country and it also comes ‘shifting the goal posts.’ Following his both in domestic and foreign policy.

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Most of you have seen the movies The conflicts around the world now employing It has now become an all-arms (and all Hurt Locker and Beaufort telling the various types of IEDs in ever increasingly ranks) approach, requiring a whole range of firsthand account of IEDD innovative ways, their aim is to level the military capabilities and responses. M(Improvised Explosive Device playing field by using these as part of an Armed forces of the western world, Disposal) teams and individual EOD asymmetric strategy to defeat the conven- which include our Defence Forces, have (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) operators in tional military superiority of modern armies. responded to this IED threat through the Iraq and South Lebanon. Their work is not a IEDs are tactically deployed against sol- development of a systematic C-IED strategy job for the faint hearted and these diers, vehicles, equipment and are often designed to defeat the IED threat by EOD/IEDD operators require constant vigi- placed to directly target IEDD teams. employing all available means to attack the TRAINING lance, skill, experience, patience, innovation IED system, defeat the device and train our and, of course courage, in countering the Regularly, innocent troops who may be required to operate prevailing asymmetric threat from impro- safely in a high threat, IED-rich theatre of vised explosive devices (IEDs). They have civilians fall victim operations. an array of tools, techniques and proce- to the indiscrimi- Last May, in order to progress this broad- dures to help them do their job, but at the nate nature of the er holistic C-IED approach, the Ordnance end of the day, it comes down to the individ- Corps conducted the first International C- ual operator’s ability to understand and pervasive global IED IED/IEDD Course (Exercise Green Zone), defeat the adversary’s capability and the threat. This is why involving students from Belgium, the IED itself. the concept of Netherlands, Romania, , The use of IEDs on the modern hybrid and Ireland. The aim was to battlefield (involving conventional and Counter IED (C-IED) teach participating IEDD operators their asymmetric warfare) is not new. However, has evolved, where- role and response in the all-arms C-IED their use is becoming more and more fre- by the individual effort, in neutralising all IED in-theatre quent, facilitated by internet-enabled social threats. networking and global information sharing EOD/IEDD operator is Essentially, the idea was to pool together between insurgent/terrorist groups. only a part of the existing IEDD and C-IED knowledge and With many terrorist groups involved in overall process. techniques and to take the IEDD operator

Execise Green Zone By Wesley Bourke Photographs by Armn Billy Galligan

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away from conventional rigid military think- emplaced in your line of manoeuvre. Some of ing and place him on a simulated modern them may be remotely controlled, while oth- asymmetric battlefield, where all military ers may be victim operated. What do you do? assets are brought to bear to defeat the IED What assets can you bring to bear to over- threat. come prevailing challenges and achieve your The Dutch, Belgian and Swedish opera- mission? If specialist EOD/IEDD action is tors had just returned from duties in required, what can you do to assist? When and their operational experi- the IEDD team gets there in support, what ence along with a number of international does it do? This is the modern asymmetric police officers on the course, underpinned battlefield, which our troops and logistic the essentially required cross-pillar co-oper- convoys may face. In addition to their exist- ation approach to C-IED. Naturally, our own ing conventional military skills, our soldiers IEDD specialist as hosts brought their prac- also need to be fully IED aware and trained tical and years of C-IED skills acquired here in C-IED Tactics, Techniques and Procedures at home and overseas. (TTPs) in order to be able to operate safely and survive in a potentially high threat IED- ‘The concept of the rich environment. For their part, EOD/IEDD operators can course was to inte- sometimes become mission fixated and may grate IEDD with not seek the support of available all-arms C- C-IED as part of an IED assets. In formulating a personal threat assessment and IEDD action plan, the oper- all-arms response ator will need to consider whether there is a capability set in a requirement for additional all-arms assets high threat, IED-rich such as armoured protection to counter small arms attack; cordon protection meas- theatre of ures; a search capability; aerial situational operations,’ awareness support, deliverable by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or other explained Comdt Ray Lane (OiC Course and essential supporting intelligence/opera- Instr Ord Sch). tional assets. This international C-IED/IEDD ‘Now that might sound simplistic, but training course incorporating Exercise when you think of it! In a situation where an Green Zone was designed to highlight all of IEDD operator goes into an area full of IEDs these areas. his focus may traditionally have been solely The course was the first of its kind with on the IED. In this IED-rich environment, the intensive lectures covering the whole C-IED operator needs to be able to go out there spectrum followed by exercises, which and look around, read the ground, the envi- became real-time, high threat operations. varied from domestic bomb related incidents ronment, look for clues and try to see and Ordnance Corps specialists gave the bulk of to high risk complex IEDD challenges as appreciate the whole picture? Where are the instruction. However, a number of foreign C- faced in conflicts like Afghanistan. routes in and routes out? Where are likely IED experts gave specific presentations on ‘This was great for the students and firing points? Why has this IED been placed relevant areas that were completely new to the participating exer- here? He ultimately must strive to acquire the majority on the course. cising troops, because it optimal situational awareness and gain Many valuable lessons were also learnt wasn’t just troops on access to timely and pertinent C-IED intelli- from briefings given by the foreign students paper. This was for real,’ gence in order to best develop a realistic themselves, based on their own overseas said Lt Ray Holohan (Acting threat evaluation, risk assessment and experiences. In particular, the Dutch gave a Taskforce Commander). ‘The viable render safe procedure. In this asym- vivid account of a relatively recent and dra- ISTAR guys would report back metric war-fighting environment, we contend matic convoy incident in Afghanistan. with real-time footage and intel- that IEDD action can be delivered more ‘We are just IEDD operators. So it felt ligence updates of terrorist activi- safely and more effectively with the assis- like the information we were getting was for ties. The student then has to analyse tance and support of available all-arms C- a higher strategic level,’ said a Dutch stu- that intelligence to determine his IED assets.’ dent. ‘But I now see that we all need to be requirements. He may then have to ask the In 2007, Comdt Ray Lane, while serving in thinking C-IED, and I get to bring this infor- ISTAR Company for more information in Afghanistan as Chief Operations Officer, mation back home with me.’ order to further develop his threat evaluation ISAF HQ C-IED Branch, planned and built a During the exercise phase, the students and course of action.’ multi-stranded training model for Coalition had to deal with terrorist cells that were One Swedish student had only heard of and Afghan Security Forces, involving C-IED constantly seeking new and innovative ways ISTAR and was impressed by what was operational synchronisation. This resulted in to catch ‘friendly forces’ including the IEDD available to him. ‘When we talk about the the co-ordination of three consecutive prac- teams off guard. At their disposal and all-arms approach to C-IED, it’s great tical exercises (Saoirse Nua 1, 2 and 3). The adding more realism to the course were that they actually have the last of these C-IED exercises captured valu- weapons intelligence analysts; engineer troops available able lessons learnt and this coupled with special search teams; an ISTAR Company for the current EU/EDA C-IED doctrine and training (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target exercise. values were used to good effect in develop- Acquisition, Reconnaissance) and an intelli- Here, ing the three-week long Exercise Green Zone gence cell. I had at the DFTC and in the Southern Brigade To make the exercise even more realistic, Munster area. a strategic scenario was developed for the Now picture yourself as a soldier in an Munster region, setting the general back- infantry platoon patrolling in a theatre, ground and the operational scene. The indi- where IEDs are a confirmed threat. You are vidual scenarios were set in Cork airport, advancing to take out an adversary’s posi- Cork City railway station, the Naval Base, tion and unknown to you, there are IEDs Fort Davis and in Kilworth Camp. They

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three platoons for cordon and protection overarching EOD/IEDD philosophy, which is an examination of the incident or post-blast duties. It was very realistic.’ the preservation of life!’ scene itself, in terms of the ground and the As Comdt Lane outlined. ‘Each scenario Another key element of Green Zone was tactics used. With exploitation and follow-up was set to make the students think. They had the C-IED Cell, responsible for integrating forensic analysis, we can learn so much to be part of the exercising Task Force, as the exercise military intelligence/operation about an IED incident, which can then be the IED is only part of the big picture. The function. The C-IED is a relatively new capa- comparatively linked to other incidents, with students were required to built-in intelli- bility within operation branches. Its setup is the ultimate aim of tracing the IED network gence gathering activities leading to the part of the overall C-IED Strategy and is from the IED emplacer, back to the bomb apprehension of adversarial forces. This designed for high tempo operations and is maker and all the way up to the planner and TRAINING involved exploitation of bomb making com- scalable. The cell worked well during the financer. You’d be surprised at how much you ponents, which were recovered from a ‘find’, exercise and its capabilities will be built on can learn. A common fallacy is that C-IED which could lead right back to the individ- in future courses. exploitation does not occur on the battle- ual(s) who procured them. We saw innova- ‘We need to keep ahead of the terrorist,’ field. However, it is very much part of modern military operations. The C-IED exploitation process operates effectively in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Defence Forces is current- ly in the process of developing a significant capability in this area’. ‘I am a policeman,’ said another Swedish student. ‘Normally, on an EOD operation, it’s me against the device and then I go home. Initially, I thought this C-IED concept is all about military-related processes. But now I see that we are all part of the C-IED process. As it was explained to me it made perfect sense. It doesn’t matter whether an IED is found here in Ireland, in Sweden or in Afghanistan. The techniques these guys are using to construct these devices may essen- tially be coming from common sources. By exploiting the scene after an IED is rendered safe and after subsequent forensic analysis is car- ried out, intelligence can be gathered and shared in an effort to counter the tive and improvised means of neutralising explained Lt Kearney (Exercise C-IED Cell). IED threat on and dismantling devices, which enabled ‘When a device was found and dealt with, a global friendly forces the opportunity to you needed to exploit the scene and gain basis’. study the adversary’s TTPs. the maximum intelligence possible. This While IEDD operators are includes the recovery of IED components, taught and expected to be chemical or explosive residues and any creative and to think out- other items, which may be side the box. Their threat significant or useful for evaluations and render subsequent forensic safe procedures are at analysis. all times under- Exploitation pinned by the also involves

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A UK bomb detection dog handler demonstrates DEFINITIONS the use of a dog in detecting a suspect device. IED: Improvised Explosive Device: A device placed or fabricated in an improvised manner incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic, or incendiary chemicals and designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass or dis- tract. It may incorporate military stores, but is

normally devised from non-military components TRAINING IED System/Network: An IED System/Network is a combination of human processes and material consisting of one or more opponent’s abilities with all related equipment, technology, skills, knowledge, personnel, and means of delivery and employment C-IED: Counter IED: The collective efforts at all levels to prevent, predict, reduce or eliminate the effects of all forms of IEDs used against friendly forces and non-combatants according to the mission, and include: Policy; Resources; Training; Organization; Intelligence; Operations; Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs); Material; Technology; Research. These collective efforts are directed at dismantling the IED sys- ‘You have to remember that C-IED is Lessons Learnt/Identified process was tem, neutralising the effects of the device, and everyone’s business. It’s an all-arms undertaken. Lt Paul Amoroso (Ord Corps) developing C-IED capabilities responsibility’, Comdt Lane continued. collected and collated the information as ‘So in the exercise C-IED Cell, we had the course and exercise progressed. The fin- IEDD: Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (Bomb Disposal) personnel representing different Corps ished product will inform and support any and functions of the Defence Forces, changes required over the next number of EOD: Explosive Ordnance Disposal bringing their respective expertise to the courses. Many of these lessons will be inte- Asymmetric Threat: Threat from unconvention- table in a holistic manner. The days of grated into the first Defence Forces C-IED al methods that attempt to circumvent or negate waiting to make decisions based on the Instructors (Train-the-Trainer) Course to be an opponent’s strengths, whilst exploiting his adversary’s TTPs, which are dynamic and conducted in the DFTC, Curragh this weaknesses with potentially disproportionate constantly changing, are gone. Our C-IED October. effect. Examples: Improvised Explosive Device capabilities, responses and TTPs must be In acknowledging the success and value (IED); Sniper small arms fire proactive, equally dynamic, but faster. The of the first International C-IED/IEDD H ybrid Warfare: Combined Conventional and development of a viable C-IED strategy Course, the Director of Ordnance and Chair Asymmetric War-fightingin and the C-IED Cell concept allows that to of the Defences Forces C-IED Steering take effect. Ultimately, in the Defence Group, Col Brian Dowling opined that with- Forces we all have to embrace C-IED if in the Defence Forces the development of a ventional military capability to effectively we are to be capable of operating safely C-IED all-arms capability requires a culture launch a platoon or company in attack. The in any medium to high threat IED opera- change in many ways. C-IED is not a spe- Defence Forces has suffered fatalities result- tional theatre.’ cialist or niche capability. It has to be incor- ing from IEDs in the past on overseas peace At the commencement of the course, the porated and integrated into the syllabi of support operations. As a Defence students were tasked with the preparation our training institutions and military exer- Organisation, we need to professionally pre- of a C-IED/IEDD Tactical Aide Memoire cises appropriate to the organisation’s pare, develop and sustain a credible all-arms (TAM). This has now been completed and evolving training and operational needs C-IED force protection strategy and capability will assist in keeping IEDD operators safer analysis. C-IED proficiency, in countering in order to operate more safely in any future in the future. the prevailing asymmetric threat, is as mission area, which might present an IED As part of the course structure, a important to the Defence Forces as its con- threat to our troops.■

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very two years, the Royal Cork Yacht Club in ensure everyone gets about Crosshaven hosts a sailing regatta as part of the harbour in a safe fashion.’ Cork Week. This competition draws craft and their The NSR harbour patrols Ecrews in from all around the world. As a result of start at at night as the regat- the increased population on sea and land, extra ta takes place during the day emergency services are required. The Cork NSR unit and all the craft are at sea. under Lt Cdr Liam O’Keeffe are called on everytime However, these reserve to provide a harbour patrol and search and rescue sailors are on standby during service. They have the equipment, training and local the day to assist in emer- knowledge. ‘This year there are over 250 sailing gency and work in conjunc- craft,’ explained Lt Cdr O’Keeffe, ‘and with them tion with the Civil Defence comes their crews, and sometimes families. Not all and An Garda Síochána. It is OS Anthony Morris moor for the night at the marina. Some stay out in not until you actually see for ‘I’m 18 and I’ve just finished the harbour and to get in and out they have little yourself the fleet of yachts and small pleasure craft my leaving Cert and I’m in launches or punt boats. We are primarily here to take to the water with their sails unfurled, that you the NSR a year now. I have family and friends in the unit and I’ve an interest in going The Reserve Defence Forces play an integral part in the life of the Defence to sea. The Naval Reserve has been a great experience. I’ve Forces; providing troops for exercises, ceremonies and assisting local also just finished the damage control, firefighting and sea authorities. They are dedicated, professional volunteers coming from all walks survival and the RIB Cox’n courses, so hopefully I’ll get of life. The Naval Service Reserve (NSR) is by its very name the volunteer, out to sea with the Naval Service this year. Jobs like part-time element of the Naval Service. There is little to distinguish them from this are good fun you get to their permanent shipmates - their uniform and training is the same. After all, put what you’ve learnt into practice. It’ll be my first time, their main function is to provide sailors to help relieve Naval Service personnel so I’m looking forward to that. I would like to go on and at sea. To find them, you have to take to the water, which is what we did apply for the cadets, but first I’m starting a Political during Cork Week, from July 10th to the 16th. Science degree in UCC.’

OS Killian Cronin ‘I’m in the unit over a year and just back from my Level 1 RIB Cox’n course in the National Maritime Collage. The course brings you up to the new 4-stroke Seariders. There is a certain amount we have to do before we are allowed go to sea - occupa- tional first aid, damage con- trol, firefighting and sea sur- vival. The instructors in the college are excellent. Capsize drills with the RIB are difficult as they try and make the sce- narios as real as possible - but its also good fun. I’ve served on the LÉ Roisin, which was great. We had an active patrol, with a towing exercise with LÉ Aoife and replenishment at sea. You do work hard and the crew treat you the same. I’ve applied for the Naval Service recruits, so Harbour Pat hopefully I’ll be taken in.’ By Wesley Bourke Photographs by

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realise the sheer scale of the regatta. If you add up ‘In and around Crosshaven is straight forward all the crews, which can be up to six or more enough, but if you get a call out into the main har- depending on the size of the craft, you can see how bour - that is where you need local knowledge,’ LS the population of Crosshavens harbour becomes a Robert Ryan told us. ‘Roches Point, Camden, floating town in itself. ‘Other years have seen over Carlisle, Spike Island and the back channel - the cur- 600 craft here,’ said Lt Michael Relihan, ‘so you can rents all change depending on the tides and weath- imagine how busy the jetties and harbour get.’ er.’ Of course it’s not just the competition craft that Using their Motor Transport Launch as an opera- may get in trouble out in the harbour - locals use the RESERVE tions craft, two RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) take waterways to get home. ‘A few years back there to the water and patrol the harbour from Currabinny were two local lads heading home to Cobh,’ added Pier to Drakes Pool. Thankfully for the most part LS Ryan. ‘They were drunk and everything goes smoothly and people enjoy the fes- trying desperately to start OS Alan O’Sullivan tivities. ‘It’s later on in the night when you see us their launch. As it turned out ‘I’ve been in the unit two years getting busy,’ continued Lt Relihan. ‘For the most one of them was sitting on the and my grandad was in the part, you are stopping people and asking them to fuel line. We nicely advice Merchant Navy and he used to put on their lifejackets or slow down on the water, them to sleep it off. If they had tell me story’s about life at sea. I love it. I’ve been to sea twice common sense stuff. However, people may have a headed out into the harbour, with the Naval Service. They few to many and then they try and operate their God knows what would have know you are of a certain stan- launches to go to their yachts. It’s dark, they’re tired happened to them!’ dard because you have your and the weather might be bad. To make it worse, It might not be a glam- courses done in the College, they might try and squeeze eight people in a four- ourous job, but it has to be but obviously you wouldn’t man punt - it’s a disaster waiting to happen. I’ll put done. NSR units around the have the experience. The lads it to you this way - over the years we’ve pulled peo- Irish coastline use events like will train you up and help you with anything you are unfamil- ple out of the water.’ the regatta to train their crews and give new seamen iar with. It’s great experience. There is also another very practical reason for (and women) firsthand experience operating craft in We have friends in the Army the NSR providing this service - they know the area. an operational, naval environment. As Lt Cdr Reserve. They laugh and call us After all the Cork harbour estuary is where they O’Keeffe pointed out, ‘If you have any interest in the sailor boys. The laugh is on train. After years of experience, the Naval Reserve sea and considering a career in the maritime indus- them, while they are in crews get to know the waters, day and night like the try or just want to volunteer on a part-time basis, the Kilworth doing a dig in - we’re back of their hand. Naval Service Reserve is the place to be.’■ in the Atlantic on a patrol.’

Patrol tographs by Armn Billy Galligan

AN COSANTÓIR September 2010 17 Six Section With the enemy pinned down by his FSG & with his flank/depth protected, the Section Commander presses the attack pushing a soldier foward, Battle Drills armed with hand grenades & a full magazine to kill the enemy The Assault Group keep their heads down as they move up to the FAL 1 Preparation Use DS-A-CRAWLER • Deploy section in cover • Security - Position Fire Support Group (FSG) • Arcs of interlocking fire issued 5 • Camouflage checked • Radio(s) checked • Ammunition, grenades & SRAAWs distributed • Weapons checked • Linkman appointed • Equipment checked • Receive orders Section Commander’s Orders (Key headings) Section Commmmander • Situation positions flank & depth Earthbank • Mission - Who, What, Where, When & Why security • Execution • Service Support • Command & Signals Get ready & move out

5 Earthbank

1 2 The section moves Reaction into cover after receving effective enemy fire 4 to effective 2 enemy fire FSG keeps the enemy’s head Fire - Dash - Down - Crawl - Cover - Observe - Fire. down, while the Assault Group Section commander reports contact with enemy to Pl HQ moves up the left flank Introduction Locating These battle drills, outline the basic military combat techniques for offensive operations, 3 the enemy which will enable the junior infantry commander & his troops to advance to contact & take out the enemy. As drills, they are taught to soldiers until they become almost By Observation - Look in the area from which the thump of instinctive. the round came. The time between the crack & the thump gives a clue to the range, each second representing 600m. Naturally, in combat there are numerous factors (Enemy, terrain, weather, your own Look for movement, smoke, radio antennas or anything fighting capability, firepower & morale) to name just a few, which can determine an unusual. By Fire - Section commander gives a fire control order infantry section’s success on the battlefield. to two riflemen to fire shots into likely cover. The rest of The example here shows an nine-man infantry section in a left flanking assault of the section should keep a careful watch on their arcs of one-man enemy position. The section commander deploys flank & depth security and observation. By Movement - Section commander instructs two men to uses his FSG to suppress the enemy during the assault. In the final attack, he pushes a get up & double about ten metres to different cover. soldier forward with grenades & a full magazine to kill the enemy. He finally consolidates Target Indication by Direct; Reference Point; Clock Ray; his section just beyond the enemy position. Mils or Tracer round Winning the fire fight 4 With the enemy’s position know, the Section Commander gives a fire control order using his section weapons or calls on artillery, mortars or tanks in support. He must also conserve ammunition. With the enemy pinned down by his FSG & with his flank/depth protected, Fire Control Order: Group - Range - Indication - Type of fire. the Section Commander presses the attack pushing a soldier foward, See combat estimate next. armed with hand grenades & a full magazine to kill the enemy 5 The attack 5 Fragmentary Orders (FRAGOs) A FRAGOs should be as brief as possible, with only the essential information given out. An example of one is: • Enemy: Position, strength and weapons Enemy • Mission: To destroy One bad guy • Execution: Flank (left, centre or right) in a slit trench • Position of FSG • Route to assault position (from-through-to) • Final assault line (FAL) • Sub-section tasks • Variations in battle drills • Reorg position The Attack Aggressive fire and manoeuvre must be adhered to right onto the objective and beyond. The Section Commander leads the assault group onto the objective & fights through it, while the 2i/c controls the FSG, putting down suppress- ing fire on the enemy position. Earthbank The Section Commander may spilt-up the assault group into smaller elements during the assault for security or fire support tasks (depth/flank) but, he must maintain control of these elements at all times. His main considerations when manoeuvring up the flank, is to conceal the group’s movement from the enemy. All 6 movement in the open must be covered by fire. Whatever the numbers assaulting, it must be carried out quickly. Speed conserves ammunition, however casualties should not be risked needlessly for the sake of speed. As the final assault is made, the FSG should fire at the objective for as long as possible & then switch its fire onto enemy depth positions. Fighting Through River When the assault group arrives at the objective, it should Marsh Combatfight through Estimateusing fire & manoeuvre. The Section Com- mander needs to continually conduct a combat estimate and issue further FRAGOs to reflect the changing battle or before assaulting further depth positions. Combat Estimate Once suppressive fire is achieved & maintained, the pendulum of advantage swings from the defending enemy to the attacking force, who now have freedom to manoeuvre. The Section Commander must conduct an combat estimate & consider his options - whether to attack the enemy position or not. He uses these seven questions to aid his decison: What are the enemy doing & why? What have I been told to do & why? 4 What effects do I want to have on the enemy? Where (& how) can I best accomplish each effect? FSG keeps the enemy’s head 5 down, while the Assault Group What resources do I need to accomplish moves up the left flank each action/effect? Reorganisation When & where do each of the actions take place in relation to each other? & consolidation 6 These battle drills, outline the basic military combat techniques for offensive operations, What control measures do I need to impose? With the objective taken, the Section Commander must which will enable the junior infantry commander & his troops to advance to contact swiftly regain control & establish the section firmly on the & take out the enemy. As drills, they are taught to soldiers until they become almost position ready to beat off any enemy counterattack. instinctive. In consolidation: • Allot fire tasks to each man within section arcs Naturally, in combat there are numerous factors (Enemy, terrain, weather, your own • Supervise digging of shell scrapes fighting capability, firepower & morale) to name just a few, which can determine an In reorganisation: infantry section’s success on the battlefield. • Check casualties, ammunition & report details to Pl HQ • Arrange for redistribution of ammunition The example here shows an nine-man infantry section in a left flanking assault of • Ensure POWs & their equipment are sent to Pl HQ one-man enemy position. The section commander deploys flank & depth security and ‘Don’t fight a battle if you don’t • Report to the platoon commander for further orders The FSG will: uses his FSG to suppress the enemy during the assault. In the final attack, he pushes a • Rejoin the manoeuvre group as quickly as possible soldier forward with grenades & a full magazine to kill the enemy. He finally consolidates gain anything by winning’ • Check their weapons & refill belts his section just beyond the enemy position. Erwin Rommel The infantrymen will: • Check weapons, equipment, ammunition & grenades 00-An Cos-SEPT-10 (p18-27) 15/09/2010 11:54 Page 20

STRATEGIC Re Countering the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) — Working Together to Save Lives

ost conflicts in the 21st century are of a hybrid media. The terrorist’s asymmetric capability, in avoid- nature, consisting of both conventional and ing strength-on-strength confrontations with oppos- asymmetric warfare. The employment of an ing security forces, can evolve and adapt their tactics, Masymmetric threat by a weaker adversary techniques and procedures (TTPs) with noted speed, against a conventionally stronger military opponent agility and flexibility. continues to find favour globally among insurgent and An IED can be made or improvised for a few cents terrorist groups. Significant tactical and strategic or for hundreds, thousands and in some cases, mil- gains can be won through the use of unconventional lions of dollars. Basically, it is down to the imagina- methods that attempt to circumvent or negate an tion, innovation and the ability of the bomb maker and opponent’s strengths, whilst exploiting his weakness- IED network. Over the past decade there have been es with potentially disproportionate effect. several notable examples of IEDs being tactically deployed with dramatic and far-reaching strategic ‘If your enemy is secure effects. Of global significance were the 9/11 attacks on the at all points, be pre- United States in 2001. In the targeting of suicide- pared for him. If he is in piloted commercial aircraft to deliberately crash into superior strength, evade the Twin Tower Buildings, New York and the Pentagon in Washington, Al-Qaeda hit US soil with catastroph- him. If your opponent is ic impact. The resulting media effect sent shock temperamental, seek to waves around the world. The strategic effect subse- irritate him. Pretend to quently resulted in the invasion of Afghanistan and the declaration of the War on Terror. be weak, that he may In Afghanistan and Iraq, IEDs continue to be used grow arrogant. If his very effectively against coalition forces with a hun- forces are united, sepa- dred-fold increase in the number of annual IED-relat- ed incidents in Afghanistan between 2003 and 2010. A rate them. If sovereign number of troop contributing nations have suffered and subject are in significant IED in-theatre casualties. In some accord, put division instances, these casualties coupled with terrorist IED attacks on their national capitals, bring huge political between them. Attack pressures to bear on governments to withdraw their him where he is unpre- troops. pared, appear where you The widespread use of IEDs in Afghanistan, in particular, has made armed forces throughout the are not expected’ world rethink their strategic, operational and tactical - SUN TZU (Art of War). responses on countering IEDs. As already stated, the IED is relatively cheap, easy Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks have to make, technically simple, tactically sophisticated, become widespread in their application as a preferred well thought out and deployed to kill, maim and ter- asymmetric threat, employed by several insurgent rorise conventional security forces and civilian popu- groups as an effective tactical weapon of choice, that lations. Insurgent groups study Friendly Forces’ pro- frequently delivers a major strategic impact. cedures, exploit vulnerabilities and attack accordingly An IED is a device placed or fabricated in an in innovative and deadly fashion. Over 60% of coali- improvised manner incorporating destructive, lethal, tion casualties in Afghanistan and over 75% of UK noxious, pyrotechnic or incendiary chemicals. It is military casualties are as a direct result of IED designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass or distract attacks. Afghan civilian casualties following deliber- and may incorporate military stores, though it is nor- ate and indiscriminate IED attacks are running at mally devised from non-military components. It is the even higher percentages. terrorists preferred weapon, with over 70% of all In order to offset their relative numerical strengths attacks by them involving the use of IEDs. and conventional military weaknesses, insurgents The IED allows these financially and technologi- have developed complex attacks, combining IEDs and cally inferior movements to exploit operational weak- small arms fire together in planned operations. nesses or key training deficiencies in sometimes, Coalition forces may be drawn in to manoeuvre and inflexible conventional armed forces and government launch an attack against the source of enemy small organisations through a variety of effects-based arms fire, only to discover that IEDs have been tacti- asymmetric operations. cally emplaced to be set off remotely to take out the Their widespread and indiscriminate use in con- attacking force in the planned killing zone. flicts has also resulted in the killing and maiming of The use of IEDs is nothing new to our Defence significant numbers of innocent civilians and non- Forces, either at home or overseas. While serving in combatants. The global asymmetric threat capability the Lebanon with UNIFIL in 1986, an offi- can successfully exploit the easy accessibility of cer was killed by an IED and in 1989 three Irish sol- information and technology exchanges over internet- diers were killed by a roadside bomb. enabled social networks and through varied print At home, Northern Ireland has experienced a long

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this October. The acquired knowledge, experience and expertise in IEDD and C-IED gained by our troops overseas and at home have now been firmly acknowl- edged and accredited internationally. Strong demand Review this year for places on the first international C- IED/IEDD Operators Course conducted by the her to Save Lives By COL BRIAN DOWLING Defence Forces was testament to this fact. This course will be repeated again next year, along with a International C-IED Weapons Intelligence Training and very serious conflict that involved the frequent (WIT) Course followed by an International C-IED use by paramilitary groups of asymmetric warfare Battle Staff Training Course. means (IED and Small Arms Sniper attacks). The Defence Forces in its capability development Between 1970 and 1997, a comparison of British programmes must continue to work with its interna- Army and RUC casualties arising from IEDs is rough- tional partners to save lives in countering the IED ly similar to security force casualties sustained from threat.■ small arms attacks. During the same period, a compa-

rable number of civilian deaths can be attributed to STRATEGIC REVIEW IED incidents. While small arms attacks more than Col Brian Dowling is the Director of the Army Ordnance IEDs may have attributed proportionally more to Corps and Chair of the Defence Forces Counter IED security force casualties in Northern Ireland during Steering Group. the earlier phase of the paramilitary campaign, IED attacks became the preferred asymmetric weapon of choice in the latter years. Through use of IEDs in Northern Ireland, terrorist groups developed a signifi- cant remote or stand-off capability, which gave them a greater chance of success at the target and less chance of been apprehended. Dissident elements observed and studied prevailing British Army TTPs and adapted their improvised arsenal and capabilities to attack the security forces in unpredictable and innovative ways. Many of the C-IED lessons learnt during the sustained asymmetric conflict in Northern Ireland, some of which may perhaps be forgotten over the passage of time, are now being re-learned, some- times at significant cost, by British Army forces in Afghanistan today. In recent years, dissident groups in Northern Ireland and to a lesser extent, criminals in the , continue to evolve their IED capa- bility. During 2009, Defence Forces Bomb Disposal (EOD/IEDD) Teams had 196 callouts involving 27 viable devices. By end of August 2010, our EOD/IEDD Teams had responded to 123 callouts including 13 viable devices. IED design and tactical emplacement by dissident and criminal gangs is intended to allow the user to leave the scene before a device functions. Accordingly, whether in support of Aid-to-Civil- Power IEDD tasks on-island, or in order to provide the necessary force protection for our soldiers in future peace support operations overseas, what we need to do today is to train our soldiers to the required level in C-IED in the event that they may be targeted asym- metrically. Our C-IED TTPs need to be flexible and continuously evolve to meet an ever-changing IED environment. We need to be speedy, agile and innova- tive in our C-IED responses. It is vital to develop and sustain the culture of an all-arms C-IED capability within the Defence Forces. Our soldiers need to be as tactically aware and trained to counter the asymmet- ric threat as they currently are in combating the con- ventional military threat. We therefore have to build on our existing C-IED doctrine, training and operational capabilities going forward. In this respect, much progress has already been achieved to date with C- IED doctrine and individual and collective C-IED training developed, approved and delivered over the past three years. All-arms C-IED force protection TTPs are developing apace as are valuable interna- tional C-IED networking and information exchange opportunities. The first Defence Forces All-Arms C-IED Instructors (Train-the-Trainer) Course will take place

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Comdt Tony Whelan an you imagine a time when everyone spoke the Ok, there is the classroom work. But, it’s not ‘real- (1 Cn Cois) Irish language (Gaelige)? Well, take a further step ly’ classroom work in a sense. It’s all about getting ‘I’m very conscience working across the pond to Scotland and even to the Isle you to improve your Irish and have some fun doing it. in the only Irish speaking unit Cof Man, where everyone there spoke Gaeilge too. Drámaí, damhsa sean nós, turais taisce agus turais in the Defence Forces. I’m not It’s actually not that long ago. Irish as a spoken lan- (Plays, old style dancing, treasure hunts and tours) a native speaker myself, so I guage didn’t really decline until 19th century. Today, become the norm throughout the week. You’d be sur- felt it is incumbent of me to the language is all around us. In school, where you prised how quickly once you relax and enjoy yourself, improve on what Irish I have learnt filíocht (poetry) for an Ardteistiméireacht (the how much you learn. and embrace the whole Irish Leaving Cert), or in place names such as Dubhlinn For me I’m a history buff and I love Irish music. So, culture, in particular the lan- guage. To (Dublin, literally meaning Black/deep pool). when we got to learn the Irish patriotic song, ‘Óró, sé be able to Is as Cill Droichid mé (I’m from Celbridge) and do bheatha abhaile’, I was in my element. We didn’t converse today you can still the anglicised version of the just learn it - we broke down every word to under- with name Kildrought used. What about even An stand it. native Taoiseach or Áras an Uachtaráin, Fianna Fáil or Every student, no matter their level of Irish all to Irish our very own Óglaigh na hÉireann. These are learn and each had his or her own way of learning speakers words we use on a daily basis without even real- and what they are interested in. Some on the course in the unit ising it. took more to the turas taisce (treasure hunt), where would be Alas, not everyone speaks Irish and if you they learnt about local bláthanna (flowers) and on the great. came up to them and said, Dia duit. Conas atá tú? tour with mountain names like Magairlí an Diabhail Being on a course (Hello. How are you?). Most would look at you (light the Devils Testicles) - that got a good snigger. like this with bewilderment. Some may know what you Billy on the other hand is of the generation were also helps me appreciate mean or probably know the answer, but are just Gaeilge was just hammered into him along with Peig more working and living in the too shy or embarrassed to say a cuplá focal (few Sayers (her again). So Dáithí had a real mission not area. In this part of the coun- words). just to teach Billy some Irish, but also to change his try Irish is all around you even In our job, Armn Billy Galligan and myself travel attitude towards the language. He aimed straight for if you are not in a Gaeltacht. the length and breadth of the country visiting various Billy’s passions - Dublin, soccer and photography. As I’m in Bun leibhéal (basic Defence Forces locations, meeting Irish-speaking Billy noted, Dáithí isn’t speaking the language - he’s level). I hadn’t spoken Irish people all the time. In Donegal, we’ve heard, Cad é singing it. Every time he said a phrase, he tapped his since I left school thirty years mar a tá tú?, in Galway Cén chaoi ’bhfuil tú? and in foot and by the end of the week, Billy became an ago. I would have had a few words here and there. We’ve Dublin and Cork Conas atá tú? All of which mean the expert foot-tapper and was able to say: Billy Galligan been mentored and encour- same thing - how are you? aged and brought on. So, Usually, after a few minutes of stuttering and think- once you relax, those words ing about it, I would eventually say, Tá mé go maith. Go that may have been ham- raibh maith agat. (I’m good/fine/OK. Thank you). mered into you in school start So to improve our Irish, we decided in July to go to come back and you use on this year’s Campa Gaeilge ran by Acadamh na CAMPA them. I’ve seen my confidence hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge Ollscoil na hÉireann BY improve as the week went by. Gaillimh (The University Academy of Irish, NUI Cúpla focal a rá leis na daoine eile san ranga.’ Galway) in An Cheathrú Rua (Carraroe). Not exactly your standard military course, but probably the best Lt Sarah Coakley and most rewarding you could possibly do. (ACHQ) ‘As a government body, we (the Defence Forces) are obliged by law to promote the Irish language, ‘I went to an all-Irish primary said Col JJ O’Reilly (OiC Campa). ‘We are very school. I haven’t done it since and I’ve always wanted to pick much doing so in terms of providing official docu- it up again. The Campa ments, emails and even webpages in Irish. We also seemed like the perfect have an Irish speaker in the Defence Forces Press opportunity. It’s great fun. The Office. So, if someone rings up and wishes to con- Irish is coming back to me. duct an interview in Irish, we should be able to pro- Our teacher, Dáithí is very vide that service.’ good. He is very funny and To get on the Campa, you first have to do a small makes learning good craic interview as Gaeilge just to make sure you have the and a laugh. The cultural tours basics. ‘Don’t be under the impression it’s a holiday,’ are very good as well. You get added Col O’Reilly, ‘Yes, it is a relaxed course, the history of the area in but through class work and some cultural activi- Irish from a ties, we hope that you will improve your Irish local guide. language skills and the Acadamh is one of the I’m from best places to do that.’ Galway, but Now get the idea of your primary and second- I’m getting ary school days and Peig (Yes, the very one from tours of the Blaskets) out of your head. With múinteoirí areas I (teachers) like Dáithí - you’ll be singing the lan- wouldn’t guage by the end of the week. Dáithí himself is a have been to late comer to the language, have spent his early before. When days in England and only learned to speak Irish I go back to my unit I will encourage peo- in his 30s and within two years, he was teaching ple to speak the language and it. As he says, ‘the language isn’t dying. It’s alive and use it on a daily basis. If they vibrant. It’s on a great life support machine.It has just want to learn the language I lost the PR campaign.’ can help them and promote Dáithí is right and with Irish speaking celebrities the Campa. For me though I’d like Grainne Seioge, Hector Ó hEochagáin and Des like to get up to a fluency Bishop of In the Name of the Fada fame - Irish is level again.’ starting to become cool again.

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is ainm dom (My name is Billy Galligan). Rugadh agus Two; TG4; Raidió na Life (106.4FM) and Raidió na Pte Eamonn Tourish tógadh mBaile Átha Cliath mé (I was born and raised in Gaeltachta (92-94fm) and their respective websites (28 Inf Bn) Dublin). Is maith liom sacar, sé St Pats an fhoireann is cater for a wide range of Irish speakers - from eight ‘I’m in meán leibhéal (inter- fearr liom (I love soccer, my favourite team is St Pats). months to eighty. See below for a list of Irish-based mediate level). I’m from the Oibrím mar grianghrafadóir in Óglaigh na hÉireann (I websites, which you can browse at your leisure. Donegal Tyrone area. There work as a photographer for the Irish Defence Forces). ‘Now don’t be discouraged if you have no Irish - are a lot of Irish speakers During the course, all picked up a few tips for there’s plenty out their to assist you,’ said Col there. In my unit you’d have a good few guys coming from learning Irish. ‘You won’t be fluent after a week, but O’Reilly. ‘We do run Irish courses for beginners at COURSES the course will help you on your way,’ Col O’Reilly barrack level - so keep an eye out for them and prac- the Gaeltacht areas of Donegal. I have a huge inter- said. ‘What we hope now is that you go away and tice the cúpla focal.’ est in the language. I lost my practise. Use your expanding vocabulary to encourage Really, it’s all about finding your interest and Irish after I the speaking of the language in the Defence Forces. If then expanding on that. So if it’s GAA, watch left school. you put your mind to it - it’s not that hard. You just GAA Beo on TG4 or if you have kids, watch a few I’ve been have to want to.’ Irish cartoons on TV. Also, watch and listen to an coming on So what’s next? Probably the most obvious next Nuacht (the News). If you it difficult, listen to the the Campas step is to look for an Irish course near you. This English version first, then the Irish version. to develop Autumn, you should easily find one running part-time Probably, the most important thing about and become at night or at weekends in either local school or learning Irish is to make it fun, make it interest- fluent in the library. Also, most barracks have an Oifig na Gaeilge ing and basically get out there and start speak- language. I love coming to promote the language. If you don’t have one in your ing it? So the next time you meet someone in on the barracks, why not approach your commanding officer work greet them with a Dia duit Conas atá tú. course and with the view of setting up one. Why not suggest an They just might surprise you? Slán..■ everybody Irish-speaking coffee morning or table quiz to gener- is speaking ate interest among your colleagues? and thinking the language. I For Irish books, again your local library should have love to see a time when more a range of books, CDs and DVDs, such as Turas Useful Irish Websites and more people are speaking Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge: www.nuigalway.ie Teanga and Buntús Cainte. Likewise, most good book Irish. It should be a case that Irish dictionary online: www.irishdictionary.ie we are all speaking it. The lan- shops would sell a range of Irish books. The national terminology database for Irish: www.focal.ie Naturally, there is a wealth of Irish language pro- guage is encouraged in our Beathaisnéisí Gaeilge: www.ainm.ie/ unit. And the people that are grammes on TV and on the radio. RTÉ TV One and Place name database of Ireland: www.logainm.ie/ fluent try their best to pro- mote it.’

Lt Catríona Ní Caba MPA GAEILGE (1 Air Def Regt) ‘The Defence Forces have set BY WESLEY BOURKE up Campa Gaeilge to try and promote the Irish language within the organisation. I am a native speaker, but I still come down on the course to improve my grammar and practice the language. It’s a great way for people who have no Irish to come and learn the language, but also for those who already have Irish but need to improve their gram- mar. So everyone is here to improve the standard they have. You’d be surprised that a lot of the native speakers have very bad grammar. Native speak- ers tend to have fantastic blás - fantastic spoken Irish, but when it comes to writing Irish their grammar may not be that good. I’m the Irish rep in DFTC and I promote the lan- guage in my home unit by put- ting up notices on the boards and doors such as Leithris (Toilet) and oifig an roinní (company office). Just a few words give people a taste and go a long way to promoting the language.’

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24 AN COSANTÓIR September 2010 00-An Cos-SEPT-10 (p18-27) 15/09/2010 11:46 Page 25

Here, we will look at some of the practical aspects of military training and show you how the Defence Forces prepares soldiers for service, at home and abroad. Though informative, the articles however are not designed to replace the military instructor, but we hope they will spur on our readers to want to learn more. Likewise, it might rekindle in former soldiers, memories of how they were taught. All sugges- tions for future articles are welcomed.

TACTICAL AIDES 7 6

8

2 5

3 4

1 COMBAT VEST

Obviously, the well wore adage ‘You bring fixed ammunition pouches to the front and vest waist belt and the main zipper on the it, you carry it’ is still true, even in this age two utility pouches, one positioned at the vest should be opened from the bottom of air- and apc mobile troops. Naturally, side, next to the kidneys. Behind the up. This allows the back pack hip pad to unit SOPs, the mission and even the ammunition pouches are two zipped chest sit properly under the ammunition weather can determine how much and pockets for carrying documents and maps. pouches.■ what kit you will need to carry and how The upper part of the vest has a series of exactly you will lay it out. Some kit is even strong horizontal straps, which you can a personal choice. Outlined here is a add or take away a variety of removable Combat Vest Contents guide to what an infantry NCO should pouches, depending on the unit SOP or 1. Five magazines (sixth on rifle) carry in his battle vest, as recommended mission. On the vest’s back is an compart- by the NCO Training Wing. Not shown is ment for the platypus water system. 2. Personal documents (Battle book, the two drop pouches, which can hold a TAMs, pencils, pens and maps) respirator and spare ordnance. Remember 3. First aid kit, black leather gloves to waterproof your kit using ziplock plastic Optional (Do not cut out fingers), rifle clean- bags when on the ground. Pacing counter (at least ten beads on ing kit , emergency rations, KFS paracord), spare field dressing and cara- biner. The grenade and M203 pouches with cleaning cloth and secateurs Combat Vest should only be worn if the relevant ord- 4. Pocket knife or multi tool, two The issued combat vest is basically a fully nance is issued. If needed, grenade and sandbags and two arc markers adjustable, robust webbed waist coat with M203 pouches should be fitted to the left both fixed and fully adjustable pouches. It to avoid obstruction. Securing straps for 5. Compass, whistle and torch has waist belt to take the weight of the ammunition pouches should be opened 6. Platypus water holder vest and its numerous straps and buckles out to allow the fitting of three magazines are designed to allow the wearer to adjust and then taped or removed to prevent 7. Rank marking holder his vest, if he is wearing body armour or an snagging in equipment or local foliage. 8. Name tag CBRN suit underneath. The vest has four When the back pack is carried, the battle

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ake Ready…Aim…Fire…Shoulder Your counterparts in history learned to listen to Firelock’. Officers and NCOs roared out the British and American commands. When the orders, but for the men in the line it they heard the opposing sides’ command, Mwas difficult to hear above the sound of ‘Make Ready’ ‘Present’, they all laid down the guns. Redcoats were flanking to the left and took cover just before the muskets were and putting up a determined volley fire to the fired. At this very moment, knowing it would front. For the American militia and the few take a soldier at least another 25 seconds to regulars they had with them, their chances of load his Brown Bess musket, the Indians survival were looking slim. Numbers were on would fire and sweep forward with their tom- their side, but they lacked the training and ahawks crashing into the opposing enemy, discipline that the British Army where with devastating effect. famous for. Then a shriek, whooping, and yells Living history is not just an opportunity to drowned out the entire battlefield. It was the dress up in old-fashioned clothes, but it’s a Indians and they were on the British side. chance to relive the past. Living history Their allegiance came with a promise of inde- groups like the Minstrel Boys and the pendence and territory. For the Americans Iroquois Nations try and live exactly as they this meant disaster. The lines faltered, they did back then. The wool and cotton clothes, broke and ran as the Indians and redcoats cut drill manuals, leather accoutrements, flint- them down without mercy. lock muskets, cooking food over a fire and a No, this wasn’t the American War of blanket to sleep under, bring you back in Independence or a scene from a movie, but a time. To sleep under the stars, or the rain for public show at the Ulster American Folk that matter gives a living historian the oppor- Park in Omagh on July 4th. Coming together tunity to fully appreciate life in the past. for US Independence Day celebrations were It’s not all about firing off black powder the living history groups: the British muskets and having your teeth and cloths Coldstream Guards and 33rd Regiment of covered in saltpetre and sulphur. As two Foot; the Iroquois Nations and Ireland’s very drummer boys discovered, the Iroquois don’t own, The Minstrel Boys. This year for the have to scalp people to get what they want. public’s entertainment and for the amuse- Kidnapped, the Indians held them for ransom. ment of the groups themselves, they por- Not used to the ways of the Indians, Sgt Love trayed the American War of 1812. was unsure whether these guys were serious, The 1812 war is one of those conflicts that until he found out the Iroquois had no inten- has sadly been lost to time, overshadowed tion of giving them back until he did a trade. by the events of the US War of Independence Lt Thurston went about it all the wrong way (1775-83) and the American Civil War (1861- and offered Red Badger a bag of carrots, 5). It was a significant war nonetheless. It saw the first attempt by the fledgling United States to expand into foreign territory into Canada. The Canadians however, including the French in Quebec, remained loyal to the British. This period saw the newly built US BACK TO THE capital, Washington DC was burnt to the ground; the American National Anthem ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ written by Francis Scot Key during the siege of Fort McHenry in 1814 and the final demise of the Eastern Native American tribes. For the living history groups in Omagh, the birthday celebrations gave them a chance to explore a unique part of history. The 33rd and the Coldstreams are really only used to fighting and portraying the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815), fighting the French along the Iberian Peninsula and Waterloo. The last thing they expected com- ing to Ireland was to fight Native American Iroquois. For them however, their kit and drill stayed the same as when the British Empire where finished with Napoleon in 1814, they rushed troops across the Atlantic to deal with the troublesome Americans. However, what did have to change was their tactics. As re-enactor, Lt Milo Thurston (Coldstream Guards) and Sgt Simon Love (33rd Regiment of Foot), discovered the Indians and the American militia did not exactly form a line, as the French and other European armies did. The American militia portrayed by the Minstrel Boys and the Iroquois Indians tended to fight in open order and take cover behind trees. Furthermore, the Native Americans like their

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which nearly meant his scalp. A barrel of (January 8th 1815) was fought after the peace black powder and a bottle of firewater soon treaty was signed. Interestingly enough, the spared the lives of the two drummer boys. To commanders of that battle were of Irish their disgust, they were further punished back extraction. The American Commander, in camp for being captured in the first place. Andrew Jackson was Scots-Irish, while Since we had several days to think out dif- British general, Sir Edward Michael Pakenham ferent scenarios to entertain the public, Lt was born in Westmeath. If you wish to explore

Thurston came up to me one day and said, ‘I history beyond books and museums and take a HISTORY have a jolly good idea. Why not fight an step back into the past, why not look up a liv- engagement just like the Battle of New ing history group near you. For more on ‘The Orleans, where the treaty has been signed Minstrel Boys’, see www.ministrelboys.org.uk yet the message hasn’t got to us yet.’ From a and details on the Ulster American Folk Park living historian’s point of view, an opportunity can be seen on: www.nmni.com/uafp. ■ like this can’t be missed. People tend to for- get, before the age of modern telecommuni- Apart from his job with An Cosantóir, Wesley cations, it could take weeks for a message to Bourke is part of The Minstrel Boys Living get around and the Battle of New Orleans History Group.

THE USA By Wesley Bourke

AN COSANTÓIR September 2010 27 00-An Cos-SEPT-10 (p18-27) 15/09/2010 12:15 Page 28

Adventures on the Soca By Capt Ian Burke

With the river levels dropping across sections at Kayaking grades II-IV, a tribu- Ireland this year, paddlers from the tary called the Kornitica and a considerably Defence Forces Kayak Club hungry for harder section (grade V-VI) suitably called adventure headed abroad this summer. Siphon Canyon. After investigating the rivers of France, On arrival in Slovenia we were met with Norway and Italy, the Soca River Valley in almost perfect water levels (high to medi- the Slovenian Julian Alps was selected as um) and initial bank inspections brought a suitable challenge. The Soca is recog- about some nervous laughter and concerns nised by the international paddling com- about boat selection amongst some in our munity for its guaranteed water levels of group. intermediate and advanced grade, as well Our first day consisted of a warm-up as easy logistics and low cost living. run on one of the easier sections to This was also the first foreign kayaking allow everyone to get accustomed to the trip undertaken by DF paddlers for a speed and power of the water. We number of years, following the recent club quickly realised that the Soca re-organisation, seeing an increase in River was like no Irish paddling activities, from beginner to river in terms of the advanced levels across the Defence speed of the water Forces. and the continu- The trip was aimed at advanced kayak- ous nature of ers wishing to progress their paddling the rapids. ability and river experience and Sgt John That after- O’Reilly, Cpl Damien Meade, Pte Ray noon, we Ryan and myself travelled. paddled The Soca River consists of four main some of the

SPORTS RO

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the Soca urke

SPORT most difficult sections of Siphon Canyon, before deciding that at the current high water levels, a full descent would be too risky. On day two we stepped up and begin to get comfortable on the big water, practising new techniques such as boofing, flaring and ‘s’ turns as our confidence grew. We began to work well together, exploring new more adventurous lines down some of the bigger rapids. Day three saw us undertake a longer paddle, combining the upper and lower sec- tions of the Siphon Canon. As we DF Orienteering Challenge approached the end of day with tired arms the 34 Res Inf Bn retained the led, while and still some challenging rapids to Over 60 military orienteers togged out for the Defence Forces Orienteering Team Challenge, Collins Bks RDF clawed back some time on paddle, one of the group missed his now in its fourth year on July 21st and 22nd. the Air Corps. line and ended up taking a swim. This two-day event held in Galway required The final event, the Urban Sprint was held Though immediately rescued, each three-person team to compete in four in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa and again was also an the search and retrieval of his orienteering disciplines (Team Relay, individual and a team scored event. This is a boat involved a four-hour Butterfly, Harris and Urban Sprint). Though a classic event, set in an urban environment, hike down the canyon. The competition, the overall aim is to introduce making it more challenging, fast paced over a paddler was eventually different orienteering techniques to novice shorter distance. reunited with his boat. orienteers and at the same time, an opportuni- Most competitors enjoyed the urban sprint, We moved up the Soca ty for seasoned campaigners to share their though some commented on the positioning of River Valley the next day knowledge of the sport with others. certain controls. in search of the famous The 21 unit teams converged on Portumna With all the scores tallied up, Pte Lane (34 Soca Gorge section, a Forest Park, Co Galway for the Team Relay Res Inf Bn) won this year’s individual prize, ‘full-on’ committed grade event on day one. Running in a relay, this event while Cpl Corkery (Collins Bks RDF) took sec- IV ‘boxed-in’ gorge with required the team to complete a long, medium ond and Capt Flood (Air Corps) taking third. ‘must-make’ moves and little and novice orienteering course. Here, team The Team Shield was returned to Cork, though room for error. After some captains must decide who in his team would this time it was won by the 34 Res Inf Bn Team. nervous scouting and debate tackle each course, depending on their compe- The team challenge is the brainchild of Sgt over the best line to take, we tency and fitness. After this event, the 34 Res Eddie Hosty (1 Cn Cois) and Cpl Eric O’Brien entered the gorge, which was a Inf Bn took the initial lead. (USAC), who orchestrated the event after thrilling rollercoaster ride - with some Next, came the Butterfly event, which, was completing Orienteering Skills and Planners sections just wide enough to get a kayak a combined individual and team scored event. courses with the British Army in 2007. through. It is a very fast event and the term The DF Team Challenge is an ideal oppor- On day five we paddled the Kornitica - a ‘Butterfly’ comes from the actual map overlay tunity to develop a soldier’s map and compass large tributary running into the upper sec- of the course, where the sequence for the con- work, albeit in an enjoyable environment. For tion of the Soca. The Kornitica, somewhat trols results in a Butterfly pattern appearing more on DF orienteering, checkout steeper than the Soca, again offered a on the map. www.dfo.military.ie thrilling days paddling. Competitors must run to all controls On our final day, we repeated some of the through a common central point, in essence in CISM Orienteering more difficult sections of the Soca and in the shape of a butterfly, before returning to the Congratulating to our DF Orienteers who terms of our river running skills, teamwork centre control again and on to the finish. participated in the World CISM Orienteering and smiling faces, it was hard to believe that Pte Alan Lane (34 Res Inf Bn) won in a Competition in Norway from August 16th- we were the same four kayakers that had convincing time of 32mins, closely followed by 21st. In the men’s events, we performed well paddled nervously earlier in the week. Lt Ray Holohan (DFO) and Cpl Jer Corkery compared to previous years with consistent Our trip to Slovenia was groundbreaking (Collins Bks RDF). individual times, which gave us a 20th place in terms of what the DF Kayaking Club had Day two commenced with the Harris event overall, higher than both the Netherlands and achieved in the recent past and it would not on the Oranmore Ranges with the 34 Res Inf Germany. Well done to Pte Colm Hill (RDF) have been possible without the support of Bn in the lead, the Air Corps in second place who was the best Irish male competitor. Comdt McAuliffe and his staff in the DFAA and Collins Bks RDF in third. Out of the 24 competing nations, only and Lt Col Richardson (Chair DFCAT). It The Harris event requires each member to 15 nations entered a women’s team. Of was a thoroughly enjoyable and exhilarating collect a common spine of controls, with an these, all had strong teams with a few kayaking expedition and one which will be extra 10 controls bagged by the team with the professional orienteers in their ranks. Lt captain deciding who gets what extra controls. hard to beat...certainly in the foreseeable Maeve O’Grady was our best Irish female After some tactical plotting and penalties, future. competitor. ROUND-UP

AN COSANTÓIR September 2010 29 00-An Cos-SEPT-10 (p18-27) 15/09/2010 12:15 Page 30

DF Triathlon 2010 DF Triathlon Results Over 100 military triathletes descended on the idyllic Lough Ennell, near Liplliput, Name Time County Westmeath on August 13th for this Male - Senior year’s DF Triathlon. The competitors were Winner Pte G Crawford 1:07:03.1 treated to a gun salute from the gunners of Runner-up Lt N O’Grady 1:09:19.8 the nearby Columb Bks, Mullingar as they Third place Lt Cdr O Mullowney 1:12:28.1 warmed-up and donned their wetsuits, swim goggles and caps for the first event, the Novice 750m swim, followed by a 20k cycle and a 5k Winner LS T O’Brien 1:15:31.9 run. Runner-up Pte J Keenehan 1:16:13.2 Precision Timing, a race management Third place Cpl O’Dwyer 1:16:14.2 company, along O/40 with the Winner CPO J Bartley 1:13:22.7 Defence Forces Triathlon Runner-up Sgt J Devlin 1:15:20.9 Association Third place Cpl B Harte 1:17:07.7 (DFTA) had Team registered the Winners Capts F Kehoe, J Boylan and Lt J Gaffney competitors Runner-up Col M Beary,Lt Cols E Caulfield with each one and M McInerney wearing an electronic tag, Female - Senior that allowed the Winner Capt C Quinn 1:19:04.4 race organisers Runner-up Lt L Keane 1:19:28.9 to record the Third place Pte M O’Connor 1:20:08 competitors’ Novice times during the Winner Pte R Masterson 1:20:04.8 swim, cycle, run Runner-up Sgt E Price 1:27:17.6 and transition Third place Sgt R Donovan 1:30:37.8 areas. The field was seeded into has seen a marked interest in the sport. senior female event in a time of 1:19:04.4. senior, novice, Apart from taking part in the triathlon, Thanks to the Midland Triathlon Club, O/40s and a number of our triathletes are making Precision Timing, DFAA and OC 4 Fd Arty teams (three their mark on the national circuit and are Regt who all contributed to making the 2010 competitors - in the running for selection to the national DF Triathlon a great day out. For all the each one doing team. results, see: www.precisiontiming.net and if either a swim, Congratulation to Pte G Crawford who you’re interested in giving a triathlon a go, cycle and run) won senior male event in a convincing time of contact Lt Laura Keane (2 Cav Sqn) at: and this year 1:07:03.1 and Capt C Quinn, winner of the [email protected]■

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This month we feature a number of products that might just make your life a bit more comfortable when out on the ground. Thanks to The Great Outdoors for supplying all the products for review.

GADGETS

It seems people are finally getting the fact that here in Ireland we have access Kayak Trolley to some of the most unspoilt coastline in Europe. Sea kayak ing is simply the Price: €59.99 best way to get out there and discover what our beaches, cliffs, islands and bay s have to offer. With relatively little outlay you can be geared up for any - thing from a hour-long spin round your local harbour to a weekend long island hopping trip with a local Sea Kayak club. Here we take a look at some of the gear to get you on your way.

Point 65 XP18 Sea Kayak Palm Kaikoura PFD Price: €2,200 Price: €159.99 Point 65 is a Swedish based The Kaikoura is sea kayak company that is pro- an expedition ducing some of the best tour- level touring An off road kayak trolley will make get- ing boats on the market. Their PFD that is ting your kayak from the car to the water new XP18 is without doubt a packed with a piece of cake. The jumbo inflatable most stunning sea kayak storage space wheels won’t get bogged down in soft design. From the hull shape to and cool fea- sand or mud and will bounce over most the paint job this thing just tures. With rocky shores. Save your shoulders for the screams speed and it’s a little large front paddling and invest in a trolley.■ surprising to find that Point 65 cargo pockets have been using the same with internal compartments, fleece lined designer that worked on the hand warmer pockets, a shoulder pocket current Porsche car and Pirelli and a large back cargo pocket designed September Competition boat designs. The advanced for a hydration pack there is acres of This month we have a North Face basecamp hull makes for amazing glide room for all your bits and pieces. The flex duffle bag to give away, kindly sponsored by and stability meaning that this formed foam means that there is no the Great Outdoors Store. To be in with a kayak is suitable for pretty restrictions at all and this really is a joy chance to win this excellent piece of kit, much all levels of kayakers. to wear all day long. answer the following questions, which all The composite construction is relate to this month’s magazine. lightweight but strong and the Palm Tasman Cag 1. What does IED stand for? boat is packed with two large Price: €189 2. Who is pictured on the World Strategic waterproof gear hatches and a We may have Picture page? small day hatch, giving you some of the best 3. In our Sports Round-Up, what country enough room for an expedi- coastline in did our DF Kayakers visited? tions worth of gear. The spec Europe, unfortu- Competition closing date is: September sheet is completed with a nately our 30th. Send all entries with your name and rudder and retractable skeg… weather some- address to: a lean, mean touring machine. times lets us September Competition down. But as the An Cosantóir Select First old saying goes DFHQ Touring Paddle ‘There is no such Infirmary Road Price: €189 thing as bad Dublin 7 weather just bad clothes’, the Tasman Or email to: [email protected] cag is designed for day touring or multi To get the best out of a great touring day trips for any weather. The neck has a June’s Winner kayak, you need a great touring paddle. nice adjustable collar, so you can either The answers to the June competition were: The Select First is a super strong, super zip up or let some air in. The wrists use 1. Sgt Walsh (4 Inf Bn) light fibreglass paddle that gets the latex seals with durable over cuffs that 2. Tactical maximum amount of power from each will keep the water out. There is a fold 3. LÉ Niamh stroke. The split design means that you away hood with a wired peak, chest can split it in two pieces, either for and sleeve pockets and fully taped Congratulation to: Kieran Dixon, storage, transport or for strapping a seams. A real go anywhere kayak Knockacarra, Co Galway. A pair of Solomon spare to the deck of your kayak. touring top. XT Wings2 runners are on the way to you.

AN COSANTÓIR September 2010 31 00-An Cos-SEPT-10 (p28-36) #110 15/09/2010 12:18 Page 32

N O T I C E B O A R D

This page is designed to give our readers an easy-to-follow list of important numbers, addresses and websites. Readers can also submit notices that Septemberbe of interest to others. Please keep notices to the point, include your contact details and send by email to: [email protected] or by post to: Editor An Cosantóir, DFHQ, Infirmary Road, Dublin 7, Ireland.

■ Important Contacts ■ An Cosaantóir €100 Winners Staffcare 1800 409 388 This will take place on October 6th in the Laurence Scallan, Co Kilkenny www.alone.ie 01 6791032 Phoenix Park, Dublin and is opened to Jason Burke, Co Kilkenny www.samaritans.org 1850 609 090 serving and retired members of the DF Michael Brosnihan, Co Limerick www.citizeninformation.ie (PDF and RDF) and the DoD. See Kevin Stack, Co Cork www.teenline.ie 1800 833 634 www.military.ie and or contact your Bde Diarmuid Scannell, Co Cork www.aware.ie 1890 303 302 BPEO for details. Brendan O’Shea, Co Kildare John Clarke, Co Cork DF Benevolent Fund 01 8046185 ■ Counselling Service Frankie Early, Co Donegal www.cafnbo.com 01 6711841 Affordable, confidential, one-to-one John Mitten, Dublin 24 www.caoga-defenceforces.com 01 8042785 counselling service to members of the Gordon O’Reilly, Co Wexford www.ansaccu.ie 01 8554489 Defence Forces. For more, contact: Francis Doherty, Co Donegal www.mabs.ie 1890 283438 Stephen Keogh BA (Hons) in Counselling Liam McGahern, Co Cork www.odf.ie 01 6633222 and Psychotherapy Anne O’Sullivan, Co Carlow www.oneconnect.ie 01 4850600 Tel: 087-0935510. Based in Raheny, Dublin. David Flaherty, Co Kerry www.inuva.com 01 6791262 (Stephen is a retired member of the Charles Foy, Co Galway www.iarco.info/ Defence Forces, having served in the www.irishsoldiers.com 01 6777853 Army Aptce Sch, 6 Fd S&T Coy, Curragh The next draw will take place on www.republic-of- Comd Veh Wkps and AC Tpt Sec). September 30th ireland.britishlegion.org.uk 01 6713044 ■ ■ www.raco.ie 01 8042517 ANSAC Credit Union DF Contacts www.pdforra.ie 1800 200 250 JULY DRAW Defence Forces HQ 1st Prize €10,000 Maurice Newport, www.rdfra.ie 045 445204 DFHQ/DOD 01 8042000 Co Kildare www.military.ie or www.defence.ie 2nd Prize €5,000 Terence Lees, Co Cavan Finance Branch DoD 091 743700 ■ Family Income Supplement 3rd Prize €2,500 Patrick O’Toole, Co Laois PDFORRA have issued an information 4th Prize €1,500 Eamon Alan Catterson, 2 Eastern Brigade circular pertaining to the Family Income Co Donegal Cathal Brugha Bks 01 8046000 Supplement and how members of the Aiken Bks 042 9332295 €500 Winners 01 8412102 Defence Forces maybe eligible to claim. Philip Mc Loughlin, Co Leitrim Kilbride Camp 01 4582169 For more details, checkout: pdforra.ie or Gus Chapman, Co Sligo McKee Bks 01 8046000 welfare.ie Raymond Ronan, Dublin 24 Military Archives 01 8046457 Anthony Gibson, Dublin 10 St Bricin’s Hospital 01 8042000 ■ Medal Mounting Martin Lee, Co Longford Kieran McMahon Jnr, Co Cork 1 Southern Brigade VOC Medal Mounting Service. Ballymullen Bks 066 7121871 Competitive prices. Contact Vinny at: €100 Winners Collins Bks 021 4514000 01-8475617 Alan Mc Kenna, Co Louth Kickham Bks 054 21222 Paul Mc Kenzie, Dublin 8 Kilworth Camp 025 24011 ■ Pakistan Appeal Edward Lacey, Co Kildare McCann Bks 0504 31503 A number of Irish-based charities are David Mooney, Cork City Sarsfield Bks 061 314233 raising much need funds for the people of Philip Washington, Co Louth Stephens Bks 056 21174 Pakistan, left homeless from the recent Dean Mc Dermott, Dublin 10 4 Western Brigade floods. List below are a few of their Eamon Dunbar, Co Sligo Custume Bks 09064 21000 websites: Brendan Domican, Kildare Town Carna Camp 09064 89133 www.unicef.ie Donal Goulding, Cork City Castlebar Bks 094 21275 www.worldvision.ie Brendan Harte, Dublin 11 Columb Bks 044 48391 www.redcross.ie Richard Mc Carthy, Co Westmeath 072 41488 www.trocaire.org Paul Dunlea, Cork USAC 091 751001 www.concern.net Conor Gallagher, Co Cavan Defence Forces Training Centre AUGUST DRAW ■ Skydive for ChildAid Curragh Camp 045 445000 1st Prize €10,000 David O’Hara, Co Cork ChildAid is looking for volunteers to Coolmoney Camp 045 404626 2nd Prize €5,000 Patrick Byrne, Dublin 5 fundraise for this very worthy charity and Range Service 045 404653 3rd Prize €2,500 Sean Kerley, Co Louth experience at the same time, jumping out Waterford Bks 051 374425 4th Prize €1,500 Gerard Davis, Co Kildare of a plane from 10,000ft with the Irish Wexford Bks 053 22573 € Parachute club. All you need to do is 500 Winners Air Corps € raise just 640 to Jump! Jump dates are Michael Devlin, Dublin 13 Casement Aerodrome 01 4037689 held regularly and full training will be pro- Araon Kearney, Co Cork vided. For more information, contact Andrew Dunne, Co Offaly Naval Service Graham Tobin at: 087-6886101 Ruairi Byrne, Co Meath Naval Base 021 4864700■

32 AN COSANTÓIR September 2010 00-An Cos-SEPT-10 (p28-36) #110 15/09/2010 12:18 Page 33

man who experienced a rise to This month we review four books from the very power that was unequalled by any- one else in Japanese history. Born popular Osprey Publishing series, which cover a the son of a peasant and rising from wide variety of historical and military-related the ranks to military greatness, Hideyoshi had always been a sol- subjects. All are available in most major bookshops diers’ general and inspired loyalty even after his death. Hideyoshi and from: www.ospreypublishing.com brought Japan together under a sin- gle ruler, bringing an end to a period of continual warfare between rival daimyos that had lasted for Mons Graupius AD 83 Galloglass 1250-1600 decades. By 1591 Hideyoshi had BOOK REVIEWS Rome’s Battle at the Edge Gaelic Mercenery Warrior reunited Japan, a feat brought about through the skilful application of of the World Author: Fergus Cannan strategy and diplomacy at which he excelled. Author: Duncan B Campbell Type: Warrior 143 Type: Campaign 224 Illustrator: Seán Ó Brógáin Illustrator: Seán Ó Brógáin ISBN: 978-1-84603-577-7 € ISBN: 978-1-846603-926-3 Price: 14.99 Price: €18.99 Galloglass, Following the invasion of Britain under from the the Emperor Claudius in AD 43, Roman Gaelic rule was imposed over the peoples of term gal- southern England and slowly extended lóglaigh northwards. By AD 77, Roman armies signifying stood on the threshold of present-day ‘foreign Scotland. Under the dynamic leader- warriors’ ship of the governor Gnaeus Julius from the Agricola the following seven years Hebrides, saw the subjugation of the most were remote outposts of the British Isles, Scottish culmination in the decisive battle of mercenaries who fought Mons Graupius in AD 83 that saw the in the retinues of Ireland’s magnates devastation of the Caledonian confed- from the 13th to early 17th centuries. The French Foreign eration under the legendary Calgacus. Without question, galloglass were The Caledonians lost some 10,000 among the most visually impressive Legion 1872-1914 men, while only 360 Romans were warriors of all time: sketched by Albrecht Durer and mentioned by killed. The Roman victory at Mons Author: Martin Windrow Shakespeare, they were described Graupius completed the pacification Type: Men-at-Arms 461 with awe by Elizabethan Englishmen of the island of Britannia, and this was Illustrator: Mike Chappell serving in Ireland. Drawing on both to prove the high-water mark of the ISBN: 978-1-84908-3 English and little-known Gaelic Roman Empire in the north. Price: €12.99 texts, this is the first dedicated mili- tary history of the galloglass to be Following the Franco-Prussian War, published. As well as examining the Foreign Legion was the their weapons and armour, their strongest and the only all-volunteer unique fighting skills and their life white infantry regiment in the on campaign, this book explores French Army. With Algeria pacified their reputation among the Irish pop- by the early 1880s, it provided expe- ulation, and the debate as to ditionary units for France’s cam- whether they were liberators – part paigns of colonial expansion in of a ‘Celtic alliance’ to drive out the Vietnam and Africa in the 1880s- English – or brutal and self-serving 1900s, and these hard-bitten merce- soldiers of fortune. naries earned such a reputation for endurance that the Legion was steadily tripled in size to 12 large Toyotomi Hideyoshi battalions. This book describes the organisation, campaigns and uni- Author: Stephen Turnbull forms of the Legion’s ‘golden age’, Type: Command 6 illustrated with many rare images Illustrator: Giuseppe Rava and meticulously detailed colour ISBN: 978-1-84603-960-7 plates of uniforms and Price: €14.99 equipment.■

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was the great- est military commander to be pro- duced by the pre-modern Japan, a REVIEWS

AN COSANTÓIR September 2010 33 00-An Cos-SEPT-10 (p28-36) #110 15/09/2010 12:19 Page 34

Rank: Private Name: Barry O’Leary Job: Medic Unit: 31 Reserve Medical Company

am seven years in the RDF and our medical company is As a medic, you have to train constantly, as there are always spread out over the entire Southern Brigade Area of amendments and updates to medical procedure. Our unit has Operation with a platoon in Clonmel, Limerick, Cork and an excellent group of people. We have several doctors, dentists IKilworth. We train twice weekly at our various training cen- and nurses in our ranks – who all bring a lot of firsthand expe- tres and once a month the unit comes together for a rience to the job. Military units throughout the Defence Forces CASAVAC (casualty evacuation) exercise. All of our training (Permanent and Reserve) are always looking for medics for is governed by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council. The range practices and unit training days. No matter how big or first courses a potential medic does are the Occupational First small the exercise is – it can’t take place without a medic pres- Aid; the Defibrillation and the Healthcare Provider Course. ent. From our point of view it’s great because we get deployed These are them followed by more courses like advanced CPR on the ground and gain a lot of practical experience – as well and the use of medical equipment such as oxygen and training as seeing different aspects of military life. To date, I’ve covered in the use of a spinal board. The last course I’ve done was an RDF camps, cadet exercises and engineers carrying out Ambulance Skills Course, which was very interesting. Apart de-mining drills. You would actually be surprised at how many from the obvious details surrounding the workings of an ambu- injuries and medical conditions we are called upon to treat. lance, we cover drug preparation In the past, we’ve dealt with conditions such pneumothorax, for a doctor and advanced breaks, sprains, foot problems and heat stroke. paramedic. It’s a very rewarding job.■

a life less ordinary

34 AN COSANTÓIR September 2010