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THE MAGAZINE ( E S T A B L I S H E D 1 9 4 0 ) DEC-JAN 2010 d f m a g a z i n e . i e €3.00 (Stg £2.70)

We wish all our subscribers and readers A Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year

Road Safety Message Remember this festive season to reduce your speed, wear your seat belts and… DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.

Pride page 9

Cadets page 16

Fire Rescue page 22

Falklands page 28 ISSN 0010-9460 1 0

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An Cosantóir V O L U M E 6 9 N u m b e r 1 0 DEC-JAN 2 0 1 0 The Pride of the MANAGER: Winning the Capt Pádraic Kennedy Curragh 9 War on the 24 Profile of the Curragh EDITOR: Pride Family Resource Field Sgt David Nagle Centre. Hurling Manager Journalist: speaks on leadership. Wesley Bourke Report by Report by Terry McLaughlin Sgt David Nagle Lt Col K Brennan CONNECT: Battlefield The Battle of Cpl Paul O’Neill Eyes and Ears 12 Goose Green 27 PHOTOGRAPHER: Recce training in the Part 2 – Profile of an Armn Billy Galligan Defence Forces. infantry battalion in SUBSCRIPTIONS: war. Cpl Paul O’Neill Report by Capt Dave McCarthy Report by ADVERTISING: & Wesley Bourke Steve Byrne EU Publishing Michael Whelan Brian Clarke The Journey Reviews Tel: 01 7071931 Begins 16 On Hurting Ground 30 Email: [email protected] commences and Through The [email protected] their training in the Dark Clouds Shining. Printed by Military College. Turner Print Group, Longford. Report by Reviews by Wesley Bourke Sgt David Nagle The fact that an article appears in this magazine does not indi- Op Loch Gartan Military cate official approval of the PDF and RDF troops views expressed by the author. 18 Insignia 32 join forces in combat No 3 Operations Wing exercise. © Published by Air Corps badges. OiC Public Relations Section for the Defence Forces at Report by DFHQ, Infirmary Road, Dublin 7, . Report by Flt Sgt James Tel: 01 8042691 Wesley Bourke G Perkins Fax: 01 6779018 E-mail: ancosantoir What Lies On Exhibit @defenceforces.iol.ie Beneath 21 Military dress 33 Profile of the Army uniforms on exhibit. Front cover: Diving Group. Soldiers in action during Op Loch Gartan. Photo by: Armn Greg Dorney. Report by Report by Wesley Bourke Glenn Thompson

An Cosantóir Online Emergency Letters To access past issues of Response 22 Readers opinions 34 An Cosantóir, log onto: expressed. dfmagazine.ie. Developments This month’s username is: Profile of the Air Corps december Fire Rescue Service. and the password is: Report by december (lower case). Lt Col Kevin Byrne & Capt Thomas Craven

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news update… news update… news update…

Running on Reserve In November, the 58 Res Inf Bn, based in , Co Donegal ran an inter-company cross-coun- try event and pictured here are the winning A Company team. They are (l-r) standing: Sgt B Taylor (Cadre Staff), Lt S McLaughlin, Comdt E McCosker (OC A Coy), Sgt J Quinn, Lt P McDevitt and CQMS B Barber (Cadre Staff). Kneeling (l-r): Cpl J Buchanan, Ptes J Doherty and T O’Donnell. Sgt Quinn is also this year’s Over 50 DF cross-coun- try champion. Photo by: Lt John McCandless (58 Res Inf Bn). Benefit Georgia in Kind Calling In November, the Association for A delegation from the Georgian Retired Commissioned Officers National Guard in November visited (ARCO) made their now annual the Defence Forces to discuss our cheque presentation to the structure. Defence Forces Benevolent Fund. They included (l-r): Maj Teimuraz Pictured here in the Officers Mess, Buskhrikidze (Georgian Defence McKee Bks are (l-r): Col Colm Attaché to Ireland), Mr Zurab Campbell (D SPO), Brig Gen Liam Arsoshvili and Col Telman Meskhidze McNamee (Retd), Maj Gen Dave (Georgian Armed Forces) and they Ashe (D Cos Sp), Col Brian are pictured here with Maj Gen Sean O’Connor (Retd - Pres ARCO), Maj McCann (D COS Ops) and Lt Col Gen Sean McCann, (D Cos Ops) Anthony Daly (D Res Fces) during a and Col ME Lucey (Retd). Photo courtesy call to DFHQ. Photo by: by: Armn Billy Galligan. Capt Gerard Fitzpatrick (DALO).

OnShop November 13th-15th,Talk Army and senior officers attended a seminar held in the DFTC. Pictured during a break in proceedings are (l-r): Lt Cols Bob Nugent, Mick Rock, Peter Gibbons, Colm Harte, Ger O’Halloran (Retd), Comdt Brendan Crowley, Lt Cols Tony Daly (D Res Fces) and Matt Murray. Photo courtesy of: Lt Col Bob Nugent (OC RDFTA).

TheOn Most ReverendParade Jim Moriarty Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin is seen here inspecting a honour guard, under the command of Lt Enda Walsh on the occasion of the 50th anniversary rededication of St Brigid’s Church, in November. Photo by: Sgt JJ Ryan (HQ DFTC).

WhenHello Sgt Maj Noel GrandadO’Callaghan returned home from overseas in Chad in October, he got an early Christmas present, when he met his grandchild Alisha for the first time. Also pictured in Dublin Airport are (l-r): Breda O’Callaghan (a proud grandmother) and Rebecca ( a proud mother) Photo by: Topic Newspapers Ltd.

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For a Good Cause Both the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund and Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin received a donation recently from the men and women of the 99 Inf Bn, who raised the money while on over- seas service in Chad. Pictured at the presentation in McKee Bks are (l-r): Sgt Charlie Stone, Mons Farewell Eoin Thynne (HCF), Mr Gerry In November, Col Con McNarama retired from the Defence Cully (Our Lady’s Hospital) and Forces and he is seen here with family at a ceremony to mark NEWS UPDATE Cpl Chippy Byrne. Photo by: Armn the occasion. They are his daughters (l-r): Ruth, Elaine, Meg Billy Galligan. (wife) and Susan. Photo by: Sgt JJ Ryan (HQ DFTC). Happy Snapper Congratulations to Cdt Gallagher, winner of this year’s Air Corps photographic competi- tion. Flt Sgt Willie Barr is seen here presenting the winner with a Fuji camera for his photo of a monkey. Photo by: Armn Paul Daly (AC Photo Sec).

Smile Please Pictured here are members of the executive and working committees of the ANSAC Credit Union during their AGM held in the Green Isle Hotel, Dublin in November. For all queries on loans, shares and mem- bership, checkout: ansaccu.ie. Photo by: Cpl Paul O’Neill. Sharpshooter Earlier this year, Lt R Arnott (12 Inf Bn) received his Sniper Marksman Badge for passing all seven-sniper tests with distinction on completing a 1 S Bde Basic Sniper Course. This is the highest award a marksman can achieve and it is seldom attained. Pictured outside the IWW, DFTC are (l-r): Lt K Woulfe (OiC Cse), Lt R Arnott, Comdt J O’Shea (OC IWW) and Lt M Hosback (Instr IWW). Photo courtesy of: Comdt J O’Shea.

High Flyers Congratulations to Lt Cols Kevin Byrne, Harvey O’Keeffe and Gerald O’Sullivan (all Air Corps) who received their Masters in Strategic Management from NUI Maynooth at a ceremony in the UNTSI, DFTC in November. Photo courtesy of: Lt Col Kevin Byrne.

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news update… news update… news update… Many Hands Make Great Work Photographs by Armn Greg Dorney and Sgt Barry McCarthy Over the last month as Ireland was battered with rain and winds causing some of the worst flooding ever recorded nationwide, hundreds of DF men and women answered the call for assistance. It was a tri-service (Army, Naval Service and Air Corps) approach as the military, armed with shovels and sandbags mobilised into the cities, towns and rural areas to help Irish citi- zens trapped by the raising waters. Operating in hi-axle trucks and flat-bottomed boats, soldiers rescued thou- sands and their belongings, while at the same time assisted the local authorities and emergency services in stemming further damage to life, property and livestock. Apart from sand bagging duties, the Defence Forces provided fresh water to local communities affected by the floods and ferried essential emergency personnel and supplies when called upon. Well done to all. Above (right): Soldiers assist a local Sallins (Co Kildare) woman back to her home. Above (left): A soldier gives a woman a lift through some of the high waters in her Sallins housing estate.

An Taosieach, Mr Brian Cowen TD meets soldiers in Collins Bks, involved in the flood relief. Above: Soldiers prepare sandbags for use in the affected areas. Note the soldier (left) using his head with an inverted traffic cone to allow the sand to fill the bag more easily. This is just one of the example of how soldiers improvised to get the job done.

Right: A Scania truck and its crew assist local residents in Sallins.

6 AN COSANTÓIR Dec-Jan 2010 00-An Cos-dec-09 (p1-9) 09/12/2009 19:19 Page 7 ate… news update… news update… news update… SPORTS UPDATE Photographs by Capt Padraic Kennedy and Armn Greg Dorney November was a busy month for DF sportsmen and women who took part in , hurling, basketball and boxing tournaments.

DF-v-The Banks In some closely fought Gaelic football and hurl- ing games, the DF did battle with teams from the AIB and BOI banks in their annual represen- tative series. Matches were played in a number Above: DF Gaelic footballers who of venues with all sides fielding their best play- took part in the series. ers – some are well-known county and club Below: Gnr O’Sullivan (top) – GAA players. The results over the series were: ‘Man of the Match’ against BOI; Football Hurling and (bottom) Lt Shane Brennan DF (2-10)-v-BOI (1-10) DF (1-14)-v-BOI (1-14) – ‘Man of the Match’ against AIB. DF (2-15)-v-AIB (3-14) DF (0-14)-v-AIB (1-17)

The gloves are on Again in the McKee Bks gym on November 20th, the 5 Inf Bn hosted a boxing tournament. In all, over nine three-round bouts in various weights took place. Armn Dorney’s photo (below) certainly captures some of the action in the ring and the Bouncing Ball courage displayed by all competitors On November 26th, the DF took on An Garda showed in donning boxing Síochána finest men and women basketball gloves and headgear teams in a one-day series in McKee Bks gym. to do battle. Both sides played their hearts out with some fine examples of basketball displayed by all. In the men’s game, the DF beat the Gardaí (52 - 51). While in the women’s game, the DF lost to the Gardai. Our DF women’s team is seen here (above) with Pte Joe O’Meara.

Action during the DF v AIB hurling match in the Curragh Camp.

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As families and com- ituated in a former married quarters looking out occupied the building. This group, run by Mick O’Brien, onto the Ranges is the Curragh PRIDE Family which now caters for over 70 local youths, aged from 11 munities around the Resource Centre, which was established in 2006. to young adults, moved up to the old McDonagh NCOs It is the only centre of its type in the Defence Mess when the Pride was established. country struggle to SForces, providing a variety of services to the resi- The Pride’s chairman, Sgt Frank Connolly (Med Sch, survive the current dents of the Curragh Camp, and the townlands of CSSC), gave an outline of the centre’s genesis, its cur- Brownstown, Maddenstown and Ballysax. The cen- rent structure and the range of groups that use it. economic downturn, tre’s name, PRIDE, was the brainchild of local The Pride opened in 2006 after a lot of hard work woman Maeve Power and is an acronym for Positive by local residents, supported by the Defence Forces, the staff and volun- Response, Inter-community, Development and the DoD, and other local and state agencies. teers of the Curragh Excellence. Initially, funding through the Department of Family COMMUNITY On the morning I visited, December 1st, the staff and Social Affairs was secured to employ a full-time PRIDE Family where getting ready for the women’s group, who co-ordinator and part-time administrator. They also Resource Centre are where about to arrive for the final part of their six- provided funds to help refurbish the centre. Since week healthy-eating programme. then centre has added another four part-time staff. providing a variety Located on Griffith Road, ‘the Pride’ shares a car 12 volunteers and a dedicated committee also sup- park with Post 11, IUNVA, their valued neighbours. port the Pride. of services that are In their small, homely kitchen, a large hob blasted For Frank, who grew up, raised his family, and still increasingly in out heat as the staff busily prepared for the arrival of lives and works, in the Curragh, volunteering is part the women’s group. of who he is, and he is know in some circles as ‘Mr demand by the I was given a quick tour of the centre, which com- Curragh’ for his years of community work with young residents of the prises a semi-detached house with a stables/out- people and other Curragh groups. This year Frank house converted into a lecture/recreational/play- received awards from the Defence Forces and Kildare Curragh Camp. room, and impressive gardens that include a veg- County Council in recognition of his contribution to etable allotment. the community. Sgt David Nagle Another very successful community group, the Today, the Pride is firmly stitched into the fabric of reports… Curragh Youth Project, established in 2001, formerly the community, providing services ‘from the cradle to

THE OF THE CURRAGH

M inister Mary Hanifin with staff and volunteers of the Curragh Pride. Also pictured are Maj Gen Seán McCann (D COS Ops) and Comdt Gerry Harney (PSS DFTC).

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the grave’. It has now commenced its second three- year plan to provide support for over 150 families (approximately 500 people) living in the Curragh Camp and the surrounding area. A variety of groups use the centre on a daily Curragh Life basis, including the women’s group; a men’s group; Here, three Curragh ladies Parent & Toddler; After-school Homework; Art speak about living in the Buddies; Literacy Skills; Spouses of Soldiers camp, past Christmases Serving Overseas (SOS), and a group that provide and what they will do this computer classes. festive season… In addition to its weekly programme, the Pride ran a very successful summer project this year and Minister Mary Hanifin TD (Department of Family and Mary Stynes Social Affairs) opened their ‘I’m from Ceannt Terrace and I’ve been living in new lecture room in May. The the Curragh Camp for the past 50 years. My father Pride has also organised and my husband Michael Stynes served as sol- diers and our son Michael Stynes is serving in the numerous trips, with the gener- Curragh with the 3 Infantry Battalion. I’ve been in ous help of their IUNVA neigh- the women’s group for a over a year after hearing bours, who let them use their about the Pride from a friend. I’ve never missed a bus and volunteer driver. day since. We’ve done loads of course and out- The centre’s SOS group ings. I’ve done a computer course, which I would provides an important service of never of dreamed of doing before. to the families of soldiers serv- Years ago we hadn’t got a SOS scheme and ing overseas. Marion Kelly, who She sees the centre’s services augmenting those when my husband first served overseas I was used the centre while her hus- expecting our first child. I was lucky to have my already available to these families through the family mother and family living close by. The army then band Pte Patrick Kelly was liaison officer appointed by the Defence Forces and would get the families together to record a serving in last year, the PSS. She says the Pride provides a family-friend- Christmas radio message and your photograph dropping in with her son, Alex, ly environment for these spouses and their children would appear in the local Curragh magazines. I for a cup of coffee and a chat and gives them somewhere to go when they want to remember great Christmas parties with the staff and other spous- get out of the house for a few hours. For some fami- in the Curragh with es, still visits the centre regu- lies, calling into the centre became the highlight of Santa arriving on larly. She recalled one particu- their week, meeting others whose partners were either a horse or a lar occasion when she was sick tank. This overseas and being able to let the kids play together at home while Patrick was in a safe environment. Christmas I’ll be overseas. With all her immedi- putting my feet up Another success story for the Pride is their men’s and have ate family out at work, she was group, who, with the help Seán Dempsey, a local Christmas Day’s able to pick up the phone and farmer who works in the centre on a part-time basis, dinner in my get help from the Pride staff. established a vegetable allotment. sons home.’ The centre’s co-ordinator, Seán proudly showed me the allot- Miriam O’Brien said that they ment’s current crop and spoke contact the families of any sol- about their plans to nearly double dier heading overseas from the the allotment size in the 2010. Curragh Camp to let them He said the plot is prov- know of the services available. ing a focal point for the men, who tend the vegetables every Local farmer and Pride chance they get. employee Seán Dempsey tends his crop. Seán also told me how their produce is being put to good use. Most recently during the Curragh Ladies’ healthy-eat- ing programme, and last September when the Pride hosted a soup-and-bread morn- ing for the local St Brigid’s Hospice, where the soup was made from the vegetables grown by the men’s group and the ladies’ group made the bread. Another neigh- bour, retired army chef, Kevin Woods gives the men’s group fork-to-

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plate master classes using the patches’ it is the DFTC HQ staff, who they say have Teresa McMahon vegetables grown in their garden. ‘bent over backwards’ in acceding to nearly every ‘My husband Michael McMahon served in the Apart from their on-site work, request made of them. In particular, they say that Col Curragh and we have a daughter now serving, the Pride’s staff and committee John Courtney (EO DFTC) and, soon to retire, based in . I heard about the Pride through are conscious that they must Comdt Gerry Harney (PSS DFTC) have been instru- word of mouth and it’s great meeting the other women each week and having a laugh, especially keep plugging away at informing mental in the centre’s success. as our neighbours don’t meet as often now. We the local population about the The centre will be open for business right up to have just completed a healthy eating programme, centre and all it has to offer. In Christmas, hosting a number of festive events, and which was great. Years ago, when my husband this regard they have conducted next year is looking promising, with the Pride staff served overseas, I had a sister and my in-laws liv- several surveys in the camp and planning a number of schemes, both in the centre

ing close by, so they we’re great help. Christmas they also produce a quarterly and with other local groups. COMMUNITY was a special occasion in the Curragh and by the newsletter. Mary Leuders, the centre’s Community time my children were going to the parties, Santa Equally important is their Development worker said that among their plans are was now arriving in a . Also, you had a commitment to co-ordinating getting the men’s group some horticultural accredi- lot of dinner dances with the numerous other inter- tation for their gardening and turning one of the cen- taking place and I remember the ested parties in the Curragh tre’s rooms into a dedicated computer room. Christmas pud- including the GOC and EO Also, the Pride, in conjunction with the Youth dings been piped DFTC; the PSS and the Café, is organising an inter-generational programme, in. This Chaplaincy service; the Curragh which will see 30 participants (15 adults and 15 Christmas I’ll Primary and Secondary schools; youths) looking at issues in the Curragh that concern have most of the the Swimming Pool; the pitch & both groups, and expressing their opinions and find- family around to putt, golf and boxing clubs; the ings through drama. the house, either Historical Society; Youth Café; Miriam and Mary said that a constant challenge on Christmas ONET and IUNVA; the local facing the centre is educating the local community Day or Stephen’s medical centre; the HSE; Kildare about the services they provide. However, they pulled Day.’ Youth Services; and Kildare VEC. no punches in stating that, like every family resource According to the staff, if any centre, the biggest challenge they face over the com- group is to get a ‘mention in dis- ing years will be getting funding from central govern- ment. While the Pride has carried out a lot of fund- raising in the past, in the economic downturn money is tight everywhere and constantly having to meet fund-raising targets can put unnecessary pressure on the staff, volunteers and clients. In this regard, obtaining funding from government is vital. Having said all that, since its establishment the Pride’s staff and volunteers have established a proven track record for getting things done and I am in no doubt that, given their resolve, coupled with their healthy relationship with the Defence Forces and the other community groups in the Curragh, they will keep the spirit of the Curragh Pride alive into the future.■ If you are interested in getting involved with the Curragh Pride, either as a participant or as a volunteer, contact 045-456883.

Sheila Doherty ‘I was born in the Curragh hospital and I’ve been living here in the Curragh Camp for 34 years in Pearse and my father and brother served in the army. I first heard about the Pride through MIriam (Project Co-ordinator) and I’ve been coming ever since. It is lovely here and everyone has a great time. I’ve made some good friends. I have nothing but fond memories of Christmas time in the camp.’

Top: Friends meet in the Curragh Camp Youth Café. Bottom: Marion and Alex Kelly pictured with Miriam O’Brien (right) Pride Coordinator.

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ith the need to increase the number of recce- qualified soldiers in mind, Lt Mick Hosback, a recce and sniper instructor based in the Infantry Weapons Wing (IWW) in the Military College, Wwas tasked with running an eight-week recce com- manders course from October 4th to November 27th, the first such course run by the school since 2005. On the first day of the course, 20 aspiring recce commanders reported at 1500hrs for a kit inspection and room allocation. After these administrative details were sorted the students were free to get set- tled in, check out their surroundings and prepare for the next day. On the second day the course proper started after breakfast with a 13k loaded march (carrying 55lbs, hel- met, weapon and water). Failure to complete the march would mean a ‘return to unit’. Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) is a rapidly evolving area within the Defence Forces and in 2011 we are due to contribute an ISTAR Group to the Nordic Battle Group (NBG). Currently, a D COS (Ops) working group is compiling doctrine for use by the ISTAR Group for both NBG 2011 and the proposed (German-led) BG 2012. The need for reconnais- sance-qualified soldiers has never been more pertinent. Capt Dave McCarthy reports…

Sgt James Pryce BATTLEFIELD (6 Inf Bn) ‘I have been looking to get on a recce com- manders course for EYES & EARS some time now. I wanted to advance my skills. ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) is a skill that is essential to any operation the army conducts. To get eyes on target without them seeing you is some- thing that you can learn and perfect. The course was very tough - both mentally and physically. You are carrying savage weight on your back. A recce team has to take everything with them to sus- tain themselves for long peri- ods of time forward of the main line. You really have to push yourself to the extremes.’

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At the end of the march, students faced a series tactical instruction in Stranahealy Woods, in the Glen Lt Paul Austin of tests, including map reading, judging distance, of Imaal. This began on the Sunday afternoon with (1 Cav Sqn) resection, intervisibility, signals, and general military battle prep and orders in the IWW before we set off ‘The Cavalry knowledge. (Intervisibility is a map reading exercise for our drop-off point (DOP), carrying in excess of are tasked carried out to determine if there is a clear line of 100lbs of kit each. From our DOP we faced a 10-hour with medi- sight between topographical features on a map; a march over some 20 peat hags, before eventually um recce - vital skill, especially in the planning and siting of reaching our patrol harbour. both mount- OPs.) The week focused on OP construction and rou- ed and dis- During the first week the focus was on fitness tine, compromise drills and close target reconnais- mounted. In TRAINING and included a second battle assessment over two sance (CTR) procedures. Another night-navigation the Cavalry miles carrying 35lbs to be completed in 18 minutes. test broke up the week and we capped it off with two Corps we The week also included a two-day navigation days of live-firing tactical training (LFTT) to practice run basic recce cours- exercise and a variety of lectures, with particular contact drills. es and next emphasis on contact drill. The phrase ‘belly, belly, At the halfway mark, the number of students year will we head’ became synonymous with the first week. remaining had reduced to 13, with those gone mainly be running our own recce Week two began with an introduction to river due to injuries or not passing the required navigation commanders course. For the crossing. While the initial skills were practiced in the tests. duration of the course we are Week five included our main defensive exercise, a all pretty much treated as the 72-hr OP exercise. Following a full day of battle prep same rank. This is because and orders, the course moved out to the exercise to pass the course you need area. In keeping with the freedom of action and tone to be able to fill every appointment. As a detach- of the course, the only information given was the ment commander, you are areas to be observed for the duration of the exercise. going to be the one leading All other decisions were left to the platoon and the patrol into their OP designated detachment commanders. (Observation Post). You will Vehicle hides were selected and occupied, and be compiling the information patrols moved on foot for the last part of the OP that the team is gathering insertion across Sugarloaf Mountain. At pre-selected and passing that on to your RVs the patrol split and the detachments moved platoon commander and down through the forest to their OP sites. then up to battalion. So you Detachment commanders selected sites for their are guiding the lads, giving them the information that OP, which were constructed with a thermal image they are specifically to look (TI) wall, overhead cover, and camouflage. At first out for. We are mainly on light all OPs had to be set and local statistics (loc- foot. We do use FFRs and stats) transmitted back to HQ. After 72 hours of OP next year will be using the routine and admin, the order came to withdraw to our Infantry Light Tactical PUP. Following a brief, the course quickly decon- Vehicles.’ structed their OPs, before starting the patrol back to the vehicles. All the business of war, Back in HQ the information gathered by each Cpl Daniel Quinn detachment was put together and the bigger picture (2 Inf Bn) and indeed the business of all enemy activity became apparent, adding more ‘I did my of life, is to endeavour to purpose to the exercise. basic recce Week six saw the course introduced to vehicle course in 2005 find out what you don’t and a direct operations (VehOps), a vital requirement for any fire instruc- know by what you do; recce platoon - providing mobility, logistics and com- tors course munication capabilities in all phases of war. VehOps last year. This that’s what I called requires a recce platoon to move in a co-ordinated included the manner and, as such, movement in vehicles very javelin and .5 ‘guessing what was on much mirrors movement of the platoon on foot. It HMG and the other side of the hill’. allowed us to apply our tactics for movement, obsta- how to employ them The Duke of Wellington cle crossing, contact drills and hide construction, seamlessly to our vehicle patrols. in a fire base A highlight of this week was vehicle contact drills, role. So the recce command- ers course for me was the next relatively comfortable Curragh pool, all too soon the which require a high degree of co-ordination and step. In an infantry battalion, warm water of the pool was replaced by the icy awareness between all detachments in the patrol. ‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies are the waters of Blessington Lake. All students passed the Drivers were required to advance, reverse and turn at manoeuvre elements, while jumping-off-the-bridge confidence test, with some high speed, considering the firing positions of the Support Company provides adapting unorthodox body positions before entering detachment, while the firers had to acquire a stable anti-armour, fire support and the water! base from which to engage the enemy. close recce. When you have all The lasting memory of that week, however, was Week seven incorporated Operation ‘Final these courses done, you can our first navigation test, comprising four night- Surprise’, the offensive ground phase, in Kilworth. really combine and utilise all navigation exercises; everyone had to pass three, The final week saw the students fine tune their those skills. There is no doubt a course with a provision for one retest. MOI skills and complete the general and map reading like this is tough. But you know Week three began with classroom instruction, tests, to confirm they had acquired the necessary in advance the syllabus, so you covering everything from intervisibility to reduction standard. can get the training done. Hit of the thermal signature and panoramic sketching. With the Recce Coy in Chad well established and the hills with packs on your These were punctuated by a stalk, two night- the ISTAR Group on the brink of activation, never back and clock up the miles. navigation tests and a trip to the Respirator Test has it been more important to increase the numbers When you get a course like Facility to brush up on emergency drills. The most of recce commanders and the 13 successful students this, there is a lot of unit pride. interesting part of the week, though, was a covert are looking forward to the opportunity to play a posi- You want to do your best and insertion and sabotage raid into . tive role in improving and increasing the number of return to your unit having suc- cessfully passed the course.’ Week four, the battle block, comprised a period of recce soldiers within their units.

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Cpl Darrel Murray Gormanston Raid Operation ‘Final Surprise’ (5 Inf Bn) By Lt Niall Dolan (4 Cav Sqn) By Lt Eamon Cahill (4 Inf Bn) ‘I did my The first exercise was a raid, aimed at infiltrating a The culmination of our training was tested by a men- basic recce course in ‘terrorist training camp’ at night to destroy aircraft tally and physically challenging offensive ground 2008. For landing before they had time to react. As was to exercise in Kilworth during very inclement weather. me, the become a re-current theme of the course, a massive The course established covert vehicle hides and a recce com- amount of emphasis was placed on intelligence-based patrol harbour over night in order to begin setting the

manders planning and we were supplied with maps, aerial pho- conditions for a possible mechanised company TRAINING course was tographs, and information from intelligence assets in attack. a very tough the camp. and chal- A co-ordinated search phase gave the platoon a lenging The initial plan comprised an amphibious landing footing from which to base an Intelligence course. When on patrol you near Gormanston camp, neutralising an enemy stand- Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB). The platoon was could find yourself as a ing patrol protecting the radar, thus allowing our engi- then in a position to specify high-priority targets and GPMG man on one exercise neer assets to destroy it, before extraction by sea. It gather intelligence by deploying four-man CTR teams and then as 2i/c on the next was a hit-and-run tasking due to the enemy’s estimat- one - which meant you had and covert sniper OPs. The information that was ed strength of 400 terrorists in the camp. gathered justified the need for the support of a mech- to know your stuff. I enjoyed A major glitch emerged as the operation being detachment com- anised company and B Coy, 3 Inf Bn under the com- mander. You are a team of approached when Met Éireann issued a small-craft mand of Comdt Mark Brownen, gladly stepped up to course, but when you are the warning. Amphibious insertion would be too risky and the mark. commader there is that extra our alternative plan to transport the patrol by road to a Recce platoon then began about setting the condi- responsibility. DOP approximately 2k south of the target was put in tions for the next phase of the operation; harbour rec- On finishing the course, I action. The move from the IWW went smoothly until will go back to the battalions’ ces for the mechanised company, route recces, guide we reached the M7 when we were informed by HQ that tasks and preparing back-briefs for the company recce platoon in Sp Coy. a civil disturbance had broken out on our route and In providing close recce - commander were prioritised over sleep, while a which is in the range of close that an alternate route had to be chosen. sniper OP maintained constant watch on our enemy fire support 5-8km, our job is Despite the detour, the DOP was reached before objectives. The information gathered by Recce to provide critical informa- midnight and the platoon readied itself to move out. A Platoon resulted in a co-ordinated company attack tion on the enemy like: loca- tunnel leading from a beach under a rail line close to and raid on the enemy. tion; activities; size; morale; the target was secured and the Fire Support Group, their dress and equipment. Under the cover of darkness, Recce Platoon tacti- under the platoon sergeant, Cpl Damien McDonagh, cally guided a company of Mowags and troops to a You would be surprised how an eight-man assault team, a two-man cut-off team, easy you can build up a pic- designated FUP within 1km of the objective area ture. If the enemy is upbeat, the engineer, Capt Ken Barry, and myself moved into before regrouping to be retasked on one more mis- handing over sentry profes- our positions. sion, a synchronized raid at first light to allow B Coy a sionally or has he his rifle Once the various groups were in position, I gave the foothold and to assist them to cross the start line. As over his back and having a order for the FSG to begin firing as Lt Paul Austin, in dawn broke, casualties were extracted to safety and smoke, these are all good charge of the assault teams, moved towards the radar. our final mission as a course was deemed a success. indicators of morale and how With the assault underway, the FSG and the cut-off professional they are. This is While it was definitely a challenging exercise, the all sent back to the battalion team moved their attention to the camp in order to morale and esprit de corps developed by the mem- headquarters for them to engage any enemy support that might arrive. bers of 6 Recce Commanders Course carried us build a bigger picture. Within minutes the assault team had neutralised through. It was a great achievement and experience the enemy and secured the target, allowing our engi- for us as a course to effectively operate with a ‘real Instructors and students of the neer to set explosive charges on the radar, after life’ mechanised infantry-company and I feel that this 6th Recce Commanders which we withdrew to the pick-up point under cover can be seen as a positive progression for Recce in Instuctors Course. of the FSG. the Defence Forces as a whole.■

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ay one, week one, for the members of 86 Cadet For many, a career as a commis- Class was a nervous time for the new cadets as sioned officer in the Defence they said goodbye to their loved ones in the Curragh and embarked on their new career. Forces is a lifelong dream. Cadet DLt Col Joe Mulligan (OC Cdt Sch) welcomed the new cadets and wished them all the best in their training. classes are small and only the best Recalling the start of his own career, he told the new class, ‘Monday, November 30th 2009, believe you me, candidates can hope to get will live in your memories for the rest of your lives. Every officer that goes through the Cadet School through the selection process. remembers their first day.’ This year’s 86 Cadet Class has 30 students, including three cadets There is no doubt that for the new cadets the Above: Cdt Sinéad Hunt from the Maltese Armed Forces. next 15 months will be Below:Cdt Peter Dunne Ahead of them lies a 15-month the most challenging journey that will see them trans- period of their lives. formed from civilians to military Lt Col Mulligan reassured officers. Wesley Bourke was in the parents and cadets alike, ‘You are joining Military College to see the cadets a great organisation taking their first steps on this that will present you journey… with new challenges, opportunities and many Photographs by Armn Greg Dorney rewards.’

The new cadets are marched off to their accommodation.

The Journey begins

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While all the cadets are of a high standard, they are a diverse group. Some are school leavers while others are college graduates. Some have had little or no prior contact with the Defence Forces, while others have served in either the PDF or RDF as a soldier or NCO. Cdt Peter Dunne (26) joined the Air Corps in 2002 CADETS and underwent a four-year avionics apprenticeship. During his apprenticeship, he completed a law degree (part-time). Peter is just home from serving overseas as a transport fitter with 100 Inf Bn in Chad. ‘I saw other people around me putting them- selves through further education and how this bene- fited them. I wanted to remain in the Defence Forces and I felt that obtaining a cadetship would be the best way to advance my career.’ Cdt Sinéad Hunt (22) has just graduated from college and is looking forward to a career in the Defence Forces. ‘After graduating I realised I want- ed more than just a desk job and the ‘life less ordi- nary’ appealed to me. I wanted to work with people and do a job that was challenging. I was a in 62 Res Fd Eng Coy and I really enjoyed it. Now I can get to be a full-time member of the Defence Forces. I studied mechanic al engineering, but at the moment I am not sure what corps I would like to serve in. I’ll have to see how the next 15 months goes.’ Keep watching the pages of An Cosantóir over the next 15 months to see how things pan out for the newest members of the Defence Forces and their Maltese colleagues.■ Above (left): A cadet Above (right): tries on his tunic. Sgt Sean Doyle kits out a new cadet with his uniform.

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Training has always been a vital ‘Fire mission: Niner- Niner-Niner-Zero! One- component of military life and One-Five-Zero! Correction: never more than now as the Three-Four-Five-Zero! range of locations and opera- Enemy troops in the open.’ tions in which the Defence veryone around me was lying flat on the ground holding their breath. We could see the enemy, but Forces must be able to operate we did not know if they had seen us. Comdt Frank Flannery (1 Cn Cois) was taking no chances – has increased substantially over Etwo minutes later a flight of Pilatus PC-9Ms screamed out of the clouds and put down suppressive the years. The range and com- fire on the enemy. The signal to advance was given and ‘Charlie’ Company (drawn from 1 Cn Cois, 56 Res and plexity of these operations has 58 Inf Bns) advanced to battle. Soldiers have to be ready to deploy anywhere, at led to a corresponding increase any time, by any means, and be capable of carrying out any mission assigned to them. The key to this is con- in the scale and complexity of tinuous training and to this end 4 Western Brigade conducted their annual battalion exercise in north- the training. Wesley Bourke and west Donegal in November. This was a joint exercise with land-, sea-, and air- photographer, Armn Gregg assets simulating a peace-support operation (PSO) that a standby battalion may have to face in the future. Dorney, accompanied troops The exercise scenario consisted of a fictitious ‘Puntland’ militia uprising in East Africa. As a result of from 4 W Bde on a recent the conflict vast amounts of internally displaced peo- ples (IDPs) were streaming across the borders of sur- battalion-level exercise. rounding countries, destabilising the whole region. The Op Loch Garta PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

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Defence Forces had been requested to send in a bat- ‘Charlie’ Coy) was able to keep in contact with bat- talion as part of a UN-mandated force. With Donegal talion HQ, informing them of his company’s progress, becoming East Africa and the area around Loch while at the same time keeping his platoon and sec- Gartan transformed into Puntland, Lt Col Michael tion commanders abreast of the situation. Meehan (OC 28 Inf Bn) deployed his companies in ‘We will be inserted from sea at night. Enemy three waves, by land, sea and air to contain the hos- forces consist of a battalion-size militia who have tile militia. taken the approaches surrounding the town of An infantry company from 1 Cn Cois deployed by Letterkenny. They are lightly armed with some sea, making the 12-hour trip from Galway to armour, consisting of Panhard AML60s and 90s. Our TRAINING Killybegs onboard LÉ Eithne. A company from 6 Inf mission is to neutralise the hostile intent of the Bn, Custume Bks, deployed by helicopter, while Puntland militia forces and create a safe a secure another company, from 28 Inf Bn, based in Finner environment,’ Comdt Flannery informed his subordi- Camp, deployed by road. nate commanders as they took notes while the ship Air Corps AW139 stayed on-site as pitched and rolled in a choppy sea. a battalion air asset, providing casualty evacuation ‘Use the time on the ship to go through admin-in- (casevac), troop air-mobility, fire-support and sur- the-field, kit and drills with your troops,’ added Coy veillance, while Pilatus PC-9Ms provided top- Sgt John Kilroy. ‘Make sure they get some rest, it’s cover and ground-support missions when called going to be a tough exercise; the weather and terrain upon. will not be easy.’ Cpl John McCrann The capability of a country’s armed forces to proj- ‘Remember, communications are essential. The Section Commander ect itself from the sea and operate beyond the lit- terrain is not good, so if we get into a situation were ‘The exercise went very well. toral (the area just off- or on-shore) is the SINCGARS don’t work, send a runner back to We worked well as a platoon crucial for many missions it may company HQ,’ continued Comdt Flannery. and took all our objectives. face. We travelled with After more then 12-hours at sea it was not The weather held off, thank- ‘Charlie’ Company onboard surprising there were a few green faces when fully, which made it easier on the Eithne, which was able we disembarked in the ground. to ferry the 80-strong Killybegs. However, ‘Most of my lads are just company in its hanger there was little time back from serving in Chad together, so we functioned and helicopter deck. for the troops to find well as a unit. There were Provided with a com- their land legs as they reservists integrated into mand-and-control centre were quickly every section and at the start Comdt Flannery (OC loaded onto some of them were a bit lost, which is only natural as they wouldn’ít be used to this kind of intense exercise. However, they worked hard, learned artan quickly, and got the job done.’ T

Cpl John Kerrigan Rifleman ‘I’m with ‘B’ Company, 51 Reserve Infantry Battalion, in Ballina. It was an excellent exercise. For reservists to be taken seri- ously we need to be inte- grated more like this. The guys from 1 Infantry Battalion treat- ed us like their own and any help we needed we got it. On the ground there was no ‘them and us’. We worked together and got the job done. In saying that it wasn’t easy! We have good cadre staff and are well trained, but it’s not everyday you are deployed by sea and then have to live and fight on the ground for 72 hours.’

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trucks and headed for the mission area. Being embedded within a company, it’s hard to perceive the sheer scale of a battalion on the ground but there was plenty of evidence of the size of the operation. As platoon commanders from ‘Charlie’ Company went through their orders for the upcoming advance, helicopters hovered at tree- top level with their door-gunners eyeing the ground for potential targets. Gunfire could be heard echo- ing in the distance and ‘Charlie’ Company could only wait anxiously for the order to advance. When the time came the company moved out in Lt Gerald tactical formation, eyes fixed on every tree, blade Capt Eoghan Pte Martin Reynolds of grass, mound and hill; the enemy could be any- McDermott Bennett Platoon Commander where. As we moved forward the gunfire got loud- Company 2/ic Signalman ‘The exercise went well. The er, intensified, and then… silence. Nobody had any ‘As 2/ic I was part of compa- ‘I was with company head- terrain was tough and com- idea what was about to happen or when! ny headquarters. With the mand-and-control was On orders from battalion HQ, ‘Charlie’ quarters and had to be main element deployed by beside the company com- essential throughout all Company moved beyond a wooded area into the sea, it was my job to put the mander at all times. I pass phases of the operation. It convoy together and meet boggy hills. It didn’t take long before the silence on and receive information tested our equipment and the troops in Killybegs. was broken by enemy gunfire. Troops darted and from the platoon signalmen procedures but we came out I went ahead of the con- dashed for cover while GPMGs from the FSG laid and battalion headquarters. on top – as you would voy to recce the base camp suppressive fire. I had ‘baby’ SINCGARS expect. and prepare it for the arrival ‘Prior to this exercise we had been going over with Marconi PRR attached The platoon was excel- of the main body. By the to it – so that was very lent, carrying out all objec- section-, platoon- and company-in-attack drills,’ time they got there it was handy. tives given to us; very pro- said Comdt Flannery. ‘It was great to see it in dark so I had a harbour party The platoons were com- fessional and they gave action; the troops worked very well, very fluidly.’ with me and guides ready to 100%. We also had RDF per- As platoon commanders shouted orders to bring the three platoons to ing in constantly on the sonnel integrated with us section commanders and so on, sections moved their different locations. PRR and I had a handset close to me so I could for- and it was great to see the left and right, and then forward into dead ground On the ground I’m lads from our battalion another link in the chain, ward information on to bat- out of sight. The enemy’s exact position couldn’t be talion. As you can imagine bringing them along and seen but Comdt Flannery had a clear view of the liaising with the company working together as a team.’ commander and the compa- the company net was a lot axis of advance and was moving platoons to flank ny sergeant and passing on more active then the battal- the enemy position. The rate of fire on both sides information to the CQMS, ion net. was considerable and it didn’t take long before regarding locations, pick- It was my first time on runners were scurrying back to company HQ ups, supplies or prisoners. the ground as a signalman, requesting reserve ammunition. In the company head- where you have a lot more Fortunately, the enemy, an untrained militia, quarters, we carry 10% of the equipment and responsibili- ties. When you are ‘bivvying weren’t unable to withstand the weight of fire from reserve ammunition with us and we had runners going up’, for example, you can’t ‘Charlie’ Company and some soon fled, while oth- just throw your backpack to ers downed arms and surrendered. Prisoners and back constantly to the differ- ent platoons with resupply one side, you have to have weapons were quickly gathered, processed and ammunition. When the lead the comms beside you at all tagged. platoon puts in an attack times – listening to the traf- Meanwhile, at battalion HQ, reports streamed they start to run out of fic. One could be for you. in from the advancing companies. Artillery-, intel- ammunition so we would You also have to make sure ligence-, transport-, air-, sea- and medical-cells pull them back bringing the the radios don’t get wet and received and assimilated the huge volume of infor- reserve platoon forward so you have to take care of your mation coming in from the units on the ground. they can resupply. This all batteries and monitor bat- tery levels. There’ís a lot of Some were requesting fire-support, while others has to be meticulously planned in order not to gear to carry around in requested casevac. Lt Col Meehan was also affect the momentum of the addition to your rifle and receiving welcome news: ‘Sir, ‘B’ Coy is advanc- attack.’ ammunition.’ ing to Objective Three… ‘C’ Coy has taken Objective One… no friendly forces’ causali- ties… prisoners taken.’ ion and had to be ready for ‘Our troops could face carrying out opera- replenishment if and when tions like this in difficult conditions; during the they requested it. rainy season in Chad or at -24°C in Kosovo,’ We had nine trucks with said Lt Col Meehan. ‘Regardless of the condi- us – one just full of stores and tions the basic skills remain the same equipment. The CQMS was for any PSO operation, which is on comms to the company why we have to practice commander all the time plan- ning the next replenishment these skills again, and or pick up. In the base camp again, and again. we set up different rolling Conducting exercises like this ‘replen’ stations for ammuni- with these assets helps us to be Pte Michael tion, food and water. I know ready to mount such operations at a Connell from being on the ground as a moment’s notice.’ Logistics rifleman that you are always As ‘Charlie’ Company advanced to neu- ‘I was with the CQMS for the thinking of your next hot tralise the remaining militia, ‘A’ and ‘B’ also exercise and it was our job to meal, so I made sure that the moved up to press home the attack. In the keep the troops supplied with hot water and ration packs face of the battalion’s professionalism, everything they needed - fuel, were ready to go for the lads water, food and ammunition. when they got back to base speed and skill, the remaining militia forces We advanced with the battal- camp.’ soon surrendered.■

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ivers spend much of their working life in an envi- water at the end of a dive to safely eliminate absorbed ronment so alien to the rest of us that, we really inert gases from his body to avoid decompression have no idea of what it’s like! Chances are if you sickness, better known as ‘the bends’) come across them while out diving, the most you The ADG meets once a month for training and runs Dwill get is a glimpse of them as they slip beneath the basic diving; advanced diving; coxswain and CPR surface or a faint trail of bubbles rising to the surface. courses throughout the year. The group was started to To get to the bottom (no pun intended) of this facilitate diving as a sport in the Defence Forces and it mystery, we travelled to Lahinch, Co Clare, to meet has expanded significantly since the early days and the Army Diving Group (ADG) conducting an they now carry out a range of tasks that include: troop Advanced Divers Course, where divers learn under- transport on exercises; confidence training; assist the water navigation, search-and-recovery techniques Underwater Council of Ireland and An Garda and diving at night. Síochána in search-and-recovery operations. ‘Everybody fit to dive?’ CQMS Mick Duffy (65 Res There is a wealth of diving experience within the Inf Bn) asked the 20 divers kitted out in their scuba group. ‘We have guys who have dived in the Pacific diving gear as he began his brief on the first dive of and in the Arctic. We have specialists on servicing the day. ‘Weather today: Wind still westerly. equipment, powerboat instructors and multi-gas Temperature: 14°C. Cloud cover: 85%. High water is experts,’ CQMS Duffy said proudly.

at 09:50hrs and low water at 15:55hrs. Maximum depth ‘In some ways we benefit from not being a perma- ADVENTURE SPORTS today is 20 metres for 30 minutes in water. Flat bot- nent unit, as it means we get to utilise the wide range tom with rocky outcrops and small amount of weed.’ of skills our members have,’ he continued. ‘We have With their masks; oxygen cylinders; flippers; com- pilots, technicians, medics and drivers. So, for passes and depth gauges, the divers were well instance, if we are running a navigation course a pilot equipped for exploring the world below. Divers are can pass on his expertise.’ dropped off in pairs, one of which is lead diver, a One such man is medic Pte Johnny Lynch (2 Fd position based on experience and not rank. Med Coy). He completed a basic divers recently and is Safety is everything and divers carry special now here as a medic on the advanced diving course. equipment and have well rehearsed drills they must ‘After you do your basic course, you have to complete carry out if separated or in trouble. 35 dives. Plus, you have to contribute to at least one As the divers slipped over the side, we circled camp,’ Comdt Brownen explained. ‘This encourages above the dive site in a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) as guys to stay on and help keep the group running. The the coxswain (boat’s captain) looks out for the Delayed diving is a bit too advanced for Johnny this week but Surface Marker Buoys (DSMB). This buoy is released he is here as a medic. In turn he is learning about div- by the divers just as they reach end of their dive, mark- ing related injuries. and how to treat them.’ ing their position for the covering RIB on the surface. Even after listening to the divers talking about The seas were rough as the four RIBs circled basking sharks and exploring wrecks, Billy and myself above their respective dive sites. ‘If the weather was still did not feel that we had experienced what it is like better we would be diving much deeper, down to 45 underwater. Naturally, we couldn’t go on a dive, as this metres and further,’ said Comdt Mark Brownen (OC would require theory tests and intense practice in the B Coy DFTC). ‘But rough-weather training is part of pool. So to help us to get some idea of what it is like the course for both divers and coxswains.’ Gnr Pat Hurley (1 Fd Arty Regt) took us snorkelling. In the RIB with coxswain Tpr Thomas ‘Doc’ This may not seem all that exciting to some but just to O’Doherty (Vehicle Base Workshops), we scoured get a glimpse of what life is like underwater was mind the surface for the divers’ bubbles. How anybody blowing. Adding to the excitement, Billy couldn’t swim! could pick out anything in the huge waves was a mys- So Pat had to attentively guide him along. tery, but Doc was able to point out the bubbles. After a few minutes learning to use the flippers Finally the DSMBs appeared, giving us their position. and getting our breathing right, we were away. For two ‘They’ll be another few minutes as they go through guys used to seeing only the surface of the sea, our their decompression stops,’ explained Doc. snorkelling masks provided a window onto an alien (Decompression stops refer to the period of time a world I would never have believed existed. Abundant diver must spend at a constant depth in shallow plant life dance in the current, displaying vibrant colours I wouldn’t have expected to see outside the In this article tropics. Pat stopped regularly to point out various things to us, including large speckled fish that darted Wesley Bourke from a rock face as we approached. Even though we had barely scratched the surface takes a look at at the end of our swim, as we left the water with salt stained faces, we could well the Army Diving understand how someone could get hooked to a life underwater. Group, travelling The ADG run courses every year. Sign yourself up for the next basic to County Clare diving course and explore a whole to meet up with new world.■ them on an Advanced Divers Course... Photographs by Armn Billy Galligan What Lies Beneath?

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n 2005 the Air Corps undertook a review of its airport Training fire service with the aim of ensuring that it can pro- All Air Corps fire fighters must complete and pass the vide 24-hour emergency service cover to all users. eight-week basic fire fighter course, followed by (Baldonnel is the only airport in Ireland to have twelve months on-the-job work experience with fully Ithese operational hours.) A number of areas of qualified crews, before they attain their full fire fighter improvement were identified, so as to ensure compli- competency rating. All fire fighters must successfully ance with ‘best practices’ in the aviation sector complete a revalidation test every four years for the regarding emergency services. The International Civil maintenance of operational competence. Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other aviation reg- In order to allow for career progression, a fire ulatory authorities prescribe these ‘best practices’ in fighter must be of NCO rank and complete a recog- the form of mandatory and non-mandatory guidelines. nised Crew Commander’s course. Following on from The improvements identified encompassed fire- the latter, and with suitable experience, selected indi- Multi-Level Drill-Training Tower fighting equipment, training facilities and doctrine. It viduals may progress to Supervisor Watch was envisaged in 2005 that the various projects to Commander on successful completion of relevant To ensure the realise these improvements would take a number of courses. The main external training institutions effective and years to be fully effective, due principally to financing employed for training are at Dublin Airport and at the competent use and manufacturing lead-times. International Fire Training Centre, Durham, UK. As the sole military airport in the , To ensure the effective and competent use of spe- of specialist Casement has seen an increase in the type cialist fire fighting equipment, practical based train- fire fighting and size of aircraft operating into it in recent years. ing is essential and ongoing. Recognising this, the Air equipment, Apart from the Air Corps’ own modern fleet, a signifi- Corps initiated the design and development of a fire practical based cant number of foreign civil and military fixed- and training ground at Baldonnel, incorporating modern rotary-winged aircraft are regular visitors to Baldonnel. fire fighting simulation rigs. training is For example, the runways have hosted diminutive sin- The first project was commissioned in 2006, con- essential and gle-engine SF260s, through to the McDonnell, Boeing sisting of a Fire Training Simulation Rig (FTSR). The ongoing. and Airbus airliner families, up to and including the FTSR enables fire fighters to train safely with fire, Recognising giant C-17 Globemaster III strategic lifter. Historically, heat and smoke, using environmentally friendly media the largest aircraft to operate out of Baldonnel had been and fuels. The rig design encompasses the various this, the Air the Globemaster II – employed to bring Irish troops to engines and undercarriage types used on the Air Corps initiated the Congo for UN service in the 1960s. Corps’ fixed-wing fleet. Crucially, it allows for practi- the design and The principle objective of the Air Corps Fire cal exercises in the command-and-control of the development of Service is to save lives in the event of an aircraft deployment of vehicles and fire fighters. Early this accident or incident in, or in close proximity to, the a fire training year, a multi-level drill-training tower was built in airport. The most important factors that ensure effec- Baldonnel. This allows fire fighters to train locally ground at tive rescue in a survivable aircraft accident are the using their breathing apparatus, and with hoisting Baldonnel, standards of training, the effectiveness of the equip- and working safely at heights. incorporating ment in use, and the speed at which competent fire modern fire fighters and their resources are employed. Current Rapid Intervention Fire Tender Air Corps training doctrine mirrors that of interna- To maintain safe flight operations at all airports, spe- fighting simu- tional and regional airports both in Ireland and the cialist vehicles known as Rapid Intervention Fire lation rigs. . Tenders (RIFT) play a critical role. A RIFTs minimum Emergency Response Developm In this article, Lt Col Kevin Byrne and Capt Thomas Craven outline some of the recent develop- ments in the Air Corps’ Airbase Emergency Response Service.

Right: The RIFT tender puts a jet of water onto the burning aircraft to extinguish the flames.

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effective reliable response to emergency situations Technical Specifications within the greater air base area. The purchase of two Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 Airport RIFT such vehicles in 2006 and 2009 addressed fleet num- ber, age, reliability, commonality and fit-for-purpose Vehicle dimensions LxWxH: 11.85m x 3m x 3.61m issues. Vehicle weight fully loaded approximately: 35,000kg Seating capacity: driver plus five (total six fire fighters). Emergency Orders Vehicle engine: 705hp turbocharged Caterpillar Euro 3 engine. As part of the Air Corps Emergency Orders, the Transmission system: Twin Disc six-speed fully automatic transmission. effectiveness of both Air Corps fire service equip- Power divider utilised within the power train to provide true pump-and-roll ment and fire fighters is measured through annual AIR CORPS capabilities for the fire pump. exercises, in keeping with aviation safety manage- Vehicle performance: acceleration 0 to 80kph (50 mph) within 29 seconds. ment systems best practices. The development and procurement of the aforementioned facilities, in con- Water tank capacity: 13,000litre approx. junction with a competency training doctrine, allow Foam concentrate tank capacity: 1,600litre approx. the requirement for such exercises to be realised. Secondary media: 250 kg dry chemical powder capacity extinguisher with 40m The annual exercise usually entails a major aviation discharge hose on reel. accident/incident scenario within the confines of the Water pump: rated at 7,000 litre per minute (L/min) at 10 bar. airport. Both Air Corps and external experts assess Main monitor: Electronically remote controlled water/foam roof monitor at 5,000 L/min command-and-control during the initial, development Secondary monitor: Electrically remote controlled water/foam bumper turret monitor and closing stages of exercise. at 2,500 L/min Critically, these exercises evaluate the effectiveness of inter-services response and allow measured Fire Training Simulation Rig changes in communications, orders and training in Overall dimensions: Fuselage length 17.5m, Width 15.4m, Fuselage dia. 3.5m order to improve overall efficiency. Fire Types External: Kerosene and LPG Because of the success of the recent projects Fire Types Internal: Carbonaceous involving both training and equipment acquisition, Fire Scenarios: Engine, undercarriage, ruptured fuel tank, cockpit, galley, cabin and cargo. the Air Corps Fire Service is well placed to provide a reliable, comprehensive service to all airport users, Multi-Level Drill-Training Tower whether they involve, for example, a single Garda Air Training Scenarios: Height, enclosed spaces, hose management, hoisting and breath- Support Unit helicopter after dark or a major troop ing apparatus training. rotation involving Irish peacekeepers utilising civilian aircraft.■ Right (top): Firecrew rescue a build parameters are prescribed in ICAO documen- casualty from the burning air- tation. An aircraft’s overall dimensions determines craft. that aircraft’s category number, and the aircraft cate- gory number determines the size and number of RIFTs required, including crew numbers, thus ensur- ing an adequate emergency response for that air- craft type. Right (bottom): Firecrew As mentioned earlier, the speed of response extinguish the engine fire. plays a key factor in enabling an effective rescue in a survivable aircraft accident. To that end, the Air Corps Fire Service is required to meet a three- minute response time to any location at Baldonnel where aircraft taxi, land or take off. elopment To effect a rescue outside the airport’s perimeter locations RIFTs are designed to have off-road capa- bilities and must be capable of carrying sufficient extinguishing media, resources and fire fighters to manage and control fires around an aircraft fuse- lage; the so called ‘life risk area’. Based on these criteria, the Air Corps Fire Service identified the need to procure a RIFT to meet these specific requirements and to ensure an

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Leadership ince the end of the last millennium the name of spirit and a highly motivated work force is dependent Brian Cody has become synonymous with on many variables, not least the quality of leadership and man- Kilkenny hurling, and the multiple successes demonstrated and applied by those in charge. Within enjoyed by the county’s senior hurling team under the military environment we have seen both at home agement Shis stewardship can in many ways be attributed to the and abroad how our soldiers respond very positively to was one of outstanding force of his personality, his leadership decisive leadership, with the development of a strong and management skills. Brian Cody has become the sense of team and esprit de corps paramount, which in the key most successful hurling manger in the history of the turn has led to a committed focus on achieving the areas of GAA and his achievements stands in comparison mission. In the words of General of the US Army with illustrious managers from other sporting codes. George C Marshall during WWII ‘It is not enough to study on Recently appointed to continue as the Kilkenny senior fight. It is the spirit which we bring to the fight that the course, hurling manager, for the twelfth time, his enthusiasm, decides the issue. It is morale that wins the victory.’ will-to-win, and commitment to this prestigious and In his role as Kilkenny senior hurling manager, with hugely important job, was very much in evidence dur- Brian sees the development of a massive team spirit ing his recent address to the 20th Junior Command and sense of togetherness as being hugely important instruction and Staff (J C&S) Course in the Officer Training in the success he has achieved to date. Team spirit is delivered by Wing, Military College. the embodiment of the team effort and when times Leadership and management was one of the key are difficult and challenges have to be faced it is the both Officer areas of study on the course, with instruction deliv- presence of this spirit and sense of purpose in any Training ered by both Officer Training Wing instructors and by team or organisation, which allows it to achieve its external guest lecturers, who brought a civilian per- objectives. The 2009 All-Ireland Hurling Final is a very Wing spective to the subject. good example of this. When Tipperary, despite playing instructors As one of the guest lecturers invited to address with 14 men, looked to be in a very strong position the course, Brian was able to offer an unique insight coming in to the closing stages of the games, the and by into his views on leadership and management and never-say-die spirit imbued into this Kilkenny team how he used these skills to overcome the many chal- over many years, and in many battles, clicked in, with external lenges he has faced over the years; creating a win- the result going in Kilkenny’s favour in the end. guest lec- ning mentality born out of a magnificent team spirit, a One of the key areas of leadership Brian empha- huge sense of loyalty, respect for both the individual sised was the ability to communicate your message turers, who and for personal opinion, the development of a strong clearly and succinctly and not be afraid to make deci- brought a work ethic in the players, and the fostering and devel- sions. All leaders, whether in a military or civilian opment of leaders. Ultimately this led to the creation environment, must have good communication skills, be civilian per- of a hugely positive atmosphere between all partners decisive, and have the moral courage to stand by their spective to in this endeavour, namely the county board, team decisions. Equally, however, leaders must have the management, players, and the clubs within the county. ability to accept that on occasions they may make the the subject. Within any organisation the development of team wrong decisions. Brian used as an example the 2001 Brian Cody, Kilkenny’s successful hurling manager, recently ‘The addressed the students of the difference 20th Junior Command and Staff between Course on the subject of leader- winning ship and management. Lt Col and losing can be Kieran Brennan (OIC PR Section), minute’ a former team-mate of the Brian Cody Kilkenny mentor, examines the applicability of his view to key areas of the Defence Forces...

In his highly acclaimed and must-read auto- biography entitled ‘Cody’, Brian elaborates on many of the issues raised above. Winning the Wa This book is on sale in all major bookstores nationwide or from codyautobiography.com on the Hurling Fie

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Right (l-r): Capt C Miller (20 J C&S Cse Co-Ordinator), Col T Doyle (Sch Comdt), Mr B Cody and Lt Col T Aherne (CI C&S Sch).

One of the key areas of leader- ship Brian LEADERSHIP emphasised was the ability to communicate your message clearly and suc- cinctly and not be afraid to make decisions.

All-Ireland Hurling semi-final against Galway, when adopting leadership roles in the Defence Forces. his Kilkenny team failed against a very well motivated Another interesting area covered by Brian in his and manly Galway team. He ultimately took the address was the need for leaders to develop a clear responsibility for this defeat, exonerating the players, vision of the future for their team or organisation, as he felt some of his decision-making and prepara- concurrent with the creation of a work environment tions had not been up to the mark. Brian emphasises where all the key stakeholders are focused towards that it is key for any leader to learn from the mistakes achieving clear objectives and everybody is treated that have been made and in this case the lessons he with respect. This approach is again highly applicable learned from that particular defeat were the key to the to the Defence Forces where the short-term vision successes achieved by Kilkenny in 2002 and 2003. (three years) is set out in the Strategy Statement and Within the Defence Forces one of the strongest medium-term vision (ten years) is set out in the White leadership ‘weapons’ available to leaders at all levels Paper on Defence. Within that framework all mem- of command is personal example. It is an universal bers of the Defence Forces are expected to play their truth that no leader can expect a higher standard of part in achieving the organisation’s overall goals, in performance from their subordinates than that which an environment, which fully respects the dignity and he himself is prepared to give. This is very applicable individuality of each serving member. in the context of the Kilkenny senior hurling team, It is clear from listening to Brian Cody’s philoso- where Brian himself sets the highest example, which phy on leadership and management as enunciated to is then replicated by the rest of the management and the Junior C&S Course that there are many parallels panel members. This adherence to the highest stan- with the Military approach to this subject. One of the dards of performance and discipline has given rise to classic definitions of military leadership is ‘The a highly cohesive and focused group, with the ulti- process of influencing and directing others to accom- mate goal being the pursuit of excellence at all times. plish the Mission by providing purpose, direction and From this has arisen one of the key enablers that has motivation.’ Whether operating at home or on over- contributed greatly to Kilkenny’s success, namely the seas duties, this definition of military leadership is development of individual leaders within the group. highly applicable to all military commanders wherever We have seen from a military perspective how they operate within the chain of command. It was important it is for commanders at all levels to develop clear from his address that Brian has also applied and mentor subordinate leaders. Brian has also many aspects of this leadership definition to the adopted this philosophy, encouraging the senior approach he takes with the Kilkenny team. members of the panel to adopt key leadership roles in During the course of a very lively question-and- which they are actively encouraged to take ownership answer session following his address, it was clear of the process leading up to and during matches, and that Brian Cody’s approach to leadership and man- also in developing and encouraging the younger agement had a major impact on the students. members of the panel. Towards the end of the evening when asked as to A key area that Brian elaborated on was the need whether he could foresee a ‘five-in-a-row scenario’ for all people adopting leadership roles to earn the unfolding for Kilkenny in 2010, he simply stated that trust and respect of those they are dealing with. It is ‘Future success cannot be achieved by dwelling on not sufficient just to be appointed into some promi- past achievements.’ He further stated that if all of nent position and then expect that people will auto- the parameters that have brought success to matically follow. To be a successful leader in any Kilkenny in the past continue to be present in the organisation or team requires the setting of high per- future, he would remain optimistic for the team’s e War sonal standards, an inclusive approach to decision- prospects in 2010. making as far as is possible, respect for the individ- This viewpoint is equally relevant for the Defence ual, constant encouragement, and total loyalty to the Forces where the challenge for all ranks is to continu- ethos and aims of the group. This philosophy, which ously strive to improve our levels of performance both has served Brian and the Kilkenny senior hurling at home and abroad, while at the same time continu- g Field team very well, is equally applicable to all personnel ing to enhance and develop our leadership skills.■

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weapons, was estimated to be at ‘a strength of about five hundred’1. The presence of ‘enemy positions on Darwin Hill,’2 approximately two kilometres north of Goose Green, was also reported. Further information was obtained when an Argentine reconnaissance patrol was captured by a special forces party return- ing form directing an air strike on Goose Green itself. Lt Col Jones and 2 Para were reasonably confident that they could mount a successful attack on Goose Green and seize it from what appeared to be a weak and disjointed force. On the afternoon of 27 May, Jones detailed his plan of attack to his company com- manders: ‘The plan in outline was: phase one – the patrols company (C Company) clear the route of possible minefields and secure the start line astride the track

between Burntside Pond and Camilla Creek; phase MILITARY HISTORY two – A Company clear Burntside House while B Company cleared ring contour 50; phase three – A Company clear Coronation Point; phase four – B Company clear Boca House while C (Patrols) Company clear the airstrip; phase five – A Company clear Darwin while B and D Companies clear and hold Goose Green; phase six – C (Patrols) Company n May 26th, with the attack on Goose Green seize and clear Brodie Creek Bridge.’3 authorised, 2 Para moved off its positions on The battalion was also to have significant fire sup- Sussex Mountain and proceeded on foot to the port in the form of 105mm Howitzers based at Camilla staging area at Camilla Creek House, some Creek, four helicopters and the mortars and MILAN O20kms south, where the battalion spent the evening. anti-tank weapons integral to the battalion’s Support Reconnaissance patrols from C Company were sent Company. Further support in the form of HMS Arrow’s out and the information they gleaned, combined with 4.5-inch gun was also available until daybreak when reports from the SAS, indicated that the Argentinean Sea Harriers would arrive on station to provide close garrison at Goose Green was a hodgepodge of air support. With the planning complete, the assault infantrymen from three separate companies aug- was scheduled to begin at 0200hrs on 28 May. mented by engineers and personnel. The Unfortunately for the Paras, the Argentine garrison total complement, who were manning anti-aircraft at Goose Green was substantially reinforced by men from the 12th Infantry Regiment on the 27th, doubling the enemy’s strength in the area from five hundred ‘to In the first instalment of his around 1,400’4. This bad news was further compounded article on the Battle of Goose when the BBC World Service announced 2 Para’s presence at Camilla Creek and their imminent attack Green, Steve Byrne set the on Goose Green and Port Darwin. In light of Northwood’s urgency, a furious Jones felt compelled scene for the iconic battle of to proceed with the mission as planned, depending on speed and aggression to carry the day for 2 Para. the Falklands War in 1982. By 0200hrs, C Company had secured the route to the start line and at 0235hrs A Company began their In the concluding part he attack on Burntside House, with a supporting barrage from the Royal Marines’ howitzers at Camilla Creek. takes up the story just as the The attack ran smoothly as the Argentinean defend- ers opted not to fight and ‘speedily withdrew’.5 While battle is about to begin… A Company was mopping up around Burntside House, B Company was simultaneously securing Ring THE BATTLE OF GOOSE GREEN PART TWO an infantry battalion at war AN COSANTÓIR Dec-Jan 2010 27 00-An Cos-dec-09 (p24-36)NEW 09/12/2009 19:45 Page 28

Contour 50 (‘the high ground to the west of Burntside cial point in the battle and could have proved disas- Pond’6) with ‘bayonets fixed’,7 encountering trous for 2 Para. However, the dispersed nature of the Argentinean troops in slit trenches whom they over- battalion’s command element allowed the second-in- came by ‘fighting through aggressively in a well-con- command, Major Keeble, to assume command and trolled series of section attacks’.8 resume the fight with little inconvenience to the bat- So far the attack had proceeded to plan; 2 Para had talion. Less then an hour after Jones was killed, the completed its first two objectives with no loss of life. Paras broke the deadlock, using their MILAN anti- Their luck did not hold however. At 0314hrs ‘HMS tank missiles to destroy the troublesome Argentinean Arrow had a very bad mechanical failure’9 and was bunkers one by one, thus cracking the main line of unable to continue supporting the attack. With the first defence across Mount Darwin by approximately two objectives secured, however, the battalion pushed 1110hrs. C Company then took the initiative, advanc- on. A Company continued its advance, taking ing on the town of Goose Green itself, while D Coronation Point before pushing on towards Darwin Company swung east towards the airfield and B as dawn broke. Then, as they reached the open ground, Company moved west. This allowed the battalion to ‘a stream of fire from heavy and medium machine- mount a three-pronged assault against the enemy guns was unleashed on the company from Darwin Hill, positions at Goose Green. The fighting for the town Lt Col H Jones VC. a distance of about 400 to 500 meters’,10 and the com- was difficult and confused; the Paras advanced with pany was forced to take cover in a re-entrant at the some hesitancy due to the presence of several mine- fields, all the time suffering casualties due to heavy fire from enemy mortars and artillery, and anti-aircraft guns which were depressed and used against the advancing British infantry. Fighting raged all afternoon causing significant damage to the town (the local schoolhouse was burned down, something which ‘pleased the local kids no end’16) as the Argentinean Air Force put in several air strikes against the British positions. At 1925hrs however, the Paras finally received air support of their own as three Harriers swooped low over Goose Green, strafing enemy positions and ‘giv- ing Argentine morale a severe battering’.17 As darkness fell, Major Keeble prepared to bom- bard the town using his mortars and the howitzers back at Camilla Creek, rather then risk a bloody, close-quarter battle on the streets of Goose Green. As 2 Para patrols cleared Darwin that night they dis- covered from residents that ‘114 civilians were [still] held up in the community hall at Goose Green’18 thus forcing Keeble to radically change his plan. Instead of attacking, Keeble summoned two Argentine prisoners who he sent to the village bear- ing a message for the Argentinean commander, which read: A burning house on the foot of Mount Darwin. The attack had now been com- outskirts of Goose Green. prehensively ‘stopped in its tracks by a furious riposte To the Commander, Argentine Forces, Goose Green from the Argentine machine-guns’11 and as ‘the first From the Commander, British Forces, Goose Green attempts by A Company to clear Darwin Hill were Area unsuccessful, casualties began to mount’.12 MILITARY OPTIONS By 0930hrs the battle was in deadlock. A Company We have sent a PoW to you under a white flag of had been stopped and the withering enfilading fire truce to convey the following military options: Below: coming from the well-entrenched Argentinean 1. That you unconditionally surrender your force to Argentinean commander machine-guns had succeeded in pinning down the us by leaving the township, forming up in a military Lt Col Italo Piaggi. remainder of the battalion. The men of A Company manner, removing your helmets and laying down now went about the difficult business of destroying your weapons. You will give prior notice of this the Argentinean positions one by one, using their intention by returning the PoW under a white flag plentiful GPMGs, M79s and LAW 66mm rockets, with him briefed as to the formalities by no later than which was the extent of their fire support; HMS Arrow 0830 hrs local time. was still out of commission, air support was deemed 2. You refuse in the first case to surrender and take ‘unavailable’ due to poor weather conditions, and the the inevitable consequences. You will give prior supporting battery of 105mm Howitzers was largely notice of this intention by returning the PoW without unavailable due to the close proximity fighting. In his flag (although his neutrality will be respected) no essence, 2 Para was on its own. ‘By about 0930hrs ‘H’ later than 0830 hrs local time. Jones, forward with A Company, decided that this 3. In the event and in accordance with the terms and was the moment for direct intervention by him’13 using conditions of the Geneva Convention and Laws of his Tac 1 headquarters to storm two prominent War you will be held responsible for the fate of any machine-gun positions on Darwin Hill that had civilians in Darwin and Goose Green and we in caused several casualties. As Jones ‘moved into a accordance with these terms do give notice of our small gully with part of his Tac HQ to take out a posi- intention to bombard Darwin and Goose Green. tion… he was hit by another gun dug in along the high 14 Signed C Keeble ground’ and fell mortally wounded. He was to win a Commander, British Forces Goose Green Area posthumous Victoria Cross for these actions. 29 May, 198219 ‘The news of Jones’ death came in a terse radio message: ‘Sunray is down.’’15 This was the cru-

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The following morning the PoWs returned with a hours. Julian Thompson was painfully aware that ‘the notice from the Argentinean commander, Lt Col Italo fighting over bare, open slopes in daylight had been End Notes Piaggi. He agreed to the surrender and at 1242hrs costly’,24 and as a result, the brigade always endeav- 1 Marshall Cavendish, The Brigadier Julian Thompson received a message oured to fight at night, a decision that played on the Falklands War (London, announcing ‘the Union Jack has just been raised over ‘greater skill and better leadership’25 inherent in 3 2007), p.128. Goose Green Settlement’.20 2 Para had carried the Commando Brigade. 2 Julian Thompson, 3 day, but at a cost; 18 Paras were dead, 35 seriously But perhaps the most controversial aspect of the Commando Brigade in the wounded and another 29 suffered lighter wounds21 – Battle of Goose Green was ‘H’ Jones’s lone assault Falklands (Barnsley, 2007), p.91. essentially one-in-six of the battalion were injured to on an enemy machine-gun position. Many critics have 3 Ibid, p. 92. a varying degree. The Argentineans were less fortu- denounced Jones, claiming he invited death by posi- 4 Cavendish, op cit, p.128. 26 nate however; the Paras determined attacks left 47 tioning himself ‘too far forward’. This argument is 5 Thompson, op cit, p.94. dead and 145 wounded, not to mention the 900-odd logical if one considers the role of a battalion com- 6 Cavendish, op cit, p.129. who were taken prisoner when Piaggi capitulated. mander is to direct rather then to lead. Ultimately this 7 John Geddes, Spearhead Although 2 Para had won a ‘brilliant victory’,22 in argument is flawed, as it depicts an ideal scenario Assault (London, 2007), the years following Goose Green certain aspects of whereby a battalion commander can sit back and p.xx. the battle have been called into question. Firstly, it is move his sub-units around at will, somewhat like 8 Thompson, op cit, p95. 9 Hugh McManners, worth noting that 2 Para went into action with inade- pieces on a chess board. In the heat of battle, howev- MILITARY HISTORY Forgotten Voices of the quate fire support. The er, things are usual- Falklands (St Ives, 2007), loss of HMS Arrow ly not as clear-cut p.246. was regrettable, of and ‘an infantry CO 10 Thompson, op cit, p95. course, as was the may have to go for- 11 Geddes, op cit, p.xxi. inability of 29 ward at critical 12 Thompson, op cit, p95. Commando, Royal moments’27 to 13 Ibid, p96. Artillery, to effectively resolve, reorganize 14 Cavendish, op cit, p.130. support the attacking and redirect. That is 15 Ibid. companies due to the exactly what Jones 16 Ibid, p.132. close nature of the was thinking when 17 Ibid, p.133. 18 Ibid, p.133. fighting. These short- he went forward to 19 Geddes, op cit, p.250-51. comings, whilst unfor- meet A Company at 20 Thompson, op cit, p104. tunate, may be tolera- the foot of Mount 21 Cavendish, op cit, p.134. ble. What was not tol- Darwin, and 22 Thompson, op cit, p.105 erable however, was although he was 23 Marshall Cavendish, The the inability of the Sea killed in the Falklands War (London, Harrier force to provide process his reor- 2007), p.133. adequate close air ganisation and dis- 24 Thompson, op cit, p.105. support. The Royal persion of the bat- 25 Ibid 26 Ibid Navy cited poor weather conditions to explain the late talion’s command structure allowed his second-in- 27 Ibid arrival of the Harriers on 28 May, an explanation that command to assume command effectively and effi- 28 Ibid has little credence when one considers how active ciently. 29 McManners, op cit, p.235. the Argentineans were in the air throughout the The battle of Goose Green was a remarkable course of the battle. While the Sea Harriers, in gener- action, a set-piece battle between two broadly equal Bibliography al, provided a sterling service throughout the opponents, the likes of which hadn’t been seen since Badsey, Stephen; Havers, Falklands campaign, Goose Green was a major hic- the Korean War some 30 years previously. The battle, Rob; and Grove, Mark. The cup for them. Had 2 Para attacked on 28 May with one which Brigadier Thompson initially felt irrelevant, Falklands Conflict Twenty adequate air cover, the assault would not have proved had a ‘profound effect on the conduct of the rest of Years On: Lessons for the so costly, a point reinforced by the ‘severe battering’23 the campaign,’28 not only securing the San Carlos Future. Oxford, 2005. that the few Harrier strikes inflicted upon beach-head and flank of the British advance but also Cavendish, Marshall. The Falklands War 25th Argentinean morale. gifting Thompson’s forces with the initiative and 29 Anniversary. London, 2007. Another issue arising from the battle was the ‘moral domination’ that would sustain them on their Freedman, Sir Lawrence. amount of fighting that took place during daylight long ‘tab’ to Port Stanley.■ Official History of the Falklands Campaign: Vols 1 & 2. London, 2005. Geddes, John. Spearhead Assault, Blood, Guts and Glory on the Falklands Frontlines. London, 2007 McManners, Hugh. Forgotten Voices of the Falklands: The Real Story. St Ives, 2007. Middlebrook, Martin. The Argentine Fight for the Falklands. London, 2003. Thompson, Julian. 3 Commando Brigade in the Falklands: No Picnic. Barnsley, 2007. Underwood, Geoffrey. Our Falklands War, The Men of the Task Force Tell Their Story. London, 1983. Woodward, Admiral Sandy. One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of the Falklands Battle Group Commander. London, 2003.

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BOOK On Hurting Ground Poetic Silhouettes on Soldiers, History, Love and Tragedy Author: Michael Whelan Published by: Inisfail Histories Price: €10 (Limited number of signed copies available) Reviewed by: Sgt David Nagle

This collection of original poems is an ideal stocking filler this Christmas for family or friends. Soldier, historian and author, Michael Whelan has composed these 50 poems on his experiences in life as a soldier serving abroad, growing up in Tallaght and the loves and loss of family. This book is dedicated to his mother, Bernadette Whelan-Warner, who died in 2008 and all proceeds from the book are being donated to Breast Cancer and Heart Disease research. In his opening poem ‘On Hurting Ground’ (page 3), the author introduces the reader to the theme of Apart from the prose, Michael drew all the illustra- motherhood and the earth, which features regularly tions throughout the book. To get your copy of On throughout the book. Hurting Ground, contact the author at: mikeywhe- [email protected] ‘That membrane The dusty soil Keeps departed souls Loved ones Disconnected An echoing earth’ One favourite of mine, is ‘My Grandfathers Old Army THEATRE Coat’ (page 88), in which Michael remembers grow- ing up using his grandfather’s army coat to keep warm in bed. ‘My Grandfathers great deeds Through the Dark How it must once have kept him warm When he stood bravely by Ireland’s needs Clouds Shining And when my father was a soldier Written by: Neil Richardson We slept under his old greatcoat too Directed by: Caroline Barry Dreaming, how one day we would be grown Produced by: Rain King Productions Wearing army greatcoats new’ Cast: Stephen Jones (Sgt Michael Curley), Tommy Of particular interest to soldiers are the series of Campbell (Sgt Jack West), Rory Dignam (Pte Eddie poems on Michael’s military service. One poem enti- O’Hara) and Vincent Browning (Harry Burke) Next Showing: February 19th-20th 2010 tled ‘Groundhog’ (page 47), recalls the experience of soldiers under fire. Venue: Athlone Little Theatre, St Mary’s Place, Athlone, Tel: 09064 74324 ‘Crunch… Crunch… Crunch! NB (The box office only takes bookings three days in Impacts close, at bay advance of show). Roll out of bed Mozzy’s dead Reviewed by: Sgt David Nagle First casualties of the day Through the Dark Clouds Shining* is an evocative Ground shakes story of a group of Irishmen who endured the harsh Panic outside realities of trench warfare during World War One. Shouted orders Writer Neil Richardson, himself a reservist with Barking soldiers the 56 Res Inf Bn has ably adapted the real life story Tannoy screaming of Athlone man, Sgt Michael Curley into a play - well ‘Groundhog, groundhog, groundhog! worth a night out at the theatre. Searching, in the dark From the start, you are catapulted into the trench- For accoutrements of war’ es and are made to feel like free-faced soldiers as the REVIEWS

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down and give him a few tips to offset trench foot. With orders to go over the top issued, Curley and West, reluctantly, but with a sense of duty to their men put on their tunics, grab their rifles and wish each other good luck. Both leave the stage shouting orders to their men to get in line, stick together and give the Germans all they got. REVIEWS The audience listened intently to the noises of battle off stage – explosions, fire, men screaming and officers and NCOs shouting at their men to push on! Within this chaos, Sgt West is heard screaming for a medic as his friend Michael Curley** is fatally wounded. The first act ends back in the dugout, where you witness a Pte O’Hara trying to console a Sgt Jack West who is devastated at the loss of his friend and who is led off stage having had a mental breakdown. In act two, you are introduced to WWI veteran and Dubliner Harry Burke. In a superb monologue, the audience are brought on a journey of a 16-year-old boy who joins up and takes part in some of the bloodiest battles of war. Burke recalls his comrades lost, his hopes for love on his return, his pride having served, his mental and physical scars and the ridicule he as a WWI veteran endured from an uncar- ing Irish population for taking the King’s shilling. Though the story of the Irishmen who fought in World War One is well documented, Through the Dark Clouds Shining gives a fresh perspective on the horror, sense of duty and com- radeship that these men experienced. Many joined seasoned Connaught Ranger, Sgt Michael Curley up in the belief that their service would help Ireland gives his new platoon the ‘do’s and don’ts’ and what secure its freedom after the war. he expects of them - if they were to survive. The cast skillfully portrayed the spirit, the humour In his dugout, Curley debates with comrade, Sgt and concerns of the characters, especially Vincent Jack West about the futility of the war, the situation Browning, whose monologue as Burke was com- in Ireland, their concerns for their men and their pelling. families at home. The director and production team must be com- Both NCOs berate a young Pte Eddie O’Hara, mended in staging the play in an intimate setting, who is sent into the dugout on a fool’s errand. which gives the audience a feeling that they are in Feeling sorry for O’Hara, they sit the young soldier the scene.■

*Through the Dark Clouds Shining is based on stories from a book enti- tled, A Coward if I Return, A Hero if I Fall written by Neil Richardson and due for publication by O’Brien Press in 2010. **The Connaught Rangers were preparing to take part in the Third Battle of Ypres, when Michael died on August 3rd 1917 after been shot in the abdomen. On his last posting in Ireland, he and his wife conceived a second child - a daughter, which Michael never saw. He was 32-years- old when he died and is buried in Brandhoek New Military Cemetery No3 in . REVIEWS

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SAR Sqn (1986) SAR Sqn (mid-90s) SAR Sqn (1999)

3 Ops Wing (May 2004) 301 Sqn (May 2004)

302 Sqn (May 2004) 303 Sqn (Oct 2006) Air Corps Squadron Badges – No 3 Operations Wing

hese badges, worn on flight suit and jacket, first appeared in production of a number of new badges with the new squadron 1986 when Cpl David Carolan and myself designed a badge for numbers matching the new wing designation. No 3 Support Wing (SAR) Squadron, No3 Support Wing. The became No 3 Operations Wing, with three squadrons designated pilot’s or crewman’s name, in orange stitching, appeared 301, 302 and 303. Tbelow an image of a Dauphlin helicopter on a navy background. The 301 Squadron badge incorporates elements of the former In the mid-90s, a variation to this badge was introduced, with SAR badge – the St Brendan the Navigator sail and North Star. the words ‘’. In 1999, the individually named badge The 302 Squadron badge incorporates a Celtic design and heli- ceased to be worn, as a named wings badge was being intro- copter rotor blade, while the 303 Squadron badge again incorpo- duced. rates rotor blades, with a spanner and nut indicating its mainte- In 2002, the Air Corps’ new establishment saw the squadrons nance role. For more on Defence Forces badges, checkout: renamed and given a numerical designation. This in turn led to the irishmilitaryinsignia.com Military Insignia — By Flt Sgt Jim Perkins —

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fter the First World War military ceremonial uniforms appeared generally for officers, bands and guards regiments throughout Europe. Ireland was no exception and the 1930s could be described as a golden era as far as offi- cers’ full dress uniforms were concerned. In 1935 press photographs were Apublished depicting prototypes of uniforms worn by two officers of the and the Supply and Transport Service, both of whom were members of the Army Jumping Team. These were influenced by the style worn by Belgian officers of the same period and were then introduced HERITAGE for officers of all corps and services in the Army. The basic colours were black and dark blue, with medium blue for the Air Corps and medical blue in respect of the Medical Service. The headdress was the cylindrical and peaked shako, which was common to all. Tunics were either double- or single-breasted, which denoted a mounted or dismounted corps or service respectively. Irrespective of the colour of the uniform, all wore black cloaks with black velvet col- lars. Each corps or service had their own facing colour, which appeared on the crown of the shako, the collar, cuffs, overall stripes, piping and the artificial silk lining of the cloaks. Badges, buttons, embroidery and lace were either gold or silver. Some of these beautiful uniforms are on display in the Soldiers and Chiefs exhibition at the National Museum, This month’s Collins Barracks, Dublin. These illustrate the high stan- Military Heritage dard of workmanship involved in the tailoring of these dis- of Ireland Trust tinctive uniforms, which were officially worn until 1955. Maj article on aspects Gen Michael Brennan, Chief of Staff from 1931 to of the military 1940, wore the shako and exhibition at the tunic shown here. The Museum is anx- National Museum, ious to complete the full range of these dress uni- Collins Bks, is forms and would be very happy to obtain, either written by Glenn as a donation or as a long-term loan, one each Thompson and in of the following: The Army School of Music; it he talks about the Ordnance Service, the Supply and Transport the Army Full Service and the Military Police Service. The Dress Uniforms author can be contacted at the National Museum 1935-55. of Ireland, Dublin.■

DRESSOn Exhibit UNIFORMS

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A Veteran Recalls Dear Editor Due to a recent article in An Cosantóir, I was contacted by a rendered queuing unacceptable, so you and your partner could member of my recruit platoon, who like myself was now retired pass the long cinema and dance queues of the time. from the Defence forces having both put on a lot of years. The weekly pay back then was £3, 11 shillings and 3 pence – We met up and he produced a copy of our platoon photo. At about six euros in today’s money and on return from our first trip the end of training we had both just turned seventeen – it was overseas, we received a cheque at the end for £147 (about €180 August 1963. today). Many of our platoon, including my friend Christy McQuaid, Most unmarried soldiers lived in barracks, so life was lively were dispatched to serve in infantry battalions throughout the and entertaining. Living together in dormitories (billets) and Defence Forces and very shortly afterwards we found ourselves learning the standards for co-existence with others formed the serving in the Belgian Congo. better aspects of the character of many a young soldier. This was The old ‘Bulls Wool’ uniform of the day shows how different also good preparation for overseas service. times were. The tunic buttoned up to the neck over a collarless The highlight of 1963 during our platoon training was the visit shirt and the slacks hung neatly over leather leggings, held in of US President John F Kennedy. Our platoon – indeed the whole place by unseen lead weights. of the Defence Forces, were involved in the ceremonial duties for The ‘greybacks’ shirts were very long – like a nightshirt with his visit. three metal buttons at the neck. Our platoon were at Dublin Airport to ‘present arms’ for him The material of the uniform was a heavy wool-like texture and and we were given strict instructions not to look up as he passed was notoriously difficult to keep in shape. A little dampness in within feet of us. (All broke the rules on that occasion) the air could ruin hours of ironing and pressing! Boots and leg- There are few comparisons between the conditions of those gings were red and we were also issued with a cap and a beret times with the soldier serving in today’s Defence Forces. This (both green). modern and sophisticated group with its technological knowl- Our platoon (the 17th) was the first to be trained with the edge and training continues to expand its operations and fron- Belgian FN Rifle, though the .303 rifle was still widely in use. In tiers throughout the world with distinction. fact, on reporting to our respective units following recruit train- Other armies look to them for training because of their expe- ing, a good number had to be retrained on the .303 in order to rience in the field. In countries where they have served, young perform guard duty. Today’s soldiers who use the Steyr would adults have adopted for themselves many of the fine human hardly remember the FN! qualities they experienced through contact with Irish soldiers. Incidentally, the .303 rifle was perfect for arms drill, especially Those of us who served in times past hold them in high with the ‘fix bayonet‘, which was a spectacular sight to see. It esteem, as do all of the people of this country. was also favoured by military marksmen! It’s a great organisation indeed, which teaches high morals, a Following enlistment, our civilian clothing was taken into sense of duty, love of country and the democratic system – cou- stores and the wearing of uniform (at all times, both on and off pled with a strong sense of comradeship and a care for others. duty) was compulsory for six weeks until final approval. This However, it’s important to remember we are where we are included going out to socialise of an evening to the cinema or today, to some extent, due to the paths cleared by, and the expe- dancing. riences of, previous generations of military men and women. At the time no one would have paid particular notice to a sol- Yours faithfully dier in uniform. This situation had its advantages in that a sol- Harry Mulhern dier never queued. The uniform commanded a respect, which Coy Sgt Retired LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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