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by Cpl Christopher Kinsella (C Coy, 62 Inf Bn)
The year 2005 saw the arrival of 35 brand new NCOs to the reserve element of the 2 Eastern Brigade. Mirroring, as closely as possible, the PDF's Potential NCOs course the reserve BTC effectively converted prospective 3* soldiers from throughout the Eastern Brigade into effective junior military leaders. The current generation 'Pots Course' differs substantially from the traditional RDF PNCOs course. This is mainly due to the recent implementation of a modular format. Rather than the long-established 14-day course, the PNCOs of 2005 were faced with an arduous 27-day course. The four separate modules of the course are designed to mould the students into high-quality, efficient leaders.
The first module, a weekend in March, tested the physical ability of the troops. Physical fitness was assessed in addition to the students weapon handling abilities. All of the troops were expected to show complete knowledge in the Bren LMG & the Steyr rifle. There was also a map reading test and lessons on method of instruction were given. This first module also served as a beneficial introduction to the difficult 25 days ahead of the class of 2005. Module 2 took place around Easter in Coolmoney camp in the Glen of Imaal. The chief role of this key section of the course was to create valuable instructors for the Defence Forces. Particular emphasis was placed upon the skills of method of instruction (MOI). In this area the soldiers were tested and expected to pass one foot/arms drill instruction lesson & one classroom instruction lesson on the LMG or Steyr. The students were also given introduction lessons on military law & their leadership abilities were improved. In May Module 3, a weekend held once again in the Glen, re-introduced the students to fieldcraft and tactics. The students founded themselves being tested tactically, as well as psychologically for the first time. Another notable feature of this section of the course was the introduction to the 'River', a Glen landmark which would become all too familiar in August.
Having spent their summer preparing the troops once again ascended upon the Glen for module 4. A module consisting of 14 mentally & physically challenging days designed to push the 'Pots' to the limit of their abilities. 7 tough days of intense Section-in-Attack training was followed by an exciting 48hr exercise in the Stranahely wood area. The exhausted troops were heli-dropped in an undisclosed location in order to carry out 2 days of strenuous reconnaissance & offensive operations. The most memorable part of the exercise being, of course, the 'NATO T' assault under the cover of darkness. Other memories of this module include 'Rock Around the Clock' until midnight, 'Introduction to Tactical Fieldcraft' & of course doing leopard crawls along the MOWAG track with a GPMG! Saturday the 8th of October marked the official passing out of the first corporals of the new reserve. The class of 2005 have now returned to their own units to pass on and instruct on their knowledge of field craft, tactics, weapons & drill.
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2005 PNCO Course