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Training
in the Irish Army Reserve
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| Introduction |
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 As
a part-time soldier of the 62 Infantry Battalion you will receive modern
military training. This training will be organised around weekly training
parades (which usually last for 2 hours), field-day's and weekend camps,
full-time training camps (usually two weeks duration), courses and duties.
Weekly training parades.
In the local centres the troops are inspected by an officer (checking
of uniform) then drill (marching etc...) for about 20 or 25 minutes. Then
lessons for the rest of the night on things such as map reading, section
and, platoon tactics, patrolling, guard duty, camouflage and concealment.
You need to know these for when you go "on the ground" for tactical
exercises. Weapons training is also taught on weekly training nights.
In barracks (field
days, weekends) the battalion train on weapons. You start with the Steyr
AUG - a fully automatic assault rifle (same as the full-time army), when
you complete your training and firing on that you train on the Light Machine
Gun (GPMG) and fire that. After that the other weapons available are the
anti-tank weapon (bazooka-type weapon), mortars (60mm& 81mm), grenades
and the Browning Automatic Pistol.
 You
would normally go away for a weekend or a field day (full day's training)
about once a month where you will usually go to the rifle range or to
the barracks. In the summer there is two week full-time training camp
where you'll do the bulk of your "On the Ground" tactical training.
There are also other events throughout the year like Easter Camp and tactics
weekends. You get paid for these. The weekends away are not paid. In addition
to normal training you may be sent on special training courses. Other
paid work can include occasional security duties in the barracks (which
are voluntary too) and exceptional events. For example in 2003 nearly
1,000 Reserve soldiers were involved with the Special Olympics, doing
security etc... which was paid.
Your military training
will include the following:
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| Footdrill
and Arms Drill |
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 Drill
is one of the first things a recruit learns as a soldier. The purpose
of drill is to instil the prompt obedience of orders and to develop the
recruits' self-control and soldierly bearing. It is also important for
ceremonial purposes. Initially the recruit is taught how to march but
this soon progresses to section (9 men or less) and platoon (3 sections).
Drill is also important as it forms a foundation for teamwork which is
an essential part of being a soldier. In the Irish Defence Forces all
drill commands are give in Irish. To view the most common drill commands
in use today Click Here.
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| Tactical
(Combat) Training |
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 Tactical
training is taught to recruits at an advanced stage of their recruit training
and is further developed as the soldier progresses to 2* and 3* private
soldier. Tactical know how is an essential skill which must be learned
and practiced to become and effective soldier. Initially he will learn
how to operate as a member of a section but this will be advanced at a
later stage to operating as part of an infantry platoon. Among the subjects
covered will be offensive (attack) and defensive operations, patrolling,
night operations, base camps, reconnaissance, ambushes and much more.
Initially tactical training will be taught in the classroom but there
is much emphasis on actual "on the ground" training which is
conducted at a military training establishments outside of Dublin. Tactical
exercises (time spend living on the ground away from barracks or camps)
ranging from 24-72 hours in duration are conducted to further improve
the skills of the soldier.
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| Fieldcraft |
 Fieldcraft
ties in with tactical training and this teaches the soldier basic military
skills such as camouflage and concealment, obstacle crossing, judging distance,
fire control, visual training and more. Like tactical training, fieldcraft
is initially taught in the classroom but progresses to practice and further
training "on the ground". |
| Weapons
Training and Shooting |
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 Effective
handling of infantry weapons is a basic requirement to be an infantry
soldier. From the early days of his training the soldier is taught how
to fire and maintain his weapon and use it most effectively. This involves
lessons with the weapons in barracks which culminate with the Test of
Elementary Training (T.O.E.T) which each soldier must pass on each weapon
every year. As a recruit you will start
your weapons training with the Steyr
AUG - a fully automatic assault rifle, when you complete your training
and firing on that you will train on the General
Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and fire that. After that the other weapons
available are the anti-tank
weapon (bazooka-type weapon), mortars, grenades and the Browning
Automatic Pistol. Each soldier in the Defence Forces is equipped with
a Steyr AUG. The LMG or GPMG is the section and platoon fire support weapon.
Good marksmanship (shooting skills) is encouraged and competitions are
held throughout the Army Reserve on an annual basis.
- For more information
about Weapons and Equipment Click
Here
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| Navigation
and Orienteering |
 Map
reading and navigation are essential skills which every infantry soldier
must learn. For an infantry section or platoon to operate each man must
be able to use these skills when required. These are taught in the classroom
and are practiced on the ground. Participation in orienteering is encouraged
to improve these skills and also to boost fitness. Skills learned include
map reading, bearings, marching on bearings, estimating journey time and
more. |
| First
Aid Training |
 As
a recruit you will be taught the basics of first aid by members of the Army
Medical Corps. This is taught in a classroom environment by the Army Medical
Corps. Subjects covered include cleaning wounds, bandaging, CPR, care and
treatment of fractures and more. This is a necessary part of recruit training
and will be tested at the end of your recruit course. First aid courses
are also available to trained soldiers. |
| Ceremonial
Duties |
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 The
62 Infantry Battalion is frequently required to perform ceremonial guards
of honour, participate in St. Patrick's Day parades, commemorations, and
other ceremonial duties. These incorporate the foot drill and arms drill
skills which the recruit learns.
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| Survival
Training |
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 Being
able to live and survive on the ground is a key part of being an infantry
soldier. Skills such as carriage in the field, admin in the field, cooking
on the ground, constructing and sleeping in improvised shelters are taught
and practiced as often as possible. The skills learned in map reading
and fieldcraft are also incorporated into the soldiers' survival training.
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| Signals
Training |
 Being
able to communicate effectively is an important aspect of military training.
This will begin with learning topics such as military vocabulary, identifying
features, and voice procedure. Radio operators courses, such as the SINCGARS
operator course, are run to enable selected soldiers to use the platoon,
section and vehicle radios. These courses are taught by instructors from
the Communications Information Services (CIS) Corps. |
| Confidence
and Leadership Training |
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 As
you continue your training and advancement this element of training becomes
more important. For example being able to talk in front of a large group
is encouraged from early in your training. When you reach the rank of
3* private and have served a sufficient amount of time you may be considered
to undergo a potential non commissioned officers (NCO) course. These are
run annually and are designed to teach you to become a section commander
(Corporal). The potential NCO's course will probably be the most mentally
and physically challenging part of your training to date and if you successfully
complete the course you will be recommended to be promoted to the rank
of corporal.
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For more information on the potential NCO's course Click
Here.
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| Paid
Full Time Training and Duties |
 As
a soldier of the Army Reserve you can undergo up to 42 days paid training
annually. This will include your annual training camps of up to three weeks
duration and other training exercises and courses. Courses available to
members of the battalion include support weapons (mortars, anti tank weapons
etc...) courses, driving courses, radio courses,
and first aid courses. In addition to your training you will be asked (or
required) to perform duties such as barracks guard, administration, running
courses and competitions, providing enemy for regular Army exercises and
other duties. |
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