2 R IRISH REPORT ON A BUSY AND SUCCESSFUL SUMMER

2 R IRISH has had an eventful and varied summer.  Soldiers have been recruiting at numerous shows and festivals across NI, conducting challenging military and adventurous training and facilitating several successful Defence Engagement (DE) events.  The Infantry Reserve Back to Basics (B2B) training has been used to deliver core outputs and ensure that the soldiers have the best foundation upon which to learn and develop, greatly increasing capability and ensuring success at collective training and on operations.  In addition, 2 R IRISH has enjoyed numerous accomplishments, including three awards in the Queen’s 2018 birthday Honours List and Shooting Team success at Divisional and Army Reserve championships.

Training

The Battalion has utilised the Infantry Reserve Battlecraft Syllabus (BCS) as a handrail to deliver a compilation of skills and drills that ensure the Infantryman can execute the basics well.  The BCS has been designed around the ‘Soldier First’ Syllabus, and identifies the basic skills that an Infantryman must master as move, fight, live and communicate.

The first element of this training saw the deployment of 115 personnel to Cyprus on Ex LION STAR 2018, an intense and arduous exercise designed to prepare soldiers for the challenges of a deployment.

Building on the success of Cyprus, the next element of the B2B programme involved Fighting in Woods and Forests (FIWAF).  Build-up training was conducted prior to a FIWAF TESTEX weekend in June.  Unfortunately, the plan was curtailed by the nesting season for Merlin, Peregrines and a Spotted Eider.  A quick contingency plan by the Training Wing saw the Battalion deploy to Springwell forest instead, a demonstration in flexibility and adaptability by all involved. 

Commander 160 Brigade arrived by Gazelle to view the training in Magilligan Training Centre and he was extremely impressed by the enthusiasm and professionalism of all involved.  Continuing with the B2B package, the Battalion has recently undertaken Operating in a Built-Up Area (OBUA) training in preparation for the TESTEX in Jan 19.

Alongside B2B training, the Cambrian Patrol (CP18) team has been focussing on preparation for the renowned international light-infantry patrols exercise.  Led by 160 Brigade in South Wales, last year saw more than a thousand soldiers from the British Army and 28 international delegations taking part.  Designed and executed as a fully tactical exercise, teams do not directly compete against each other, rather all participate to qualify for either a Gold, Silver or Bronze Medal. A certificate of completion is awarded if a team fails to obtain a medal and hopes are high for the 2 R IRISH team this year.

At the Divisional Operation Shooting Competition (Div OSC) in Catterick, the team finished 2nd overall, narrowly beaten by 253 (North Irish) Medical Regiment.  Ranger Stewart from C Company achieved the accolade of second place overall.  Similar success was seen at the Army Reserve Operational Shooting Competition (AROSC) in Bisley, where the team achieved a well-earned 3rd place overall.  Perhaps most telling was the fact that seven members of the eight-man team were successful in achieving a place within the Army Reserve 50 and were subsequently awarded their badges during the prize-giving ceremony. Following the Team’s performance at AROSC 18, four members have been selected to attend training for the British Army Reserve Team for Ex FORTUNA 19, The Armed Forces Skill at Arms Meeting in America. With marksmanship being the bread and butter of an Infanteer, it is pleasing to see how R IRISH soldiers stack up against others reservists.

On the adventurous training front, 2 R IRISH conducted one expedition; Ex FINN O’LEARY in July and several other AT events, including Ex SHAMROCK RIDGE (FINN) in August.  Ex FINN O’LEARY was designed to give all serving members the opportunity to experience an arduous trek in a completely new area.  13 members of the Battalion took part and were joined by three members from QUOTC.  The main aim was to retrace the Pat O’Leary Line, a WW2 escape route used by downed pilots and others fleeing Nazi occupation.  It is an arduous route, covering 60km+ and reaching altitudes of 2524m which eventually ends in Spain.  One of the main highlights of the trek included time to pause and reflect at the wreck of a RAF Halifax bomber (complete with memorial) which had crashed killing all its crew.  Some participants took full advantage of the facilities nearby by booking a bed, shower and a hot meal.  The remaining hardy souls roughed it in tents and washed in an icy lake.

On the second to last morning, the troops walked the 10km to the town of Isil, marking the end of the trail.  They eventually reached a road closure due to the Tour de France and had no choice but to sit it out.  Captain Martin (as a huge cycling fan) was impressed, but assured everyone that this was unplanned; nonetheless it gave everyone the chance to witness one of sports great spectacles.  It was great to see Britain’s Geraint Thomas ride past in yellow on the way to winning this year’s race.

Exercise SHAMROCK RIDGE (FINN) saw a total of 24 exercising personnel including Mountain Leader Trainers (MLTs) and instructors deployed to the Lake District, Cumbria. The team participated in hill-walking, rock climbing and open boat canoeing.  The exercise also enabled unit MLTs to gain further supervisory logbook experience.  All exercising personnel were split into groups of four and completed a round-robin over the two days.

 

Commemorations

2 R IRISH were invited by the Somme Association to attend and assist with the execution of the 102nd commemoration of the Battle of the Somme. The principal guest was the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley MP, as well as over 30 councillors from Northern Ireland representing various political parties.  There were also several military figures representing the Armies of France, Australia and the Irish Republic.  

The 1st of July commemorations started at the Anglo-French Memorial at Thiepval where the CO laid a wreath and our Bugler and Piper played under the arches of the Thiepval Memorial.  This was followed by the commemoration to the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division at the Ulster Tower, where soldiers also acted as wreath bearers for the assembled VIPs, military and civilian dignitaries.  The final commemoration service of the day was to the men of the 16th (Irish) Division in Guillemont, where, after a short service, wreaths were again laid.  The 2nd of July took us to Essingy le Grand where the villagers had commissioned a new memorial to the 16th (Irish) Division and the 36th (Ulster) Division to commemorate the part they played in the liberation of their village in 1918.

Elsewhere on the 1st July, A Company formed up with the Band of The Royal Irish Regiment on Parade for the annual Somme Commemoration at Belfast City Hall.  The Parade is highly poignant and it was pleasing to note the diversity of onlookers, many of whom appeared to be visitors to the City. 

Recruitment

Throughout the year, the Battalion recruiting team attended several high-profile public events across the province, ensuring the Caubeen was kept in the public’s eye.  These events included, Armed Forces Day in Coleraine, the Scarva Show and a host of other large public events such as career fairs.

Members of the recruiting team have visited and engaged with various higher and further education establishments in Northern Ireland to highlight Reserve and Regular employment opportunities for prospective soldiers.  This year has had reasonable success against a difficult recruiting period, especially in the attendance of some of the larger public events which in the past haven’t been very fruitful from a recruiting perspective.

2 R IRISH personnel have also delivered a series of Individual Personal Development Activities within the Education and Agricultural Sectors.  These events are held in either Palace or Thiepval Barracks and include team-building events utilising the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (DCCT) and command task equipment. 

Faugh-A-Ballagh!