Special occasion for 48 soldiers at Custume Barracks

48 soldiers received their certificates of qualification for completing the 7 Tri-Modular Potential Non Commissioned Officers course at a Passing Out Parade in Costume Barracks, Athlone. A large crowd of family, friends and members of the Defence Forces congregated in the glorious sunshine as the group were presented to General Officer Commanding the 4th Western Brigade, Brigadier General Gerry Hegarty. The training course undertaken by the troops qualifies them for promotion to the rank of Corporal within the army. Last November, the 7th Tri-Modular Potential Non Commissioned Officers course (PNCOs) commenced training in the 4th Western Brigade Training Centre, Costume Barracks, Athlone and over a 26 week period they undertook study of a wide range of subjects. These included the Best Methods of Instruction, Leadership, Military Law, Unit Administration and Ceremonial duties. The Tactical Training module of the course covered extended periods of field exercises in Carnagh, the Slieve Bloom mountains, Fort Davis and Kilworth in Cork. The students, drawn from eight different units within the 4th Western Brigade, and the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment of the 2nd Eastern Brigade, represent 13 counties nationwide including Westmeath, Offaly, Roscommon, Galway, Longford and Sligo among others. The age profile of participants was relatively low with the average coming in at 27. Speaking to the attendance, General Officer Commanding the 4th Western Brigade, Brigadier General Gerry Hegarty praised the group describing them as 'part of an exceptional group of people who will become junior leaders in the Defence Forces', a step that augurs well for the future. He said they had achieved high standards, part of which must be attributed to the excellent staff at the barracks and the support of family and friends. Brigadier General Hegarty wished them the best of luck in their future army careers, be it at home or abroad. The army chief highlighted the fact the 48-strong group have considerable experience of overseas experience with a total of 128 separate tours of duty to date, in places like Kosovo, Eritrea, East Timor, Liberia and Lebanon under their collective belts. Last February, course participants organised and conducted a charity run from Galway to Athlone in a bid to raise much needed funds for three worthy organisations Our Lady"s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Saplings School for Autistic Children in Mullingar and the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund. A cheque for the proceeds €4,000 was presented to the charities in the NCOs Mess, Costume Barracks immediately after the Passing Out Parade.