naoscaire
08-25-2003, 07:17 AM
.i have one question if u dont mind answering is the training hard for the ranger wing and is it difficult to get into also do u go on many operations many thanks irish guy
Uhm Thats 3 questions, DETAILS people DETAILS !!! ;)
First off you dont have a profile up so I do not have a clue where your interest lies therefore I will give you the basic info. Most of this can be found on the ARW website, but in case you cant google it and i am in a good mood I will cut and paste.
is the training hard for the ranger wing
Dude its a SOF Unit ..... OF COURSE the training is hard, Like DUHHHH :)
Heres the Official crap:
Selection
The Selection Course is held annually by the ARW for potential new Unit members. It is open to serving members of the Defence Forces only. Candidates must be medically fit, have a good conduct rating, may be of any rank and must undergo a rigorous physical fitness test.
The Selection course is of four (4) weeks duration. The student must cope with physical and psychological pressures and is constantly assessed by instructor staff. The course covers Physical Training, Weapons Handling, Confidence Training, Mountain Navigation, Survival Skills and all aspects of special forces conventional tactics. Standards required are set at the highest level. Successful students continue with the induction process by completing an ARW Basic Skills Course, which is in effect a probationary period.
Basic Skills Course
The Basic Skills Course is of six (6) months duration where assessment of student suitability to serve in the ARW is detailed and continuous. Students learn all the new skills necessary for membership of the Units' assault platoons. These skills include :
Physical Training.
Advanced Shooting and Marksmanship.
Long Range Patrolling - Survival Training and Rough terrain navigation.
Hostage Rescue Tactics - House, Aircraft, Bus, Train and Ship assaults...etc...
Specialist Training
Throughout the Ranger's career he/she will undergo further specialist training on a continuous ongoing basis ensuring peak of performance at all times. The Ranger will be trained to the highest level of skills such as helicopter rappelling, fast roping, boat handling, sniping, underwater combat diving, explosives intervention, close protection, parachuting and advanced navigation. These skills are unique to the Army Ranger Wing and affords the Unit much valued flexibility in contingency planning for operational tasks.
The Unit is supported by Defence Forces assets such as Air Corps aircraft, Naval Service Patrol Vessels, Army transport and specialised all weather military kit and high tech equipment. The availability of these assets enables the ARW to train for scenarios based on airborne as well as underwater and surface maritime operations. Training is carried out on gas and oil rigs off Ireland's Atlantic coast, in remote rural areas and in the urban environment.
Parachuting
The ARW conducts parachute training within the Defence Forces and all Unit members are proficient in this area. All trainees must successfully complete five (5) static line jumps from 2,000 feet using T10 round canopies to earn their wings. Selected unit members then progress to free-fall. Rangers who reach a high standard are sent abroad for HALO (High altitude low opening) and HAHO (High altitude high opening) training. Most ARW parachutists are encouraged to compete in sports parachuting such as accuracy and relative work competitions. ARW members also represent the Irish Defence Forces in the annual World Military Parachuting Championships under CISM (Conseil International du Sport Militaire).
Boat Handling
The Naval Service is responsible for patrolling an area of 132,000 sq. miles of sea which is the equivalent of four times the size of the island of Ireland. The sea conditions on the Atlantic coast are often extremely hazardous offering an operational challenge to the ARW which is trained to complement the activities of the Naval Service.
All ARW Combat Divers undergo a Boat Handling Course. On this course the student is introduced to the ARWs inflatable and semi-rigid craft. The Course subjects include Boat Maintenance, Global Positioning System Navigation, High Speed Handling, Interception and Boarding of all types of vessels in all weather conditions. The craft are also used as troop carriers in various roles for Maritime Intervention and Seaborne Operations.
Combat Diving
Selected Rangers specialise in Combat Diving and must undergo a two week preliminary Diving Course under the supervision of the ARW diving section. This course involves an introduction to diving and diving equipment. Students gain water confidence and dive in varying conditions and visibility in preparation for the next phase of the course which is conducted by the Naval Service Diving Section at the Naval Base.
This three week course mirrors the Naval Ships Diver Course where the students are introduced to Compass Diving, Ships Bottom Searching, Deep Diving, the Decompression Chamber and Small Boat Handling.
The final phase of the course consists of a seven day period of Combat Diving under the supervision of skilled combat divers from within the Army Ranger Wing. During this week the student learns Harbour and Beach Reconnaissance. Also included is Covert Ship Boarding, ending in a seagoing maritime exercise involving all of the Unit's combat divers.
Sniping
One of the ARW primary specialist military skills is Sniping. Up to half of ARW members are fully qualified snipers. This affords the Unit a high degree of flexibility within its various roles. All potential Snipers undergo a rigorous seven-week Basic Sniper Course. On this course the student is taught the Sniper related military skills e.g. Shooting, Camouflage and Concealment, Stalking and Navigation. Having successfully completed this course the student becomes a fully qualified sniper. Intensive exercises are conducted for selected personnel, sometimes in conjunction with Foreign Special Forces. The Unit trains its Snipers in Anti-Terrorist sniper military skills including Advanced Shooting Techniques, Urban Hides, Coordinated Shoot Procedures and Computer Data Transmission.
ARW Snipers are trained to operate in many environments and so the Wing is equipped with an array of specialist weapons to enhance effectiveness. Some of the weapons in use are :
A1 96 (.308) Accuracy International.
Heckler and Koch SG1 5.56 mm.
The locating, observing and reporting on targets are essential skills of the ARW sniper. These three functions are complemented by the invaluable experience gained on front-line duty with the Irish Battalion serving with the UN in South Lebanon. The ARW uses state of the art Digital Technology and Burst Transmission Communications to transmit images and data.
Foreign Exchange
Rangers are selected for training with other Intervention/Special Forces Units and selected personnel serve with the Defence Forces on overseas peacekeeping missions.
------------------------------------
is it difficult to get into
As difficult as any other SOF, Also you must be a serving PDF member minimun 3 star or equivalent
-----------------------------------
do u go on many operations
Members of the ARW also take part in the Irish Defence Forces contribution to overseas Peacekeeping Missions around the world. Over the years these missions have included service in Lebanon, Bosnia, Cyprus, Iraq, Somalia Western Sahara and East Timor.... We get around a lot more then would be expected, but must of it does NOT fall under the Irish FOIA and there fore is sealed for atleast 30 years :)
East Timor is perhaps our most talked about, again heres the official fluff
INTERFET (International Force East Timor)
This mission was established in September 1999, under United Nations Security Resolution 1264/99. This resolution, adopted under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, authorises the Australian led international peacekeeping force to use "all means necessary" to:-
restore peace and security in East Timor,
protect and support UNAMET in carrying out its tasks
where possible, facilitate humanitarian assistance operations.
The Irish Army Ranger Wing, along with a national support element of Irish logistics and technical experts drawn from other units of the Defence Forces, operated with the New Zealand Battle Group. This consisted of New Zealand, Canadian and Irish troops. Irish participation in this mission commenced on 21 October 1999
--------------------------------------
Again Wolfman this is all general interest stuff, IF you are a PDF member and want a shot at the Selection Course let me know and I can forward the contact info
Uhm Thats 3 questions, DETAILS people DETAILS !!! ;)
First off you dont have a profile up so I do not have a clue where your interest lies therefore I will give you the basic info. Most of this can be found on the ARW website, but in case you cant google it and i am in a good mood I will cut and paste.
is the training hard for the ranger wing
Dude its a SOF Unit ..... OF COURSE the training is hard, Like DUHHHH :)
Heres the Official crap:
Selection
The Selection Course is held annually by the ARW for potential new Unit members. It is open to serving members of the Defence Forces only. Candidates must be medically fit, have a good conduct rating, may be of any rank and must undergo a rigorous physical fitness test.
The Selection course is of four (4) weeks duration. The student must cope with physical and psychological pressures and is constantly assessed by instructor staff. The course covers Physical Training, Weapons Handling, Confidence Training, Mountain Navigation, Survival Skills and all aspects of special forces conventional tactics. Standards required are set at the highest level. Successful students continue with the induction process by completing an ARW Basic Skills Course, which is in effect a probationary period.
Basic Skills Course
The Basic Skills Course is of six (6) months duration where assessment of student suitability to serve in the ARW is detailed and continuous. Students learn all the new skills necessary for membership of the Units' assault platoons. These skills include :
Physical Training.
Advanced Shooting and Marksmanship.
Long Range Patrolling - Survival Training and Rough terrain navigation.
Hostage Rescue Tactics - House, Aircraft, Bus, Train and Ship assaults...etc...
Specialist Training
Throughout the Ranger's career he/she will undergo further specialist training on a continuous ongoing basis ensuring peak of performance at all times. The Ranger will be trained to the highest level of skills such as helicopter rappelling, fast roping, boat handling, sniping, underwater combat diving, explosives intervention, close protection, parachuting and advanced navigation. These skills are unique to the Army Ranger Wing and affords the Unit much valued flexibility in contingency planning for operational tasks.
The Unit is supported by Defence Forces assets such as Air Corps aircraft, Naval Service Patrol Vessels, Army transport and specialised all weather military kit and high tech equipment. The availability of these assets enables the ARW to train for scenarios based on airborne as well as underwater and surface maritime operations. Training is carried out on gas and oil rigs off Ireland's Atlantic coast, in remote rural areas and in the urban environment.
Parachuting
The ARW conducts parachute training within the Defence Forces and all Unit members are proficient in this area. All trainees must successfully complete five (5) static line jumps from 2,000 feet using T10 round canopies to earn their wings. Selected unit members then progress to free-fall. Rangers who reach a high standard are sent abroad for HALO (High altitude low opening) and HAHO (High altitude high opening) training. Most ARW parachutists are encouraged to compete in sports parachuting such as accuracy and relative work competitions. ARW members also represent the Irish Defence Forces in the annual World Military Parachuting Championships under CISM (Conseil International du Sport Militaire).
Boat Handling
The Naval Service is responsible for patrolling an area of 132,000 sq. miles of sea which is the equivalent of four times the size of the island of Ireland. The sea conditions on the Atlantic coast are often extremely hazardous offering an operational challenge to the ARW which is trained to complement the activities of the Naval Service.
All ARW Combat Divers undergo a Boat Handling Course. On this course the student is introduced to the ARWs inflatable and semi-rigid craft. The Course subjects include Boat Maintenance, Global Positioning System Navigation, High Speed Handling, Interception and Boarding of all types of vessels in all weather conditions. The craft are also used as troop carriers in various roles for Maritime Intervention and Seaborne Operations.
Combat Diving
Selected Rangers specialise in Combat Diving and must undergo a two week preliminary Diving Course under the supervision of the ARW diving section. This course involves an introduction to diving and diving equipment. Students gain water confidence and dive in varying conditions and visibility in preparation for the next phase of the course which is conducted by the Naval Service Diving Section at the Naval Base.
This three week course mirrors the Naval Ships Diver Course where the students are introduced to Compass Diving, Ships Bottom Searching, Deep Diving, the Decompression Chamber and Small Boat Handling.
The final phase of the course consists of a seven day period of Combat Diving under the supervision of skilled combat divers from within the Army Ranger Wing. During this week the student learns Harbour and Beach Reconnaissance. Also included is Covert Ship Boarding, ending in a seagoing maritime exercise involving all of the Unit's combat divers.
Sniping
One of the ARW primary specialist military skills is Sniping. Up to half of ARW members are fully qualified snipers. This affords the Unit a high degree of flexibility within its various roles. All potential Snipers undergo a rigorous seven-week Basic Sniper Course. On this course the student is taught the Sniper related military skills e.g. Shooting, Camouflage and Concealment, Stalking and Navigation. Having successfully completed this course the student becomes a fully qualified sniper. Intensive exercises are conducted for selected personnel, sometimes in conjunction with Foreign Special Forces. The Unit trains its Snipers in Anti-Terrorist sniper military skills including Advanced Shooting Techniques, Urban Hides, Coordinated Shoot Procedures and Computer Data Transmission.
ARW Snipers are trained to operate in many environments and so the Wing is equipped with an array of specialist weapons to enhance effectiveness. Some of the weapons in use are :
A1 96 (.308) Accuracy International.
Heckler and Koch SG1 5.56 mm.
The locating, observing and reporting on targets are essential skills of the ARW sniper. These three functions are complemented by the invaluable experience gained on front-line duty with the Irish Battalion serving with the UN in South Lebanon. The ARW uses state of the art Digital Technology and Burst Transmission Communications to transmit images and data.
Foreign Exchange
Rangers are selected for training with other Intervention/Special Forces Units and selected personnel serve with the Defence Forces on overseas peacekeeping missions.
------------------------------------
is it difficult to get into
As difficult as any other SOF, Also you must be a serving PDF member minimun 3 star or equivalent
-----------------------------------
do u go on many operations
Members of the ARW also take part in the Irish Defence Forces contribution to overseas Peacekeeping Missions around the world. Over the years these missions have included service in Lebanon, Bosnia, Cyprus, Iraq, Somalia Western Sahara and East Timor.... We get around a lot more then would be expected, but must of it does NOT fall under the Irish FOIA and there fore is sealed for atleast 30 years :)
East Timor is perhaps our most talked about, again heres the official fluff
INTERFET (International Force East Timor)
This mission was established in September 1999, under United Nations Security Resolution 1264/99. This resolution, adopted under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, authorises the Australian led international peacekeeping force to use "all means necessary" to:-
restore peace and security in East Timor,
protect and support UNAMET in carrying out its tasks
where possible, facilitate humanitarian assistance operations.
The Irish Army Ranger Wing, along with a national support element of Irish logistics and technical experts drawn from other units of the Defence Forces, operated with the New Zealand Battle Group. This consisted of New Zealand, Canadian and Irish troops. Irish participation in this mission commenced on 21 October 1999
--------------------------------------
Again Wolfman this is all general interest stuff, IF you are a PDF member and want a shot at the Selection Course let me know and I can forward the contact info