Page 69 - Linkline Yearbook 2018

CILT Visit to Overseas Preparations of the 111th Infantry Battalion at Lynch Military Camp, Kilworth
Left-Right: Comdt Eamon Cahill, O cer Commanding B Coy 111 Infantry Battalion, Jerry Meredith, Education O cer, CILT, Gráinne Lynch, Vice President, CILT, Lt Col Neil Nolan, O cer Commanding 111 Infantry Battalion, Helen Noble, President, CILT, CQMS Dave Williams & Treasurer of CILT Southern Section
On Thursday 28th September members of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport were treated to a unique insight into the operations of the Irish Defence Forces prior to deployment overseas. The idea for this event began with Company Quartermaster Sargeant Dave Williams from the 12th Infantry Battalion in Limerick, who is also Treasurer of the CILT Southern Section. Dave is part of the Supply and Logistics Team for all personnel and equipment for the deployment of troops to South Lebanon from November 2017 to May 2018.
Lieutenant Colonel Neil Nolan, Officer Commanding the 111th Infantry Battalion welcomed CILT members to Kilworth Camp, where the troops were based for central training and administrative purposes. The audience listened to an informative summary of Ireland’s involvement with The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from May 1978 to present day. From 1978 to 2001, over 32,000 individual tours of duty were completed. The Irish Defence Forces were again called to serve in UNIFIL from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2011 to present day, where the Irish Defence Forces currently have more than 300 personnel serving in the mission area. Unfortunately, this commitment to international peace has not come without a high price; 47 Irish soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice of life to the cause.
Following the warm welcome, Company Quartermaster Sargeant Dave Williams stepped up to take the group through the logistical management and supply chain required prior to overseas deployment. Dave explained the
3-Phased Tactical requirements soldiers undergo and the increasing levels of detail supporting each phase. Dave’s talk was incredibly enlightening; clarifying that there is nothing remarkable about the hard work required to support intensive military training. His experience maintains that “effective communication and excellent leadership” are paramount. When these essential elements are not in place, the price in a military environment could potentially cost lives.
Dave Williams referenced the Economist article from 2013 entitled “The Humble Hero” to explain how important the simple container is for the Defence Forces. “Without containerisation we are on our knees, we are nothing without our supply chain.” Containers are packed to precision and hold all the supplies including kit and weapons for each
Coy Sgt McDonnell training some new recruits
The CharTered InsTITuTe of LogIsTICs & TransporT 69
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