Vol. 573 No. 3
204 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which training techniques or instructions in respect of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps have changed in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25630/03]
Tactical and procedural developments in the area of military field operations necessitate the conduct of new training techniques and the development of appropriate instructions. Such tactical and procedural developments occur when the Defence Forces procure new equipment and when they prepare to participate in new or anticipated peace support operations.
Collective training at infantry battalion level has featured as the prime focus of Defence Forces collective training during the past number of years. The Air Corps and the Naval Service may participate in this training in support of Army troops. Such training support is generally of a reconnaissance or troop carrying nature for the Air Corps while the Naval Service supports the Army logistically. The Air Corps and the Naval Service develop appropriate techniques and supporting instructions to meet such training requirements.
In 2003 my Department purchased a command and staff simulator trainer for use in the Defence Forces training centre in the Curragh. Simulation training is now a regular and routine part of many forms of military training. The growth of simulation by electronic means to replace near real operating conditions in the appropriate environment has enabled many of these training requirements to be achieved at much lower cost and without disruption to other services. The development of battlefield simulations has provided for a revolutionary enhancement of the conduct of military training exercises.
Question No. 205 answered with Question No. 169.
