Defence Forces Gais Challenge mental and physical test – The Irish Times

Armed with camouflage paintwork, the hardy participants of the Defence Forces Gais Challenge were mentally and physically tested in the challenging outdoor conditions of the Carnagh Mountains, County Roscommon, over four days and three nights this week.

A specially selected group of 15-17 year olds travelled across Lough Lae in Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) before taking part in a survival skills tutorial, learning life-saving strategies such as how to use nature itself to hide and camouflage, and how to start a fire outdoors with minimal equipment.

Thirty young people from across Ireland braved the wilderness to vie for silver and bronze awards, whilst learning endurance skills from experienced Defence Force personnel.

Gaise Bronze and Silver Award participants are taught camouflage and concealment. Photo: Dara Mac Donail

Immersed in camouflage painting. Photo: Dara Mac Donile

Participants learn how to start a fire with minimal equipment in a survival scenario. Photo: Dara Mac Donail

From spark to flame. Photo: Dara McDonaile

Sergeant Massimo Casciera trains participants in Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training and a shelter-building demonstration. Photo by Dara McDonaile

As you can see from the photos, they also thoroughly enjoyed the personal development program, and by the end of the program they were tired but happy, with no electronic devices in sight.

[ Young people find passion and potential in Gaisce – The President’s Award ]

The Geise Presidential Award was established in 1985 to mark the United Nations International Year of Youth, but the Defence Forces have been involved in developing and running the Defence Force Geise Challenge for more than 30 years.