The Central Medical Unit (CMU) of Óglaigh na hÉireann have been awarded first place in Exercise Arduous Serpent 2024, marking a historic achievement as the first Irish team to win this rigorous international competition.
Exercise Arduous Serpent is an international military competition designed to test the capabilities and readiness of Military Medical Units through a series of challenging scenarios. Exercise Arduous Serpent 2024 was held over an intense 14-hour period in the Otterburn Training Area in England and was organised and run by the British Armed Forces. The competition involved a series of eight demanding serials, each designed to test various aspects of military skills and medical proficiency whilst also testing the physical and mental endurance of participating Units. These serials included:
1. Triage - Assessing and prioritising casualties for treatment.
2. Counter-Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (C-UAS) - Dealing with threats from drone surveillance.
3. Advance to Contact - Moving forward to engage with the enemy.
4. Recognition - Identifying Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) and military symbols.
5. Anti-Ambush Drills - Reacting to and neutralising ambushes.
6. Medicate & Evacuate - Providing medical care and evacuating casualties under pressure.
7. Dig or Die - Implementing defensive digging techniques under a barrage of indirect fire (artillery and mortar shelling)
8. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) - Responding to threats involving hazardous materials.
The exercise is designed to simulate real-world combat and crisis scenarios, testing the participating units' readiness, tactical and medical proficiency, and ability to operate under extreme stress. The competition not only assesses individual skills but also the teamwork and coordination required to succeed in complex operational environments.
The CMU scored an impressive total of 827 points, receiving the top score in the majority of the stands. This achievement is a reflection of the dedication and the high standards of training and preparedness within our Medical Corps. It is also a reflection of Óglaigh na hÉireanns continued dedication to excellence and the ongoing development of our personnel's skills and capabilities.
