This short clip from 1990 shows a group of fighters from the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) attacking a British observation post with small arms fire. There were no reported injuries or KIAs attached to this incident, and it’s likely to be harassing fire intended to keep the squad in place as there were several other attacks reported in other areas. However, as per an IRA statement given during the Troubles, the IRA had to be lucky once, whereas the squaddies had to be lucky always. Therefore, taking pot shots like this still had a morale effect, regardless of casualties. The AKs shown here are likely Romanian in origin, as contemporary photos and videos, weapon captures and inventories proffered in the Good Friday Agreement show Romanian AKs to be fairly commonplace. Here ends my expertise- I can offer no tactical, technical, or logical explanation for that bobble-top toboggan. I mean, it’s… a choice.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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