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www.military.ie Defence Forces Newsletter Chief���s Review W hilst the rest of the country were able to enjoy the Christmas and New Year period, I know that you the members of ��glaigh na h��ireann remained busy throughout, from the Naval Dive Team called out on Christmas Day, to the Air Corps Air Ambulance Crews on duty, to our 450 soldiers on peace keeping duty overseas and those on routine but necessary security duties in all our barrack installations. Your ongoing sacrifice in service of the State remains a demonstration of the Defence Forces ethos of duty, honour, loyalty and discipline and a source of great pride to me as Chief of Staff. In 2012 we saw a myriad of challenges all of which we have overcome together. The re-organisation of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) has been largely completed in less than six months and whilst difficult changes had to be implemented, every effort was made and continues to be made to minimise any negative affects on you and your loved ones. Nonetheless, as a result of the re-organisation, I truly believe we have a more agile and deployable force which ultimately provides an even more effective military service to the State. In 2013, there is much work to be done; the re-organisation of the Reserve Defence Force must be completed in the same manner as the PDF re-organisation was, and again a high degree of commitment and duty will be required from all elements of the Defence Forces. It is only through dedication and professional responsibility that together we will achieve the ���Single Force Concept��� of reservists and full time soldiers working together shoulder to shoulder. I know that whilst this will call for renewed levels of commitment, it will prove to be personally more fulfilling for individual members of the Reserve and will also provide more tangible military capability to the State. It would be remiss of me not to mention the murder on duty of Detective Garda Adrian Donohue last month, a timely reminder to us all of the dangers that members of the security forces face on a daily basis in the performance of our duties. We will continue to provide support and protection to our colleagues in the Garda S��och��na in aid to the civil power operations, furthermore the safety and security of our comrades and our equipment must remain a priority for every member of ��glaigh na h��ireann. In the days following Detective Garda Donohue���s death and his funeral, I received the thanks and appreciation of so many members of the Garda S��och��na of all ranks for the sup- march 2013 Vol 17 Issue 1 port, both practical and professional, that the Defence Forces has provided them. Ar dheis D�� go raibh an anam d��lis. On a happier note, I am pleased to confirm that great progress continues on the Naval Service���s new vessel, P 61, it is expected that it will be launched in the Autumn and handed over to us in early 2014, with the laying of the keel for a further vessel also planned for Autumn this year. 2013 will also be a significant year for the Air Corps, not least for the fiftieth anniversary of the entry into service of the first helicopters in the Defence Forces. The range and scope of missions undertaken in 2012 is testament to the collaborative and innovative ethos and dedication of the men and women of the Air Corps. To conclude, it is important to note that this year the Defence Forces will mark the centenary of the foundation of the Irish Volunteers, ��glaigh na h��ireann. I look forward to it as a year that will bring stability and consolidation to our organisation with scope for new and challenging overseas missions in addition to our current deployments. We will also see the new recruits inducted last year arriving into operational appointments throughout ��glaigh na h��ireann. These new soldiers will be the life blood of our organisation in the coming years and ensure we continue to provide an exemplary service to Ireland and its citizens in continuation of the best traditions of ��glaigh na h��ireann. Beir Bua ! Contents Lebanon Report Courses Sharepoint Promotion News New Javelin Kit Spot the Difference DFAA club list READ MORE

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