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October 2013

Fuse Pipeline

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www.military.ie Defence Forces Newsletter Chief's Review A pproximately six weeks have passed since I was appointed Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. Previously as Deputy Chief of Staff (Support), I witnessed at first hand the manner in which the members of the Defence Forces both full time and reservists assisted and cooperated in the implementation of last year's re-organisation of the Defence Forces. It is now time for that process to come together in the 'Single Force Concept' and for the positives from that challenging period to become apparent to us all. I am very conscious of the continuous tempo of operations which the Army has maintained throughout the challenges of the re-organisation in the last eighteen months both at home and overseas. For security reasons, these routine operational commitments are rarely publicised but I do know that the Government continues to acknowledge and appreciate the range of duties completed every month and the contribution this makes to the provision of stability and security in Ireland. In addition to their crucial routine duties, both the Air Corps and the Naval Service have recently had high profile engagements and ceremonies. The Dublin Flight Fest was viewed by over 100,000 people and the contribution of the Air Corps to this historic and unique display was widely acknowledged. The Air Corps continues to provide outstanding service to the State varying from Maritime Patrols to Emergency Aeromedical Support in addition to their military tasks. The delivery of such capabilities is only achievable due to the dedicated combined efforts of all the men and women of the Air Corps. This final quarter of 2013 sees significant milestones for the Naval Service: the LÉ Emer was recently decommissioned after thirty five years of service to the State and the new vessel coming ever closer to entering service in 2014. We should not underestimate the vote of confidence made by Government in the Naval Service and the wider Defence Forces by placing orders for new vessels. I have no doubt that the Naval Service will operate these ships to the fullest advantage of the country and its citizens. october 2013 Vol 17 Issue 3 As men and women of Óglaigh na Éireann, we should be proud that the United Nations turned again to Ireland requesting a military contingent to serve on the Golan Heights with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). I know that the troops of the 43rd Infantry Group will carry on our proud tradition of peacekeeping and improving the lives of the ordinary men and women of this troubled region. I wish them a safe and successful tour of duty. The coming months will hopefully bring about further stability and consolidation for us all. This time should also see the finalisation of the Green Paper process which will lead to a formal statement of Government Policy on Defence in a new White Paper due to be published in 2014. This is a process we should engage with enthusiastically at all levels. Finally let me thank all members of Óglaigh na Éireann and your families for your continued support and loyalty. Contents Major General Conor O' Boyle Chief of Staff Overseas Courses Fixtures CareCall Hurling T&W League UNDOF READ MORE

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