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Connect March 2014

Fuse Pipeline

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march 2014 Vol 18 Issue 1 DCOS Corner www.military.ie Defence Forces Newsletter A s D COS (Ops) I welcome this opportunity to address the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann. My areas of responsibilities include Intelligence, Operations, Training, CIS and Combat Sup- port. It is important for us to note that in an ever more technologically driven world, it is the equipment, the training and most importantly the quality and commit- ment of the individual members of the Defence Forces that delivers military capabilities and real outputs. I see this every day. Our equipment supported by our techniques, tactics and procedures have been fully tested in our daily opera- tions from 150 Kms south of Mizen Head in an OPV or a Casa Maritime Patrol Aircraft to the conflict zones of the Middle East and vital installations like Portlaoise Prison. As D COS (Ops) I am well aware that these operations are successfully completed because we work together as a team and we each step up to play our part when called upon. It is something that the members of the Defence Forces should take great pride in. Be assured that I do. Individual responsibility is important for each of us as soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen; full time or reservist. Military service is unique. The Defence Forces provide us with equipment and training to do our job but we must also contribute ourselves. We must meet the annual challenges of our fitness tests, our annual personal weapons tests and our ongoing readiness. This readiness to respond to a vast array of operations makes us unique in the Public Service. We are a single force of full time members and reservists and in this our recent re-organisation has set a high bar for us all. During 2014, we need to move forward, overcome the challenges and set the reserve on course for a fulfilling voluntary service for its members. Our latest developments on electronic ranges are very impressive and will help everyone improve the base military skill with weapons, while making visits to the range far more productive and enjoyable. The recogni- tion of our education system and it's accreditation to university level, coupled with the high sign up from personnel, mark this out as a very positive and welcome development. Another aspect of individual responsibility lies in our approach to social media and relates directly to our own personal security and to that of the organisation, its mem- bers, equip- ment and bar- racks. The threat to us comes not just from traditional subversive and criminal means but also from the online world and social media interaction. We must keep our reputation, our safety and our security foremost in our minds. In this way, we also protect our great organisation. Think before you press the send or upload button. It is too late afterwards. The White Paper process which will define Defence Policy for the next number of years remains on course. We are working with our colleagues in the Department of Defence to ensure the important roles we fulfil are recognised and planned into the future. We all have a role to play in this collaborative defining process. It is a crucial process as this White Paper will not only lay out the Defence Forces commitment to Ireland but also Ire- land's commitment to the Defence Forces. In summary, we know that you the members of the De- fence Forces are people of the highest quality and when we combine this vital asset with addi- tional components such as effective and realistic training and modern equipment then we deliver the world class capability that is so evi- dent in the operations of the Army, Air Corps and Navy. We make it happen every day. Be proud of the part you play. Major General Ralph James D COS (Ops) READ MORE Contents Maps Online Multifit Results Pensions Board Launch Spot The Difference Fitness Program Poster

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