Connect

june 2014 Vol 18 Issue 2 Warriors, Diplomats and Giants www.military.ie Defence Forces Newsletter I t is the function of Support Division to help ensure we have appropriate operational, technical and specialist capabilities. We do this by equipping, resourcing, supporting and developing our personnel so that risk is mitigated while the level and quality of service is maximised. For over 50 years the Defence Forces have helped to maintain peace and security while facilitating institu- tion building abroad. Today Army led operations, with over 400 men and women, operate in sixteen missions in seventeen countries, flying the Irish flag, reinforcing the reputation of the State. Acting as warriors, relying on professional competence, our personnel shape and mould the circumstances that create a safe and secure environment. Acting as peacemaker diplomats they use that uniquely Irish competence to 'connect', fostering a civil society. Everybody who stands at the monument in Tibnin to the memory of the forty seven members of our Defence Forces who died on UN service in Lebanon is humbled and cannot but think of the families who have lost loved ones. It brings into sharp focus the level of sacrifice that each man and woman in the Army, Air Corps and Navy is prepared to make serving the national interest. This commitment to service, together with our principles of courage, respect, integrity, loyalty and selflessness define the institutional strength of Óglaigh na hEireann. In terms of policy the fact that our personnel may put themselves in harm's way goes to the heart of the delib- erations which inform the current Defence White Paper process. This process will identify our national interests while giving us clarity on what government and civil society expect of us. In terms of strategy the safety of our personnel is the one reality that most exercises the General Staff. The key purpose of the Defence Forces is to under- write the sovereignty of the State while upholding our national interests. Ireland's jurisdiction, at almost three times the size of Germany, is one of the largest in Europe. It encompasses land, air and maritime domains. Our sovereign rights encompass trillions of Euros in fisheries and yet to be found hydrocarbon and mineral resources. Statistically the largest wave ever measured by scientific instrument was off the Mayo Coast. In this hostile environment the men and women of the Navy and Air Corps patrol every minute of every day, delivering defence, security and govern- ment services as required. Sovereign rights that are not upheld are more imaginary than real, accordingly, ships like LÉ Samuel Beckett flying the Irish Flag are vital. Great progress has been made to enhance our capability for service in the air, land and maritime domains, at home and abroad. Further investment is planned. The realisation of the single force concept, while a challenge, presents a huge opportunity as we seamlessly merge into one force. This will add to the diversity of the Defence Organ- isation while reinforcing our relevance to government and civil society. Facilitating greater equality and striving for greater diversity are key policy tenets. Individually we all have responsibilities for development in areas such as fitness, learning and also ensuring we value and are val- ued. It is also our duty to speak up when we see wrong. I am privileged to be part of a Defence Organisation where the civil element under the Secretary General works with the military under the COS. Together we strive for a policy strategy match in the delivery of defence, security and government services. I am proud to serve in the company of the men and women of the Defence Forces, warriors with the capability to act as diplomats. I know that government and civil society are also very proud. I was humbled to have stood at that monument on a hill in South Lebanon, in the memory of giants. How else could you describe this evidence of the unconditional service of Óglaigh Na hEireann? REAR ADMIRAL MARK MELLETT DSM DCOS SUPPORT READ MORE Contents 1 Bde Small Arms Shoot Smarter Travel DF Handball UNDOF Spot The Difference Photo Competition

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