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June 2012

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Chief's Review F www.military.ie hard work, loyalty and enthu- siasm that you have contin- ued to show in the first half of this year. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed and continue to attract favourable com- ments from the highest levels irstly may I take this op- portunity to thank you all for your continuing of Government. The main challenge facing us remains the reorganisation of the Defence Forces from a three to two brigade structure with a strength of 9,500 as announced by Government. It is important that you know that a steering group consisting of senior Defence Forces and Depart- ment of Defence personnel has been engaged fully on this process for the last couple of months. They are considering a number of higher level options and courses of action with a focus on maintaining our operation- al effectiveness within our current financial and personnel constraints. After decisions are made com- Defence Forces Newsletter JUNE 2012 Vol 16 Issue 6 overseas and in our sovereign waters, are the lifeblood of any military force. Further- more, they are a validation of the outstanding work of the Defence Forces in the current difficult economic climate. The Defence Forces con- tinues to work in 14 missions worldwide. In UNIFIL the 106 Infantry Battalion is assum- ing operational control in the Irish AO along with 133 of our Finnish colleagues. Following a request from the United Nations we have recently deployed six personnel as observers to the United Nations Supervisory Mission in Syria (UNSMIS). This once again highlights the esteem in which the Irish Defence Forces are held inter- nationally and I have no doubt that our contingent will do Óglaigh na hÉireann and the nation proud. The Naval Service continues to prehensive briefings will take place with all Defence Forces Personnel. I have no doubt that whilst this reor- ganisation will be difficult and will challenge us all, it will be an oppor- tunity to make the Defence Forces an even more effective, streamlined and fit for purpose institution of the State. It is important to highlight that both the recruitment and promo- tion competitions for all ranks are now underway. These personnel de- velopments, along with regular de- ployments and operations, at home, operate in some of the most hostile seas in the world, carrying out vital work in preserving our sovereignty and national resources far from public view. The new recruits to the Service will provide the necessary personnel to maintain this most crucial of operational capabilities. The first half of the year has also brought another busy operational period to the Air Corps with many high profile missions being com- pleted successfully. As with all military forces, such outputs can only be achieved with teamwork and dedication from all ranks and I know the men and women of the Air Corps will not be found wanting in this regard now or in the future. Finally, the work of all our per- sonnel has brought great credit to the organisation and has undoubt- edly helped to defend, protect and support the citizens of Ireland whom we serve. Your commitment and loyalty remains a continuing source of great pride to me. I have no doubt that you will keep up the good work, despite the great challenges that lie ahead for the remainder of 2012 – Beir Bua! Contents Chief's Review Overseas Sit rep PSS Message Spot the difference Courses Fixtures New Arms Drill READ MORE

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