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visit us at www.military.ie Christmas Message from the Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Séan McCann I s mian liom an deis seo a thapú le beannachtaí na Nollag agus Athbhliain faoi shéan is faoi mhaise a ghuí ar gach comhalta de na Buan-Óglaigh agus de na hÓglaigh Chúltaca. Ní mór dúinn ár mbuíochas a chur in iúl do na teaghlaigh agus do na cairde, ar chuireann a gcuid íobairtí sin agus a gcuid tacaíochta ar ár gcumas an obair is fearr ab fhéidir linn a dhéanamh i mbliain eile a bhí thar a bheith dúshlánach. I would like take this opportunity to extend Christmas greetings to every member of the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces, and heartfelt good wishes for the coming year. I also wish to extend my gratitude to your families and friends, whose sacrifices and support enable us to perform our tasks to the highest possible standards in what has been a challenging year. Christmas affords us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the year just passed, to thank you all for your positive attitude to your duties as members of Óglaigh na hÉireann and acknowledge the commitment that you have given throughout the year. Christmas is also a time for reflection and remembrance of those who have gone before us. Let us take the time to remember in our thoughts and prayers the members of the Defence Forces, former members, and their families and friends who have died during the past year. Go ndéana Dia trócaire orthú I would like to extend particular best wishes and gratitude to all members of the Defence Forces on duty this Christmas whether serving overseas, at sea, in the air, or elsewhere in the service of the State. Christmas is a special time of year and I am acutely aware of the sacrifice made by individuals who are away from their family and loved ones - thank you for your continuing hard work and professionalism. This Christmas comes at a significant time of change for the organisation. In 2012 the main challenge we faced was the implementation of the re-organisation of the Defence Forces moving from a three to two brigade structure whilst maintaining a strength of 9,500. The implementation of this plan has been very challenging but every effort has been made to minimise the negative effects of this plan on the individual members of the Defence Forces and their families. We must also not lose sight of the positives this year; we have renewed the organisation by recruiting over six hundred personnel and have been able to promote at all rank levels. These developments, along with regular deployments and operations, at home, overseas and in our sovereign waters are the lifeblood of any military force. Furthermore they are a validation of the work of the Defence Forces, at all levels, in transforming our organisation in the current difficult times for the State. Óglaigh na hÉireann, has occupied a unique position in Ireland for the past 100 years, from its beginnings at the Rotunda Rink, Dublin on the 25th of November 1913, through to the present day. Next year, our organisation will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Óglaigh na hÉireann. Through the tumultuous first steps of a fledgling state, the Defence Forces have embodied the heartbeat of the nation. The brave new era of UN deployment in the late 1950's and early 1960's began as Ireland was slowly recovering from a period of economic hardship. The Defence Forces at that time, like today, embraced their tasks in a challenging period and represented the Irish people at home and abroad with distinction, commitment and valour. The legacy and traditions of the proud men and women that have gone before us, should never be far from our thoughts. I have no doubt you will represent the Defence Forces and Ireland in the coming year with professionalism and pride as we remember our history and place in Irish Society. In conclusion, it is important for all members of Óglaigh na hÉireann to know that the coming year will bring consolidation and stability in our organisation. This year has been difficult for the members of the Defence Forces but it is only through our traditional ethos of duty, team work and loyalty that we will meet and overcome the further challenges that lie ahead. Finally let me re-state once again my pride as Chief of Staff in you and the work you do, on behalf of the State as members of the Army, Air Corps and Navy at home and abroad. I would like to thank every member of Óglaigh na hÉireann for their loyalty and devotion to duty in 2012 and I wish you a safe and happy Christmas and best wishes for the year to come. Nollaig shona daoibh go léir agus athbhliain faoi shéan agus faoí mhaise. Seán McCann Lieutenant General Chief of Staff

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