An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir October 2018 www.dfmagazine.ie 38 | THOMAS MARTIN 2 BDE MP / AIDE-DE-CAMP'S OFFICE, ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN CORPORAL BY CPL LEE COYLE MAIN PHOTO ARMN JAMIE BARRETT M y interest for joining the Defence Forces came from two places, first was a family connection with my father serving for a short time and also my uncle and cousin are currently serving. Secondly was a group of my school friends wanted to serve in the military. Initially my friends and I decided to join the FCÁ, so we en- listed with the 8 Inf Bn that was based in Aiken Bks, Dundalk in 1997. It was a great experience serving in the reserves and it made me want to join the PDF even more. So in August 1998, I enlisted with the 54th Recruit Platoon, CTD in Cathal Brugha Bks. When I completed my training in early 1999 I was posted to the A Coy, 5 Inf Bn, which was stationed in McKee Bks and after only a few short weeks I was posted to B Coy, 5 Inf Bn in Gormanston Camp. Later that year I managed to get a transfer to the 27 Inf Bn, in Monaghan, which was closer to home. In May of 2000, I travelled overseas for the first time with the 87 Inf Bn, UNIFIL, which was a great experience. I returned back to the 27 Inf Bn and I completed a number of courses including a signals course in February 2002. Serving in a unit near the border during those years' was a busy time with the unit's duties being frequent and also the foot and mouth epidem- ics during that period. In June 2002 I underwent a Military Police (MP) Probation- ers Course. It was a very interesting course, and on comple- tion I was posted to the 2 Bde MP Detachment in Government Buildings. Our role in Government Buildings was to assist An Garda Síochána in the security of the building and also carrying out ceremonial duties. Over the next few years I completed a lot of MP courses, including MP investigators, MP photography and MP Drugs course. I returned back to Lebanon in 2013 with the 42 Inf Gp, which was interesting to see the changes in the country since my last tour 13 years previous. When I returned home the re-org had changed the 2 Bde MP unit structure and I was sent to McKee Bks for a short time as Detachment Commander. After this I went to Cathal Brugha Bks where I was part of the inves- tigation section. In 2015 I got the opportunity to take up a temp role in Áras an Uachtaráin as part of the Aide-de-Camp for the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins. In February 2017 I took up the role on a full time basis. I am one of two military policemen assigned to the Aide- de-Camp's office in Áras an Uachtaráin, the current Aide-de- Camp is Col Liam Condon and he has three officers on his staff. My role in the Aide-de-Camp's office is to provide assis- tance to the president and his family. Our office liaises closely with the various departments involved in the running of the Aras, such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, Protocol, An Garda Síochána and Office of Public Works (OPW). There is a ceremonial element within the role, and we take part in events such as State Visits, Credential Ceremonies and Garden Parties. I also MC certain events within the Aras, com- pering at events such as State Receptions - where I welcome the guests, announce the President's arrival and introduce the entertainment programme. I have recently published a book about an elderly man who gets a surprise of another grandchild, but he realises that with his advanced age he might not get to know this child, so he decides to write a biography in order to pass it on to the child so he can get to know his grandfather – 'The Life and Times of Mr. Joseph Soap' is reviewed on page 36. I'm really enjoying my role in Áras an Uachtaráin, it's really interesting with the interaction with diplomats, media, politi- cians and even famous people. In the future I also plan on writing another book. Cpl Thomas Martin presenting President Michael D. Higgins with a copy of his debut book, 'The Life and Times of Mr. Joseph Soap'. Cpl Martin on duty for the recent royal visit.

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