An Cosantóir

24 | inTransforming reserve by Wesley Bourke Photos by Cpl Colum Lawlor A the Reserve t the end of last year the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) underwent a major re-organisation into a two-brigade structure that involved the disestablishment of 4 Western Brigade, the standing-down or amalgamation of a number of units, and the reassignment of personnel. With a new establishment of 9,500 the 4 Western Brigade and some units were stood down with their personnel reassigned. In conjunction with this a reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) has also taken place and as of March 31st 2013 the RDF has been re-organised under the 'single force' concept. Since the founding of the state the Defence Forces has always included a reserve element, and over the decades' reservists have played a vital role in supporting their PDF colleagues and providing a visible Defence Forces presence around the country. The Volunteer Reserve, which was formed in 1929 was reformed and renamed the Local Security Force (LSF) during the Emergency. By the start of 1941 the LSF had swelled to around 10,000 and had outgrown its role. Consequently it was renamed the Local Defence Force (LDF), and placed under the authority of the Defence Forces. In 1946 the force was reorganised once more under its Irish name, An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil (FCÁ). An Slua Muirí was also established as the Naval Service's reserve. Integration with the PDF in 1959 saw the reserve reorganised along similar lines as their An Cosantóir May 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie PDF colleagues with the formation of infantry battalions, artillery regiments and other similar formations, and the upgrading of weapons and equipment. During the years of the Troubles reservists assisted their PDF colleagues by carrying out duties in barracks and posts around the country and freeing PDF personnel for other security duties along the Border. Twenty-five years of integration ended in 1984 when the force was reorganised as an independent reserve. In 2005 the reserve was again reorganised to incorporate both integrated and nonintegrated elements. The restructured organisation, renamed the Reserve Defence Force (na hÓglaigh Cúltaca), comprised the Army Reserve (Cúltaca an Airm) and the Naval Service Reserve (Cúltaca na Seirbhís Cabhlaigh). Under the current reorganisation, with an establishment of 4,000, the existing Army Reserve units will be stood-down throughout the spring of 2013 and their personnel offered reassignment. Reservists will now form new batteries, companies, platoons, squadrons, and troops within PDF units. For example, C, D, and E companies of 1 Cn Cois in Galway will be reservist companies. Reservists will now come under the direct command of their new PDF COs and Brigade GOCs. The 'single force' concept will allow for greater effectiveness and efficiency, and will enhance the training of reservists. GOC 2

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