An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir June 2020 www.dfmagazine.ie 6 | INTRODUCTION Having celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 2019, the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO) takes this opportu- nity of saluting the initiative, foresight and determination of our founding members. Operating on a voluntary basis, with 26 years of steadfast service to the Defence Community, we are a vibrant, evolving and flourishing Representative Association, recognised by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. We provide a strong collective and authoritative voice, representing and supporting Army, Naval Service and Air Corps of- ficers, who retire and transition to civilian life, and eligible spouses or civil partners. As a distinctive group of retired officers, ARCO encourages and fosters the unique fellowship and comradeship, which de- rives from our extensive military service in Óglaigh na hÉireann, both at home and overseas, serving Ireland, its Government and its citizens. Our membership is identified as a valuable asset in enhancing the credibility, influence and integrity of the Association. We commend the significant Defence Forces support provided to the Government and Civil Authorities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Likewise, we salute the valuable material and social support provided by ONE, IUNVA, and the ARCO membership to vulnerable Veterans, and to the families of some serving personnel who find themselves in need at this difficult time. POSTURE Readers of An Cosantóir will be interested to note that our aim and objectives have been substantially revised. Likewise, building on our ethos, values and accomplishments, and with a willingness to change, ARCO is committed to a more diverse and inclusive organisation and intends to remain representative, relevant, and viable, in order to safeguard our future. We provide a valuable forum for analysis and debate, which enables the Association to address a range of issues that im- pinge on the interests and quality of lives of retired officers, and eligible spouses or civil partners. Retired personnel will recall that ARCO's pension strategy focuses on: the restoration of FEMPI pension reductions; pension parity, the value of Veterans' pensions which must be maintained into the future; the establishment of a statutory, indepen- dent third-party mechanism for the negotiation of public service pensions; and finally repealing abatement anomalies. As is generally known throughout the Defence Community, ARCO remains fully engaged with ONE, IUNVA, RACO and PDFORRA. Of significance relevance to serving and retired officers, we are represented on the Executive Committee of the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund, on CAOGA's Board of Management, and on the Council of the Alliance of Retired Public Servants. Harnessing our diverse skills, vast range of expertise and experiences, derived from service in the Defence Forces, we hope to be engaged in supporting the De- fence Forces Mentoring and Coaching Programmes, involving the current generation of officers who are the future generation of ARCO's membership. In parallel, we are examining the provision of net- working opportunities and social occasions for our members and the wider Defence Community. Such events will enhance the valuable links among both serving and retired officers, providing ample opportu- nities to share talents and interests for their common benefit. Accordingly, ARCO intends to organise events based on relevant defence, security, leadership and management themes. Unfortunately, on account of Capt Paul Amoroso (Retd), as IED Threat Mitigation Advisor with UNSOS in Somalia

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