An Cosantóir

18 By Tony O'Brien RDF COVID RESPONSE of military role in life. His grandfather served during the War of Independence, while his father and other members of his family served in the US and UK militaries, with some serving during both world wars. The Dubliner left Ireland in the early 1990s and did not return home until 20 years later. During his time away, he served in the British Army Reserve in a non-medical capacity. After training at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine and the NHS, he served for many years as a clinician with the US Department of Defence and UK Ministry of Defence, including six years with the USAF's 48th Medical Group and the 501st Combat Support Wing. Upon returning home, he received his commissioned as an officer in the Army Reserve. He has since fulfilled a number of roles in the Reserve within DFHQ and the Office of Director Medical Branch, St Bricin's Military Hospital. He provides the DF with clinical, consultation, education and research support to command. During the past year, he joined fellow RDF and PDF colleagues in serving alongside personnel from the HSE and NAS, delivering frontline clinical services; and training DF personnel as regards psychological health ahead of their deployment on COVID19 duties in civilian settings. Dr McCauley is currently overseeing a research study on the mental health effects of COVID19 across the DF (in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin, TCD). He is also a member of the DF's Mental Health and They are sometimes known as "citizen soldiers" but to those involved with the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) it is much more serious than that. Their commitment to serving in support of the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) – and their country – is total. And if proof were ever needed of that commitment and dedication, then COVID19 has provided the perfect example. This is no more evident than in the RDF personnel who have responded to the pandemic, including those serving in the Medical Corps. RDF and Covid19 "Within weeks of the onset of COVID19, reservists were sought to participate in the Defence Forces' (DF) national response to combating the virus", said Dr Mathew McCauley, Consultant Military Clinical Psychologist with the RDF, adding "And they certainly stepped up." "The response was across the board, with reservists contributing from various skills-sets, disciplines and professions" he added. Dr McCauley was quick to point out that he was only one of a number of fellow reservists from across the DF who deployed during the pandemic as part of Operation Fortitude, stating "These reservists include highly capable multi-disciplinary professionals, such as clinicians from some of Ireland's major hospitals." The Medical Corps is one component of the RDF. Comprising the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve, the RDF has an established strength of around 4,000 men and women, with an effective strength of approximately 1,600. "The RDF makes an important contribution to the defence capabilities of the country", explained Dr McCauley, "We serve on a part-time basis, remaining operationally ready to step up when needed." He added: "Members of the RDF make themselves available for the defence of the nation and readily serve when called upon during times of crises, such as the COVID19 pandemic. Proud Irish men and women are willing to give up their time, including career and family time, for military training and service." Reservist Profile Dr McCauley, who holds the rank of Captain in the Army Reserve, was always destined to have some kind RDF COVID RESPONSE v Capt McCauley Capt McCauley with RDF colleague, Sgt McGovern, during Operation Fortitude

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