An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November / December 2023 www.military.ie/magazine 28 | CIS CORPS 2023 BY LT COL CJ CULLEN From a capability development perspective, in 2023 the CIS Corps has focused on enhancing the Defence Forces Interoperability and Cyber Defence capabilities. The CIS Corps is in the final stages of the process to select a Software Defined Radio (SDR) as replacement for the SINCGARS radio which has been in service since the mid-90s. The adoption of an SDR military communication system across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps will form the Defence Forces backbone tactical communications system for the next 20 years. It will significantly enhance interoperability capability delivering secure voice and high data rate transmission capability and Tactical Internet. The SDR will provide protection against modern jamming and direction-finding systems. The current DF Joint Common Operating Picture (JCOP) C2 system utilises multinational interoperability standards to share C2 information within the DF and with multinational partners. The capacity of this system was clearly demonstrated in the recent maritime interdiction operation of the MV Matthew where the vessel was successfully boarded by the ARW off the Irish coast, resulting in the seizure of two tonnes of drugs. This operation was coordinated via the Recognized Maritime Picture (RMP) which is the Maritime element of the JCOP. The new SDR system in conjunction with the JCOP will facilitate seamless secure information exchange with partner nations in deployments such as the upcoming EU Battlegroup in 2025. Recognising the fundamental importance of Cyber to military operations, in 2016 NATO designated Cyber as the fifth operational domain alongside Land, Air, Maritime and Space. The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (2022) proposed the establishment of a Joint Cyber Defence Command. The first stage of this process was the standing up of an initial Cyber Planning Office in 2023. This will be followed by the phased roll out of a new Cyber establishment across Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in subsequent years. The Cyber Planning Office will develop a new strategy, setting out the steps that need to be taken in order to achieve an effective military Cyber Defence capability. A key first step in ensuring effective Cyber Defence capability is the provision of a robust DF CIS network. In order to achieve this goal, the CIS Corps is implementing the Next Generation Working Environment (NGWE) project. This project will provide for the evolution of the CIS network by enhancing all nodes and functions of the network, including telephony, conferencing, security, backup and applications. The NGWE will be a key technological pillar of digital transformation allowing the Defence Forces to securely access cloud services where required, as well as maintaining a secure 'on premise' IT system built around two resilient Data Centres located in McKee Bks and DFHQ Newbridge. In 2023 the Defence Forces participated in major international cyber exercises including: the European Defence Agency (EDA) organised MilCERTS (Military Computer Emergency Response Team) cyber exercise and the Tallinn, Estonia based NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCD CoE) Exercise Cyber Coalition 2023. These exercises provide an excellent opportunity for Defence Forces personnel (permanent and reserve) based in Ireland working in cooperation with national agencies such as the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) to access virtual exercise networks and exercise with international partners to gain experience in responding to, and recovering from, realistic cyber-attacks/incidents. DIRECTORATE OF ORDNANCE AND SUPPLY BY COL MATTHEW BYRNE In 2023 the Ordnance and Supply Corps continued to maintain the operational role of the Ordnance Corps to train for and provide the states only EOD/IEDD capability, it also supported operational units by attending weapons firing on military ranges, annual ordnance inspections at home and overseas as well as major equipment and weapon repairs. The Corps continued the technical support and oversight to the DF for the procurement, storage, distribution, inspection, maintenance, repair and disposal of all items of Ordnance related equipment. In parallel with this the Corps maintained its logistical role through Subhead A14 to provide the day to day sustainment from arming, clothing, feeding and force protection and maintenance of the supply chain procurement model. Technical advice and project management was also provided to J3/5 and Subhead A8 projects in 2023. The Procurement Section of the Directorate was responsible for planning and managing Ordnance spares and maintenance through Subhead A14.1. Projects included procurement, calibration and recertification of small arms and crew served weapons, ground to air systems repairs, camp field equipment replacement, tent repairs & replacement, artillery brake upgrade and EOD / CBRN consumable and first responder equipment replacement. Customs and Vat Control Section continued to facilitate import / export and also to manage the DF bike to work scheme. The planning and management of Subhead A14.2 which provides for the multi-annual clothing requirements of the DF including Air Corps and Naval Service saw the approval of the new Irish Transitional Multicam® Pattern (ITMP) for future use with the Irish Defence Forces. It will be utilised as the new camouflage pattern in the ongoing Defence Forces Combat Clothing System (DFCCS) tender as well as in other future soft ordnance and uniform procurements. This bespoke ITMP has been developed on behalf of, and in conjunction with the Irish Defence Forces, utilising a transitional colour palette to ensure improved effectiveness across a range of National and Multinational environments. The adoption of ITMP in tandem with the launch of the DFCCS tender is an example of the continued modernisation of the kit and equipment of the Irish Defence Forces. The DFCCS aims to provide the soldier with the required gender specific clothing items that makes this uniform an integrated system of different layers that any soldier can tailor to his/her individual requirements when operating in the field or on operations. Other new kit procured in 2023 include the beanie hat, toiletry bag and pace counter. The planning and management of Subhead A14.3 which provides for the CIS: Recent parade celebrating the centenary of the CIS Corps CIS: Ex Cyber Coalition which took place recently in McKee Barracks Ord: EOD operator instructing students Ord: EOD operator assessing a device

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