An Cosantóir

| 21 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE experiences that a career in the DF provides, experiential learning is recognised through completing a work-based learning portfolio (WBLP). DF-SETU ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES The DF has had approximately 2,000 personnel graduated from SETU, with a further 250 personnel graduating in January 2024. The following tables illustrate the range of courses available, number of personnel who graduated, and the number of DF personnel currently on an academic programme with SETU: a. Leadership Management and Defence Studies (LMDS) Programme b. Young Officer Programmes c. Other Corps Specific and Miscellaneous Courses Other Courses available include: Level 8 Certificate in Advanced Incident Command Management (New Programme in 2022) Level 8 Certificate in Leadership and Operational Management (New Programme in 2022) Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Leadership and Operational Management (New Programme in 2022) OFFICER THIRD LEVEL EDUCATION OFFICER SCHEME BY COMDT RORY O'REILLY In the ever-evolving landscape of military education, the Third Level Education Officer Scheme stands as a beacon of excellence, enhancing the next generation of military leaders and, as such, the capability of the DF. There are currently 112 student officers actively participating in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) under this transformative program. The distribution of student officers across the designated units and HEIs provides a snapshot of the scheme's widespread impact. Galway's 1 Cn Cois leads with 56 student officers (National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) and Athlone Training Unit (ATU)). Dublin's 2 BTC has 44 student officers (Technological University Dublin (TUD), University College Dublin (UCD), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin City University (DCU), and Maynooth University (NUIM)). The breakdown of student officers by year highlights the scheme's continuity and growth, with 16 in Year 1 (Reg 2023), 40 in Year 2 (Reg 2022), 36 in Year 3 (Reg 2021), and 20 in Year 4 (Reg 2020). This progression showcases the commitment to developing leadership skills over the course of the program. Some student officers have the opportunity to participate in ERASMUS in countries such as Germany and France. Furthermore, student officers are gaining practical experience through work placements internal and external to the DF, which allows student officers to apply skills and knowledge in an appropriate setting. For example, there are a number of supply chain management students that will undergo their work placement in J4, DFHQ becoming involved with strategic-level projects of a military logistical nature. In 2023, the scheme celebrated the graduation of 34 student officers. Looking ahead, approx 25 new entrants are scheduled to join the scheme in 2024/2025 and 30 in 2025/2026. The achievements of student officers extend beyond the academic realm, with many participating in university sport at a national level. Student officers are encouraged to contribute to university life, with many taking on leading and administrative roles in clubs, societies and charities. OFFICER PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION PATHWAY The DF has a long-standing relationship with Maynooth University (MU) for the accreditation of career courses along the officer PME pathway. MU has been an academic partner with the Command and Staff School since 2002, the Cadet School since 2007, and the Infantry School since 2012. Upon successful completion of the Cadet Course, Officers graduate from MU with a Level 7 Diploma in Leadership Management and Defence Studies (Special Purpose). Graduates of the Land Command and Staff Course receive a Level 8 Higher Diploma in Leadership Management and Contemporary Security, while graduates of the Joint Command and Staff Course are awarded a Level 9 Masters in Leadership, Management and Defence Studies. In November 2023, 123 officers graduated from MU. Embedding academics from MU in DF Schools has been a significant step forward in providing academic support to students and instructor staff. This model mirrors many European military academies with scope for deeper collaboration as the DF explores options to establish a National Defence Academy as the Commission on the Defence Forces recommended. CONCLUSION The Defence Forces remain committed to training and educating its personnel in line with international and academic best practices. Education is a critical enabler for developing the capabilities needed to work in the modern security environment, ensuring that our personnel are educated to make the right decisions in complex operating environments and have the technical and military skills and competencies to execute operations successfully. Programme No. conferred to date No. currently on the programme Level 6 Higher Certificate (typically awarded upon completion of a Potential NCO Course) 956 81 Level 7 Minor Award (typically awarded upon completion of an All Arms and Corps specific Standard Course) 562 92 Level 7 BA (Logistics) (typically awarded upon completion of a Senior Logistics Course) 141 22 Level 7 BA (Senior) (typically awarded upon completion of a Senior NCO Course) 157 14 Level 7 BA RPL (Elements of this programme can be completed through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for personnel who had joined the DF prior to the establishment of the programme in 2012) 1 34 Programme No. conferred to date No. currently on the programme Level 9 M. Sc. in Communication Technology Management (CIS Corps YOs) 24 8 Level 9 M. Sc. in Military Engineering Management (Engineer Corps YOs) 13 12 Level 9 M. Eng. in Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives Engineering (Ordnance Corps YOs) 25 3 Programme No. conferred to date No. currently on the programme Level 7 Certificate in Software-Defined Communication Systems (CIS Corps) 0 8 Level 7 Certificate in Introduction to Fire Service Operations (Engr Corps) 22 14 Level 9 Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 5 5 National Framework of Qualifications DF SETU Graduation in Jan 2023 Tri-service SETU graduates representing the DF Level 9 LMDS Graduates Comdts Condron, Browne, White at MU Level 7 Diploma in Leadership Management & Defence Studies (Special Purpose) Group photo of the 5th JCSC & 4th & 5th LCSC who recently finished their courses

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