An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November / December 2023 www.military.ie/magazine 6 | On behalf of the General Staff it is my privilege to extend season's greetings to you the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann, and in particular to those of you who will be spending Christmas away from your families due to service at home or overseas. In the season of goodwill it is important to give thanks, and as an organisation to take stock of where we are as we approach the end of the year. However firstly, I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to you all for your work and dedication over the past year. In reflecting, I am once again reminded of the character, competence and commitment of the personnel who serve in Óglaigh na hÉireann and live our values. We have and will continue, to be open and forthright in discussing and addressing the negative aspect of our organisational culture. Our Sexual Ethics and Responsible Relationship (SERR) workshops provide just one example of this. However, it is important to note the very positive aspects of our organisational culture deeply imbedded since our establishment over a century ago. It is these positive aspects of our culture that have supported how the Defence Forces has performed at home and overseas throughout our history and as recently demonstrated during OP PIANO (MV Matthew interdiction) and by our personnel serving in the Middle East in a time of conflict. This year, you continued to represent the people and values of this State in the pursuit of peace, completing 1550 individual tours of duty, in 11 missions, in 11 countries and 1 sea, across the globe. You have added to Ireland's reputation as a major contributor to international peace, security and humanitarian efforts and proven Ireland's commitment to the principles of the UN Charter. Last month the Tánaiste published the Detailed Implementation Plan providing a roadmap and timeline for the implementation of the Commission on the Defence Forces recommendations. The Commission report was published almost two years ago at this point and significant progress has been made. 37 of the 38 Early Actions have now been achieved. 12 of the 130 recommendations have been completed, with 6 more due for completion by the end of 2023. We are already beginning to realise the benefits of this work with for example, the introduction of private healthcare for all ranks, the increase in Patrol Duty Allowance, the establishment of both the Office of Reserve Affairs and a new Joint Induction Training Centre and additional appointments and promotion opportunities, to name but a few. This programme of transformation will be the biggest and most radical transformation of the Defence Forces since the Second World War. The size of the task should not be underestimated. Achieving the goals committed to by Government in the Detailed Implementation Plan will require a huge effort. Each and every member of the Defence Forces will be required to fully engage in this transformation process in 2024 in order that we develop into a modern, joint, fit for purpose military force capable of facing the threats the State faces now and into the future. At this time of year, I am very conscious of the unending support given to every soldier, sailor and aircrew by their families. Many of you will spend Christmas away from your families or will have missed other important family events during the year due to your service. I thank you for your commitment and ask that you pass on my gratitude to your families who make a huge sacrifice so we can serve. Christmas is also a time to remember those who have gone before us, a time when we feel their loss most acutely. We remember those serving members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who have gone to their eternal rest during the past year, including Pte Seán Rooney who died in such tragic circumstances in South Lebanon one year ago. We also remember those members of the wider, Defence Forces veteran family who have passed during 2023. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and comrades. Go ndéana Dia trócaire orthú. I would like to thank every member of the Defence Forces for your professionalism and commitment in 2023. I wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. Nollag shona daoibh go léir. Seán Clancy Lieutenant General Chief of Staff CHIEF OF STAFF LIEUTENANT GENERAL SEÁN CLANCY Christmas Message

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