An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July / August 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 18 | Can you give me a brief description of your career so far? I joined the Defence Forces on September 1st, 1994 and completed my recruit and 3* training in Cathal Brugha's BTC. As of September 1 this year, I will have served 30 years in the DF. I was posted to 6 Field Signals upon completion of my training and served as a Communication Opera- tive (CommOp) until I completed one of the initial Trainee Technician Schemes (TTS) in Information Technology (IT). I've served in the DFTC for 26 years between the Military Admin School and the CIS group as a CIS technician. During this time I completed my NCO, Standard and Senior NCO course and completed the many star tests that enabled me to become a Tech 6 technician. On promotion to Company Sergeant, I was posted to 2 Bde CIS Company, where I served for 3 years. Presently, I am serving in the Cyber Development Planning Office. During my 30 years I've completed 5 overseas trips. What made you decide to join the DF? After finishing school in 1990, I wasn't ready to pursue college and wanted to start earning money. I initially attempted to join the Defence Forces that same year but was unsuccessful. I then spent four years working before trying again in 1994, and this time, I was accepted. My decision to join was greatly influenced by my family's military legacy; my father served in the DF for 31 years, and my grandfather also served until his retirement at age 60. I also have a brother serving in the DFTC. Additionally, I was very fit back then and believed the military environment was one where I would thrive. The promise of a pension after 21 years of services was also a nice carrot. What was your proudest moment in the DF? I have several moments in my career that I am particularly proud of. One significant achievement was my promotion to CS. Up until the last promotion competition I was the only female CS in the army cur- rently serving. While there are female Flt Sgts in the AC and a Chief CPO in the Navy there wasn't any female CS's in the Army. However, my proudest moment came in 2019 when my daughter passed out as a member of the Defence Forces. This was particularly special because it marked a historic achievement for my family as we are the first mother and daughter to have served in the Irish DF and this is an achievement I'm very proud of. What was the most challenging moment in your career? My most challenging moment was leaving my children for the first time to serve overseas. At that time, my daughter was 6 and my son was 8. While some might view my decision as selfish, I did it to advance my career in the DF. I knew that overseas service was crucial for promotion, and without it, I would not have achieved promotion to my current rank. It was also a requirement for the technical grade. Leaving my children to fulfil this requirement was incredibly difficult. However, looking back, I believe it was the right decision. What are your plans and goals for the future? Currently, I am completing a MSc in Industrial Networks and Cyber Security, which is due to end in December. In September, I will begin PEOPLE OF THE DF SANDRA MURPHY NAME CS RANK CYBER DEVELOPMENT PLANNING OFFICE CURRENT UNIT SEPTEMBER 1ST 1994 YEAR JOINED DFTC CIS GROUP, 2 BDE CIS COY, DFHQ CYBER DEVELOPMENT UNITS SERVED INTERVIEW BY CPL MARTIN BENNETT PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CS SANDRA MURPHY CS Sandra Murphy, Tech 6 Technician, CIS Corps 80 INF BN UNIFIL, MNTFC KFOR, EUTM UGANDA, 59 INF GP UNDOF AND EUTM MALI MISSIONS OVERSEAS

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