An Cosantóir

| 3 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE H ello, and welcome to our fourth issue of 2024, our 84th volume of the An Cosantóir magazine. We have another great issue lined up for our fourth magazine of the year, showcasing various aspects of the Defence We are excited to announce that we have expanded the annual An Cosantóir 10k race which will take place on 09 Oct 2024 in the Phoenix Park. This should open up the race to more categories, with more prizes to be won, and hopefully more participation by serving and retired members of the DF, as well as invited guests. Continue to follow us on Instagram and the Connect app where we will continue to post further updates about the race. The "People of the DF" campaign, launched by the An Cosantóir Office in March of this year continues to go well with great interest from serving and retired members. This campaign features on our Instagram page and on the Connect App – if anyone is interested in featuring, or would like us to visit your barracks, please contact us at connect@military.ie In our On Parade section, we showcase pictures from across the Defence Forces offering a snapshot of some of the great things that serving and former serving members have done in recent times. Our first feature is an article by Comdt Jim O'Neill, highlighting the projects recently completed by students on the CIS Trainee Technician Scheme. This project is completedin the final year of the Level 8 B Eng in Electronic Engineering (Millitary Communications Systems) in SETU Carlow. As we are continuing to feature the new Leadership doctrine and information on leadership, we continue with a piece on the Military College, which develops Tactical, Operational and Strategic Leadership through the delivery of Professional Military Education. Capt Gerry Duff gives us an insight into the 68 Inf Gp UNDOF withdrawal from the mission, this was the final tour to UNDOF for DF members. Capt Duff gives us details of the daily routine of the mission, the withdrawal and handover to KAZCOY. Our center spread features photos of the recent DF Family Day for families of DF personnel currently serving overseas, which took place in Dublin Zoo. This day was organised by our office, and was a great success. In our 2024 editions we want to showcase and value our people both serving and those that have retired. In this edition, in our People of the DF Interview, Cpl Martin Bennett interviews CS Sandra Murphy who speaks to us about her rewarding career within the CIS Corps. She also discusses her family history with the DF and the excellent education the DF has given her during her career to date. The Army Force Design Office was established in late 2023 under recommendations by the CODF and Col Neil Nolan has provided an article outlining the parameters of the office, the challenges it faces, and what outcomes our members can expect to see. In our next series of historical articles, Irish Deserters of the Irish Defence Forces During WWII – An Introduction Is an article written by Capt Cían Harte who explores the controversial topic of Irish Defence Forces members who deserted the organisation to join the British Army during WWII. Sgt Sarah Nolan has penned a piece on The Defence Forces Association of Mountaineers (DFAM). Sarah delivers a great insight into the current roles of the DFAM as an association and the skills and professionalism that is required of our DF CTI's. In our Reserve section, The Naval Service Reserve, A truly unique service is brought to us by Cpl (RDF) Lukasz Gancarz. Cpl Gancarz speaks to serving NSR members about their training, life before the military and current roles withn the NSR. We have our regulars as always with our Sports & Clubs section, Book Review and From the Archives. If you would like something featured in the magazine or have any ideas, have your say by emailing connect@military.ie. We are also looking to expand our team internally with permanent positions or also on a detachment, if you have an interest in photography or journalism this could be the team for you. For more Information e-mail webmaster@military.ie Progress comes with practice, and practice comes with purpose. Know your "why." — Melissa Steginus Manager Comdt Helen Hosback info@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5306 Editor Sgt John Rossiter connect@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5307 Photo/Journalist Vacant journalist@military.ie Photographer A/M Sam Gibney photo@military.ie Admin NCO Cpl Martin Bennett requisitions@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5312 DF/PR Information Cpl Eric Ryan magazine@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5308 DF Webmaster Sgt Louise McDonald webmaster@military.ie +353 (0)45 44 5307 Civilian Journalist Tony O'Brien Designer JM Publishing & Media Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)87 1344135 Email: info@jmpublishing.ie The fact that an article appears in this magazine does not indicate official approval of the views expressed by the author. © Published by OiC Public Relations Branch for the Defence Forces at DFHQ, Block 5, Ceannt Bks, DFTC, Curragh Camp, Co Kildare, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)45 445312 Front Cover Photo provided by Sgt Sarah Nolan 3 Inf Bn adventure day in Kerry, Lt Higgins braving a front facing abseil Back Cover Armn Sam Gibney Dublin Zoo Editorial Sgt John Rossiter Editor

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