An Cosantóir

| 11 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE We should be under no illusion that we are in a very complex and pivotal moment in history. Defence and security are hugely important within the EU given the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and further afield. The EUMC demands consensus from all countries in terms of decision making, I believe I have the skillset to be able to drive and achieve that consensus with the support of a great team that will deploy with me as well as the team that are already in place. My main role will be to advise the High Representative and Vice President of the European Union, EU Political Security Committee and make an impact in terms of the military advice that focuses on security and defence right now. I'm truly looking forward to this unique challenge. It will be bittersweet to leave the DF. As Chief of Staff, I have always tried to serve the people of the DF. I wanted to focus on the individual person, the soldiering and the DF to try and make it better. Have I achieved a lot? Others will judge that. I believe we have made positive, tangible progress. I have focused on what I wanted to achieve and my leadership style has always been one of participative leadership where I seek the views of others and collaboratively move towards the correct solutions. Given the fact that I was the first Air Corps Chief of Staff, following on from the first Naval Service Chief of Staff, I believe the DF has truly broken the ceiling in terms of the possibilities for the future of a truly joint force. I hope that whoever succeeds me continues the good work we have achieved to make the DF a better organisation for our troops and fit for purpose to serve the citizens of Ireland. Final Remarks If I may make a final remark. I wish to pay tribute to our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen whom are deployed with 124 Inf Bn, UNIFIL HQ and OGL. Our overseas peacekeeping is a tangible expression of Irish sovereignty and our values as a Nation. It is, I believe, a source of great pride for our citizens. The success of our deployments comes down to the character and training of our personnel. The force protection and welfare of our troops is always our first priority. I remain in regular contact with our leadership on the ground getting updates on the ongoing situation in our three mission areas in the Middle East: UNIFIL, UNDOF and OGL. I am immensely proud of our deployed troops and again wish to pay tribute to their families for whom this is a particularly difficult and stressful time. They should trust, as I do, in the professionalism and training of their loved ones who remain focused on their mission. Our personnel deployed are the embodiment of Ireland's commitment to peace and the risks that they accept for those less fortunate than we are admirable. I am happy that our troops remain vigilant, focused and committed to continuing to uphold the UNIFIL mandate and represent the Irish people and the DF with honour and distinction. The release day for the Commission on Defence Forces report

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