An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November / December 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 6 | A s Chief of Staff, I would like to avail of this opportunity, on behalf of both the General Staff and the Defence Board, 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 Day apart from your families, either on duty on island, or on Peace Support Operations abroad. Christmas allows us an opportunity to pause and reflect on what has occurred over the past year and also take time to consider the year ahead. Given the spiralling cycle of violence happening in the Middle East, an area the Defence Forces have operated in as peacekeepers since 1958, it may be even more difficult this year to think of Christmas as a season of goodwill, especially in what we know as the Holy Land. We can only hope that 2025 will bring some shoots of peace in the Middle East, from the vestiges of conflict, destruction and suffering that the world is currently witness to. As I reflect on the Defence Forces in 2024, I consider once again the privilege given to me, by my appointment, to lead, represent and advocate for, such a dedicated group of professional soldiers, sailors and aircrew. On a daily basis, your continued conduct across the State, of numerous Aid to the Civil Power operations makes Ireland a safer place for its citizens, while your Aid to the Civil Authority commitments demonstrate that the Defence Forces will always be there, supporting Principal Response Agencies, when communities encounter difficult circumstances. On the international stage, I cannot remember in recent times, when your role as peacekeepers in UNIFIL and OGL has been more at the centre of our national consciousness and discourse, both as a people and a State. The resilience displayed by our peacekeepers, in what can only be described as the most challenging of circumstances, in South Lebanon has ensured that the United Nations Security Council and the International Community have a witness to the disturbing events ongoing in that region. In Europe, our Mobile Training Teams continue to provide essential military training for members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as they face into, what will soon be, the fourth year of an illegal assault of their homeland. This training will continue into 2025. Our operations and training at home and abroad are only made possible by the unending support given to us by our families. This is especially the case at Christmas when you are separated from your loved ones. I can assure you that the General Staff never take this support for granted and I want to avail of this message to also thank everyone who has had a liaison role for families or organised events that show our appreciation for them. This will be my final Christmas message to you as Chief of Staff. Before I take up a new appointment next year, I look forward to continuing to meet as many of you as possible and thanking you for the support you have given me in my appointment, over what will be nearly four years. It has been my absolute privilege to serve you. Finally, I want to welcome everyone who has enlisted during 2024 and is spending their first Christmas in uniform. You are our future and our most precious resource. Thank you for choosing to serve the State and its people, as a member of Óglaigh na hÉireann. An immense effort has taken place this year to prioritise recruitment, so that we can stabilise our strength, increase our establishment and deliver on the government outlined Level of Ambition for the Defence Forces. Thank you for all your efforts and support this year. 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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