An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November / December 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 14 | A s the operational hub of the Defence Forces, J3/5 branch has continued to deliver on its mission throughout the year, ensuring readiness and responsiveness to meet operational requirements both at home and abroad. Domestically, the Defence Forces continued to support both civil power and civil authorities. Our Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, strategically located around the country, operated on a 24-hour basis, responding to calls and ensuring public safety. Throughout the year, these teams were also prepositioned at various high-profile public events, exemplifying their proactive role in safeguarding our national security. In support of An Garda Síochána (AGS), the Defence Forces fulfilled our Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) responsibilities with professionalism and efficiency. Providing specialist capabilities, this collaboration underscores the vital partnership between the Defence Forces and AGS. Number 1 Security Company withdrew from Portlaoise Prison on 30 Sept 2024 and other legacy ATCP Operations remain under review. Operation Fáilte continued to play a key role in the Defence Forces' contribution to the national effort to support Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP). Personnel across the organisation facilitated accommodation, and sustainment of those seeking refuge, utilising Defence Forces locations nationwide to provide essential services. Additionally, the Defence Forces, both permanent and reserve, stood ready to carry out Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) operations, providing critical support to government departments and local authorities. This year, our personnel were deployed for missing person searches, naval dive team operations, and severe weather responses. The provision of specialist 4x4 vehicles during adverse weather events demonstrated the flexibility and capability of our assets to respond effectively to emerging challenges. While J3/5 oversaw the operational tempo on the island, our overseas deployments remained a key focus. Personnel deployed abroad represented Ireland with distinction, contributing to peacekeeping, humanitarian, and training missions globally. The Defence Forces continues to have the longest unbroken record of overseas service with the United Nations than any country in the world since first deploying to a United Nations' mission in 1958. In 2024, Defence Forces personnel were deployed on United Nations, NATO PfP (Partnership for Peace), EU CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy) and OSCE Peace Support and Crisis Management Operations across 12 missions in 13 countries. There are approx. 450 Defence Forces personnel currently serving overseas. The largest of our overseas deployments is with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon – UNIFIL, where approx. 360 personnel serve. Throughout 2024, the 123rd, 124th and 125th Infantry Battalions have served in UNIFIL alongside personnel in UNIFIL HQ and UNTSO OGL. The ongoing escalation of the conflict in the Middle East coupled with Israel's ground incursion of Southern Lebanon in late September has significantly altered the operational environment for our personnel in UNIFIL. As Israel's military activities intensify in southern Lebanon, the mission's already challenging mandate has become even more complex. IRISHPOLBATT's operational focus has naturally shifted from routine operations to specialised tasks such as route clearance, EOD tasks, and resupply efforts. The growing presence of unexploded ordnance, IED threats, as well as direct and indirect kinetic activity continue to pose a serious threat to our personnel but despite these challenges, they continue to act professionally and conduct operations within the parameters of the operational environment. Early 2024 saw the Defence Forces withdraw as the Force Reserve Company in UNDOF. Ireland commenced participation in UNDOF in June 2013, when a number of Defence Forces personnel deployed to UNDOF Headquarters on the Golan Heights in Syria at the request of the United Nations. A contingent later deployed as the Force Reserve Company (FRC) in September 2013. The 68th Infantry Group, commanded by Lt Col Clear, was the last deployment as the FRC. A collaborative effort from the 68th Inf Gp, DJ3/5 and DJ4 ensured the successful withdrawal from the mission on 05 Apr 24. The Defence Forces' ongoing involvement in EUMAM-UA (EU Military Assistance Mission - Ukraine) has provided significant opportunities for our personnel in the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) and Special Training Command (ST-C). This mission has allowed them to grow and develop while sharing their expertise with the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) and EU partners and to gain invaluable experience working within a multinational headquarters. In addition, the Defence Forces continues to send mobile training teams to Germany and Poland J 3/5 BY CAPT (AR) NIALL STRINGER (CURRENT) & CAPT AODHÁN MCGUINNESS (OVERSEAS) Defence Forces personnel secure an EOD team response Defence Forces temporary accommodation in location Operational Activities in UNIFIL

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