An Cosantóir

6 | An Cosantóir January / February 2025 www.military.ie/magazine www.military more present at home and available for the daily housework and 'Dad Taxi' runs (though hopefully not too many family crises!). DCOS (SP), AS A POSITION IN THE ORGANISATION, HAS A LARGE, WIDE RANGING PORTFOLIO. DO YOU THINK IT IS WORTH CONSIDERING SPLITTING THE RESPONSIBILITIES ACROSS MORE OFFICES AS PART OF THE NEW C2 STRUCTURES BEING DEVELOPED FOR THE DF? Indeed, this is one aspect that is being considered in the ongoing C2 and strategic force design projects. DCOS (Sp) is currently responsible for aspects of HR and Administration ( J1, including Ceremonial, Data Protection and Regulations), Logistics ( J4), Engineers (Combat Engineering, Infrastructure and Energy), Military Finance, Legal Branch and the Military Justice System, the Medical Corps (DMB and CMU), Ordnance (including procurement and catering), Transport, the Chaplaincy Service, the DF School of Music, the Equitation School and various other governance functions, including on the High Level Procurement Planning Group and the Defence Audit Committee. I've probably missed something there! While I have certainly been put to the pin of my collar to keep up with this very busy portfolio, things have improved greatly with the appointment of the Head of Strategic HR, Mr. Declan Carville, in the last year. Declan has a very impressive HR background in the private sector, and his expertise and hard work on strategic HR issues (and that of the growing team in Strategic HR Division) have allowed me to devote more time to other priority areas such as HR executive management (appointments etc.), Governance, Military Finance, the EDP and the IDP. That said, it's generally acknowledged that Support Division as currently established has too wide and demanding a portfolio, and I would hope that the ongoing strategic force design and C2 projects will address that issue specifically, so that we can maintain the highest and most up to date governance and management practices in the future DF. ANY FINAL REMARKS? Two points, if I may. First of all, as I leave the service after 42 years, I am more optimistic now about the future of the DF than ever before. We have a shared commitment by all stakeholders (such as Government, DOD, our Representative Associations and the DF Leadership) to make the DF the best that it can be, and ready for the challenges that it will face in the years to come. We have a Government commitment to 'Level of Ambition 2', which includes a phased 50% increase in Defence spending. We are already seeing the benefits of that funding, for example in the multiple infrastructure projects completed and ongoing across the DF (almost €60m in 2024, with much more on the way). We have a Government decision to bring the DF back up to 11,500 (military and civilian personnel) and to regenerate the RDF. We are making real progress on recruitment, and our retention rates are also improving. The 'Bottom Line' is this – our ship is turning in the right direction and picking up speed. I hope that all those who are currently serving will stay in the DF to enjoy the better times that are coming, and live the 'Life Less Ordinary' that I have enjoyed for over four decades. Secondly and finally, I hope that DF members, both PDF and RDF, take great pride in their membership of the Defence Forces and in all that they do in service of our 'bosses', the citizens of Ireland. Having spent a large proportion of my service overseas, I can honestly say that being small does not stop us from being world class. Whether it's at home during times of crisis (such as Covid), overseas (such as on peacekeeping missions), or when participating in multinational training and competitions (such as the EU Battlegroup, 'Arduous Serpent', the 'Cambrian Patrol' or on external academic courses), our people show that they are world class, time and time again. As I retire, I hope that all our Army, Air Corps and Navy personnel appreciate how good they are, and always take pride in being a member of this great organisation that founded this Republic - Óglaigh na hÉireann. Diving in Greece, 2023 With Somalia veterans RSM (Retd) Johnny Murray and BQMS (Retd) Stevie Rynn Camino Day One - crossing the Pyrenees with Brig Gen Brendan McGuinness (GOC DFTC), 2023 Ceremonial Duties in Arbour Hill Working Visit to UNIFIL 2022

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