An Cosantóir

| 5 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE CHALLENGES OF THIS APPOINTMENT? I think it's no secret that it's been a very busy and challenging few years, since both the Chief of Staff and I were appointed in September 2021. To be honest it has been rough at times, and the workload has certainly tested my resilience. That said, I am pleased to say that things are definitely getting better, especially in the last 12-18 months. We have had some big 'wins', such as the introduction of Private Health Care for all ranks and the extension of the mandatory retirement age to 62, finally addressing the 'Post 94' problem. Other achievements that we can all be proud of include the very significant progress we've made on the Equipment Development Plan (EDP), the Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) and on our training and education model. In that regard I firmly believe that we now have the best life-long learning programme in the Public Service, bar none. In my own case, for example, I was able to complete an honours degree in French and English literature from University of Galway, graduate (with Merit) from the French War College (École de Guerre) and complete a Masters (with Distinction) in International Liaison and Communication at the University of Westminster. I later completed an Executive Diploma in Strategy (with Distinction) at the Smurfit Business School in UCD, and I hold a NATO interpreter qualification in French. All this was done through various DF training and education schemes, and has been hugely helpful in preparing me for the various appointments that I held over the years, at home and overseas. Finally on this question, I am very proud of the work that RSM Keith Caffrey (the Chief of Staff's Senior Enlisted Advisor) and I have done in the last decade to lead our 'Values in Action' programme, which is aimed at ensuring that our DF Values are reflected in our everyday behaviours and decision making. DEFENCE FORCES PARACHUTING HAS REALLY EVOLVED SINCE THE EARLY DAYS OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT AND YOU'VE BEEN A BIG PART OF THAT – CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS SPORT IN MILITARY LIFE? Again, I was very lucky to have great opportunities in adventure sports during my time in service, both diving and especially parachuting. All adventure sports develop teamwork, leadership and self-confidence, all key traits in military life, and especially when you're under pressure. During my time in the University of Galway, I became very involved in the Diving Club and was Club Captain during my final year. That said, my main effort was always parachuting, and as the years went by, I became more and more involved in the sports side (An Para- Chumann Míleata or PCM), working my way up as Chief Instructor, Chairman and finally President of DF Parachuting. One highlight during those years was the trip to the World Military (CISM) Games in Brazil with the DF Skydiving Team, then the best part-time military team in the world made up of 'real' soldiers. On the military side I was Parachuting Officer in the Army Ranger Wing, underwent several foreign Airborne courses and later underwent a HALO jumpmaster's course in Sweden. Since then, I have been involved in the development and governance of both Military Freefall (MFF) and Military Static Line (MSL) parachuting, and I am very pleased to see the great progress that both our ARW and Parachute Training Team experts have made in the last 20 years. The future in both areas is bright, not least because of the procurement of 'state of the art' parachute equipment and the scheduled delivery of a utility Airbus C295 later this year, which is designed for MFF and MSL operations. My involvement with both military and sports parachuting has been a real joy during my time in service, and as I depart the DF, I hope that our new personnel will make the most of those same opportunities that I had to get involved in fitness, sport and adventure training during their time in service. BEHIND THE UNIFORM, YOU HAVE A FAMILY – YOU'RE A FATHER AND HUSBAND. HOW DID YOU BALANCE THE ROLES? Anyone who serves in the DF faces the challenge of juggling their professional commitments (duties, overseas, career courses etc.) with their home lives, and I was no different. I was lucky that I have lived near the Curragh for the last 30 years, so I was able to commute to various jobs in Dublin, the Curragh and Newbridge relatively easily. That said, like a lot of my generation, I have spent a lot of time overseas, which was challenging especially when our children were young. While we get the medals for those trips, it's our partners at home who probably deserve them more – we are generally fed and found overseas, while our partners have to hold down their own jobs, look after the kids and keep a household going on their own. My wife Deirdre was no exception, and she still reminds me that all the big family crises (such as when one the kids ended up in hospital) happened while I was away. You try to make up for these absences at the weekends and during leave, but I'm not sure that we ever really pay back the debt that we owe to our families, especially our partners. Now that I am retiring, I will be Preparing to jump in Fort Bragg with then Chief Instructor Parachuting, Lt Steve O'Sullivan, 2007 'Values in Action' Lecture to 3rd Joint C&S Course, 2020 Shamrock Parade in UNDOF 2023 OP Briefing in UNDOF 2023

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