An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/1534622
An Cosantóir March / April 2025 www.military.ie/magazine 2 | CONTENTS Volume 85 Number 02 MAR/APR 2025 TECHCRAFT: THE MARRIAGE OF TECHNOLOGY AND FIELDCRAFT 04 THE AIRBUS H145M HELICOPTOR 06 PUBLIC PERCEPTION SURVEY 08 DF INNOVATION AWARDS 10 PART TIME, FULL ON 12 CAVALRY SCOUT TACTICAL COURSE 14 JOINT COMMON OPERATIONAL PICTURE 16 DF REVIEW 17 OVERSEAS FAMILY SUPPORT DAY 2025 18 CYBERSECURITY & HYBRID THREATS 24 DF SAILING DELIVERS AT THE BEAUFORT CUP 22 PEOPLE OF THE DF ON PARADE SPORTS & CLUBS FROM THE ARCHIVES 20 28 32 34 From the editor — Cpl Eric Ryan IRISH DESERTERS DURING WWII 26 T he Defence Forces are undergoing a transformative phase, with the introduction of state-of-the-art helicopters, advanced body armour, upgraded radio systems, and much more, all designed to enhance operational efficiency and ensure readiness for the challenges of the modern world. In this edition, Sgt Maj David O'Reilly explores the ever changing and evolving nature of warfare, where traditional skills like fieldcraft must be integrated with cutting-edge technology. The Air Corps is set to welcome the new Airbus H145M, a significant upgrade that promises to enhance its capabilities. The 2024 Public Perception Survey offers a valuable insight into how the public values the Defence Forces. In March we had our 2nd Overseas Family Support Day in Dublin Zoo which underscores the importance of supporting those serving abroad and to highlight the fantastic job our families do whilst we serve overseas. In a dif- ferent approach to People of The DF Sgt Dema Houlihan (Retd) provided us with his remarkable family history. We continue to show- case sports with Sports & Clubs and an article from the winners of the Beaufort Cup (Sailing), our On Parade section features some fantastic photos taken from various contributors across the DF. The Defence Forces has reached a massive milestone after the 100th Cadet Class has passed through the Cadet School, our back cover features the 100th Cadet Class and 17th Potential Officer's course Commissioning Ceremony, keep an eye out for the upcoming articles from the Cadet School in future magazines. We hope you enjoy this edition of An Cosantóir, to see more stories from people across the Defence Forces follow us on Instagram, Facebook and the Connect app - @AnCosantoir. "Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change." — Jim Rohn 04 14 06