An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir May / June 2025 www.military.ie/magazine 20 | www.military THE IRISH ARMY PROFESSION OF ARMS "To be prepared against surprise is to be trained. To be prepared for surprise is to be educated." -James Carse author Finite and Infinite Games: A Vision of Life as Play and Possibility. F or more than 100 years, our Army has proven itself agile and adaptable when challenged. The Army profession of arms serves our Nation with skilled capable competent volunteers who are entrusted by the citizens of Ireland to bear arms on their behalf. This is why the Army will always be held to a higher standard than any other element of Government. It is the Irish nations trust and confidence in the Army as an ethical professional organisation that grants it the autonomy to exercise the disciplined initiative, which is critical to accomplishing missions under diverse environments around the world. The Irish Army truly embodies a rich history and deep sense of duty towards the nation. The Irish Army is not just for fighting wars, it is the guarantor of the constitution. It is the spine of national resilience, tasked with supporting the Government and the people of Ireland. The Army is the only element of government who accept unlimited liability, bear arms and loyalty to the constitution. Sir John Hackett, in his lectures 'Profession of Arms', reminds us that in other occupations, our values are admirable qualities, however, in the Army profession, they are necessary for accomplishment of our missions.¹ Maj Gen Mick Ryan (Retd) distils the profession of arms to four elements 1. Expertise: Continuous education and development of the individual and collective by mastering the knowledge and skills relevant to the role leading to character, competence and commitment. 2. Stewardship: Professionals have a responsibility to constantly strive to improve individuals, teams, and our resources and the profession while holding on to tradition. 3. Corporateness: A formal military bureaucracy aligned with professional self-identity. 4. Service to the state: A responsibility to act in the national interest. Loyal to the state, the people and the Army.² The three key concepts tying all aspects of the Profession of Arms together are our professional ethics, our professional standards, and the trust of Ireland. In a professional body such as the Army, there can be no room for the professional amateur, who does not study the craft of soldiering and if you hold a command position there is a moral obligation to prepare yourself for the challenges of military service. There are very few limitations to information and knowledge nowadays and therefore no restrictions to the study of the profession, whether that be regulations or indeed the study of past conflicts. Humans have been recording war for over two thousand years, and this provides a rich cache of knowledge to develop ones perspective and prepare for further challenges. Physical Fitness and mental fitness are also two key components of the Army profession. The combat load has changed little in terms of weight from the times when Roman soldiers marched to today. The need for a force to be physically fit and mentally resilient is no less today than years ago. In the days of Na Fianna, a young prospect had to complete a number of tests including intellect, self-defence, speed, agility and movement among them. In Huntington's 'The Soldier and the State' he identifies armed forces as professionals because there exists "an organization which formalizes and applies the standards of professional competence and establishes and enforces the standards of professional responsibility."³ Professions produce uniquely expert work, not routine or repetitive work. Medicine, theology, law, and the military are "social trustee" forms of professions. What makes a profession unique is its set of values and an ethos of expected behaviours. The people of the Irish state give the Army, as a state institution, the right to bear arms on their behalf. Every member of the Army pledges an oath on enlistment to be faithful to Ireland and loyal to the constitution, positioning our responsibility to society, and while in service not become a member of a political party or a secret society allowing apolitical service to the state and therefore the people of Ireland. The people also put their trust in the profession to apply ARTICLE BY SGT MAJOR DAVID O'REILLY The handover of Beggars Bush Barracks, Irish Republican Army February 4th 1922 The Irish Army Cap badge

• Cover