An Cosantóir

6 | A s Chief of Staff, and on behalf of both the General Staff and the Defence Forces Board, I would like to extend season's greetings to you, the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann, and in particular to those of you who will be spending Christmas Day apart from your families, either on national defence tasks or duties, or on Peace Support Operations abroad. Christmas allows us an opportunity to pause and reflect on what has occurred over the past year and also take time to consider the year ahead. As I reflect on the Defence Forces in 2025 and my first seven months in appointment, I am truly humbled to lead such a dedicated group of professional soldiers, sailors and aircrew. On a daily basis, your continued conduct across the State makes Ireland a safer place for its citizens and your commitment demonstrates that the Defence Forces will always be there when communities need us. On the international stage, the resilience displayed by our peacekeepers, in very challenging circumstances, particularly in South Lebanon represents all that is great about those who serve in the Defence Forces. UNIFIL has been the bedrock of our overseas service for the last 5 decades. It will be a big loss to the Defence Forces as well as the people of Lebanon. However, I am acutely aware that our personnel are energised by new missions and want to test themselves in new environments and we've always succeeded and excelled in that regard. I envisage this enthusiasm and drive continuing. The world is becoming less secure and more volatile and I have no doubt the Defence Forces may be asked by Government to represent the State on new missions that may emerge. However, in the interim we can utilise the opportunity to transform and prepare Óglaigh na hÉireann for new challenges. This is my first Christmas message to you as Chief of Staff. I look forward to continuing to meet as many of you as possible over the coming months and hearing from you about how together we can deliver our new vision of the Defence Forces as a joint, agile force that is fit for purpose and postured to defend our State. This means transforming our organisation, valuing our personnel and defending our state. I want every member of the Defence Forces to feel part of this vision. To do this we must act with agility and maintain momentum. As new force structures and equipment come into service and new missions and roles are undertaken at home and overseas, the vision will become reality. Our operations and training at home and abroad are only made possible by the unending support given to us by our families. This is especially the case at Christmas when you are separated from your loved ones. I can assure you that the General Staff and Defence Forces Board never take this support for granted. I would also like to avail of this opportunity to thank everyone who had a liaison role in support of our families, and those who organised events to show them our appreciation for their support to those of us who serve. Finally, I want to welcome everyone who has enlisted during 2025 and is spending their first Christmas in uniform. You are our future and our most precious resource. Thank you for choosing to serve the State and its people, as a member of Óglaigh na hÉireann. We must sustain momentum and seize this once-in- a-generation opportunity to build a modern Defence Forces. This will require our collective efforts and the experience of those currently serving is the essential ingredient to help shape Óglaigh na hÉireann for the future generations. It is my absolute privilege and honour to serve alongside you. Thank you for all your efforts and support this year. I wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. CHIEF OF STAFF LIEUTENANT GENERAL ROSSA ROSSA MULCAHY MULCAHY An Cosantóir November / December 2025 www.military.ie/magazine CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Rossa Mulcahy Lieutenant General Chief of Staff Nollag shona daoibh go léir.

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