An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir March / April 2026 www.military.ie/magazine 28 | Can you give me a brief description of your career so far? I joined the Defence Forces on the 31/12/1996 and completed initial training in the BTC Collins Bks Cork, following completion of this phase I was posted to the 4th Inf Bn where I served up to its closure. Since then, I have served in the BTC as a Cpl, Sgt and A/CQMS, further spells in the 12th Bn as Sgt and CQMS, 1 Bde HQ as RDF Bde Training Sgt and 1 Bde Ord as CQMS until promotion to the rank of BQMS in June 2023. I have also had spells detached to the Cadet School, IWW as instructor and spells detached to 1 Bde Transport, Coy, 1 Bde Ord Clothing Stores, 1 Bde Barrack Services, 1 Bde OSP Ord Coy, in a bid to further broaden my logistic knowledge. I served in the 2013 to 2015 Nordic Battle Group which was also a fantastic experience. I have also completed some 31 military courses to date. I also followed my earlier education qualifications prior to joining by completing a level 7 degree in 2013 in CIT Cork in Supply Chain management, this led to opportunities within the DF to complete a further Level 8 degree and Level 9 Masters in supply chain management. I then completed a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma which utilises continuous improvement tools in an effort to reduce wastage within a supply chain. In the mix of all this I have served overseas on 9 occasions. What made you decide to join the DF? I wasn't necessarily following in a family tradition, but I knew I wanted to do something different with my life. Initially the opportunity to work in teams doing a job that's not necessarily 9 to 5 which involved outdoor environments that brought its own challenges was very appealing. I also wanted to push myself as far as I possibly could, the opportunity to travel was also a big draw and attraction. Ireland has a proud tradition and history of UN peacekeeping, and I was determined to follow in this pathway. What was your proudest moment so far in the DF? There have been many individual moments over an almost 30 year career to date, whether it is passing intense physical courses, serving overseas or dealing with certain scenarios. But, I think the best is yet to come in March this year when my son, who finished college in June 2025, completes his initial training in Cork and passes out as a three star private and begins life in 1 Bde Engineers Cork. So, I think this will be a nice and proud day out for our family. In a sporting environment, we have put so much effort into the Defence Forces Rowing Club over the last 4 years, effectively building it from scratch, and in 2025, the club won its first National title and medal in Loch Rinn, with Ptes Danny Scanlon and Dave Collins crossing the finish line in first place to win the masters B double national title. The race only lasted just over three and a half minutes, but it was three and a half years in the making, the lads did brilliant. What was your most challenging moment so far in the DF? Obviously one of the most challenging moments to date can be the real life issues; like any member who has children, when you are deploying overseas or on long career courses it can be challenging and just trying to tie it all in together at home PEOPLE OF THE DF NAME: RANK: OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENTS: SERVICE: CURRENT ROLE: DAVE WILLIAMS BQMS 8 29 YEARS BQMS 12 TH INF BN

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