An Cosantóir September / October 2026 www.military.ie/magazine
W
hen most people think of military transport, they
might picture a convoy of trucks moving from A to
B. In reality, Transport (Tpt) is far more than simply
getting personnel and equipment from one location to
another. Within an overseas deployment, Tpt is an essential
operational capability that allows the Battalion to maintain
freedom of movement, sustain its positions and respond to
changing situations.
I am currently serving as the Transport Officer with the 128th
Infantry Battalion on deployment with UNIFIL.
I joined the Defence Forces as a recruit with the 133 Recruit Pln
in 2014, serving initially with 1 Cn Cois, 12 Inf Bn and 1 BAR. I
subsequently deployed with the 111th Inf Bn to UNIFIL. Following
my return, I successfully applied for the Cadetship in September
2018 and was commissioned as an officer in 2020 and posted to1
Bde Transport Company in Cork.
Having completed a degree in Business, I went on to serve briefly in
PMS before taking up appointments as Platoon Commander with
the 24th PNCO CSE and later as Adjutant with 1 Bde Ord Gp. Each
appointment provided different experiences and responsibilities,
but my time in Tpt gave me an appreciation of the specialist skills
and capabilities that exist within military transport.
Transport on Overseas Service
On overseas service, Tpt plays a vital role in supporting the Bn's
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ARTICLE BY CAPT JASON MANNIX,
TRANSPORT OFFICER, 128 INF BN
MORE THAN JUST MORE THAN JUST
DRIVING DRIVING
Transport
in UNIFIL
