An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 37 by LT COL MIChAEL P DAWSON, OIC PR BRANCh, DFhQ, & BOARD PRESIDENT, PEAP WORKING GROUP T he public's perception of the Defence Forces is of vital importance to the reputation of the organisa- tion. As part of the strategic objective to offer the public the opportunity to improve their knowledge and understanding of the Defence Forces, the General Staff intends to open our garrisons, posts and ships to visitors on a more regular basis. During these structured visits, commanders will take the opportunity to promote the Defence Forces as a loyal, efficient organisation that delivers flexible, effective military outputs. they should also highlight our relevance in society by representing the Defence Forces as a modern, capable military organi- sation, comprising highly skilled members furnished with modern equipment. These objectives will be achieved through a number of initiatives, including planned open days, scheduled visits, participation in appropriate regional events and the distri- bution of promotional material to visiting groups. All such information exchange must include strategic, national and local perspectives. The new policy will be driven and shaped by the Public Engagement and Access Plan (PEAP). On 6th May 2014, a PEAP working group convened to develop the Defence Forces' engagement in civil society and communities throughout the state in a co-ordinated and controlled manner. The group, comprising officers and senior NCOs from throughout the organisation, concen- trated its efforts on identifying the conditions necessary to implement a successful PEAP Working Group for the Defence Forces. The group also promoted the principle that the mainte- nance and enhancement of the relationship between the public and the Defence Forces is the responsibility of all members of the organisation. Engagement by the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, at formation-, barracks-, unit-, and ship-level by granting public access will remove the barrack wall as a barrier to public understanding and knowledge of the Defence Forces. This, in turn, will rein- force our reputation as a professional, dedicated, trans- parent, loyal force with the capabilities to contribute to the communi- ties in which we are based. The working group report comprised several recommen- dations, including the establishment of brigade/formation PEAP teams to plan and conduct PEAP activities; a twin-track approach, incorporating access to barracks, installations and ships, and the projection of the Defence Forces into the com- munity; the compilation of a public engagement events list at DFHQ; public engagement modules to be incorporated into all career courses; PEAP activities to be closely co-ordi- nated with barracks security officers; the use of the term 'Veteran' to be adopted when describing former personnel; to investigate the possibility of issuing an ID card to former enlisted personnel; the introduction of formal, co-ordinated open days at brigade/formation-level; the possibility of con- ducting a national Military Tattoo in 2016; to continue and develop the policy of pre-deployment reviews of overseas units being held in public; possible changes to current public liability requirements; D Eng and Property Branch, DoD, to liaise with civil authorities regarding the erection of external signage directing the public to military installations; and Defence Forces' logo and emblems to be registered as trade- marks to facilitate official merchandising. The Working Group also concluded that while Ireland has a rich military heritage, the Irish public is not militaristic by nature. The members of the Working Group believe that the comprehensive list of recommendations outlined in its final report provides a way forward that ensures balance and perspective, and should also facilitate a co-ordinated plan of action to enhance mutual understanding between the public and the Defence Forces. On 31st July, the group submitted the PEAP report to the Chief of Staff and the General Staff are currently reviewing its recommendations. with the Public Photos show members of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service performing ceremonial drill at the National Memorial at Merrion Square, Dublin. PEAP Working Group, back row (l/r): Capt Brendan O'Dowd, RSM Johnny Murray, Capt Mark Tormey, RSM Seasca Murphy, Capt Donal Gallagher. Front row (l/r): Comdt Declan Sheridan, RSM John McCormack, Lt Col Michael Dawson, Capt Declan Barrett and RSM Dave Galvin.

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