An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir October 2014 www.dfmagazine.ie 18 | Life After the Defence forces By BERTy EGERTON PhoToS AS CREDITED A lmost every soldier when approaching retirement asks himself or herself what they are going to do when they leave the Defence Forces. Working with the uN is one possibility that I have often been asked about by Irish soldiers I have met in different missions when I worked as a field service officer with the uN. however, there is no simple answer, as everyone's qualifications differ, de- pending on rank, corps, experience and training, in addition to any qualifications attained before joining the Defence Forces. Nonetheless, using my own experience I can give some advice on how to try to get work with the uN. Because of my own background this article is aimed pri- marily at other ranks. Firstly, I would strongly recommend that you complete your time in the Defence Forces and qualify for your pen- sion before you apply to work for the UN, mainly as it gives you a financial cushion should your new career not suit you or your new contract turns out to be a short one. So, first to address the question most asked of me: "How do I get a job like yours with the UN?" Begin by listing all your training, courses and qualifica- tions including any civvy ones. During my army career, from 1975 to 1994, I completed many military courses that, to be honest, at the time I didn't see as being of any benefit to me when I eventually left. This, however, was to prove wrong as it was my army training that started me off on a new career with the UN! Okay, so being an 84mm anti-tank gunner is going to im- press the lads at your local but it doesn't do much for your CV. So, only list the courses that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Before you leave the Defence Forces, check out what courses are available to you and apply for as many as pos- sible. Don't ignore civvy courses you can take either. Anyone wishing to apply for positions in supply, Movcon, or logistics should look for training in the transportation of dangerous goods: ADR certification deals with road trans- port, IATA for air transportation and IMDG for maritime transportation. Training on mechanical handling equip- ment such as forklifts will also be of benefit. For those looking for an admin position, keep yourself up to date on office machines, procedures, prioritising and delegation. All UN admin staff members are issued with a desktop computer from the moment they check in at their new duty station and you will need to know Microsoft Excel, Word and Power- Point. For truck drivers, I highly recommend that you get an ADR Working for the UN Berty with UNMIK Nyala RG 31 course at Aivalija Pristina, Kosovo, 2005 Berty at the UNMIK Kosovo crossing point after the rioters destroyed the police & customs post, February 2010 UNHCR staff at Sallum, Egypt providing aid for stranded people. Photo: UNHCR / P. Moore A UN relief worker gives food aid to residents of the besieged Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus, Syria. Photo: SANA/Associated Press

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