An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 17 I had the pleasure of attending the medal parade in UNDOF and there is a great feeling of achievement out there. Equally, I visited the group going out to replace them and there is a great buzz about them as well. Having attended the pre-deployment exercises it is clear to me that our personnel are reaching very high standards. Their drills are right up there with the best and I think they are as ready as they can be to face any situation. In UNDOF's volatile mission area things can happen quickly but I think we have optimised force protection and our units have a wide range of capabilities and equipment. UNIFIL has been in Lebanon since 1978 and has evolved over time. In its cur- rent evolution we play a key part in one Blue Line position and in UNP 2-45. The plan is to maintain Ireland's contribution for another three-year period and the likelihood is that we will assume command and it will become IrishFinn battalion again in May of 2016. That will see us getting more people overseas, which ties in with what I spoke about a few minutes ago. Our centralisation of personnel as part of the re-org means we are able to commit more to training, and this extra overseas commitment will provide these personnel with the op- portunity to 'operationalise' the training they have received. an Cos: Do you see any new peacekeeping missions on the horizon? maj gen James: There are a number of potential trouble spots around the world but there is nothing concrete at this time. The current Nordic battlegroup is now coming to a wind-down phase and our next participation is due to be with the German-led battlegroup in the second half of 2016. EU battlegroups can operate within a 3,000km radius and whether it is deployed or not will depend on the situation and EU commitment. an Cos: Do you foresee any big changes in equipment in the near future? maj gen James: What may or may not happen will be defined by the pending White Paper; that's the reality. But the White Paper does present a chance for the country and us as an organisation to look at where we are going; what the Irish people want us to do; and where we can best support the state. The equip- ment that falls out of that, or any re-organisation or strategic changes, will all be driven by that White Paper, so it's the key event that will define our organisa- tion for the next 10 years. The next draft is due to go to the minister in July and to cabinet later in the autumn. Once agreed, it should issue towards the end of the year. That will give us our focus and aim for the next decade. an Cos: Is there anything you would like to say to our readers on your retire- ment from the Defence Forces? maj gen James: Looking back on my career I think I will always remember the camaraderie that binds us, a natural camaraderie that keeps us all going and allows us achieve our individual and organisational goals. The absolute honour of commanding the Air Corps will always represent the peak of my working life. But underlying both of these, lies the fantastic friendships that have developed in that time, genuine friendships across all ranks which will continue long into the future. I have treasured the support of my fellow airmen/women, sailors and soldiers; not just in good times but also in bad. Sadly, during my time in the Air Corps we lost people and that's when an organisation comes under the most pressure. It is how its members come together to help and support each other and their families in desperate situations that marks the quality of an organisation. And in my opinion no organisation pulls together in the face of adversity better than the Defence Forces. This togetherness and bond stretches across the Defence Forces, whether it's in an operational setting, such as during UNDOF's troubles last year, or rallying together to get a task done at home. This is what the military life is all about and sets it apart. Finally, I would wish the Defence Forces all the best for the future challenges. An organisation is built on its people and we have some of the very best. Thank you all, civilian and military alike, for your comradeship, your support but most of all your friendship. I have had a truly marvellous and fulfilling career. It has been a true honour to have served with you all; it has been an absolute privilege to com- mand the Air Corps and your camaraderie and friendship has been a Godsend.

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