An Cosantóir November 2015 www.dfmagazine.ie
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DEFENCE FORCES
by LT COL MICHAEL P. DAWSON, OIC PUBLIC
RELATIONS BRANCH
"On some positions, Cowardice asks the question 'Is it
safe?' Expediency asks the question 'Is it politic?' And Van-
ity comes along and asks the question 'Is it popular?' But
Conscience asks the question 'Is it right?' And there comes a
time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor
politic, nor popular, but we must do it because Conscience
tells us it is right."
W
hen one examines the article titles contained in
this year's review, I suggest that this quote from
Martin Luther King is very apt as it resonates
throughout each separate theme irrespective of the spe-
cific topic. Across the broad range of contemporary topics
covered, our contributors invite us on a journey of research,
delivering honest findings and unambiguous conclusions.
May I also suggest and hope that on reading the com-
pelling articles in this year's review that you too may be
encouraged to engage in further critical thinking, to debate
military issues close to your heart and ultimately decide to
contribute to our special edition for 2016.
This year sees the Review celebrate its twenty-second
birthday. Back in 1993, (when known as the "An Cosantóir
Review") the compilation of articles succeeded in stimulat-
ing widespread discussion amongst its readers and foster-
ing an already hungry appetite to broaden horizons and
garner fresh opinion on a wide range of military topics.
As the years progressed, we have been very fortunate to
receive contributions from our colleagues in the academic,
corporate and diplomatic arenas. These submissions have
greatly enhanced the currency and status of the Review
and we in the Defence Forces really appreciate this alliance.
The Defence Forces Review has stood the test of time and
this is a testament to the commitment of its contributors
and its credibility as a literary publication.
in
review
COS Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM with
journalists Tom Brady and Kevin Myers.
COS Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM
launching the Defence Forces In Focus.
