An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 13 A formal dinner was held on the first day, which provided an excellent opportunity for further networking and discussion. DCOS (Sp) Rear Admiral Mark Mellett DSM (now COS and Vice Admi- ral) spoke at length on the core values of the Defence Forces, the organisation's future direction, and the crucial role that the senior NCO has to play in talent identification and management. In this talk he also elaborated on the fundamental roles of the Defence Forces, horizon scanning and key challenges; the need to develop external networks and partnerships; the importance of diversity, including the development of a diversity and inclusion strategy and action plans; and the role of all leaders in institutionalising our values. Chief of Staff Lt Gen Conor O'Boyle (since retired) addressed the attendees following the excel- lent syndicate presentations on the second day. He endorsed the purpose and intent of the seminar as outlined in the food-for-thought paper, and praised the excellent level of engagement from the attendees. He reiterated the importance of effective communication across all levels of the Defence Forces, acknowledging this as a strong theme running throughout the syndicate presentations. In relation to the White Paper on Defence, the COS stressed that the military had achieved some major breakthroughs in key strategic areas regarding the last white paper, such as the on-going refur- bishment and upgrade of key equipment and platforms, and a new veterans' policy. Lt Gen O'Boyle also supported the recommendation from one of the syndicates that a strate- gic HR course should be developed for senior NCOs, to enhance and validate their crucial roles within the organisation. Assistant Chief of Staff Brig Gen Colm Campbell then gave an address on Defence Forces' Trans- formation. He provided the context for the current Defence Forces fiscal and human resources positions, described the strategic planning process, and stressed the requirement for operational readiness as a foundation for all DF operations, development and transformation. A comprehensive Q&A session followed the briefings, with the General Staff fielding questions from the floor on a wide variety of strategic, operational and tactical issues, including: married quarters; commissioning from the ranks (CFR); facili- ties for personnel; operational readiness; ineffective personnel; the 1916 centenary commemorations; the overseas 'lead brigade' concept'; veterans' policy; NCO promotions; and barracks closures. It was heartening to witness the open and honest debate that took place within the syndicates and with the General Staff. The analysis by SPB of a feedback question- naire completed by all attendees yielded largely positive views towards all aspects of the seminar. Attendees requested that more notice be given of future seminars, which would enable more thorough prepara- tion, and improve the attendance rate. The majority of attendees felt that the food-for- thought paper was interesting, thought-pro- voking and provided an excellent platform for further discussion on the role of the Senior NCO. Individual areas for progression arising from the seminar were as- signed to appropriate staff structures in DFHQ with General Staff supervision exercised by SPB. Inclusion in the Defence Forces' strategic planning reporting framework will provide measurable indicators of progress, and feedback and updates will be provided to attendees to ensure situational awareness. A special word of appreciation must go to HQ 1 Bde for hosting the event, with the quality of venue and facilities ensuring a fruitful and enjoyable experience for all. It is proposed that the Air Corps will host the next seminar in Q1/ Q2 2016. Senior NCOs will be asked to submit topics in advance to the Strategic Planning Branch for inclusion in this next seminar.

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