An Cosantóir

Dec 2012/ Jan 2013

An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.

Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/96678

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8| New RDF Junior Leaders by Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald photos Armn Paddy Reilly (106 Sqn) 2/Lt Kevin Farrell escorts Minister Kehoe in his inspection of the guard of honour. O n Sunday, November 4th 2012, 18 members of the RDF received their commissions in the DFTC. Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Paul Kehoe TD, accompanied by Chief of Staff Lt Gen Seán McCann attended the commissioning ceremony. Minister Kehoe presented the commission scrolls on behalf of the president after the new officers took their oath of allegiance, in which they swore to be "faithful to Ireland and loyal to the Constitution". The members of 20 Potential Officers Course were drawn from diverse backgrounds across the country and included two university students and 12 graduates (three with masters' degrees and a further three undertaking masters' degrees). Civilian occupations of the class included author, teacher, barrister, engineer, civil servant and jockey. In his speech Minister Kehoe said: "The Reserve Defence Force plays a significant role in the Defence Forces. The work undertaken by the Reserve could not take place without the dedication and loyalty of the individual officers, NCOs, men and women of the Reserve Defence Force and I think it is important that I acknowledge that here today." The course, comprising four female and fourteen male candidates, had completed a very demanding and challenging, two-years of basic officer training, which prepared them to take up appointments as junior leaders throughout the Army Reserve. The commissioning ceremony concluded with the class performing a ceremonial sword-drill before finally getting to celebrate their achievement with their families. Swearing the Oath. 2/Lt Keith Barr receiving his pips. Congratulations to the 20th Potential Officers Course. An Cosantóir Dec 2012/Jan 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie 2/Lts Carin McGoldrick, Annemarie McColgan, Aisling McDonagh and Lisa Chambers. 2/Lt Eoin Guiry receiving his commission from the minister.

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