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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.
