An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July/August 2018 www.dfmagazine.ie 12 | By Sgt REnA kEnnEDy AnD Sgt WAynE FItzgERALD PhotoS By Sgt MICk BuRkE S ince its inception, the Defence Forces (Óglaigh na hÉire- ann) has faithfully maintained a strong ethos and a set of values that have ensured a continuous and exemplary level of professionalism at home and abroad. the organisation is built on the ethos of service to the State and the values of respect, loyalty, selflessness, physical courage, moral courage, and integrity, which are central to our effectiveness and funda- mental to sustaining Óglaigh na hÉireann as a steadfast pillar of the Irish State. The manifestation of these values is ably demonstrated by Óglaigh na hÉireann personnel in their everyday professionalism and dedication to service. By living these values through their application in all operations and activities, personnel inspire pride among the people they serve and strengthen the nation. To properly recognise personnel who demonstrate living our values, the Defence Forces Values Award were inaugurated in 2017. These awards, in addition to recognising individual acts of living our values, will act as an example to all members of the DF. As an organisation we are recognised domestically and interna- tionally for our service to the State. In the recent past the Defence Forces has received awards such as the Bar Council HR award (to the Naval Service); the inaugural Human Rights award; the 2016 European of the Year award; Gradham An Taoiseach (for service during the visits of Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama). It has also received security industry awards (for EOD); social media awards; awards for academic achievements; and awards for in- novation, to mention a few. While military life is about teamwork, camaraderie and the military family, rather than individual actions or singular acts, these awards are, to put it very simply, to promote role models across the organisation. PR Branch met with brigade/formation sergeants major in spring 2017 to get their feedback on the initiative and with over- whelming support proceeded with an outline plan of criteria for the nomination and selection process. A closing date of late October saw 158 nominations received: 1 Bde – 26; 2 Bde (including DFHQ) – 67; DFTC – 19; Air Corps – 29; and Naval Service – 17. One third of the nominations were for displaying selfless- ness and the stories attached to this category (and, indeed, all categories) made for fascinating reading, and choosing award winners proved extremely difficult. A committee comprising OiC PR Branch, DF Press Officer, PSO to ACOS, Sgt Major SPB, Coy Sgt to ACOS, DF Press Sgt, and Editor An Cosantóir, had the responsibility for selecting seven winners, one per value and one overall champion. On 11 May 2018 in the United Nations Training School Ireland, Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, presided over the inaugural Defence Forces Values Awards. OiC PR Branch, Lt Col Oliver Dwyer, greeted the award recipients along with their fami- lies, their unit commanders and, in some cases, their unit senior NCO. Members of the General Staff were also present. In his address to the attendees, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett de- scribed the award winners as personnel "… who through their ser- vice demonstrate and embody the core values of our organisation". He continued: "The Defence Forces' ethos of continued volun- teer service to the State and the six values of respect, loyalty, self- lessness, physical courage, moral courage and integrity, form the bedrock of the organisation and are central to our effectiveness... and are the beacons that guide us individually in our professional Your Defence Forces values will be stamped on you forever. Jadotville veteran, Capt Noel Carey retd. " " deFenCe ForCes valUes awards 2017

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