Signal_summer_17_web

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF RACO - REPRESENTATIVE ASSOCIATION OF COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

SUMMER 2017

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 1

BREXIT & EU COLLINS
SECURITY: BARRACKS

POSSIBLE NEW A PANORAMIC HISTORY
ARCHITECTURE

READY FOR ACTION

THE CONCEPT BEHIND BESPOKE PRE-DEPLOYMENT EXERCISES

The Department Perspective: By Minister Paul Kehoe TD

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contents RACO OPINION 05
By Association General Secretary, Lt Col Earnán Naughton. 06
Vol 15 Issue 1
Summer 2017 READY FOR ACTION 21
We talk to Lt Col Mark Brownen and look at the conception, planning, scenario and after- 25
action view on the bespoke pre-deployment Exercise, ‘Turas Fada’, which was recently 27
conducted by the 3rd Infantry Battalion. 37
41
THE MINISTER’S VIEW 51
The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr Paul Kehoe TD, writes for SIGNAL in 55
response to queries posed on issues relating to equipment, retention and pay.

EXERCISE VIKING 2018
Lt Col Raymond Yorke on the benefits and concepts behind this pan-regional virtual exercise,
hosted by Sweden, and in which the Defence Forces have taken part since 2005.

COLLINS BARRACKS
Lt Col Dan Harvey with a sweeping history of the Barracks in Cork, previously known as
Victoria Barracks, and its unique place in Irish and Irish military history.

FORMER MEMBER INTERVIEW
We talk to Captain (Ret’d) Stephen O’Sullivan about his Defence Forces career and current
professional career.

EUROPEAN SECURITY & BREXIT
Daniel Keohane on the shapes that EU security could take post-Brexit, with the Bloc facing
the challenges of both the UK exit and an increasingly volatile US leadership.

UNDER FIRE
We talk to Lt Col Dan Harvey whose most recent book on Irish peacekeeper in combat;
‘Under Fire’ was recently published by Merrion Press.

FINANCE
The importance of creating a will that is tax efficient is examined by Rory Coll of Coll & Co.

06

21 27 41

| SUMMER ‘16 | |1

Safehaven Marine Ashgrove, Cobh, Co Cork M: 086 8054582
Launch their Latest Design
XSV 17 ‘Thunder Child’

Safehaven Marine has launched their latest new design: XSV 17
‘Thunder Child’. The XSV 17 is a development of Safehaven’s new
Barracuda range of high speed, low RCS (radar cross section)
interceptor/patrol crafts for commercial, SAR and naval operations. The
new design brings even greater capabilities, incorporating greater
speed, greater range, higher crew capacity and an even lower RCS.

The first of class ‘Thunder Child’ is an undeniably striking and stylish
craft. However the resulting sleek profile is purely a result of form
following function due to her unique design features, which combine a
high speed wave piercing hull design with a low radar signature
superstructure. The principle dimensions of XSV 17 are an LOA of 18m
(17.3m moulded) a 4m beam and a draft of 85cm.

Typical operational roles are patrol and surveillance around port and
harbour infrastructure, as well as coastal and offshore installations and
anchorages. XSV 17 is also imminently capable of very high-speed
pursuits during engagement with illegal waterborne activities such as
trafficking.

Her long range and crew living facilities allow extended offshore
operations. From a naval perspective its possible deployment scenarios
are far reaching. ‘Covert’ surveillance can be undertaken with a greatly
reduced risk of detection, thereby maximising the mission’s chances of
success.

XSV has an innovative and unique hull form that allows it to operate in
two distinct modes, fully planning and wave-piercing. The hull combines
a deep v hull form with a 24 degree transom dead rise for her aft
planning area with a wave piercing bow, which is designed to run clear
of the water at high speeds, reducing drag and maximising speed. This
can be brought into dynamic effect with running trim control from large
hydraulic trim tabs allowing the bow to become wave-piercing and
dramatically reduce slamming in head seas, thereby maximising
endurance for her crew when operating in rough conditions.

Another unique feature is adjustable anti-submersion fins at her bow.
These hydraulic fins can be adjusted for speed and wave height while in
operation to prevent excessive submersion in rough conditions when
speed inevitably must be reduced. The hull provides exceptionally high
levels of seakeeping abilities on all courses, with its twin chine
arrangements providing for high levels of both static and dynamic
stability.

The design allows for high maximum speeds of 60kts+ with propulsion
either by surface drives or hybrid waterjets; the latter allowing speeds of
50kts+. ‘Thunder Child’ uses surface drive propulsion supplied by
Metamarine of Italy and is powered by a pair of Caterpillar C12.9
1,000hp engines. It can achieve over 56kts at present but has more to
come. Its cruise speed is 45kts+. Long range fuel tanks provide a range
of 700nm+.

XSV 17 has a crew capacity that allows for up to 12 persons to be
seated, all on shock mitigation seating in her climate controlled main
cabin, which has been designed to offer maximum visibility and
situational awareness in a comfortable, secure and highly focused
environment for multi role operations, offering up to four individual
command positions with their own consoles. The seats fitted on
Thunder Child are ‘Wavebreaker’ shock mitigation suspension units and
carbon race bucket seats, developed and supplied by AMP Power in
Holland, which dramatically increase crew endurance in rough seas.

The design of her large forward cabin allows a modular configuration
and has been configured so that it can function in three operational
roles – pursuit and interception, extended offshore patrol, and SAR
operations or troop deployment – with quick and easy conversion
capabilities. For pursuit and interception, a modular self-contained
weapon deployment system incorporating a 12.7mm gyroscopically
stabilised, remote controlled machine gun can be raised above decks
through watertight hatches for deployment. When engaged in
surveillance or patrol, the main weapons can be concealed and the
vessel’s RCS signature is reduced. The weapons can then be hidden
when not in use for security, durability and covert reasons, as well as
greatly reducing the vessel’s VCG, which is very beneficial in heavy
weather.

For extended offshore patrol, full live-aboard accommodation is
provided in a large, spacious forward cabin. During SAR operations or
troop deployment an additional 16 survivors/combatants can be
carried. The craft design is fully ‘self-righting’ and capable of recovery
after capsizing when struck by large breaking waves. Her performance
enables much faster emergency response times than conventional
SAR craft designs, virtually doubling their speed capabilities. Statistics
indicate that over 90% of incidents occur in fair to moderate conditions,
where XSV’s higher speeds could be utilised. The ability to offer faster
response times can crucially make a significant difference in saving
lives. In extreme conditions the design still offers a high degree of
survivability, albeit at reduced speeds.

E: [email protected] W: www.safehavenmarine.com

The design of XSV 17 utilises various stealth technologies to produce a
lower RCS, which can be optionally offered allowing it to operate with a
very high degree of invisibility to an adversary’s radar. Stealth
technologies are employed in the superstructure and hull design,
utilising flat plane principles to its surfaces in its front, aft and cabin side
projections to deflect radar beams away from source. These unique
features work together with RAM and specialised outfitting to produce a
vessel with a significantly lower than normal RCS, primarily from
forward and rear aspects, but also to a high level in side aspects.
Safehaven’s ‘stealth’ capabilities have been independently Naval
Service tested and proven to offer a ‘significantly’ lower RCS than
conventional crafts. Operational practicality and crew safety is
maintained by utilisation of safe, boarding-capable side decks and aft
cockpit space.

XSV 17 is built from advanced lightweight, cored composite
construction for her hull and superstructure, offering a low dialectic,
lightweight and high-strength. Her windows were specially developed
by Safehaven for maximum strength and lightness by utilising hard
coated 12mm polycarbonate with an additional outer protective film for
the side windows, embedded directly in the FRP structure, with 18mm
laminated glass, steeply raked to minimise pressure loadings from
green seas utilised for the forward screens.

As well as a full array of navigation equipment including HD radar, radio
communications, AIS, CCTV and GPS systems, all supplied by Garmin,
a range of specialised sensors offered can enable multi-task
operational control. FLIR thermal/night vision infrared camera systems
are fitted for surveillance and night time operations. Hyperspike and
ROSY (Rapid Obscuring System) can be integrated and concealed
below decks and remotely raised through watertight hatches for
deployment.







| EXERCISE TURAS FADA |

Ready For Action

The Planning & Running
of Exercise ‘Turas Fada’

Having joined the Defence Forces over 32 years ago, as part of the 62nd Cadet Class,
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Brownen, Commanding Officer 3rd Infantry Battalion, has
served on over eight Defence Forces deployments overseas. From Lebanon to Mali
and Chad to Afghanistan he has been part of military operations over decades
which have seen a huge shift in the nature of conflict, and the nature of the dangers
facing today’s military professionals. To operate at the pinnacle in increasingly
challenging and volatile environments requires strict adherence to standards and
a level of robust training that can identify both the strengths and weaknesses
within an Infantry Group prior to deployment. With these firm beliefs in mind Lt Col
Brownen, along with his Officers and NCO’s at Stephen’s Barracks in Kilkenny, set
about devising and executing Exercise Turas Fada (Long Journey), which took place
throughout the country between 27-31 March. SIGNAL talked to Lt Col Brownen
before and after the exercise to identify the objectives of Turas Fada and what
these exercises can tell a Commanding Officer about his troops prior to overseas
deployments.

Photographs by Airman Adam Murphy, courtesy of An Cosantóir Magazine.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Brownen

Service: Commissioned 1985, 62nd Cadet Class
Current: CO 3 Inf Bn
Previous: SO DJ2 DFHQ,OC B Coy Det DFTC, SO DJ7 DFHQ, OC NCOTW, Instructor Officer training Wing,
SO Mil College, SO 28 Inf Bn
Overseas: UNIFIL x4 ( 70,81 Bn, UNIFIL HQ ), ONUCI ( Ivory Coast) Observer, OC Recce Coy 97 Bn EUFOR
Chad/CAR, SO KLE ISAF (Afghanistan), EUTM Mali ( Deputy Command Training Task Force)

Courses - Education: BA (French/Spanish), MA LMDS, Language Trainer/Interpreter cse UCC

Military courses: JCSC, SCSC, CATAC INF SCh UK, Force OPS/LOgs Cse French Armed Forces, Adventure
Training Instructor (Diving and Kayaking), Sniper, SERE (Search, Evasion, Resistance & Escape) Instructor,
Military Interpreter, MOWAG, CBRN Instructor

| SPRING ‘17 | |7

| EXERCISE TURAS FADA |

On the upper floor of one of the training and briefing Of course, we don’t have the same scale or resources but the
buildings in Stephens Barracks, the scenario for Turas equipment we have is similar and as effective. More importantly
Fada is laid out in detail on scaled models and printed it is what we will be deploying overseas with so it is vital that the
briefs, with chairs around the room for all agencies involved in the exercises test how our people work with radar, with armour, with
exercise. “Earlier today we had a detailed run through of what the intelligence amongst other skillsets, and how they employ other
exercise will involve and what it its objectives are,” explained Lt assets such as reconnaissance and air support.“
Col Brownen. “We had representatives from the different elements
of the Defence Forces that are involved and also from external The Scenario
agencies, such as An Garda Siochána. Turas Fada has been
designed completely from scratch to provide a robust training The scenario in the adjoining panels to this article, although fictional,
exercise with the specific objective of providing me, and the Officer describes the sort of environment in which the Defence Forces
Commanding Southern Brigade, of the strengths of the units under have regularly deployed. A recently announced ceasefire in a
our command and also specifying areas which we need to target war-torn nation, where both parties still feel aggrieved and retain
for improvement prior to any deployment.” considerable caches of weapons, there is also suspicion of war
During his career (see accompanying career bio), Lt Col Brownen crimes. It’s a scenario that could easily reflect Liberia, Lebanon,
has trained with both the UK Armed Forces and the Canadian Kosovo, Bosnia, East Timor, Chad and other deployments.
Armed Forces, amongst others, but it was his experiences with
these two forces that gave him an insight into what bespoke, well “We’ve really delved into the detail on this in order to test our
planned and executed training drills could offer for the Defence people on every level. That means down to ensuring standards
Forces. “When I was working with the UK Armed Forces we were are maintained at every level even down things like hygiene and
in Canada for an exercise called ‘Iron Anvil’ which involved us personal maintenance issues, something which we all learned so
deploying on the ground for 35 days, it was massive in scale (over much about in Africa for example. Everything needs to be managed.
a Brigade on the ground) but very well planned, and that was an We designed a scenario which sees our infantry group encounter
example for me of something that we could replicate at home. an experienced, well-resourced enemy, with radar capability, across
a variety of different terrains and scenarios. It’s all about challenging

Pre-exercise gathering at Stephen's
Barracks in Kilkenny.

8 | | SPRING ‘17 |

| EXERCISE TURAS FADA |

our people to deliver, and I’m very proud to say we have a group Turas Fada: The Scenario
here in which everyone is eager to test themselves. As a result, if
there’s a gap in what we’re delivering we can assess it and look at This text forms the fictional scenario, based on previous
addressing it. That’s the place to do it, here on-island, so we can Defence Forces mission experiences, upon which Exercise
certify that everyone deploying on behalf of the state is capable of Turas Fada was executed.
doing their job at the highest level. So the various scenarios in Turas
Fada are very robustly assessed, questioning the decision making GENERAL SITUATION
processes of our people and highlighting any gaps that we need to
deal with.” Conflict existed in the Country of Hibernia from 1999 to
One of the more unique aspects of this particular exercise was the 2009.Following this a peace treaty plus the deployment of
focus on creating a credible and resilient enemy force (the HLF a UN mandated Peace enforcement (Chapter 7) mission
as described in accompanying scenario). “We have seconded UNMIH occurred. The UNMIH forces were present in the
people from within our own battalion to act as the enemy, so we country in approx. Bde plus strength. Also present were
have equipped them with irregular uniforms and an assortment elements of the EULEX team for the area and elements of
of commonly encountered militia weapons, such as AK-47’s and EUPOL. Although the major fighting had stopped the treaty
RPG’s, but also advanced technology like ground radar, which has been violated on a number of occasions and there is
was designed to present an extra challenge for our troops.” In increasing unrest in the country. These events were closely
terms of Officers, there were 15 involved in the Turas Fada exercise linked with efforts to bring some of the HLF leaders to
from across the Army and Air Corps, which is a lot less than a justice for war crimes committed during the conflict.
deployment would have, but the exercise was designed with this in From September 2009 to December 2016, the Chief
mind and multiple roles were assigned where necessary. “We’ll be Prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for
looking to see how our senior people employ the assets available Hibernia was the Swiss lawyer Norma LeBlanc. Earlier this
to them, including feeds from intelligence, reconnaissance, artillery, year she published her memoir “The Hunt: War Criminals
and me”. Her book was published originally in Italian and it
Lt Col Mark Brownen is only since the end of last month, when it was released in
an English language version, that publicity surrounding its
content has gathered significant international attention and
in Hibernia in particular.

According to open source intelligence (OSINT), LeBlanc will
visit Hibernia on the 28th March 2017 for one day, in order
to conduct a private meeting with members of the EULEX
war crimes prosecution team based in Galway. MNTF (Multi
National Task Force) have received no official notification
about this visit from HQ HFOR (Hibernian Armed Forces)
or EULEX, but according to sources within EULEX, the visit
will be a brief and low-key affair. However, LMT C3 (Liaison
Monitoring Team) operating in the town of Charlestown
has noted significant interest levels among the community
towards the LeBlanc visit. The village leader claims that
25 young Mayovian males went missing from the village
in early 2011 and that answers repeatedly demanded
from UNMIH (United Nations Mission In Hibernia) and now
EULEX as to the circumstances and whereabouts of the
missing persons were never answered. The publication
of LeBlanc’s s book is the first time that the Mayovian
community in Charlestown has been formally made aware
that their missing relatives may have been abducted,
brought to Wicklonia and killed for their organs to be sold
on the black market. It is assessed by MNTFC G2 that the
villagers of Charlestown may travel to Knock APOD (Aircraft
Point of Departure) and attempt to hold an impromptu
meeting with Ms LeBlanc.

Also showing interest in the LeBlanc visit is Mr Ibrahim
Musliu, President of the War Veteran’s Organisation (WVO)
in the Claremorris Municipality. The Wicklonian people
of Hibernia make up the majority of the population and
are fiercely proud of its war veterans, openly and vocally

| SPRING ‘17 | |9

| EXERCISE TURAS FADA |

engineering and air support. They’re up against a foe that’s elusive supporting all rallies and commemorations throughout
and resourceful so they’ll need to make the right decision at the the country. Mr. Musliu was indicted for war crimes in
right time and allocate the right resources. Our officers have been 2011 and held at The Hague for almost two years until he
trained to do this, it’s one of the elements of all commanders was found not guilty of all charges laid against him by the
training, but it’s vital that we put it in a practical setting that supports Chief Prosecutor at the time, Ms LeBlanc. In a meeting
the theoretical to see where our standards are at,” adds Mark. with LMT C6 (04Mar) Mr Musliu made no reference to the
In terms of the practical setting, this means moving troops, armour visit, however, a Field HUMINT asset working in the area
and equipment from Kilkenny to Mayo, Sligo to Tipperary and finally observed a meeting taking place yesterday (26 March
to Cork across a series of scenarios including crowd riot control, 2017) during which references to the APOD and the dates
Company night assault, with Officers expected to successfully 27/28MAR 17 were made. No further information on this
navigate challenges such as a VIP protection, major logistical moves issue is known at this time. G2 MNTF will continue to
(over 50 vehicles were used) hostage taking and the arrest of a monitor this situation.
suspected war criminal. “Any successful exercise removes people
from their comfort zone and makes them manage stress and an You have been deployed with B-Coy to MNTF UNMIH.
element of fear,” adds Lt Col Brownen. “Of course we can’t replicate Intelligence sources on the ground are being provided by
the intensity of actual enemy live-fire contact but we’re aiming to LMTs, Inf Coys and Brigade Int assets.
replicate what’s done in terms of best international practise when it
comes to preparing troops for deployment. The reality is that we’re FRIENDLY FORCES:
often deploying as part of multinational taskforces now, and to the
non-state enemy we are a target, that’s the way it is now, and we UNMIH MNTF is comprised of 5 Mech Inf Coys as outlined
need to continue to ensure we’re preparing ourselves appropriately
for the specific missions that we’re going to be engaged in.” below.

Sniper reconnaissance teams in action A-Coy Finland
during Exercise Turas Fada.
B-Coy Ireland
10 | | SPRING ‘17 |
C-Coy Sweden

D-Coy Czech Republic

E-Coy Slovakia

LMTs are also operating within the MNTF AO and are under
Comd of RLMT and the TF Comdr.

ENEMY FORCES:

The main organised resistance movement is the HLF
(Hibernian Liberation Front). This was the main Wicklonian
resistance during the war of 1998-2011. Since the UNMIH
and HFOR intervention they have ceased to operate
openly as an armed resistance movement, but are heavily
represented in the ranks of the WVO. J2 have deemed
them to be an active underground movement with access
to weapons. Many of their members are believed to be
involved in organised crime.

There has been an increase in organised crime throughout
Hibernia in recent months. As a result of this there has
been an increase in ‘Tit-for-Tat’ killings between rival gangs,
some of which is spilling over into inter ethnic killings, which
is increasing the hostility within minority enclaves. Local
HPS (Hibernia Police Service) seem to be either incapable
or uninterested in dealing with these issues and therefore
additional presence on the ground is required by HFOR.
There is very little Mayovian representation within the HPS,
and are therefore not trusted by the Mayovian minority, who
openly challenge their authority. The Mayovian minority are
believed to have stockpiles of weapons in the enclaves,
but UNMIH have been unable to find any such weapons in
recent times.

This lack of stability has also led to an increase in organised
crime within the wider Hibernia region, including weapons
smuggling, human trafficking and drugs smuggling.

| SPRING ‘17 | | 11

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| EXERCISE TURAS FADA |

The Planning that the Defence Forces have in theatres around the world over
past decades. “I think there is a lack of awareness outside the
At the planning stage of Turas Fada, Mark presented a brief to GOC organisation of the conflicts we have been directly involved in.
South who gave him the scope to develop the scenario based upon We’ve taken that and imbued it into our training, because as
the outcomes and objectives outlined. There’s a huge amount of servants of the State it behoves us to operate on behalf of Ireland
work involved in an exercise of this scope, the logistics of working at the very pinnacle of our capability. For that, we need to really
with external stakeholders in terms of permissions and access and test our people and the training must always be relevant. But for
internally outlining to the Air Corps and other elements of the Army Officers, it’s about more than just the training. We need to be seen
of what’s involved so that they can identify what they would like as competent men and women of worth, who those under our
their people to be tested on as part of the exercise. “It was a very command will want to follow. That’s what being an Officer is all
collaborative process, but we have a good relationship throughout about, and if I don’t care adequately for those under my command
the Brigade area and we’ve conducted four Major Emergency then I’m not doing my job and this can have consequences for the
Exercises before and have also been involved in situations like fire Defence Forces team both at home and overseas. So, I think Turas
cover and flood response, so we are used to using our assets in the Fada and similar exercises provides Senior Officers with an excellent
best possible way,” adds Lt Col Brownen. opportunity to accurately identify areas for improvement and test
those under their command, for more Junior Officers it’s designed
In terms of what Turas Fada provides Defence Forces Officers, it to allow them to test themselves in a robust environment. To do
gives them the opportunity to show the strength of their leadership what we do to the best of our ability we must always meet the
and decision making processes in an expansive scenario that will highest standards, and for that we must continue to be prepared to
test them in a number of ways in which they could be expected the highest standards.”
to be challenged overseas. For Lt Col Brownen, exercises like this
also draw upon the heritage of considerable real world experience

Exercise update near Knock
airport in Mayo.

| SPRING ‘17 | | 13



| EXERCISE TURAS FADA |

Image above and below: Members of the 3rd Infantry Battalion under 'attack' while on public order duty at Knock airport during Exercise Turas Fada.

| SPRING ‘17 | | 15

| EXERCISE TURAS FADA |

The challenges of working with elements such as the Air Corps and armour such as the MOWAG Piranha was one of
the key lessons learned from Exercise Turas Fada, according to Lt Col Brownen.

16 | | SPRING ‘17 |

| EXERCISE TURAS FADA |

Sniper teams in action on the ground and in
the air as part of the exercise.

| SPRING ‘17 | | 17

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| EXERCISE TURAS FADA |

After Action

Lt Col Brownen provided a brief assessment to SIGNAL
of the lessons learned from Exercise Turas Fada

Lt Col Mark Brownen, Commanding
Officer 3rd Infantry Battalion

The Exercise provided the outcomes enemy has ground radar, conduct an accurate air assets and weather concerns, and also
I wanted in terms of assessing the weapons assessment, locate the enemy HQ factoring in crew rest, was another valuable
performance of troops under my and assess their morale. I was very impressed by-product of the work done. I was impressed
command, so it provided me with a far clearer by the Group’s performance in this serial. with how those in command accessed,
picture of the areas in which my personnel In terms of areas of improvement, there were assessed and acted upon the various
excel and the areas which require some focus of course challenges in terms of logistics, information feeds in terms of reconnaissance,
in terms of further training. scheduling of sleep times and similar issues. intelligence and more, it showed a pleasing
Turas Fada was a logistical challenge for all Familiarity with the armour would also level of initiative. For junior officers, the
concerned, spread as it was across different be something that I identified as an area exercise provided a great experience in
terrain in different regions over a number of for future focus. The MOWAG provides a actually leading a platoon on the ground,
days. What impressed me in terms of the range of capabilities but due to demands something which is at the heart of so many of
officers involved was the decision making on our armoured fleet, we often don’t have our overseas deployments.
process they employed in order to observe our people spending enough time working Bespoke pre-deployment exercises such as
the key components of the serials within the with this equipment, and living within this this give a Commander the ability to assess
Turas Fada scenario and react accordingly. At equipment, so that’s something we would like his troops for the job ahead, how their
the denouement of the exercise in the Galtee to work more on prior to any deployment. skills measure up and how their troops can
Mountains there was an internal breakdown The scale of the operation was a huge function as part of a larger team. It allows us
within the ‘rebel’ factions which resulted in a challenge for the Officers and the troops to benchmark our people and see how they
war crime being committed. So it was good under their command. There were 49 measure up against their counterparts from
to see that this was correctly observed by vehicles involved, which travelled 1,120 KM elsewhere within the Defence Forces and
our sniper teams and the correct actions cumulatively and expended 10,000 litres of indeed internationally. I have recently provided
were taken subsequently to apprehend those fuel, so managing that was a learning exercise my after action report to GOC South with the
involved. indeed. Working with air assets was another recommendation that such exercises could
In the first simulated attack the troops had to valuable product of Turas Fada; translating provide, where possible, an excellent, robust
establish a chain of command within enemy the presence of air assets into the planning pre-deployment training and assessment tool
units, act accordingly when they discover that process, the mechanics of working with throughout the Defence Forces.

| SPRING ‘17 | | 19

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| THE MINISTER’S VIEW |

The Minister’s View

Minister of State at the Department of An Taoiseach, with responsibility for Defence,
Mr Paul Kehoe TD, has written an opinion article based upon questions sent to him from
RACO, on subjects such as officer retention, capital investment, post-Brexit EU security
and pay.

Since 2011 I have had the privilege of serving as a
Minister for two successive Governments within the
Defence portfolio.
 
Last year I was further privileged that this experience re-
sulted in a renewal of trust by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny,
in appointing me as Minister with Responsibility for De-
fence, together with the delegation of a wide range of de-
fence matters including powers to make regulations under
the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015 and powers relating to
personnel-related issues affecting members of the De-
fence Forces.
 
While this delegation of powers and duties significantly
augmented my role, my commitment to Defence remains
unchanged; I continue to uphold that trust for the better-
ment of the State and the Defence Forces.

It is an exciting time to be working in Defence as the joint Minister Paul Kehoe TD
civil and military approach in its preparation and imple-
mentation of the White Paper provides a framework for the  
development of the Organisation. As the nature of conflict continues to evolve, these visits
  are essential to comprehend the dynamics at play in the
Similar to all Ministers in exercising their duties, I liaise with region and the challenges facing our troops in these mis-
An Taoiseach. The current structures provide enviable links sions, so as to ensure their safety and security.
between the Head of Government and my office, ensuring
that defence matters are raised at the highest level.
 
On a daily basis, as Minister with Responsibility for De-
fence, I work with the General Staff and my Department on
the development of policy and oversight of its implementa-
tion, experiencing at first hand the professional approach
of the Department and the Defence Forces in addressing
the Defence needs of the State.
 
From the outset I have undertaken an extensive pro-
gramme of engagement with members of the Defence
Forces through visits to barracks, ceremonial attendances
and during overseas visits. 
 
I recently returned from the Middle East where I met with
Irish troops and held a series of meetings with the mission
military commanders of UNIFIL, UNDOF and UNTSO. In
all of these meetings the professionalism, capability of our
contingents and the service of our personnel to the local
communities was remarked upon in very positive terms.

| SPRING ‘17 | | 21

| THE MINISTER’S VIEW |

Ireland's Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe improve investment in defence and security research and
presenting UN medals to members of UNIFIL's Irish peacekeeping technology.
contingent.  
Ireland has already been involved in a number of EDA proj-
Capital Investment ects including the EDA Chemical, Biological, Radiological
and Nuclear (CBRN) Protection project, the EDA Counter
We continually review both equipment and force assets, Improvised Explosives Devices and the Manual Neutrali-
to ensure the operational capability is maintained to the sation Techniques project. In 2017 Government and Dáil
greatest extent possible so as to enable the Army, Air approval has been secured for Ireland to participate in
Corps and Naval Service to carry the roles assigned to two further EDA projects namely; MARSUR Networking –
them both at home and overseas.  Adaptive Maintenance (MARSUR II) and Cooperation on
  Cyber Ranges in the European Union.
Having been involved in all aspects of the budget and
estimates process leading to an increased allocation for Recruitment & Retention
Defence in 2017, I believe that we are moving in the right
direction. While equipment platforms are an essential element of
Earlier this year, I was delighted to award a €50 million capability, the fact remains that the greatest asset which
contract for refurbishing the Army’s armoured personnel the Defence Forces possess is its personnel. As with
carriers and this along with the Naval Service ships re- other areas of the public service, challenges have arisen
placement programme and the plans in place to buy new in terms of the retention of personnel in particular areas
aircraft reflects my commitment and the Government’s of expertise.
commitment to the Defence Forces.  
I assure you that significant work is taking place in the De-
Developing Capabilities fence Organisation, both civil and military, aimed at improv-
ing this situation, taking account of the particular require-
Following the establishment of a joint civil-military project ments of the Defence sector and military employment.
team last June work is ongoing to enhance the capabil-
ities and increase the strength of the Army Ranger Wing I recently launched a recruitment campaign for the Defence
(ARW). Subsequent meetings of the project team have Forces which is likely to result in the largest intake of
resulted in key objectives, project outputs and milestones personnel in decades. This will be augmented by targeted
being identified to measure progress and ensure timely direct entry recruitment. Promotions remain ongoing within
delivery. This work includes a SWOT analysis to identify officer ranks to fill vacancies and a new NCO promotion
any capability gaps.  competition to fill vacancies to the ranks of Sergeant and
above has been launched. 
Our continued membership of the European Defence
Agency (EDA) will also assist in the area of capability de- Air Corps
velopment. In supporting greater efficiency and competi-
tion in the European defence equipment market we can A significant body of work is underway across the Defence
Organisation (civil and military) to improve the capacity
of the Air Corps including; Air Traffic Control training with
four personnel due to complete training between May and
September this year with a further course being inducted,
Pilot Cadets in training, a Cadet Recruitment Campaign is
underway, and NCO Vacancies in the Air Corps are being
filled. Work is also progressing on implementing the rec-
ommendations of a Working Group comprised of civil and
military personnel, established to address pilot retention.
As the Air Corps gradually returns to previous levels of ca-
pability, we will continue to provide support to our partners,
including the Irish Coast Guard. It is without doubt, that
the tragic circumstances surrounding the loss of the crew
of Rescue 116 touched the Nation, and I know that this
loss was acutely felt by Air Corps colleagues and by all

22 | | SPRING ‘17 |

| THE MINISTER’S VIEW |

Defence Force personnel, whose daily activities are a tan- On publication of the Report I met with Representative
gible demonstration of their pledge to protect the citizens Associations to hear their views and concerns on the matter.
of the State. It was agreed at that meeting that the Representative
Associations would be fully engaged in the response to
Pay the Report and the proposed action plan through the IMG
Framework where they can put forward their views on
As the economy has improved this has increased the focus appropriate responses.
on public sector pay. In recognition of this the Government The Action plan will provide an element of the comprehensive
established the Public Service Pay Commission tasked approach to HR, including White Paper projects and other
with providing objective analysis and advice on the most actions and will have my support.
appropriate pay levels. This includes members of the   In the coming weeks, the impact of one of the most
Defence Forces.  challenging issues to face Ireland in some time will begin
to become clearer, as we commence negotiations for the
The Report of the Public Service Pay Commission has British withdrawal from the European Union. 
recently been published and it is the intention of my
colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Post-Brexit Security
Paschal Donohoe TD, to shortly begin negotiations with  
representative bodies for the public sector including RACO While responsibility for the security aspect of border control
with a view to securing agreement on an extension to the rests with An Garda Siochána, Brexit may have an impact
Lansdowne Road Agreement. on future developments in the Defence sphere. I have
The Report acknowledges the challenges in attracting put the structures in place in my Department to address
direct entry personnel in specialist streams. I welcome these potential challenges including the assignment of
that the report situates the challenges we face in this responsibility to a senior official inputting to deliberations
regard from both the pay and non-pay perspectives. In the within the framework established across Government.
forthcoming engagements the Government will seek to  
strike the right balance in terms of pay to attract, train and It is the Government’s stated goal, and that of the British
retain valuable people in a competitive labour market while Government, to try and ensure that the current on-island
maintaining other spending priorities such as investment in border arrangements are maintained to the greatest extent
housing, health and capital infrastructure. possible. I am continuing to meet with my EU counterparts,
You will also be aware of the current consideration of access to set out our priorities, ensuring Ireland’s concerns are
to the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour fully reflected in the EU position.
Court for members of An Garda Síochana. The granting  
of same would require detailed legislative changes and While it is clear from the above that challenges exist for
the Department of Justice and Equality have established a the Defence Organisation, I remain optimistic that through
Working Group to examine what future legislative changes continued investment not only in equipment and capability
are required. At my request, a representative from my platforms, but in the men and women of the Defence
Department is sitting on that Working Group and I continue Forces and their progressive attitude, we will build on the
to keep the matter under review. well-earned outstanding reputation of Óglaigh na hÉireann.

Climate Survey

You will be aware that the one of the purposes of the recently
published Climate Survey was to inform the ongoing human
resource and strategic needs of the Defence Forces. The
findings of the survey point to positives and negatives and
have resulted in the formulation of an action plan, led by
the Chief of Staff and involving engagement by all levels of
management within the Defence Forces.
 
The proactive response taken by military management, in
undertaking the Climate Survey, and active engagement in
employee voice demonstrates an underlying strength and
willingness to respond to changing demands.

| SPRING ‘17 | | 23



| VIKING 2018 |

Exercise Viking 2018

A look at what’s involved in Operation Viking 2018, which the Defence Forces have been
invited to participate in. Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Yorke, Acting Director Defence
Forces Training.

Exercise Viking 2014 underway Although it is essentially a military based exercise, experience from
in Sweden Ex Viking 14 and previous exercises has shown that the aim of the
exercise as outlined above cannot be met unless there is a definite
The Defence Forces have received an invitation from the holistic aspect to the whole process including participation by Civil
Swedish Armed Forces to participate in Exercise Viking 2018. Police, Governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations. Given
The exercise is scheduled to take place between 16 and 26 the extremely positive experience of Viking 14 and the invaluable
April 2018. Based on a recommendation from the General Staff, the experience brought to the exercise through An Garda Siochána
Minister of Defence has approved the Defence Forces participation. and civilian participation this model will again be repeated. The
participation of DFAT and Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps will
Exercise Viking is a multinational, distributed computer-assisted again be a feature of the Irish element of Viking ’18 and all civilian
(CAX) command post exercise (CPX) co-chaired by Swedish Armed participation will be coordinated through them.
Forces and the Folke Bernadotte Academy, supported by a large
number of partner nations and organisations within the remit of The number of participants, from an Irish perspective, in Viking 18
Partnership for Peace (PfP). The Viking series of exercises started in
1999 and Ireland have been involved in every exercise since. Viking will be approximately 150. Defence Forces participation will involve
2018 which will be hosted and co-ordinated by Sweden, with Finland,
Brazil, Serbia, Jordan and Ireland invited to staff and operate “remote the following:
sites”, and contribute personnel for the planning and conduct of the
exercise. In total the exercise will involve 2500 participants from over »» Host a Multinational Bde HQ (this is the smallest Unit ac-
fifty countries. ceptable for a “distributed site”)

The stated learning objectives for exercise Viking 18 include; »» Provide staff for the planning process of the exercise.
understanding the comprehensive approach to international »» Provide Directing Staff for the upper and lower controls
peace operations; promoting a mutual understanding, confidence,
cooperation and interoperability among all contributing forces, for the exercise.
organisations, offices and personnel; understanding and applying
mission command/management, staff roles and functions, procedures »» Provide staff for exercise evaluation.
and structures and coordinated planning processes; and reflecting »» Facilitate staff from other participating/partnership coun-
current operational concepts to present and future challenges in
international peace operations. Viking 18 aims to develop, amongst tries to be part of the Defence Forces Ex Bde HQ.
other things, an understanding of the comprehensive approach
to international peace operations and an ability to co-ordinate a Participation in this exercise has many benefits to the Defence
comprehensive response to a complex crisis while providing a unique Forces. Exercise Viking is multidimensional, multifunctional and
platform for training and co-operation between military personnel, multinational, with an emphasis on realism and current operational
civil police, government and non-government organisations as well concepts and provides the Defence Forces with a unique platform
as charity organisations active in the area of emergency response. that is a cost effective way to allow staffs to plan, prepare, coordinate
It is therefore of utmost importance that the exercise includes a very and operate in a multinational “live” environment, for a two-week
positive humanitarian input so that the comprehensive objectives of period without having to deploy assets overseas. This exercise
the exercise can be achieved. allows the Defence Forces participate in a detailed training exercise
the size and complexity of which would not otherwise be available to
Each participating country will set up a Multinational Bde HQ (host the organisation. Exercise Viking is the most extensive multifunctional
nation remote site). It is intended that Ireland would host such a exercise of its kind and has facilitated interoperability across more
remote site in Custume Barracks Athlone. than 40 countries and 35 different organisations to date. This
exercise will allow members of the Defence Forces to practice staff
skills in multinational and multidimensional crisis response and peace
operations, add to our interoperability with or partner nations and
enhance our joint capability within the sphere of crisis response and
peace support operations.

| SPRING ‘17 | | 25



| HISTORY |

The Sentinel: A History
Of Cork’s Collins Barracks

Defence Forces historian and author, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Harvey, provides a panoramic
history of one of the Defence Forces most iconic installations, Collins Barracks in Cork, a
bastion which has observed the turbulent history and growth of a nation.

1801 – 1855: Cause, Construction and Consolidation Entrance Gate & Guardroom
in the late 19th Century
Situated on the elevated site of an ancient entrenchment
called Rath Mór (Great Fort ), the terrain was recognised as in the Crimea was made up of Irishmen. Interestingly, for the first
strategic from early Christian times. Previously the English time, the Crimean War was to place the private soldier into the
garrisoned their occupying force on lower ground at Elisabeth Fort, public consciousness as the unnecessarily appalling conditions
situated to grant protection in close proximity at the southern end experienced by them had for the first time been reported by
of the then city wall (restored, it is today a site associated with a from on the scene war correspondents, the most famous among
past of much interest). Collins Barracks owes its origins to the wars them being Irishman William Howard Russell of The Times. The
known as the French Revolutionary Wars, which was a conflict hardships and suffering of the troops were due to a mixture of
between Great Britain and her allies and Revolutionary France. This supply shortages, poor equipment, inadequate medical facilities
was a clash of the Old Regime and the new ideas of the French and tactical folly. Inquiries and reports were called for and the
Revolution; Liberty, Equality & Fraternity. The Barracks was built to Cardwell Reforms resulted. These extended into improvements in
house and train the expanded armies that Britain had mobilised the spartan living conditions of garrisoned soldiers including those
to counter Revolutionary France. The area upon which the ‘New in Cork Barracks, which were previously austere and harsh. Frugal
Barracks’ was to become established, stretched from Dillon’s Cross barrack-room furniture had been basic with rudimentary beds,
to the top of Patrick’s Hill, and in the past was used from time to benches, and tables. Sheets were now changed monthly while the
time as a temporary military encampment. Construction works on straw in the mattresses was replaced every three months. Places
the ‘New Barracks’ commenced in 1801 and were completed in for recreation were constructed and this had a physical impact
1806. The architect was John Gibson. Occupying 37 acres, it was on the barracks. This however was not all that was ‘entering’ the
designed to house 156 Officers, 1,994 men as well as providing barracks, the influence of the ‘Bold Fenian Men’, also infiltrated the
stabling for 232 horses. Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar (one third barracks, sufficient in number to facilitate and plan an attack. The
of his naval compliment at the battle was Irish) and Wellington’s plan was uncovered by spies, agents and informers. A number of
victory at the Battle of Waterloo (one fifth of his ‘English’ soldiers Court Martials associated with Fenianism took place and garrison
were Irish), ended the threat of French invasion and allowed the members found guilty were punished. In 1882 the Clock-tower
Barracks, located as it was in this major port city with a large was added. The turn of the century saw Britain engaged in the
natural harbour (second only to Sydney as the largest natural Boer War and large troop movements to South Africa contained a
harbour in the world), with access to Ireland’s rail network, to be number of Irish Regiments, there were also those Irish involved on
able to serve as a significant staging post for units of the British the Boer side. The death of Queen Victoria in 1901 was the catalyst
Army setting of to defend some far-off colonial outpost of the for a name change from Cork Barracks to Victoria Barracks. If the
Empire. To become known as ‘Cork Barracks‘ it had an important Crimean War was an important wake-up call from a misplaced
continuous role, along with the city’s provisioning agents, merchants reliance on Napoleonic warfare tactics and, some forty five years
and contractors, in providing the necessary commercial logistical later, the Boer War would force that point home even more
sustainment to the many military expeditions preserving the ‘Pax
Britannica’ around the world. It was also to bring great wealth to the
city’s business class.

In the wake of Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo in
1815, Europe enjoyed a prolonged period of peace.Success had
set the standard, ‘modernisation’ was deemed unnecessary, and
with much of the British standing army dispersed and stationed
abroad, there was little collective tactical training witnessed and
less change or innovation. Notwithstanding, the decades passed,
and after forty years of relative peace, a more major war in Crimea
had made demands of the British Army to a degree far above and
beyond the martial requirements involved in the many ‘little wars’
around its colonies, mostly characterised by the quelling of unrest
among native peoples. At least forty per cent of the British Army

| SPRING ‘17 | | 27







| HISTORY |

It had firstly to be formally established, then reducing numbers and over them to be destroyed, obstacles constructed and covered by
becoming reorganised along regular military lines. Fortunately these troops in prepared fire positions, and decoys erected. All this would,
developments, once finances allowed, saw the physical restoration theoretically, hinder the progress of the German advance out of the
of the newly name ‘Michael Barracks’ (a name that never took on) bridgehead established on landing, thereby trading space for time.
and so ‘Collins Barracks’ it was to become, ready for its next role in The time used by the Irish retreating forces to regroup, falling back
important matters at a time when the world was facing into another on the next pre-prepared defensive line, all the while moving away
great war. from the stronger enemy force, thereby preserving the integrity of its
force, controlling the confusion, and intended to thwart, frustrate,
A State of Emergency - 1939 - 1959 and delay the enemy, especially when the combat ratio was going
to be enormously unfavourable. They might even succeed by these
‘They also serve, who only stand and wait‘ and waiting they were, and other means in ‘canalising’ the German advance, drawing
....soldiers of the First Southern Division were watching for German them into more suitably defendable terrain, enabling the prudent
paratroopers to drop out of the night sky. Implausible as it might employment of our own scarce resources. It was a time of crisis,
seem to us to-day, it was considered a very real probability when of very real fear, but also of a very real willingness to courageously
the Second World War broke out. Constant coastal watch was stand and fight, were an invasion to happen. This is all too easily
kept along the southern shores for any signs on the horizon of a forgotten and glossed over. Nine months earlier the German army
German invading armada. Despite all this vigilance, Ireland was had overrun Poland, and since then invaded Norway and Denmark,
a long, long way from being able to defend itself. It was simply defeated the Dutch, Belgians, and French, and had forced the
militarily unable to resist an invasion. The Defence Forces were British into a hasty withdrawal at Dunkirk. Only the English Channel
hopelessly under strength and supplies were infinitesimal, with a had prevented a beleaguered Britain and a defenceless Ireland
chronic shortage of armaments, ammunition, anti-tank weapons, from a similar fate. The British air victory at the subsequent ‘Battle
and accommodation. With war looming the Defence Forces pleas of Britain’ gave Britain air superiority and made a German invasion
for resources were not granted. Hitler’s army was advancing across unlikely if not impossible. The ‘Call to Arms’ to help defend Ireland,
Europe but the threatening international situation did not yield the meant huge training demands were made on Collins Barracks and
necessary vital spending on the means to shape a successful outline alternatives had to be found. The largest test of our combat
national defence. Declarations of neutrality mattered little to a efficiency took place from 17 August to 27 September 1942 during
rampaging German army. It was nine months (7th June 1940) the now famous ‘Crossing of the Blackwater’ exercise. As these
before a state of ‘Emergency’ was declared. Along with ‘Operation ‘Blackwater Manoeuvres’ were ending, the Battle of Stalingrad
Sea Lion,’ the German plan to invade Britain, there was known was reaching its decisive moments. This battle marked a turning
to exist ‘Operation Green’ an actual real-life, fully prepared and point in the war against Germany, the Russians inflicting a defeat
printed out plan to invade Ireland. This planning involved a series of on the Wehrmacht, the heretofore seemingly invincible German war
landings near Youghal Co.Cork. Troops from Collins Barracks were machine. There was a lot of fighting to be done yet however and
to be at the forefront of the effort to resist, by engaging in retrograde Ireland only declared its state of ‘Emergency’ over in 1946, a year
operations. This involved a series of defensive lines set along after the war officially ended.
appropriate geographical natural features like rivers with the bridges

| SPRING ‘17 | | 31



| HISTORY |

1960-2016 within the Irish Republic (1969 - 1998), involving manhunts, prison
breaks, cordon and searches, shoot-outs, kidnappings, bank
The single most significant development in the history of the robberies, training camps, bomb-making ‘factories’, weapon
Defence Forces since the foundation of the state has been hauls, and much more besides. Currently, the world is facing
participation in overseas service. This continuous involvement a deadly Islamic fundamentalist terror threat, but many within
opened up new horizons and was to transform the operational the Irish Defence Forces have battled against sophisticated
experience of the Defence Forces. 1960 was a pivotal moment, subversive paramilitary groups for decades. We have our own
the genesis of a rich tradition in which the organisation and the story of defending democracy, countering self-appointed ruthlessly
country would develop a professional and national pride. Today determined, clever and committed terrorist ‘hard-men’ prepared to
it is taken for granted that armed contingents of Irish soldiers will use violence in order to oppose democracy and further their own
serve along those counterparts of other nationalities in international ends . The nation had to be defended and the men and women of
peace support operations, but in the Ireland of the early 1960’s the Defence Forces prevented the undermining of the State and
this was an entirely new, and as it happened, sudden departure. protected its institutions. 
Since 1960 soldiers from Collins Barracks have served the cause
of peace, through United Nations mandated peace support Meeting the security needs of the state is the core business of
operations, on behalf of Ireland and the Irish people, all over the the Defence Forces. Absent for a long time, however, was a
world. The transformation of the old colonial empires into new government policy on defence, and it was only in February 2000
states had sometimes proved fraught with difficulty and danger that the first White Paper on Defence was published. For the
and for over half a century Cork soldiers as peacekeepers, in previous decade, the Defence Forces had been subjected to almost
different continents, conflicts and contexts have been required continual assessment and reform by management consultants and
to venture into often unstable, volatile and not infrequently hostile civil servants. In 1990 there was the Gleeson Commission, in 1991
places. Vulnerable people in precarious places were relying on Irish the Efficiency Audit Group (EAG) 1, in 1992 EAG 2, in 1994 EAG 3
peacekeepers for protection. Our presence helped them absorb (or Price Waterhouse), in 1996 the Defence Forces Reorganisation
the fear, and on occasions force had to be met with force which Plan, in 1997-8 the Price Waterhouse Review of the Air Corps and
tragically involved taking casualties, Collins Barracks Cork men Naval Service, in 1999 an Official Defence Forces Agenda setting
among them. A knowledge of these times will grant an awareness, out the military capabilities required and making provision of the
an appreciation, an affirmation of just how hard-earned the envied resources to fund them the preliminaries in preparation for the
reputation and tradition of Irish peacekeeping was to achieve in the 200 White Paper. The publication of the White Paper was a long-
first place and maintain thereafter throughout conflict ridden mission awaited official announcement on the government’s programme on
areas for nearly six decades. defence for the first decade of the new millennium ( in the event, the
first decade and a half , as the second White Paper was produced
Concurrently, throughout the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s alongside this in August 2015 ). A programme of nation-wide barrack closures
onerous overseas peacekeeping involvement was the hugely vital included the consequent relocation of the First Artillery Regiment
requirement onshore internally to ‘Soldier Against Subversion’ in an (Ballincollig) and the First Cavalry Squadron (Fermoy) into Collins
era that was to become known as ‘the Troubles’ when the Defence Barracks. These closures and other formation reorganisations
Forces acted in a very real way as an ‘Aid to the Civil Power.’ An did result in investment in barrack infrastructure and the biggest
era beginning to become almost completely forgotten and I would building project since its restoration in the 1930’s including a new
suggest wholly underappreciated by the Irish public in general a Transport Workshop, Dining Complex, Gymnasium, Armoury
very sore point with a generation of serving and retired members and N.C.O.’s Mess for Collins Barracks. The new millennium
of the Irish Defence Forces. The story of these years will reveal the also brought new overseas destinations, a uniform change, re-
as yet untold and fascinating story of Defence Forces’ involvement equipment programme and a policy of continuous recruitment. A

A platinatone image of Cork
(then Victoria Barracks)
Circa 1902

| SPRING ‘17 | | 33



| HISTORY |

more recent ‘reorganisation’ however saw the disestablishment polices and priorities change, even the bricks and mortar change.
of the 4th Infantry Battalion as the Barrack’s Lead Unit, for many However, we hope that in addition to telling the future story of the
Collins Barracks garrison members an entirely regrettable and sad barracks garrison’s activities it will present the wider interpretation of
occurrence. the Cork soldier and his/her contribution to the future evolvement of
the modern Irish identity.
The history of Collins Barrack Cork has been more than a story
of bricks and mortar, of its art and artifacts, of its patriots and About the author:
peacekeepers, it has been the story of all the men and woman who Lt Col Dan Harvey is an author of many books on the Defence
garrisoned the barracks, its soldiers. The garrison’s involvement in Forces and Irish involvement in military history, including one
historic events, locally, nationally and internationally, is likely to be on Collins Barracks (The Barracks: 1997). He will retire from the
as interesting and fulsome in the future as it has been in the past. Defence Forces in June 2017, after more than 30 years of service.
Personalities change, units change, formations change, security

THE HISTORY OF COLLINS BARRACK CORK HAS BEEN MORE THAN A STORY
OF BRICKS AND MORTAR, OF ITS ART AND ARTEFACTS, OF ITS PATRIOTS AND
PEACEKEEPERS, IT HAS BEEN THE STORY OF ALL THE MEN AND WOMAN WHO
GARRISONED THE BARRACKS, - ITS SOLDIERS.

| SPRING ‘17 | | 35



| FORMER RACO MEMBER |

Leading From The Front

Captain (TBC) Ret’d Stephen O’Sullivan, who now works as a Manager with Diageo, talks to
SIGNAL about his time in the Defence Forces and his subsequent career, and the lessons
learned and skills developed throughout both.

Could you give us a brief summary of your Defence Forc- est security operation in the history of the state was mounted by
es career and key appointments and also your subse- the Defence Forces and An Garda Siochana during the visit of
quent professional career? Queen Elizabeth followed closely by President Barrack Obama.
During this time I also served in the ordnance school as an in-
I was commissioned in 2003 with the 78th Cadet Class, and structor on the International IEDD and NATO pre-deployment
was posted to the 4th Fd Arty Regt in Mullingar, where I spent C-IED courses. From 2009 to 2012 I was the captain of the DF
the next five years, also studying for a BSc at NUI Galway. After Skydiving team representing Ireland at three International CISM
four years studying physics and geophysics, I deployed as a competitions as well as winning the Irish National Champion-
platoon commander with the 98th Inf Bn to Chad. During Uni- ships each year. In late 2012 I was selected to travel to Cran-
versity I became heavily involved in skydiving, both civilian and field University in the UK where I studied for an MSc in Guided
military and represented Ireland at the 2007 skydiving World Weapon Systems. This came about after a capability gap was
Cup as the captain of the national team, which was a civilian identified within the Defence Forces in this specialist field. The
team at the time. Toward the end of my time at University I was fact that the Defence Forces fields two of the most advanced
asked to take up the position of Chief Instructor, Defence Forc- missile systems in the world meant that we required a Subject
es Parachuting. I then joined the Ordnance Corps as a member Matter Expert (SME) in this area. The course was made up of 11
of the 21st Ordnance Young Officer’s course in 2008. Complet- international students from the US, Brazil, Chile, Canada, Aus-
ing a post graduate diploma in Ordnance Mechanical Engineer- tralia, Singapore, Ireland and the UK. Officers from all branches
ing in 2010 I was posted to Ord Coy, 2 LSB where I served for of the military took part in the course.
two years. During this time I was involved in C-IED operations
in the Dublin Metropolitan area during what was a particularly Upon my return to Ireland I was posted to the Ordnance School
busy time for EOD teams. It was during this time that the larg- but after 9 months and I deployed to UNIFIL with the 45th Inf
Gp under Lt Col Kevin Campion. Upon my return from UNIFIL I
was posted to DFHQ where I took up the appointment of Staff
Officer, Ammunition and Explosives Procurement under D Ord.
I started with Diageo at St.James Gate in January 2016 as a
team leader in brewing operations.

What does your current role involve with Diageo and how
did you move into this field? What do you enjoy about the
role?

In many ways my current job with Diageo is similar to some
of my roles within the military. I am a front line manager, re-
sponsible for a cross functional team of engineers, brewers,

A new type of 'long

walk.' Captain

(Ret'd) Stephen

O'Sullivan in the

famous St. James

Gate tunnel under

About the author: Lt (CTohleDBaanrrHaackrvse: y19is97a)n.TbcHaehuuenoitlhttmwuoiinralrlysotr.hefsetmtirrleeaaentfretyo, 1bm9ottohhkes on the DefDenecfeenFcoercFeos racnedsIrPisahraincvhoulvteemTeenat min mexiliittainryghaisntoaryi,rcinrcaluftdionvgeorne
on Collins Barracks Defence FDorucebsaiinaJtu1ne0,2000170,fat fdteurrminogretthheanD3u0byaeiaWrs oorf lsderCviucpe. in 2011.

Stephen O’Sullivan is on the left.

| SPRING ‘17 | | 37



| FORMER RACO MEMBER |

laboratory technicians, logistics personnel and support staff ment to obey lawful orders nor do we have the rigourous disci-
who run the daily brewery operation at St. James Gate. While pline instilled in Defence Forces personnel. Getting people on
running the daily operation, continuous improvement has board with a new policy or being involved in a change manage-
become a large part of the team’s role also. Working at St ment program can be a challenge for a leader. It requires one to
James’ Gate is rewarding as it is an organisation that counts explore leadership styles that may not have been required in the
its most valuable asset as its people, has a high value repu- DF. This adds an interesting and valuable learning aspect to the
tationally as well as being in existence since the formation of job. Conversely, leading from the front and putting the mission
the state (and before), elements which I also valued during first are mindsets that proving to be very beneficial to the private
my time with the Defence Forces. One of the things that I sector. Learning by doing, particularly when it comes to lead-
enjoy most about my job is the leadership opportunities that ership or crisis/risk management is an opportunity that only a
it offers. In this regard, the extensive experience that the unique organisation like the Defence Forces can provide some-
Defence Forces has provided me with is a skill set that I use one with from such a young age. When I was posted to the 4th
each day. Another aspect of Diageo that I enjoy is the oppor- Forward Artillery Regiment as a 20 year old 2nd Lieutenant, I
tunity to develop and grow professionally as I face the chal- was immediately posted in as a Battery Commander, normally
lenges that manufacturing operations provide. a Commandants position, due to staff shortages. This provided
me with a steep learning experience, dealing with everything
What are the regular skills you employ that you would from overseas selection and career management, to disciplinary
have learned as part of your officer training and your DF issues, as well as providing the opportunity to organise military
experience in general? exercises.

Leadership is the skill that I was hired for. Certainly my expe- I find that the private sector provides a steadier family / personal
riences as an ordnance officer have come in very useful in my life. There is great investment in well-being programmes and a
time with Diageo. Crisis management within the brewery has lot of support for management and employees when it comes
been something that I have helped to develop further in my job. to work / life balance. Cetainly for me during my time with the
Developing inidividuals and potential leaders on my team and Defence Forces, my job was my life. But that was partly by my
supporting their career development is a skill that I gained ex- own volition as I enjoyed my job so much.
tensive experience in while serving as an Officer. Soft skills such
as organisational ability and public speaking are skillsets that I The Defence Forces have a track record of providing
use daily, whether it is while chairing the daily operations brief or business leaders to the private and public sector. How
presenting a new policy to my team. does this represent a challenge to the organisation, and
also, how can it benefit from the work of its former mem-
How to you find the challenges of private sector work bers, in your opinion? Do you believe that, in general,
when compared to the challenges of military life, how do former members continue to hold the Defence Forces in
the two differ and how are they similar in your own opin- high regard?
ion?
In my experience former members hold the organisation in ex-
Private sector leadership can be far more challenging in some tremely high regard. For many, leaving the Defence Forces is an
ways. In the private sector we do not have the same require- incredibly difficult decision. It certainly was in my case. However,
as one grows older, priorities change and the decision to leave
Stephen O’Sullivan on a training exercise during his time with could be based on balancing the equation between family life
the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Corps. and work commitments or geography or some other personal
situation.

Unfortunately, of late I believe that a large majority of people are
not being enticed out but rather are beginning to look outside
the organisation prompted by some of the challenges being
faced within the organisation. It can be argued that the role of a
leader in such challenging organisational situations is to provide
support to those under your command. However, there comes
a point for every person where family and your own personal
health and well-being must come first in order for you to contin-
ue to enjoy what you do.

The extensive network of Defence Forces personnel who have
left continue to present a very positive image of the organisation
to the general public. While recruitment into the Defence Forces
has been stepped up, I see the key challenge now as being the
retention of personnel, especially specialists, who are critical to
the day to day operational ability of the organisation.

| SPRING ‘17 | | 39



| EUROPEAN SECURITY |

Brexit and European Insecurity

The British exit from the EU is feeding into a general sense of uncertainty about the EU’s
future. This uncertainty may be further exacerbated by US President Donald Trump, who
has called into question both NATO’s and the EU’s viability. But irrespective of Brexit or
the Trump administration’s actions, it is vital that France, Germany, and the UK continue to
work closely together on European defence post-Brexit. By Daniel Keohane.

The British exit from the EU – “Brexit” – is occurring while Scotland (where UK nuclear weapons are currently located) may
European governments face an unprecedented confluence hold another independence referendum. Both Unions – the EU and
of security crises. These range from an unpredictable Russia the UK – have reasons to feel insecure because of Brexit. More
to conflicts across the Middle East, which are generating internal specifically, that Brexit will reduce the potential usefulness of EU
security tests such as terrorist attacks and refugee flows. The US security and defence policies should be self-evident, since the UK is
is ambiguous about putting out all of Europe’s fires and expects the largest European military spender in NATO. Those who believe
allies to take on more of the military burden. And no European that because the UK remains a nuclear armed member of NATO,
country can cope alone. More broadly, Brexit is feeding into a nothing much should change for European defence had better think
growing sense of European insecurity. The new US president, again. Brexit might hinder European military cooperation because
Donald Trump, supports Brexit and seems nonplussed about the it could greatly strain political relationships with other European
future of the EU, adding succour to nationalist movements across allies, especially with the next two leading military powers in NATO-
the Union. Elections during 2017 in Germany, and perhaps Italy, Europe: France and Germany. But if handled constructively, military
all founding EU member-states, may produce strong results for collaboration could become one of the most fruitful areas for
Brexit-loving politicians – despite wins for pro-European centrists cooperation between the UK and the EU post-Brexit. With regard
in both the Netherlands and France. At the very least, Trump’s to NATO’s future, the election of Donald Trump as US president
outlook could further complicate already-difficult Brexit negotiations has an even greater potential to transform Europe’s strategic
between the UK and its EU partners. In addition to EU uncertainty, landscape than Brexit if he scales back the US military commitment
Brexit is causing a distinct sense of self-doubt for the UK, too. to European security. But irrespective of what Trump thinks in theory
Two of the four parts of the United Kingdom voted to remain in the and what his administration does in practice, European defence
EU in the June 2016 referendum: Northern Ireland and Scotland. post-Brexit will require much closer trilateral political and military
Depending on the economic consequences of the UK’s Brexit deal cooperation between France, Germany, and the UK.
with the EU, instability could easily return to Northern Ireland, while
The Brexit Effect on EU Military Cooperation and
NATO

A familiar sight on the street of Paris, a soldier patrols beneath the Eiffel Following the UK vote to leave the EU in June 2016, the remaining
Tower as France's state of emergency continues. 27 Union governments have committed themselves to improving
the performance of EU security and defence policies. Although it is
not fair to blame the UK alone for the EU’s prior lack of progress on
defence, cheerleaders for a common defence policy in Berlin, Paris
and elsewhere have seized on the Brexit vote as an opportunity
to strengthen that policy area. In large part based on a number
of subsequent practical Franco-German proposals, EU foreign
and defence ministers approved new plans for EU security and
defence policies in mid-November. Since the Brexit vote, German
Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen had at times accused the
UK of paralyzing progress on EU defence in the past, and asked it
not to veto new plans. In turn, British Defence Secretary Michael
Fallon has occasionally suggested that London would veto anything
that smacked of an “EU army” or undermined NATO (such as an
EU version of NATO’s military headquarters, SHAPE).1 Thankfully,
this divisive rhetoric died down towards the end of 2016, as it
has become clear that EU security and defence plans will not
undermine NATO and that the UK will not use its veto. With the
approval of the UK (which retains its veto until it departs the Union),
EU heads of governments approved a package of three plans
covering aspects of capability development, operational planning,
and military research, among other issues, at a European Council

| SPRING ‘17 | | 41

| EUROPEAN SECURITY |

summit on 15 December 2016. However, despite their good Malo in 1998. Moreover, London and Paris have been prepared
intentions, the proposals are unlikely to have much immediate to act together, leading the charge for what became NATO’s
impact, and whether or not the remaining 27 EU governments will intervention in Libya in early 2011. To reinforce the European part
collectively deliver more on defence remains an open question.2 of NATO, the ongoing quiet deepening of bilateral Franco-British
For instance, while Berlin and Paris agree on much, there are some military cooperation, based on the 2010 Lancaster House treaties,
major differences in their respective strategic cultures. For one, is vitally important. For example, London and Paris conducted a
France, as a nuclear-armed permanent member of the UN Security joint military exercise with over 5,000 troops in April 2016, as part
Council, has a special sense of responsibility for global security, of their broader ongoing effort to develop a combined expeditionary
and is prepared to act unilaterally if necessary. force, and in November 2016 they announced that they would
deepen their dependence on each other for missile technology.
Germany, in contrast, will only act in coalition with others, and Indeed, Franco-British cooperation is much more militarily significant
remains much more reluctant than France to deploy robust military for European security than the recent developments trumpeted by
force abroad. For another, Berlin and Paris do not necessarily agree the EU, which have produced little of concrete military value so far.
on the end goal of EU defence policy. Calls in the 2016 German
defence white paper for a “European Security and Defence Union” Furthermore, Anglo-French military collaboration could become
in the long-term give the impression that EU defence is primarily even more important if President Trump were to scale back the US
a political integration project for some in Berlin. The French are military commitment to European security. But bilateral Franco-
more interested in a stronger inter-governmental EU defence policy British military cooperation may not be immune to politics. And
today than a symbolic integration project for the future, since Paris it is important to try to avoid a spillover effect from the Brexit
perceives acting militarily through the EU as an important option for decision onto NATO, especially any political rift between Europe’s
those crises in and around Europe in which the US does not want two leading military powers, the traditionally more “Europeanist”
to intervene. Because of their different strategic cultures, therefore, France and more “Atlanticist” UK. Even before Trump’s election
France and Germany may struggle to develop a substantially in November 2016, in a speech on 5 September, British Defence
more active EU defence policy than their joint proposals would Secretary Fallon said: “Given the overlap in NATO and EU
suggest.3 Moreover, the French do not assume that their EU membership, it’s surely in all our interests to ensure the EU doesn’t
partners will always rush to support their military operations. In duplicate existing structures. […] Our Trans-Atlantic alliance works
general, they haven’t robustly supported France in Africa in recent for the UK and for Europe, making us stronger and better able to
years, although Germany has enhanced its presence in Mali since meet the threats and challenges of the future”.4 In contrast, on 6
the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks. But if acting through the EU could October 2016, French president Hollande said: “There are European
help ensure more military support from other EU members, France countries which believe that the USA will always be there to protect
would find that preferable to acting alone. The trouble for France them […] We must therefore tell these European countries […] that
has been its awkward position between a Germany reluctant to if they do not defend themselves, they will no longer be defended
use robust military force abroad and a UK reluctant to act militarily […] the USA is no longer in the same mindset of protection and
through the EU. Post-Brexit, French strategic culture will remain defence .” Hollande added that “Europeans must be aware […]
closest to that of the British. The EU could only develop a defence they must also be a political power with defence capabilities”.5 If
policy because France and the UK agreed that it should, at St. these Franco-British positions were to harden – because of difficult
Brexit negotiations – and cause a political rift, it could hinder not
Trump's European only their bilateral cooperation, but also cooperation through (and
allies are waiting to between) both NATO and the EU. Strong FrancoBritish cooperation
see if the American is vital for European security, not only because of their combined
President is indeed military power, but also because Europeans need to be able both
'100%' behind the to contribute more to NATO (as the UK prioritises) and to act
Alliance. autonomously if necessary (as France advocates, via the EU, or
in other ways).6 However, President Trump’s admiration of Brexit
42 | | SPRING ‘17 | and declaration that it wouldn’t worry him if the EU broke up could
not only exacerbate FrancoBritish divisions during difficult Brexit
negotiations, but could also encourage a broader divide within
NATO (of which more below) between an Anglo-sphere and a Euro-
sphere. That is in nobody’s interest except that of Russian President
Vladimir Putin, who wishes to destabilise the Atlantic alliance. It is
no wonder that other EU governments are worried about the future
of European security, not only the effect of Brexit on the EU and
NATO.

Military Cooperation Between the UK and the EU
Post-Brexit

The UK government should hope that EU governments do deliver
on their defence promises, including after the British exit from the
EU. There are three reasons for this. First, some EU operations are









| EUROPEAN SECURITY |

New Deals on European Defence? of the Royal United Services Institute has suggested such a course
for the UK: “The election of Trump as US president could also lead
Trump’s views on NATO are more mixed than his views on the EU, to further pressure on European states, including the UK, to take
if not altogether re-assuring to most Europeans: “I said a long time a greater share of responsibility for their own security. Given this,
ago that NATO had problems. Number one it was obsolete […] the UK is likely to want to further deepen existing efforts to improve
Number two the countries aren’t paying what they’re supposed to bilateral defence cooperation with European NATO members (for
pay […] which I think is very unfair to the United States. With that example, France).”24 To reinforce the European part of NATO, the
being said, NATO is very important to me.”21 The problem with ongoing quiet deepening of bilateral military cooperation between
Trump’s general approach to world affairs is that it favors creating Europe’s two leading military powers, France and the UK, based on
an international bazaar of bilateral deals, centered on what the the 2010 Lancaster House treaties, is vitally important. Germany is
president thinks is best for the US, over working with more stable also working on a roadmap for military cooperation with the UK to
global and regional institutions.22 That the US created the current ensure that tight cooperation on military matters survives Britain’s
global system of institutions and rules – for very good reasons – exit from the EU. 25 Preserving the EU, and developing more
seems to be neither here nor there for Trump. No wonder that many effective EU military cooperation (as outlined above), will depend to
in Brussels and elsewhere worry for the future of both NATO and the a large degree on stronger Franco-German cooperation – although
EU. Much commentary has focused on the key role Germany will the Berlin-Paris engine is in dire need of a kick-start. However,
have to play to keep the EU together following the UK’s Brexit vote deeper bilateralism between the major European powers may not
during the Trump era. The departing UK aside, some other major be enough to strengthen Europe’s defences. No European member
EU countries may not be so resistant to the US president’s ideas. of NATO wants to lose the protection of the US. But Europeans
The current conservative government in Warsaw shares much of would be wise to at least collectively improve their own defences, in
Trump’s nationalist worldview. Following his election, Polish Prime case they can no longer depend on NATO – meaning the US – as
Minister Beata Szydło said: “A certain era in world politics ends […] much as before. Moreover, Europeans – in particular the French, the
Democracy won despite the liberal propaganda.”23 Warsaw has Germans, and the British – should probably also consider whether
been fighting with the EU institutions in Brussels over the rule of they would be able to defend themselves collectively if they had to,
law in Poland, and meets the NATO target of spending 2 per cent a question that has been, until now, a taboo in European defence
of GDP on defence . Sounds like Trump’s kind of European ally, a discussions. Currently, the main state-based military threat to
country he might want to tempt to leave the EU with a bilateral trade European security is Russia. Although it is possible that Moscow
deal. Moreover, if Trump continues to be dissatisfied with NATO might risk a shooting war with a European NATO member, that is far
as a whole, might Poland be tempted to try to cash in and strike from obvious, and Russia may prefer to wage war via hybrid means.
a bilateral deal with the US on defence? Alternatively, if Trump and
Putin were to agree a new geopolitical arrangement over the heads In 2016, France, Germany, and the UK combined spent USD 138
of NATO allies, a kind of updated Yalta conference, would that billion on defence , whereas Russia spent USD 58.9 billion.26 But
push Poland towards better bilateral relationships with Germany, Russia is not the only threat to European security. There is a wide
France, the UK, and others? In some respects, this has already range of security challenges across the EU’s broad neighborhood
been happening. Since 2015, Germany has placed a battalion of that may require Europeans to use military means without US help,
mechanised infantry under the command of a Polish brigade. In such as preventing conflicts or helping weak states like Mali fight
November 2016, Poland and the UK announced their ambition to terrorists. The elephant in the room for such a European defence
agree on a bilateral defence treaty. As Poland’s potential choices plan would be nuclear deterrence.27 If Trump were to withdraw the
suggest, deeper bilateralism across Europe may be the best way to US nuclear umbrella– which should be very unlikely – would France
resist the temptations and turbulences of Trump. Malcolm Chalmers and the UK be willing and able to provide nuclear-armed protection

Selected Military Capabilities
As of 2016
in DUeSfeDnbcileliboundget
oCAvMvcoeta(eiiisPrmvrnsnsibeceDelnlab.ettcasaripstoloatpilonoarbleycptaretssshaadeefuitnrstrf)rka*osocoewpns
Submarines

United Kingdom 52.5 152,350 13,418 227 279 19 11
202,950 18,104 200 351 24 10
France 47.2 176,800 3,050 306 217 15 6
174,500 4,155 160 268 19 7
Germany 38.3 985 98 5
99,300 583 347 182 2 3
Italy 22.3 123,200 1,086 2,831 3,628 11 68
1,347,300 202,954 104
Poland 9.1

Spain 12.2

Usa 604.0

* not including naval missions
Source: IISS Military Balance 2017

| SPRING ‘17 | | 47