A brief overview of some mission areas that the Irish serve in as United Nations Peace Keepers and Peace Enforcers. Also areas on EUFOR, European Force missions.
OVERSEAS MISSIONS IRISH DEFENCE FORCES
Ireland has been a member of the United Nations Peacekeeping force since the 1950,s.
The Army served in the Congo in the early days. This was a proud mission but unfortunately lives were lost. The Siege of Jadotville film that became famous in recent years gives an idea of the operation in Africa during the mission.
In 1978 the Irish moved to South Lebanon on a Peace Keeping mission and apart from a short break they are still serving there. In the early eighties the Battalions were over 700 troops but in recent years this has dropped to 350. Other missions have opened up such as troop training in Mali and an Inf Group of 135 personnel in South Syria. Ireland supplies troops all over the world on Peace keeping and Peace enforcing missions. It comes at a financial cost and a cost to human life (47 Irish died in Lebanon).
As a Defence Force we are well regarded and respected in all UN and EUFOR missions for our ability to calm situations. We are the longest serving country with continuous service in the United Nations.
Other countries where Irish soldiers have served are Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Chad, (Capital Ndjamena hottest place in the world most days of the year 43 degrees, Liberia, East Timor, Eritrea, Israel, Cyprus, Afghanistan. We also have single figure teams in Western Sahara, New York, Egypt, and Brussels.
Overseas strengthens a young soldiers character, they find themselves, witness hardships that they sometimes have to deal with on the ground making their own decisions and become confident. Separation from family can be tough especially for young mothers but all genders have proved to be in strong character as the trip moves on. On some trips there may be two weeks leave granted also there is a family friendly tour system now that lasts three months.
Each soldier regardless of rank will be appraised on an army form AF 667 or for officers AF541. This document follows you for the remainder of your career and will often play a part on success in following courses and promotion. Its up to the senior soldiers to advise and look after the welfare of the younger junior leaders and privates. I always treated them as I would treat my own children with direction and respect always remind them to try move forward and have a bit of fire in your belly. There is no point to constantly complaining about conditions and wages in an army when the chance to progress is there for all to have a go.
If a soldiers attitude is to turn up clean, on time, have pride in your uniform turn out and know the tasks, orders and duties of the six month tour this is what you must do to claim an outstanding appraisal. If you are the soldier who just moves along slowly , mediocre standards and likes to complain and practice dodging tasks then you will receive a fair, poor or satisfactory. From the time you are dropped in a mission airport to the collection date on arriving home the above was every soldiers choice.
TIBNIN LIFE 