As an Irish Army Veteran not long out of the forces, I appreciate you doing this video. So you covered it really well in terms of the current numbers within the DF, you also talked about some of the equipment, and we actually do have tanks (assigned to a Tank Squadron), that are recce vehicles, I.e; Scorpion tanks. We also have a vast amount of high quality armour, namely Mowag APCs and SRVs. Artillery wise, we use the 105mm field gun (also in use with Royal Artillery, BA) and the 120mm mortar, alongside an Air Defence Regt. 81mm and 60mm mortars more aligned to support companies within the infantry corps. Our special forces are very well equipped and trained and have conducted in Ch: VII enforcement roles overseas with both EUFOR and UN (namely, East Timor, Chad, Liberia and Mali). Some of our main battalions (and who are non Sp. Forces) overseas have also served outside of peacekeeping roles, mainly the African tours of duty. We also have no unarmed missions and tend to lead most peacekeeping missions abroad. Overseas, our main battalion are in Lebanon and are the lead nation of the interim UN force there, in a QRF role along the Lebanon/Israeli border. We recently withdrew missions from both Mali and Syria and have a small component still in both Kosovo and Afghanistan (ISAF). In terms of battles overseas, albeit Jadotville is the one we all know about, see also the battle of the tunnel (Congo also), the Battle of At-Tiri in Lebanon. Rescue missions by Sp. Ops in Africa up against Africa rebels. There are very many in all, and only this year our forces won 2 international competitions, one in the UK based around infantry / medical, the other was the international sniper competition where our special forces came 1st up against some of Europes and the worlds finest sniper teams and Sp. Forces. Our government is currently working on a reinvention plan that will see our cyber security, air support (potential of a fighter squadron and rebranding of the Air Corps to Irish Air Force) alongside a plan to bolster many other areas in the Navy and across retention and recruitment. The end goal there is circa 2027. Our forces constantly turn out and constantly create great regiments and military units and always stand toe to toe with aggressors overseas. Firmly trained and great at what we do, but our DF have been badly let down by governments here over the past 12 or so years. Not a good look when you’re the back arse of Europe! But our forces never contest or protest the ask to serve its people. Thanks Keith!
Thats great hearing some first hand experiences and insights into the IDF, many thanks. As you know many nations, that don't have conscription, are suffering from retention issues and recruiting seems difficult. A Fighter Sqn forming an Irish Air Force would defiantly attract people to joining up I think. 2027, just a few years away, it will be interesting to see the developments you speak of and how it will radically bolster the IDF. All best mate,
All good, Keith, and happy to share. If you look up the strategic implementation plan (2023) it’ll give you an idea of the frameworks, potentiality etc. Another commenter mentioned that the scorpions have been stood down, and I just clocked that, stood down from service in 2017. Just after my time.. In truth, they weren’t the best in the game for reconnaissance/ CVR - you’d hear them a mile away.. so maybe no harm there.
@@jharekcarnelian and I acknowledged that re’ the scorpions, news to me and it was 6/7 years ago that they were retired, if that’s what you refer to as ‘yonks’. Regarding the use of ‘vast’, don’t you think 80 is vast for a small island nation, you understand per capita, right? We’re not exactly China, so 80 is a good number I’d say, but of course you know what I was alluding to, surely.
Nice one again Keith. I remember the IDF, when we were doing an op on the border, a large explosive device was found on one of them country roads that straddle the border. We were dug in, god knows why, anyway they were there obviously protecting their side of that border road. Unlike us, dug in, they took a more sensible approach, they had set up marquees, for shelter, food etc. Of course we done patrols from our trenches around the local area for protection, they done the same on their side. Thinking back we were there for the guts of a week as our EOD, done their business, along with their equivalent. I also recall on a few occasions we strayed across their side of the border, as you know it can be a tad difficult navigating when the lights are out, and the weather is let's say a bit shit. We only realised when we hit a road and the signs were in kilometres, as opposed to our miles per hour. So obviously we scarpered quick smart. On one occasion on our cross border excursions, we came across one of their patrols. We were like, unbeknownst to us we were in the republic, we weren't aware of any other patrols were supposed to be in the area, from our lot. Obviously, as we found out later nor were they 😮. As we were all Irish, i was in the Irish Rangers, our first tour in 1988, we all had a very friendly chat, had a few laughs etc, made our apologies and returned north, both patrols agreeing not to report on each other. Which was decent of them tbh, technically it could have caused an International incident. Was my only ever experience of the IDF, they seemed very similar to us, pissed off that they were there in that weather, wandering around in the dark 😅. All ended well. Sorry for the long post, but I'm pretty sure that most of our troops operating along or close to the border have been navigationally embarrassed by stepping over some imaginary border. 😮. Enjoy your luncheon. FAB.
It was hard map reading on the border especially when the fog came down, I only once unwittingly crossed into the south at night following a hedge (as you know borders aren't clearly marked on the ground) it's easily done. 😊
@@kevinadamson5768 Yes mate, I ended up in our Home Service, ffs, everything was along the border, we crossed it probably hundreds of times, but not intentionally. As I said, only when the road signs changed did we realise. Was mad. As you say in the dark, or in the fog, wasn't anything to actually mark the border. I remember going from Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh, or to it, in civvies, we often crossed the bridge into the South, armed, to get to Enniskillen. Was quicker, especially if us regulars had a weekend away.
@@kevinadamson5768 Tbf, eventually they had certain zones clearly marked out on the maps, but that was more of an afterthought. But it didn't stop us having to patrol within that zone? Oh course we would stray across the border, human mistakes and nature. I live in Northern Ireland, during lockdown, took my good lady a tour around all the places where we were based, most gone now, but had some really interesting chats with the locals, when I told them I was here back then as a soldier, oddly enough mostly positive. To me, it's history, and I was part of it over here.
As a retired Irish Defence Forces member, thanks for your fair review of the Defence Forces that you've done here. Nice to see such a balanced presentation . Well done.
My Father RIP spent his whole life in the Irish army as a Company Quartermaster Sergeant. As a child, i remember him doing tours of duty in military camps close to the border. When i spent two summers in the Irish reserve defense force, Forsa Cosanta Áitiuil, i remember seeing regular army guys coming into the mess hall of a morning in combat fatigues and carrying their FN rifles after completing overnight patrols along the border. Thanks for this video on the Irish Army, much appreciated 👍
A quick Google to ask which country won the most victoria crosses second only to England itself is IRELAND 190 VC awards remarkable when their country never fully committed to the world war 1 and world war 2 . A quick read to learn how they swung the battle of Fontenoy for Napolian even serving for Britain and king Phillip of Spain their courage was never questioned or doubted
Hey Keith 👊🏼 Good chat about the IDF 🇮🇪 as many of us have an Irish connection in the family, and they punch way above their weight 💪🏼🍻 If we look at our own Army, we have had many great leaders and soldiers of Irish ancestry. Robert 'Paddy' Mayne The Duke of Wellington. Of the 27th Inniskilling Regiment, Napoleon said: "Anything to equal the stubborn bravery of the Regiment with castles in their caps I have never before witnessed." In the Battle of Trafalgar a quarter of the sailors were Irish... ⚓️ Clearly, we owe them immense gratitude 🙏🕯🪽
And the 27th of Foot had lost all their Officers and were led by the Sergeants. When commemorate the Battle of Waterloo the Battalions are handed over to the Sergeants to march the Battalion off.
Fair play Sir. Thank you for nice comments. Irish soldiers helped ye alot back in the day. It's not something Irish people tend to talk about. Even our part in the US civil war. Thank you.
£10,500! That is a fantastic amount to raise for charity! Well done to you and Tracey for doing the walk and to those who donated money for such a good cause.
Absolutely amazing, we watched the donation come in and the totals go up in almost disbelief . Very humbling experience for me I can tell you. Thank you
Nice video. I did 5 years in the IDF and trained by the 4th Battalion B Company which is disbanded now. B Coy was in the Guinness book of records for fastest recorded speed march in the world during peace time. It stood until 1985. The tradition definitely carried on.
My dad served in what was then the LDF in the war. He was on the Curragh camp so was involved in keeping the interned Brits and Germans apart. His brotherr was killed dismantaling a Brit mine that had drifted into Dublin harbour. When I was serving in the North early 70 with 1 Para it effected both my parents mum had a nervous break down.
Thank you Sir for the mention of the Irish troops/navy/air corps your report was bang on the button, as a veteran of 23 years 75/98 and 4 tours of duty on UN missions I've seen a lot of changes in the way the army recruit, in my day you crawled in the gate to the recruitment office signed up and where trained to be fit today you have to have senior cert exams same as British gcse exams and be as fit as a fiddle to get in. In my opinion the best soldiers never done 3rd level schooling, second would be pay and conditions a lot to be improved there and some degree of respect from our government that would be nice. Again thank you for the lovely comments you made and thank you for YOUR service Norman
Well done on the fundraising Sgt Major, The Movie about the siege is well worth watching a lot of the guys they were up against were Ex French foreign legion,
Just in the past week, an Irishman died fighting for Ukraine. He had retired from the Irish Army Ranger Wing then volunteered for Ukraine. He lost an eye on his first tour of duty in Ukraine but returned for more, finally dying at age 29. A true hero, he fought for justice. The Ukrainian people have suffered so much, it takes great courage for an outsider to become involved in their struggle against tyranny.
I've just read about this man online. Very brave guy, such a devastating blow for his family. He may not have given his life for his Country, but I'm sure he'll be remembered as a hero. RIP 🙏
@@LetsTab59-bd4fdIf you give your life fighting agression and injustice in another country. You have given your life for your own. Putin is as much a threat to us as to anyone!
Good evening from Ireland. Just wanted to say thanks for this video and covering our defence forces 👍. I was a reservist soldier and found the video very interesting and informative. Believe it or not but my grandad, from County Meath served five years in the Royal Engineers from 1914 to 1919. Thankfully he survived ww1 but his younger brother, who was with the 16th Irish Division was killed in France in September 1916, body never recovered sadly. Anyway thanks again. Every good wish and a salute to you Sir.
My own Grandfather served in the Connaught Ranger's during and after th WW1, He left as a Sgt Major, and served in the Irish Amy then as the same rank for a few years. It never left him even in his eighties his stance and movements were suggestive of his training.
@@eoindee7007 Brave men. I live about 5 hours from Guillemont, France where the memorial to the 16th (Irish) Division is. I try to visit and place a Cross each year. It’s not far from the Somme if you get the chance. There is another memorial to the 16th (Irish) and the 36th (Ulster) Division in a village called Wytschaete where they fought shoulder to shoulder. Google Capture of Wytschaete for the history. Ian
@@bugler75 Good evening Ian and thank you for your comment. I will definitely research that. My late mum always said that her uncle Jackie (John Hand was his real name) died somewhere between either Guillemont or Ginchy. It's not clear if he was simply killed outright or if he was brought out of the field and then died of his wounds but either way his grave was lost. As for my grandad, he was deployed as part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, was wounded at gallipoli, recovered, and was honourably discharged from the British Army in Damascus on June 26th 1919. Coincidentally June 26th is actually my birthday. He served as a colonial police officer in India, returned to Ireland, served in the Irish Army and then became a Garda (policeman) which became his career. Anyway that's my grandad. I often feel like a fraud thinking about myself as a soldier when I consider my grandad and grand uncle. The most interesting thing I ever did was stand guard duty with the old FN slr. Still glad that I did it mind you and the discipline I gained has stood me well through the years. Very best wishes to you Ian.
@@eoindee7007 I know what you mean, it seems like anything we did in our service is inconsequential compared to what those men and women did! But you can call yourself a Soldier. You stepped up to the mark and were prepared to serve and defend Ireland and others through the UN. Prepared to make sacrifices that others weren’t. We’re just fortunate that we didn’t have to endure such horrors as the Somme, Guillemont and Ginchy. Great talking to you Eoin. I live in France now or I’m sure we could have got a beer together. If you’re ever heading over to the French battlefields then give me a shout. I know the region quite well, particularly the Irish areas. Erin-go-bragh! Ian
Thanks. My uncle was in the army for 6 years. We might have had lads in the UN, but in almost every war, there's been Irish men, in Francos Spain, im in Zaragoza near my uncle here and literally, Orwell was stationed in the hills behind my uncles house...then you had Irish in the French army fighting the British in the 1700s and 1800s... in the British army fighting the French and Germans, one or two on the German side...in the US army, Mexican army fighting the US, the Fenian uprising against the Canadians, probably some paddies in the Canadian armed forces as well, fighting the KKK, and even Bannockburn 😆. During WW1 there were over 200 thousand Irish soldiers.
You Irish lads are a tough breed, as you say you've been involved in many wars, and I know the Irish Defence Force probably commit more Troops, to the UN around the worlds conflicts than most other bigger nations.
My father served in an anti tank platoon in 1st Btl Irish Gaurds for 12 years. Spent three years in BAOR during the cold war, and other places as well. 83 this year and still fighting fit.
During the Australian lead intervention in Timor, the Irish Ranger Wing sent a platoon to be the recon Pl for the NZ Battalion along with a French Canadian rifle company
Nice to hear about the Irish Defence Forces. I have Irish relatives and have spent many a holiday over there. On the outskirts of Bantry once I saw some extremely tough looking fellows in a green four wheel drive pass in the opposite direction. I think for many years the Irish Army used to escort security vans containing money. I don't know if it is true but I heard a story about Irish UN troops being attacked and asking for ammunition and whiskey to be sent. It would be nice if that were true. As for the Irish Air Corps , they do not have any fast jets. Barring "biz jets" the last jets they operated were Fouga Magisters a small jet trainer and light strike made in France. Their naval service has six ships ,four of which are currently in reserve.
The IRA used to soft target "cash in transit" convoys until an few Irish police officers were killed.then it was normal run of the mill stuff from the 1970s to the mid Noughties.
Yeah it's deffo true r snail ..I grew up in BELFAST and we took a family holiday down SOUTH to bray ,just outside DUBLIN ...I WAS a young teen lad and as ever fixated with military genre ,I'd recently joined the ATC , there was FCA Barack's signs everywhere!! and when we went into DUBLIN came across an army unit patrol in a transit van on a cash in transit escort duty !. a few yrs later there was a BBC N. IRELAND TV prog on the IDF and some interesting B/W footage on manoeuvres TACEX etc. The no longer published COMBAT & SURVIVAL mag did a good report on the IDF. IVE MET a couple of their UN LEBANON guys from time to time great lads! FCA is the IDF RSRV /TA a few yrs ago I was able to get the IDF magazine in BELFAST at EASONS. IM EX RAF REGT and LI TA and REG. AS THE HOST of the Chanel stares the IDF has decent kit and EQPT , the STEYR AUG and prior to ...the FN FAL . GRATEFUL for the PRO comments that he made ..and others ref to the RAF REGT CHEERS LADS!
Well as you know John, we had the easy bit, it was all you fantastic people in our little community that made it happen in such an amazing way. Eternally grateful
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd training does happen or did when UK was part of EU battlegroup. We take part in the comps the Brits run and look forward to it a lot. NCOs and Officers do get sent to attend courses in Uk such as reccy commander but there is no large scale training sadly. We worked together in Mali Brits had a battalion training and we sent a platoon of instructors plus rangers for security. In the ops room you had the UK and Irish flag standing side by side all working toward the same goal.
😊mint video of the idf well DONE buddy keep this up n rolling out 😊 top info on the show n channel guy's keep this mucker well done to all m8t have a top Sunday to u n tracer round!! 😊😊
Thank you Jason and yes, I'm sure Scotty's will be pleased with all of you guys pushing that figure up and up each day as we went through the challenge and after.👍
thanks for doing the vid on the IDF am ex cav core. the ARW (sf) sniper team were invited to the us for a sniper competition and beat every one to 1st place they have been on the ground all over the world and yes the RAF do look after our sky (thanks) look forward to more of your vids. keep tabbing
Great thank you John. Interesting hearing you chat about the exchange with our US brothers , great guys over there and they always look after you. Thank you for taking the time to comment its appreciated 🪖🫡🍻
Thank you military friend. I'm ex Irish military. Even the Irish military didn't tell me about the siege of jedofil. I lost my friend in the leb. Michael mcneela. Look him up ❤🇮🇪
Irish national can also join other services like RN, Rm, rAF aswell as the army. Had a chief mechanic cmem(m. From southern ireland, went th northern ireland to join RN. He did 20 years or so in RN.
Very accurate review. Well researched and a good understanding of the context and challenges. Much appreciated. My grandfather, in the pre independence days, fought in World War I. I think many British Army military practices transferred over to the new national Army.
Terry, please don't feel mean, I know the money is important to SLS, but every donation, no matter how small is so important and so well received, thank you mate.👍
Well done to you both Keith and Tracer on that final figure... Who would have thought 'eh? One hell of an achievement to say the least RSM !! My upmost REspect Sir (and Ma'am).
Cheers Martin but as we keep saying it was all down to you crazy lot on here, you done us and Scotty's so proud. Thank you, is just not a big enough word. 👍
@@Martinthehun59 Yes, when we first decided to support SLS we spent some time looking at the charity and what it was all about. We both sat through those videos and it hit us hard too.
Many thanks for a very good introduction to the Irish Defence Forces, never referred to as the IDF for obvious reasons!!! I served in Lebanon in 1984/85, 1993, 1996, Israel/Lebanon 2005/06 as an unarmed military observer (including being in Lebanon for the 2006 war, with my family, the unit I was in had a strength of 52 officers and in three days we lost over 10%, with two seriously wounded in separate incidents and we had four killed when the Israelis dropped a JDAM on their position) Chad in 2010, Western Sahara, 2012, Mali (where we deployed with you guys to the EU Training Mission there) Lebanon/Israel 2014/16, again as an unarmed military observer. I retired on age grounds in 2016 then spent four years as a Security Officer with the UN Mission in the Central African Republic and am now in my third year in the newest country in the world, South Sudan. So, you're right we do tend to end up in some weird and wonderful hot spots around the world. One small point, when I served in our special forces it was officially designated as 'Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm' which is translated as 'The Army Ranger Wing' (ARW). It has now changed its name to Ireland Special Operations Force (IRL-SOF). Its motto hasn't changed and it's "Glaine ár gCroí, Neart ár nGéag, Agus beart de réir ár mbriathar", which translates as "The cleanliness of our hearts, The strength of our limbs, And our commitment to our promise" Kepp up your great work with these videos.
Thank you Kev. Wow, mate you've had a cracking career, much respect. You have been to more places (trouble spots), than many British Soldiers. Good to hear your skills and wealth of experience is still useful in your new career. Well done. 🫡🪖
Also if you are looking for a good read, I highly recommend "Soldiering against subversion". It all about the IDF response to the the troubles. It's very interesting and explains the difference between the UK and Irish approach to the Terrorists. While the UK was police and military approach, the Irish wanted to take a purely police/civil approach backed up by the IDF. Which basically explains why there was no direct contact between UK and Irish military
Historically the Irish Defence Forces were underfunded and were kept probably just large enough to ensure that the outcome of the Civil War just after independence was not reversed by a resurgent IRA, and to assert sovereignty over Irish waters/fishery protection. They have certainly punched above their weight in peace-keeping over the decades. One recruitment problem they have is that if you are keen on soldiering and not too bothered about who for, then the British Army offers much greater opportunities.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think one of the reasons they did well as UN peacekeepers over the years was that they used to rarely recruit (I mean back in the 70s and 80s) so the age profile was quite a bit higher than other armies, meaning they were more experienced and more mature in interactions with various parties.
The Moral is extremely low in DF. Even with a pay increase for those just joining. They only just got plate carriers recently due to strange procurement rules. Ultimately moral is low for the Irish in Ireland in general. The stuff you see foreigners getting would sicken you, planning permission impossible to get, house prices are insane everwhere. Lots of lads transferring to the Australian army - yes you can do that. The same is true of the police - an garda siochana. Was told by lads in it the recruit quality has been in decline for a while now. Also hard to get anyone to join an army that people don't really respect and many think defends an illegitimate state.
I hated that we were forbidden from fraternising with the BA. I spent my 21 patrolling from Muff to Blacklion. On the one occasion that I actually got to talk to my counterpart on the 'other side'. He berated me on our drills. No one is shooting at me, I told him. We both laughed.
Oglaigh na hEireann met a lovey chap on holiday he was a Senior NCO and after holiday when i retirned home he sent me a Key ring a Pen and a cap badge I keep them in my office next to all my other keep sakes Thank you for the info Just as a side point my friend was from Belfast but because of the Troubles he joined the Irish Army
Technically, we were neutral in WW2. But more than 200 Germans, seamen and airmen, were interned in Ireland during the war, but not normally the British. The interned soldiers (both German and British) received weekly "pocket money" and were often granted furlow to go to the pubs for a few drinks. I did hear the story of a Canadian airman who was interned after crash landing in Ireland. On his furlow, he went into Dublin, hopped on a train to Belfast and went back to his unit. When he got back, his story reached command and he was sent back to Ireland which greatly pissed him off. I have to assume that he was sent back because they didnt want any international incidents with Ireland especially during the war. At some point, they were usually unofficially allowed to return to the UK across the Northern Irish border, especially after 1942.
I'm Irish and we are firmly within natos sphere of influence, not really neutral. UK and Irish defence forces should start defending our borders from d current invasion. There is an agreement between UK and Ireland that RAF can operate over entire British isles
Fair play in how you described the Irish defence forces. Just came across your account, and I'm sorry to say that based on your accent, I expected a condescending piss take and paddy comments. Just the opposite, you were courteous and professional. I am sorry for my presuming now! Yes we are are small country and no we haven't many defence personal , you guessed it by the way; the pay is just not enough for a young person to raise a family on, it is disgraceful really. Also for your consideration..the Irish air corps can't do what the RAF can do by a long way, but the understanding in place where RAF overflies Irish airspace, with permission, is mutually benificial, in that it gives the UK the ability to detect and react to airborne threats much further out from their own home airspace. A huge advantage in that it affords time to plan and react many minutes before a threat is just about to be over mainland UK.
I've been around too long to be derogatory about our allies, all our forces have their own issues but I like to bring out some of the positive attributes. Ireland, as I mentioned, punch above their weight and that's an indicator that the people in those forces are a strong dedicated bunch. It's a shame our governments don't realise that. All the best.
Agreed. In fairness, he was courteous and respectful and presented accurate information. I did notice how he choose his words carefully with the comparison between their RAF and our Air Corps. It is interesting to note that the Air Corps recently invested over a quarter of a billion euros on a multi-role maritime C295 Airbus aircraft - a robust, reliable and highly versatile tactical patrol/transport platform.
correct me if I am wrong ,? the first UN soldiers to be killed in action were Irish , not sure ,mabye in the congo ?? Info or Intox ?? Thank you for your video ! To all the peace keepers ! stay safe ! Gra Mor ! Erin go Breath !
Sadly, the present Irish Government is doing its best to destroy Ireland's neutrality. This will impact our peace keeping duties around the world and make it harder for countries that need impartial troops to trust Ireland.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Unfortunately, the present Irish Goverment has had NATO officers visit bases in Ireland. The Irish Navy is presently taking part in a NATO exercise as are Irish troops. A committee has been set up by the Government to discuss joining NATO....all the people chosen are pro-NATO. Our Government has been giving financial assistance to Ukraine....this is not neutrality.
@MrLeadb1 I wonder what the reasoning is? NATO insists it's member countries spend a certain percentage of it's GDP on defence, I would imagine that wouldn't go down to well with many of the people of Ireland. What's your thoughts?
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd When one former Taoiseach allowed vulture funds to feed on the housing market....he ended up on the board of a vulture fund. When another Taoiseach allowed the sale of assets to the wealthiest man in Ireland....he ended up on the board of a major private hospital owned by that wealthy man. Just like Finland got dragged into NATO and that PM ended up working for your Mr T Blair. There is money and positions as bait. But the majority of Irish people do not want NATO.....joining would end other country's view of Ireland's impartiality and make peace keeping missions more dangerous to our troops.
Good job and definitely are IDF dont get enough mention. My only criticism is we don't say "Southern Ireland" as its offensive. We say Ireland or the Republic of Ireland but not Southern. For two reason, 1st it kinda suggest that we are not properly separated from the UK especially when an English person says it. Also if an Irish person says it, it implies that the person is a hardline Republican who doesn't believe in our state until we are united with NI.
Thanks for mentioning the Irish army served in reserve in the late eighties early nineties. We had more personal then. I don’t think the young people are interested in joining the military these days.
That's correct. However, my unit took over from the Queens Royal Irish Hussars. I remember someone once referring to the Irish Guards as "war dodgers". Bit harsh I thought, they said many lads in the Irish Guards were not Irish? Can't really comment myself as never had any connections to them.
As a veteran I can assure you that the Royal Irish did serve the home service battalions made up of the former UDR battalions until they were disbanded I did 22yrs between both
I’m sorry but Ireland does not punch above there weight at all they have a population size on par with some Nordic countries but they have a tiny military with hardly anything they do some minor UN missions at company maybe battalion level I’m not blaming the individual soldiers they are fine men but to claim they punch above there weight is just wrong
@@MrRugbylane the danish military would flatten the Irish military in a afternoon are u seriously claiming the Irish military is powerful are u drunk ?
4:00 Point of clarification - there is no such country called 'Southern Ireland' --- the name of the state is Ireland or Éire (emphasis on the fáda) in Irish. Eire without the fáda has a different meaning altogether. There was a political entity called 'Southern Ireland' from 3 May 1921 until 5 December 1922. Only 4 deputies turned up to its parliament which only met for one day after the 1921 elections on the Island of Ireland as the remaining 124 deputies that weren't on the run assembled as the 2nd Dáil.
@@geordiewishart1683 You mean a vast majority of the people of Derry / Doire (Colmcille) are incapable of saying of saying Londonderry (spell check doesn't recognise Londonderry) !!! The local Council is Derry and Strabane District Council. Prior to that it was Derry City Council. Derry City Council's predecessor, Londonderry Corporation was a gerrymandered entity designed to return a unionist majority. As for Northern Ireland, the most northerly part of the Island of Ireland is is i n the Ulster county of Donegal , which is in Ireland.
As an Irish Army Veteran not long out of the forces, I appreciate you doing this video.
So you covered it really well in terms of the current numbers within the DF, you also talked about some of the equipment, and we actually do have tanks (assigned to a Tank Squadron), that are recce vehicles, I.e; Scorpion tanks. We also have a vast amount of high quality armour, namely Mowag APCs and SRVs. Artillery wise, we use the 105mm field gun (also in use with Royal Artillery, BA) and the 120mm mortar, alongside an Air Defence Regt. 81mm and 60mm mortars more aligned to support companies within the infantry corps.
Our special forces are very well equipped and trained and have conducted in Ch: VII enforcement roles overseas with both EUFOR and UN (namely, East Timor, Chad, Liberia and Mali). Some of our main battalions (and who are non Sp. Forces) overseas have also served outside of peacekeeping roles, mainly the African tours of duty. We also have no unarmed missions and tend to lead most peacekeeping missions abroad.
Overseas, our main battalion are in Lebanon and are the lead nation of the interim UN force there, in a QRF role along the Lebanon/Israeli border. We recently withdrew missions from both Mali and Syria and have a small component still in both Kosovo and Afghanistan (ISAF).
In terms of battles overseas, albeit Jadotville is the one we all know about, see also the battle of the tunnel (Congo also), the Battle of At-Tiri in Lebanon. Rescue missions by Sp. Ops in Africa up against Africa rebels. There are very many in all, and only this year our forces won 2 international competitions, one in the UK based around infantry / medical, the other was the international sniper competition where our special forces came 1st up against some of Europes and the worlds finest sniper teams and Sp. Forces.
Our government is currently working on a reinvention plan that will see our cyber security, air support (potential of a fighter squadron and rebranding of the Air Corps to Irish Air Force) alongside a plan to bolster many other areas in the Navy and across retention and recruitment. The end goal there is circa 2027.
Our forces constantly turn out and constantly create great regiments and military units and always stand toe to toe with aggressors overseas. Firmly trained and great at what we do, but our DF have been badly let down by governments here over the past 12 or so years. Not a good look when you’re the back arse of Europe! But our forces never contest or protest the ask to serve its people.
Thanks Keith!
Thats great hearing some first hand experiences and insights into the IDF, many thanks. As you know many nations, that don't have conscription, are suffering from retention issues and recruiting seems difficult.
A Fighter Sqn forming an Irish Air Force would defiantly attract people to joining up I think. 2027, just a few years away, it will be interesting to see the developments you speak of and how it will radically bolster the IDF. All best mate,
Scorpions were retired years ago
All good, Keith, and happy to share.
If you look up the strategic implementation plan (2023) it’ll give you an idea of the frameworks, potentiality etc.
Another commenter mentioned that the scorpions have been stood down, and I just clocked that, stood down from service in 2017. Just after my time..
In truth, they weren’t the best in the game for reconnaissance/ CVR - you’d hear them a mile away.. so maybe no harm there.
80 APC is not a vast number. As noted by another poster the Scorpions were retired yonks ago.
@@jharekcarnelian and I acknowledged that re’ the scorpions, news to me and it was 6/7 years ago that they were retired, if that’s what you refer to as ‘yonks’.
Regarding the use of ‘vast’, don’t you think 80 is vast for a small island nation, you understand per capita, right? We’re not exactly China, so 80 is a good number I’d say, but of course you know what I was alluding to, surely.
Nice one again Keith. I remember the IDF, when we were doing an op on the border, a large explosive device was found on one of them country roads that straddle the border. We were dug in, god knows why, anyway they were there obviously protecting their side of that border road. Unlike us, dug in, they took a more sensible approach, they had set up marquees, for shelter, food etc. Of course we done patrols from our trenches around the local area for protection, they done the same on their side. Thinking back we were there for the guts of a week as our EOD, done their business, along with their equivalent. I also recall on a few occasions we strayed across their side of the border, as you know it can be a tad difficult navigating when the lights are out, and the weather is let's say a bit shit. We only realised when we hit a road and the signs were in kilometres, as opposed to our miles per hour. So obviously we scarpered quick smart. On one occasion on our cross border excursions, we came across one of their patrols. We were like, unbeknownst to us we were in the republic, we weren't aware of any other patrols were supposed to be in the area, from our lot. Obviously, as we found out later nor were they 😮. As we were all Irish, i was in the Irish Rangers, our first tour in 1988, we all had a very friendly chat, had a few laughs etc, made our apologies and returned north, both patrols agreeing not to report on each other. Which was decent of them tbh, technically it could have caused an International incident. Was my only ever experience of the IDF, they seemed very similar to us, pissed off that they were there in that weather, wandering around in the dark 😅. All ended well. Sorry for the long post, but I'm pretty sure that most of our troops operating along or close to the border have been navigationally embarrassed by stepping over some imaginary border. 😮. Enjoy your luncheon. FAB.
It was hard map reading on the border especially when the fog came down, I only once unwittingly crossed into the south at night following a hedge (as you know borders aren't clearly marked on the ground) it's easily done. 😊
@@kevinadamson5768 Yes mate, I ended up in our Home Service, ffs, everything was along the border, we crossed it probably hundreds of times, but not intentionally. As I said, only when the road signs changed did we realise. Was mad. As you say in the dark, or in the fog, wasn't anything to actually mark the border. I remember going from Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh, or to it, in civvies, we often crossed the bridge into the South, armed, to get to Enniskillen. Was quicker, especially if us regulars had a weekend away.
@@kevinadamson5768 Tbf, eventually they had certain zones clearly marked out on the maps, but that was more of an afterthought. But it didn't stop us having to patrol within that zone? Oh course we would stray across the border, human mistakes and nature. I live in Northern Ireland, during lockdown, took my good lady a tour around all the places where we were based, most gone now, but had some really interesting chats with the locals, when I told them I was here back then as a soldier, oddly enough mostly positive. To me, it's history, and I was part of it over here.
@@stuartbrown8259 i did ywo border tours south Armagh 86 and Fermanagh 89.
@@kevinadamson5768 Good on you, was a mad time.
As a retired Irish Defence Forces member, thanks for your fair review of the Defence Forces that you've done here. Nice to see such a balanced presentation . Well done.
Thank you very much, you got some very good people in your Defence Force, like us over here, it's the politicians that let us down.
All the best.
My Father RIP spent his whole life in the Irish army as a Company Quartermaster Sergeant. As a child, i remember him doing tours of duty in military camps close to the border. When i spent two summers in the Irish reserve defense force, Forsa Cosanta Áitiuil, i remember seeing regular army guys coming into the mess hall of a morning in combat fatigues and carrying their FN rifles after completing overnight patrols along the border. Thanks for this video on the Irish Army, much appreciated 👍
A quick Google to ask which country won the most victoria crosses second only to England itself is IRELAND 190 VC awards remarkable when their country never fully committed to the world war 1 and world war 2 .
A quick read to learn how they swung the battle of Fontenoy for Napolian even serving for Britain and king Phillip of Spain their courage was never questioned or doubted
That's a cracking fact, I didn't know. That's a great war record and 190 VCs! Outstanding.
@LetsTab59-bd4fd fantastic channel thank you for covering the IDF from and Exer .
Well done keep up the good work 👏
@@fionnmcnessa thank you for your support. 🫡🪖
Hey Keith 👊🏼
Good chat about the IDF 🇮🇪 as many of us have an Irish connection in the family, and they punch way above their weight 💪🏼🍻
If we look at our own Army, we have had many great leaders and soldiers of Irish ancestry.
Robert 'Paddy' Mayne
The Duke of Wellington.
Of the 27th Inniskilling Regiment, Napoleon said:
"Anything to equal the stubborn bravery of the Regiment with castles in their caps I have never before witnessed."
In the Battle of Trafalgar a quarter of the sailors were Irish... ⚓️
Clearly, we owe them immense gratitude
🙏🕯🪽
And the 27th of Foot had lost all their Officers and were led by the Sergeants.
When commemorate the Battle of Waterloo the Battalions are handed over to the Sergeants to march the Battalion off.
@bugler75
Hey buddy 👊🏼
I never knew that...
Thanks for sharing,
Gus 🍻
Fair play Sir. Thank you for nice comments. Irish soldiers helped ye alot back in the day. It's not something Irish people tend to talk about. Even our part in the US civil war. Thank you.
Let’s not forget Montgomery. He was from Donegal
@@gadgetgus No problem Gus.
Every Regiment have many things to be proud of and this is one of ours☺️
Ian
£10,500! That is a fantastic amount to raise for charity! Well done to you and Tracey for doing the walk and to those who donated money for such a good cause.
Absolutely amazing, we watched the donation come in and the totals go up in almost disbelief . Very humbling experience for me I can tell you. Thank you
I had a chef was a former Irish Defense Force, the Irish can joined all our armed forces. They are hard fighters.
Nice video. I did 5 years in the IDF and trained by the 4th Battalion B Company which is disbanded now. B Coy was in the Guinness book of records for fastest recorded speed march in the world during peace time. It stood until 1985. The tradition definitely carried on.
My dad served in what was then the LDF in the war. He was on the Curragh camp so was involved in keeping the interned Brits and Germans apart. His brotherr was killed dismantaling a Brit mine that had drifted into Dublin harbour. When I was serving in the North early 70 with 1 Para it effected both my parents mum had a nervous break down.
Thank you Sir for the mention of the Irish troops/navy/air corps your report was bang on the button, as a veteran of 23 years 75/98 and 4 tours of duty on UN missions I've seen a lot of changes in the way the army recruit, in my day you crawled in the gate to the recruitment office signed up and where trained to be fit today you have to have senior cert exams same as British gcse exams and be as fit as a fiddle to get in. In my opinion the best soldiers never done 3rd level schooling, second would be pay and conditions a lot to be improved there and some degree of respect from our government that would be nice.
Again thank you for the lovely comments you made and thank you for YOUR service
Norman
Well done on the fundraising Sgt Major, The Movie about the siege is well worth watching a lot of the guys they were up against were Ex French foreign legion,
Just in the past week, an Irishman died fighting for Ukraine. He had retired from the Irish Army Ranger Wing then volunteered for Ukraine. He lost an eye on his first tour of duty in Ukraine but returned for more, finally dying at age 29. A true hero, he fought for justice. The Ukrainian people have suffered so much, it takes great courage for an outsider to become involved in their struggle against tyranny.
I've just read about this man online. Very brave guy, such a devastating blow for his family. He may not have given his life for his Country, but I'm sure he'll be remembered as a hero. RIP 🙏
@@LetsTab59-bd4fdIf you give your life fighting agression and injustice in another country. You have given your life for your own. Putin is as much a threat to us as to anyone!
I don't understand, pity he didn't fight for Ireland against our treacherous government bringing in thousands of military aged men into Ireland
Good evening from Ireland. Just wanted to say thanks for this video and covering our defence forces 👍. I was a reservist soldier and found the video very interesting and informative. Believe it or not but my grandad, from County Meath served five years in the Royal Engineers from 1914 to 1919. Thankfully he survived ww1 but his younger brother, who was with the 16th Irish Division was killed in France in September 1916, body never recovered sadly.
Anyway thanks again. Every good wish and a salute to you Sir.
My own Grandfather served in the Connaught Ranger's during and after th WW1,
He left as a Sgt Major, and served in the Irish Amy then as the same rank for a few years.
It never left him even in his eighties his stance and movements were suggestive of his training.
@@eoindee7007 Brave men.
I live about 5 hours from Guillemont, France where the memorial to the 16th (Irish) Division is.
I try to visit and place a Cross each year. It’s not far from the Somme if you get the chance.
There is another memorial to the 16th (Irish) and the 36th (Ulster) Division in a village called Wytschaete where they fought shoulder to shoulder.
Google Capture of Wytschaete for the history.
Ian
🫡🪖
@@bugler75
Good evening Ian and thank you for your comment. I will definitely research that. My late mum always said that her uncle Jackie (John Hand was his real name) died somewhere between either Guillemont or Ginchy. It's not clear if he was simply killed outright or if he was brought out of the field and then died of his wounds but either way his grave was lost.
As for my grandad, he was deployed as part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, was wounded at gallipoli, recovered, and was honourably discharged from the British Army in Damascus on June 26th 1919. Coincidentally June 26th is actually my birthday. He served as a colonial police officer in India, returned to Ireland, served in the Irish Army and then became a Garda (policeman) which became his career.
Anyway that's my grandad. I often feel like a fraud thinking about myself as a soldier when I consider my grandad and grand uncle. The most interesting thing I ever did was stand guard duty with the old FN slr. Still glad that I did it mind you and the discipline I gained has stood me well through the years.
Very best wishes to you Ian.
@@eoindee7007 I know what you mean, it seems like anything we did in our service is inconsequential compared to what those men and women did!
But you can call yourself a Soldier.
You stepped up to the mark and were prepared to serve and defend Ireland and others through the UN.
Prepared to make sacrifices that others weren’t.
We’re just fortunate that we didn’t have to endure such horrors as the Somme, Guillemont and Ginchy.
Great talking to you Eoin.
I live in France now or I’m sure we could have got a beer together.
If you’re ever heading over to the French battlefields then give me a shout.
I know the region quite well, particularly the Irish areas.
Erin-go-bragh!
Ian
Thanks. My uncle was in the army for 6 years. We might have had lads in the UN, but in almost every war, there's been Irish men, in Francos Spain, im in Zaragoza near my uncle here and literally, Orwell was stationed in the hills behind my uncles house...then you had Irish in the French army fighting the British in the 1700s and 1800s... in the British army fighting the French and Germans, one or two on the German side...in the US army, Mexican army fighting the US, the Fenian uprising against the Canadians, probably some paddies in the Canadian armed forces as well, fighting the KKK, and even Bannockburn 😆. During WW1 there were over 200 thousand Irish soldiers.
You Irish lads are a tough breed, as you say you've been involved in many wars, and I know the Irish Defence Force probably commit more Troops, to the UN around the worlds conflicts than most other bigger nations.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Thanks, likewise. God bless.
My father served in an anti tank platoon in 1st Btl Irish Gaurds for 12 years. Spent three years in BAOR during the cold war, and other places as well. 83 this year and still fighting fit.
During the Australian lead intervention in Timor, the Irish Ranger Wing sent a platoon to be the recon Pl for the NZ Battalion along with a French Canadian rifle company
Nice to hear about the Irish Defence Forces. I have Irish relatives and have spent many a holiday over there. On the outskirts of Bantry once I saw some extremely tough looking fellows in a green four wheel drive pass in the opposite direction. I think for many years the Irish Army used to escort security vans containing money. I don't know if it is true but I heard a story about Irish UN troops being attacked and asking for ammunition and whiskey to be sent. It would be nice if that were true. As for the Irish Air Corps , they do not have any fast jets. Barring "biz jets" the last jets they operated were Fouga Magisters a small jet trainer and light strike made in France. Their naval service has six ships ,four of which are currently in reserve.
The IRA used to soft target "cash in transit" convoys until an few Irish police officers were killed.then it was normal run of the mill stuff from the 1970s to the mid Noughties.
Yeah it's deffo true r snail ..I grew up in BELFAST and we took a family holiday down SOUTH to bray ,just outside DUBLIN ...I WAS a young teen lad and as ever fixated with military genre ,I'd recently joined the ATC , there was FCA Barack's signs everywhere!! and when we went into DUBLIN came across an army unit patrol in a transit van on a cash in transit escort duty !. a few yrs later there was a BBC N. IRELAND TV prog on the IDF and some interesting B/W footage on manoeuvres TACEX etc. The no longer published COMBAT & SURVIVAL mag did a good report on the IDF. IVE MET a couple of their UN LEBANON guys from time to time great lads! FCA is the IDF RSRV /TA a few yrs ago I was able to get the IDF magazine in BELFAST at EASONS. IM EX RAF REGT and LI TA and REG. AS THE HOST of the Chanel stares the IDF has decent kit and EQPT , the STEYR AUG and prior to ...the FN FAL . GRATEFUL for the PRO comments that he made ..and others ref to the RAF REGT CHEERS LADS!
Great to hear your nice words.... Former Irish Guard and current Defence forces
Cracking bunch of soldiers 👏 🇮🇪🫡
Interesting video Keith. What a fantastic final amount you both manage to raise.
Well as you know John, we had the easy bit, it was all you fantastic people in our little community that made it happen in such an amazing way. Eternally grateful
Great video once again and quite enlightening about the Irish Defence Forces. A Big Salute to them🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🙏👏
Thank you James 👍
I would like to see the British army and IDF do more joint training
I think they should, we are so close as neighbours, we share a common language. Would be beneficial to both I think. Good idea Louise 🫡🇮🇪🇬🇧
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd training does happen or did when UK was part of EU battlegroup. We take part in the comps the Brits run and look forward to it a lot. NCOs and Officers do get sent to attend courses in Uk such as reccy commander but there is no large scale training sadly. We worked together in Mali Brits had a battalion training and we sent a platoon of instructors plus rangers for security. In the ops room you had the UK and Irish flag standing side by side all working toward the same goal.
😊mint video of the idf well DONE buddy keep this up n rolling out 😊 top info on the show n channel guy's keep this mucker well done to all m8t have a top Sunday to u n tracer round!! 😊😊
Fantastic reportage Keith love from Dublin and biggin hill
Cheers Dave 🫡
Thanks for video Keith . Enjoy the your Sunday lunch with the tracer round 🍷🍺. Keep up the great work.
Thanks 👍
Another great video Keith! And what a result for Scotties Little Soldiers - bloody awesome
Thank you Jason and yes, I'm sure Scotty's will be pleased with all of you guys pushing that figure up and up each day as we went through the challenge and after.👍
Fascinating information Keith. We had a couple of Irish soldiers in out unit, cracking guys.
Good video thanks
thanks for doing the vid on the IDF am ex cav core. the ARW (sf) sniper team were invited to the us for a sniper competition and beat every one to 1st place they have been on the ground all over the world and yes the RAF do look after our sky (thanks) look forward to more of your vids. keep tabbing
Great thank you John. Interesting hearing you chat about the exchange with our US brothers , great guys over there and they always look after you. Thank you for taking the time to comment its appreciated 🪖🫡🍻
Good memories, good video thank you sir 🎉🎉
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you military friend. I'm ex Irish military.
Even the Irish military didn't tell me about the siege of jedofil. I lost my friend in the leb. Michael mcneela. Look him up ❤🇮🇪
I will check that out. I know you lads had a rough time out there.
Irish national can also join other services like RN, Rm, rAF aswell as the army.
Had a chief mechanic cmem(m. From southern ireland, went th northern ireland to join RN.
He did 20 years or so in RN.
Hi...Keith and Tracy...both have a good Sunday lunch
Well done to...
Get the car sorted..
Cracking lunch, even though we had to TAB there and TAB back lol, car all sorted now, just a flat battery, we just don't use it enough.
Very accurate review. Well researched and a good understanding of the context and challenges. Much appreciated. My grandfather, in the pre independence days, fought in World War I. I think many British Army military practices transferred over to the new national Army.
Well done to all.Feel mean not being able to donate more than i did but i also donated yo SLS in their site.
Every penny counts
Terry, please don't feel mean, I know the money is important to SLS, but every donation, no matter how small is so important and so well received, thank you mate.👍
Well done to you both Keith and Tracer on that final figure... Who would have thought 'eh? One hell of an achievement to say the least RSM !! My upmost REspect Sir (and Ma'am).
Cheers Martin but as we keep saying it was all down to you crazy lot on here, you done us and Scotty's so proud. Thank you, is just not a big enough word. 👍
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Had a look at the video's of Scotty's stories... Cannot deny it Keith, but it had me proper tearing up.. 'nuff said..
@@Martinthehun59 Yes, when we first decided to support SLS we spent some time looking at the charity and what it was all about. We both sat through those videos and it hit us hard too.
Many thanks for a very good introduction to the Irish Defence Forces, never referred to as the IDF for obvious reasons!!! I served in Lebanon in 1984/85, 1993, 1996, Israel/Lebanon 2005/06 as an unarmed military observer (including being in Lebanon for the 2006 war, with my family, the unit I was in had a strength of 52 officers and in three days we lost over 10%, with two seriously wounded in separate incidents and we had four killed when the Israelis dropped a JDAM on their position) Chad in 2010, Western Sahara, 2012, Mali (where we deployed with you guys to the EU Training Mission there) Lebanon/Israel 2014/16, again as an unarmed military observer. I retired on age grounds in 2016 then spent four years as a Security Officer with the UN Mission in the Central African Republic and am now in my third year in the newest country in the world, South Sudan. So, you're right we do tend to end up in some weird and wonderful hot spots around the world. One small point, when I served in our special forces it was officially designated as 'Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm' which is translated as 'The Army Ranger Wing' (ARW). It has now changed its name to Ireland Special Operations Force (IRL-SOF). Its motto hasn't changed and it's "Glaine ár gCroí, Neart ár nGéag, Agus beart de réir ár mbriathar", which translates as "The cleanliness of our hearts, The strength of our limbs, And our commitment to our promise" Kepp up your great work with these videos.
Thank you Kev. Wow, mate you've had a cracking career, much respect. You have been to more places (trouble spots), than many British Soldiers.
Good to hear your skills and wealth of experience is still useful in your new career. Well done.
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Awesome and informative video per usual!
Very interesting and informative, enjoy your lunch😊
I just subed to your channel. You're a great guy.
Thank you for subscribing and your support mate 🫡
thank you!
🫡👍
Fantastic film I watched with you in the Caravan 😁
We did. Cracking times brother 👌
thanks you for the talk about the irish
Great video man🙏 we need to put way more money into our Irish Defence Force the wages aren’t there for them just look at active numbers
🫡 thank you
Also if you are looking for a good read, I highly recommend "Soldiering against subversion". It all about the IDF response to the the troubles. It's very interesting and explains the difference between the UK and Irish approach to the Terrorists. While the UK was police and military approach, the Irish wanted to take a purely police/civil approach backed up by the IDF. Which basically explains why there was no direct contact between UK and Irish military
Cheers Dave ill check that one out, 👍
Another book I would recommend to get a understanding of border conflict. It's called "Bandit Country' it's raw but interesting.
Get well soon, Staff Morgan, and cheers from a Sapper Veteran who was 'just' a Sapper!
Not just a Sapper but, a veteran sapper. You still gave up some of your life to serve!!!
Historically the Irish Defence Forces were underfunded and were kept probably just large enough to ensure that the outcome of the Civil War just after independence was not reversed by a resurgent IRA, and to assert sovereignty over Irish waters/fishery protection. They have certainly punched above their weight in peace-keeping over the decades. One recruitment problem they have is that if you are keen on soldiering and not too bothered about who for, then the British Army offers much greater opportunities.
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Correct me if I'm wrong but I think one of the reasons they did well as UN peacekeepers over the years was that they used to rarely recruit (I mean back in the 70s and 80s) so the age profile was quite a bit higher than other armies, meaning they were more experienced and more mature in interactions with various parties.
@sean_d I'm not sure on the average recruit age, but that does make sense 👍
The Moral is extremely low in DF. Even with a pay increase for those just joining. They only just got plate carriers recently due to strange procurement rules.
Ultimately moral is low for the Irish in Ireland in general. The stuff you see foreigners getting would sicken you, planning permission impossible to get, house prices are insane everwhere.
Lots of lads transferring to the Australian army - yes you can do that. The same is true of the police - an garda siochana.
Was told by lads in it the recruit quality has been in decline for a while now.
Also hard to get anyone to join an army that people don't really respect and many think defends an illegitimate state.
Its like someone is interally try to convince them internal self defence mechanism of the state to disarm.
Very sad state of affairs all round. Thank you for the insight.
Nice video, well done.
Thank you very much!
good movie
Great video
Thank you Peter 👍
I hated that we were forbidden from fraternising with the BA. I spent my 21 patrolling from Muff to Blacklion. On the one occasion that I actually got to talk to my counterpart on the 'other side'. He berated me on our drills. No one is shooting at me, I told him. We both laughed.
Thats a great little story, thank you for sharing it.👍
All NCO's do there battle training in the UK as well as the Ranger Wing ,
Respect
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Oglaigh na hEireann met a lovey chap on holiday he was a Senior NCO and after holiday when i retirned home he sent me a Key ring a Pen and a cap badge I keep them in my office next to all my other keep sakes Thank you for the info Just as a side point my friend was from Belfast but because of the Troubles he joined the Irish Army
Brilliant thank you for sharing 👍
Oh by the way
My great great grandfather was born in aldershot bks.
$10,500, well done you pair of stars!.
Technically, we were neutral in WW2. But more than 200 Germans, seamen and airmen, were interned in Ireland during the war, but not normally the British. The interned soldiers (both German and British) received weekly "pocket money" and were often granted furlow to go to the pubs for a few drinks. I did hear the story of a Canadian airman who was interned after crash landing in Ireland. On his furlow, he went into Dublin, hopped on a train to Belfast and went back to his unit. When he got back, his story reached command and he was sent back to Ireland which greatly pissed him off. I have to assume that he was sent back because they didnt want any international incidents with Ireland especially during the war. At some point, they were usually unofficially allowed to return to the UK across the Northern Irish border, especially after 1942.
Cracking story, thank you. I had heard of some Brits "leaving" the camps. Thank you for sharing 👍
Fair play for the recognition - always like your posts - Slainté from Ireland
Thank you for your support 🙏
I'm Irish and we are firmly within natos sphere of influence, not really neutral.
UK and Irish defence forces should start defending our borders from d current invasion.
There is an agreement between UK and Ireland that RAF can operate over entire British isles
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Fair play in how you described the Irish defence forces. Just came across your account, and I'm sorry to say that based on your accent, I expected a condescending piss take and paddy comments. Just the opposite, you were courteous and professional. I am sorry for my presuming now!
Yes we are are small country and no we haven't many defence personal , you guessed it by the way; the pay is just not enough for a young person to raise a family on, it is disgraceful really.
Also for your consideration..the Irish air corps can't do what the RAF can do by a long way, but the understanding in place where RAF overflies Irish airspace, with permission, is mutually benificial, in that it gives the UK the ability to detect and react to airborne threats much further out from their own home airspace. A huge advantage in that it affords time to plan and react many minutes before a threat is just about to be over mainland UK.
I've been around too long to be derogatory about our allies, all our forces have their own issues but I like to bring out some of the positive attributes. Ireland, as I mentioned, punch above their weight and that's an indicator that the people in those forces are a strong dedicated bunch. It's a shame our governments don't realise that.
All the best.
Agreed.
In fairness, he was courteous and respectful and presented accurate information. I did notice how he choose his words carefully with the comparison between their RAF and our Air Corps.
It is interesting to note that the Air Corps recently invested over a quarter of a billion euros on a multi-role maritime C295 Airbus aircraft - a robust, reliable and highly versatile tactical patrol/transport platform.
@@CollieJenn thank you 🫡
correct me if I am wrong ,? the first UN soldiers to be killed in action were Irish , not sure ,mabye in the congo ?? Info or Intox ?? Thank you for your video ! To all the peace keepers ! stay safe ! Gra Mor ! Erin go Breath !
Hi Rory, I'm not 100 % sure however I think the first UN Operation was the Korean War, certainly soldiers were awarded a UN Medal.
For a country with a population smaller than Scotland, I think they do well.
Hint hint Scotland.
Hi, Keith, we have Rain lol since yesterday & enjoy your lunch with tracer round
Sadly, the present Irish Government is doing its best to destroy Ireland's neutrality. This will impact our peace keeping duties around the world and make it harder for countries that need impartial troops to trust Ireland.
I think that Irelands stance on neutrality is a very well respected part of their UN Peace Keeping Operations as you say. They are trusted worldwide.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Unfortunately, the present Irish Goverment has had NATO officers visit bases in Ireland. The Irish Navy is presently taking part in a NATO exercise as are Irish troops. A committee has been set up by the Government to discuss joining NATO....all the people chosen are pro-NATO. Our Government has been giving financial assistance to Ukraine....this is not neutrality.
@MrLeadb1 I wonder what the reasoning is? NATO insists it's member countries spend a certain percentage of it's GDP on defence, I would imagine that wouldn't go down to well with many of the people of Ireland. What's your thoughts?
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd When one former Taoiseach allowed vulture funds to feed on the housing market....he ended up on the board of a vulture fund. When another Taoiseach allowed the sale of assets to the wealthiest man in Ireland....he ended up on the board of a major private hospital owned by that wealthy man. Just like Finland got dragged into NATO and that PM ended up working for your Mr T Blair. There is money and positions as bait. But the majority of Irish people do not want NATO.....joining would end other country's view of Ireland's impartiality and make peace keeping missions more dangerous to our troops.
Agreed.
Our MO was ex IDF, via the Foreign Legion!!🤪
You're looking a wee bit better, sounding it too. Thought you might be going down with Covid, thank goodness you aren't.
Thank you Clive, yes on the mend now, all the best👍
Good job and definitely are IDF dont get enough mention. My only criticism is we don't say "Southern Ireland" as its offensive. We say Ireland or the Republic of Ireland but not Southern. For two reason, 1st it kinda suggest that we are not properly separated from the UK especially when an English person says it. Also if an Irish person says it, it implies that the person is a hardline Republican who doesn't believe in our state until we are united with NI.
Also its not acurate as donegal is the northernmost county
Apologies for my fcuk up. Not intentional. 🙏
@LetsTab59-bd4fd Oh I didn't for one minute think it was intentionally 😊
Thanks for mentioning the Irish army served in reserve in the late eighties early nineties. We had more personal then. I don’t think the young people are interested in joining the military these days.
It's a trend all over it appears.
Neither Royal Irish Regiment nor Irish Guards ever served in N Ireland
That's correct. However, my unit took over from the Queens Royal Irish Hussars. I remember someone once referring to the Irish Guards as "war dodgers". Bit harsh I thought, they said many lads in the Irish Guards were not Irish? Can't really comment myself as never had any connections to them.
As a veteran I can assure you that the Royal Irish did serve the home service battalions made up of the former UDR battalions until they were disbanded I did 22yrs between both
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State of this country & yiz are all doing NOTHING.
It is a very sad state of affairs, UK is also in a bad way.
I’m sorry but Ireland does not punch above there weight at all they have a population size on par with some Nordic countries but they have a tiny military with hardly anything they do some minor UN missions at company maybe battalion level I’m not blaming the individual soldiers they are fine men but to claim they punch above there weight is just wrong
Thanks for commenting. I appreciate all views on the videos I post. All the best.
The Irish Defense Forces definitely punch above their weight. Unless you can tell me that Dennark has done more
Ireland didn't need a massive army when they defeated the British army... twice!
@@wolfetone6766 When was the 2nd time?
@@MrRugbylane the danish military would flatten the Irish military in a afternoon are u seriously claiming the Irish military is powerful are u drunk ?
4:00 Point of clarification - there is no such country called 'Southern Ireland' --- the name of the state is Ireland or Éire (emphasis on the fáda) in Irish. Eire without the fáda has a different meaning altogether.
There was a political entity called 'Southern Ireland' from 3 May 1921 until 5 December 1922. Only 4 deputies turned up to its parliament which only met for one day after the 1921 elections on the Island of Ireland as the remaining 124 deputies that weren't on the run assembled as the 2nd Dáil.
Apologies, I'm thick as a whale omelette. Please don't take offence 🇨🇮
Considering Irish people seem incapable of saying Northern Ireland, or Londonderry, then having the country called Southern Ireland is of little note.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Ivory Coast flag?
@@geordiewishart1683 You mean a vast majority of the people of Derry / Doire (Colmcille) are incapable of saying of saying Londonderry (spell check doesn't recognise Londonderry) !!! The local Council is Derry and Strabane District Council. Prior to that it was Derry City Council.
Derry City Council's predecessor, Londonderry Corporation was a gerrymandered entity designed to return a unionist majority.
As for Northern Ireland, the most northerly part of the Island of Ireland is is i n the Ulster county of Donegal , which is in Ireland.
Please leave your silly politics at home!