Commission on the Defence Forces Public Consultation Response Template
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Commission on the Defence Forces Public Consultation Response Template 1. Capabilities – In this regard, you may wish to consider future integrated capability development and the planning and delivery requirements to support a joint force approach in terms of new equipment, professional military education and training, maintenance and development of infrastructure, developments in military doctrine, and transformative concepts, including specialist capabilities, that prepare and support the Defence Forces for future operations. The commission must look at what are potential threats to that we as a nation, island, member of the European Union and our international commitments through membership may have at present and in the future. The Defence forces role in assisting other agencies such as the Garda, Ciovil Defence and local authorities- the budget allocations for when the defence forces are called upon when they assist these agencies. The role of the Air Cops with the transportation of patients from hospitals in west and noth west. The transportation needs of the islands populations during weather emergencies. The role of defence services in tackling cyber security. In defending future off shore wind farms, Galway City needs to be used as a key part of defence and relocation of services, Galway Port should have a permanent naval presence. This would assist in protection of fisheries, assist in drug patrols, customs and assisting the islands also be environmentally friendly. It would also have the support of the Renmore Barracks and be of economic benefit to local economy. Galway also would offer more through education, GMIT and NUIG offers opportunities for apprenticeships, CPD and would encourage more to stay in service if given chance to upskill with 3rd level qualifications. GMIT and NUIG offers a prospectus of Human Rights, International Law, Engineering, Catering, Logistics, IT and Medical. Graduates should be sought out and recruited with contracts put in place to remain in the services for periods of time. Galway needs a permanent Air Corps presence. Galway has a great tradition in Defence Forces and Renmore as an Irish Speaking barracks builds on our national Language and should be used for training and education for members to use the language. The Military Museum in Renmore Galway should be available to the public more openly and would be an educational tool for schools in the region. 2. Structures – In this regard, you may wish to consider the most effective high-level Command and Control (C2) structures within the Defence Forces to ensure an agile and balanced approach that can function across all domains at home and overseas. Additionally, you may wish to address appropriate future force structures for the Army (including its brigade structure), the Air Corps, and the Naval Service, individually as component services and collectively as part of an integrated joint force approach. Furthermore, you may wish to address the changing nature of reservists, which presents an opportunity for the Reserve Defence Force to further integrate and support the Permanent Defence Force through the provision of enhanced collective and specialist capability across all domains. The commission should examine the role of Chief of Staff in regards to budgetary decision making. What resources are needed post covid to protect our seas and the current border with Norther Ireland. What specialist teams are needed across the regions. 3. Staffing – In this regard you may wish to consider the HR policies that support the requirement for an agile and adaptive modern military force. You may wish to consider issues such as recruitment and retention, organisational culture and values, gender and diversity, career progression, and industrial relations machinery. The age should be increased for where members can join the PDF. To be restricted means a wealth of knowledge, experience and life skills are being denied. Housing for families of defence force personnel mustr be looked at, in case of Renmore in Galway land is available to build residences. There should be a clear path to progress from reservist to the PDF if that progression is sought and available. Representative associations should be allowed to affiliate with ICTU. Mental health of members must be a priority. Allowances paid to members must be reviewed in comparison to allowances paid to others in public service. A review of role of RDF – how it should grow, what is needed and why it is of benefit to nation. Could it play a role in transition year students. The commission should look at the feasibility of RDF members serving on overseas operations. 4. Any other comments you may wish to make in relation to the Defence Forces having regard to the Commission’s Terms of Reference Thank you for the service that the Defence forces do for our Nation at home and abroad. Our national day of commemoration should not be the only day we remember and celebrate our forces. A communication plan is needed for present and future of Defence Forces . .