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 for future operations.

In regard to future integrated capability development and the planning, I have dealt with in the next section but to me this is all about putting the capabilities of the Defence Forces on a proper footing. Previous Governments have allowed the Defence Forces to decline due to problems with finances both nationally, European and world wide but this was most out of their hands. This is not a blame game this is now trying to do what’s best for the DF going forward.

• New Equipment – In my opinion going forward the Artillery Corp should only keep Field Guns for Ceremonial occasions as we are never going to uses these in any major conflict. The Cavalry Corp also needs to lose the Scorpion Tanks and concentrate on their present personal Carriers, Signals Corp need to concentrate on hand held devices and a standard radio for the Gardai, Civil Defence, Coast Guard etc should be introduced and be able to work together in crises situations.

• Maintenance and development of infrastructure – As laid out in the next section on the reserve there are so many buildings belonging to the State in many instances are listed building let’s take them over for the Reserves and with Monies for the Dept of Heritage & the EU let’s use these buildings and be proud of our country and the facilities we could have.

• Developments in military doctrine – Military has to change and this idea that the Reservist is a substandard human been and should be ridiculed has to stop and the PDF have to enhance the qualities and abilities that are or could be attracted to the Reserve if the will of Government & the General Staff if there.

• Transformative concepts including specialist capabilities – As laid out in the next section.

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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.

In regard to the most effective high-level Command and Control Structures in the Defence Forces should see the Chief of Staff treated in the same manner as the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and he holds the purse strings and delivers monies to the areas he deems need additional support and not by Civilians that are not trained in Operational roles. The Defence Forces should have a proper Command and Control Structure.

A. ARMY HQ relocated back to original Army HQ & McKee Barracks in B. as at present less Barracks (returned to ) C. 2nd Brigade Draw a line from North of the Liffey to Galway (1st Battalion could become sailors if the Naval Service re-Co-locate to Galway). D. 3rd Brigade Barracks & the . E. 4th Brigade (Reserve Brigade) HQ Columb Barracks Mullingar and Reserve Location around our Country F. Air Corp should also have base’s in Shannon and Knock. G. Naval Service needs two more bases in my opinion Galway for Western Sea Board and Drogheda/Dundalk for the Irish Sea. H. 2 Brigade HQ should be relocated to Athlone .

My reasons for the Command and Control Structures are as follows: The Head Quarters of all Emergency bodies are all over the Country and in case of a National Emergency it is unworkable. A. Army Head Quarters – Newbridge B. Garda Head Quarters- Dublin C. Civil Defence Head Quarters in Roscrea (with no sleeping accommodation for overnight courses) which come under the DOD but Columb Barracks could be used for these overnight and larger courses. D. Irish Red Cross Head Quarters - Dublin E. Fire Brigade Head Quarters – Dunlaoire but I am not sure ? F. Irish Coast Guard – Dublin G. Dept Environment Head Quarters – Dublin H. Dept of Marine Head Quarters – Dublin

So if all these Departments or General Officers need to meet urgently there is calamity.

2 In addressing the Brigade Structures, there was a mistake made in cutting the Brigade Structure to 2 Brigades and sooner or later there will be possible United and the Military Basis in the North of Ireland need to be taken into account so in my opinion that needs to be looked at seriously. The Reserve in its current status attached to the PDF in the “ONE FORCE CONCEPT” does not work and never has worked with the exception of the Artillery Corp and therefore I would suggesting separating the two and in my opinion the Reserve should have its own Brigade as follows: The Reserve Brigade Structure could be made up as follows:

1. 1st line Reservists that are trained to the same level as the PDF which may augment the role to include overseas service and a more permanent role on a part time basis ,should have to meet the full criteria as their PDF Counterparts i.e. Fitness/specialists etc 2. 2nd Line Reservists would not have the need to meet the required Fitness levels unless they want or are needed to become operational. This 2ndLine reserve could be augmented into a Humanitarian Structure that can help our country in pandemics like COVID 19. In future years this reserve might be used in Aid to the Civil Power i.e. Major Searches (assisting Garda & Civil Defence), Pandemics, COVID testing (medics), Policing COVID like Centres (Reserve Military Police), Transport in Central Locations for Flood Relief, Transporting PDF Troops if the PDF Units can’t cope thus allowing PDF Drivers to take a more active role in their Units in active situations. Reserve Mechanics on Call in a central Location with Doctors, Nurses and Trained Reservists as Wardsmen/women based in towns like Castlebar, Mullingar, Galway etc with Major Hospitals. Use this Central Barracks for Pandemics for testing ,vaccines allocation and the local transport Reserve unit could bring the testing kits to the testing centres etc. 3. Reservists that have specialist occupations could be utilised for overseas if required i.e. Doctors, Nurses, IT Specialists, Heavy Duty Mechanics, Telecom Technicians , Electricians, Cooks, Postmen/women, Firemen the list of qualifications can never be listed fully there are so many. 4. The beauty of this 2nd Line Reserves they can be located in Towns like those mentioned & Clonmel etc that have Military DNA in those towns history and the beauty been that there needs to be NO ARMED GUARD NEEDED in the Towns I have mentioned as most of the units in these locations are Class room training and there is only need to do ARP’s once or twice in the year. The win here for the State is encouraging the younger members of society to be part of an organisation that is community based and those people like me in my early days are trained to : (a) Respect Authority (b) Respect the National Flag (c) Respect the Community (d) Respect Ireland (e) Respect the people (f) Respect the Uniform (g) Be Disciplined (h) Be Honest (i) Be Helpful (j) BE PROUD 5. This Reserve both 1st Line and 2nd Line needs its own dedicated Officer in Control who has power and is graded at the same rank and standing as any Brigade Commander so he will be of Brigadier General Rank. 6. The Cost of this Reserve Brigade Structure would be a Brigade Structure but including Reserve Officers & Other Ranks but all the Reservists must be treated with Respect and

3 paid when required and not be allowing the Military Authorities give back unused monies to the exchequer ,those monies over the last twenty years should been spent on re-establishing the likes of Columb Barracks Mullingar, Clonmel Barracks and Castlebar Barracks for examples which are still in State ownership. The Army HQs in Newbridge could be handed back to other Government Departments that don’t have a forces role in the country. 7. This plan is all about thinking outside the box by using the locations I have mentioned ,this will have an impact on addressing the lack of Volunteering since the last Brigade Structure was implemented. 8. All our Different branches of Structures must and have to work together going forward or we are lost a society ,I am sure there are EU Monies that can be secured for all the projects.

I have attached my idea of a Reserve Brigade Structure but there are Officers on this commission who would be more qualified than me to layout such a structure.

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.

HR policies that support the requirement for an agile and adaptive modern military force – The members of the Military both Permanent and Reserve have to be allowed to have a voice through the Congress of Trade Unions (Not to Strike) but to receive a fair deal from Government and that legislation on workers who are also reservist is protected and their (RDF) wages are matched and a gratuity which is generous is paid according to ones skills and their attendance i.e. secure their Jobs. Legislation is also required for Reservist job protection, to allow for active service. Recruitment and retention – In the case of a RESERVE there has to be a Gratuity system but more importantly to encourage Reserves and also retain them they have to be located in our major towns, The Govt or the Defence Forces can’t expect a Reservist that has worked all day Drive 50,60,70 miles to a training centre in the Heart of Ireland towns like Mullingar ,Tullamore , Longford, Cavan, Clonmel I can go on and on but people are not going to spend hard earned cash going to a Barracks that forces them to sit in a car for one, two or three hours after a day’s work.

Organisational culture and values – Lifestyle has to be to the forefront of this commission as the PDF feel they are not valued hence so many leaving even Officers who have expertise in the and are left with no promotional outlets so it’s Civvie st for them with a small pension they are appreciated by large multinationals.

Gender and diversity, career progression – There is no Career progression and if you take the UK Defence Forces they commission Senior NCO’s to the appointments of Adjutant, Captain Quartermaster etc ,in our Defence Forces there is a mealy mouthed approach to this kind of promotion and these officers are never really accepted but in the Case of the Organisation of the Humanitarian type Regiment these NCO experts could have a promotional outlet. There is also in the USA & UK defence forces the position of Brigade Sergeant Major’s and The top position of Sergeant Major of the Army which is badly needed for outlining the Generals Officers of Brigade the grievances or problems of the Other Ranks under their control.

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Industrial relations machinery – Recognise that RACO, PDFORRA & RDFRA all have access to the Congress of Trade Unions and be allowed to their courses.

Ceremonial Issues.

This area is not covered by the Commission but I hope as an expert in this field as I was the author of the first ever Defence Forces Publication “Medals of the Irish Defence Forces”, might thoughts might help the DOD & the OIC Ceremonial avoid the issues surrounding the Jadotville medals ever arising again in the future.

We as a Defence Force are totally out of line on the whole issue of decorations and the wearing of same Internationally.

There is no defined seniority of awards in the State but in my opinion they Medals should be graded as follows for the Defence Forces :

1. An Bonn Seirbhíse Dearscna The Distinguished Service Medal 2. An Bonn Míleata Calmachta The Military Medal For Gallantry 3. An Bonn Jadotville The Jadotville Medal 4. An Bonn Dea-Iompair The Good Conduct Medal (not on issue now could go on re-issue) 5. An Bonn Seirbhíse The Service Medal PDF 6. An Bonn Seirbhíse (FCÁ agus SM) The Service Medal (FCÁ and SM) 7. An Bonn Seirbhíse (Cúltaca) The Service Medal (Reserve Defence Forces 2005) See attached letter Ribbon sanctioned never issued a dismissive act to members of the reserve. 8. An Bonn Seirbhíse Éigeandála Service Medal 9. An Bonn Chosantóirí Síochána The United Nations Peacekeepers Medal na Náisiún Aontaithe 10. Bonn Sheirbhís Oibríochta Idirnáisiúnta International Operational Service Medal ) 11. An Réalt Míleata The Military Star 12. Bonn Comórtha Céad Bliain 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal 13. Bonn Comórtha Céad Bliain 1921 War of Independence Centenary Medal – This medal should be struck to follow history from 1916 Medal, War of Independence Centenary Medal,1966 Survivor’s Medal, The Truce Medal 1971 & 1916 Centenary Medal. 14. UN Medals 15. EU & ESDP Medals 16. NATO under UN Mandate

Ceremonial & Medals

I would like to draw the Commissions attention to the issue of Medals & Insignia worn in the Defence Forces of Ireland. All State Awards should be recognised and allowed be worn in uniform.

Examples are : Comhairle Na Míre Gaile (Deed of Bravery) Medal

In its history the Bravery Award Council has presented 12 Gold,86 Silver & 329 Bronze Medals. In accordance with section 3 of the Deeds of bravery Act 1947, the Council may make and award under the Act only if the deed was performed on or after the 4th day of July 1945 and either : 1. In the State, 2. At sea by a member of a crew ship registered in the State,

5 3. Outside the State by a person giving assistance to a member of the crew of, or a passenger in, an aircraft of a ship Registered in the State.

THIS MEDAL IS EQUIVILIANT TO THE GEORGE CROSS IN THE UK, yet our Defence Forces refuses winners of the Highest Civilian Award in the State the Honour of wearing this award, which is an insult to the Houses of the Oireachtas and the State.

The Department of Transport, National Marine Gallantry and Meritorious Service Awards scheme.

In 2002 a Search & Rescue Crew was awarded the “Marine Medal for Meritorious Service” under the present D/COS Support Major General Seán Clancy , his crew brought pride to the Air Corp and the Defence Forces but the members of that crew are not allowed wear the medal or even the Ribbon.

State Organisations Medals

Civil Defence , Fire Brigade, National Ambulance Services, Prison Service, Irish Coast Guard, Irish Red Cross, etc all have Service and Bravery Medal’s but serving members are not allowed wear these awards which in most cases would affect the Reserve Defence Forces. This is an insult to the State by the Defence Forces.

NATO _ Meritorious Service Medals

The NATO - Meritorious Service Medal has been issued to many serving members but alas they are not allowed wear these awards. This is an insult to the Service given by members of the Defence Forces who have received such an honour. If the DF takes this stand then an Irish Defence Force “Meritorious Service Medal” or a series of “Mentioned in Dispatches” insignia for all ranks should be created.

Mentioned in Dispatches

The Award MID could also be created where any soldier who has been mentioned in dispatches should have an emblem on the Ribbon to signify same and these could be retrospective and carry the Post Nominal Letters “MID”. See sample

These are the UK MID insignia:

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These COULD be the solution to the introduction of Irish Defence Forces MID insignia.

The Irish Defence Forces are somewhat out of line with best international practise for the following reasons: • In the UK and USA i.e. VC, GC or the Medal of Honour the winners (living) get an annuity tax free from the state of about £10,000 or Dollars and have other perks i.e. free travel etc • Ireland has no such award scheme. • In the UK /Commonwealth Forces which we are closely aligned too ,winners of the Victoria Cross & George Cross have these medals worn and mounted on the same bar. • In the Irish Defence Forces the Military Medal for Gallantry and the Distinguished Service Medal are worn separately and above. This has two faults one been these medals are not part of a group and devalue the awards and the actual group , the other is that it is not international best practise and the MMG/DSM can be lost. • In the UK /Commonwealth Forces which we are closely aligned too winners of the Victoria Cross & George Cross when Centenaries are recorded then these winner’s while living receive medals like the Coronation Medals, Silver, Jubilee, Golden Jubilee & Diamond Jubilee of the Sovern. • The Irish Defence Forces should in my opinion follow this practise as a kind of a gift to the winners of the MMG, DSM, GCM & Jadotville Medal be afforded the 1916 Centenary Medal and if a War of Independence Medal is struck the same should apply. • This is another way of encouraging members of the Defence Forces to remain loyal but Pay has to be top of the priority.

4. Any other comments you may wish to make in relation to the Defence Forces having regard to the Commission’s Terms of Reference

If we as a country want the Defence Forces to work then we have to look outside the box and put in place a PDF & RDF that’s fit for purpose we need them to work together and with outside organisation’s such as the :

• National Ambulance Service • An Garda Síochána • Civil Defence • Irish Red Cross • Irish Coast Guard • RNLI

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• National Transport • Customs • Fire Brigade • ETC. RESERVE BRIGADE STRUCTURE

NATIONAL EMERGENCY RESERVE DEFENCE FORCES COLLEGE HQ / TRAINING CENTRE/ HUMANTARIAN REGIMENT / EMERGENCY FIELD HOSPITAL COLUMB BARRACKS MULLINGAR CO WESTMEATH

Brigadier General (or Acting)

Colonel (PDF 2 i/c) ------Emergency - Reserve Defence Forces Humanitarian Regiment

Lt Col (RDF)

Comdt 2 I/C (PDF)

RSM (RDF)

RQMS (PDF) REGIMENTIAL HUMANTARIAN HQ Cadre 1 C/S PDF

Sub Unit (s) & Locations Columb Barracks Kings House Columb Barracks Military Barracks Cadre Mullingar Boyle Mullingar Castlebar PDF/RDF O/C Comdt RDF 2 I/C Capt PDF 1 x CQMS,1 X Military Police Coy CIS Coy Logistics Coy Medical Coy SGT,1 X CPL, 1 X 80 80 80 80 PTE

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This is my idea of a structure of a new “Emergency Reserve Defence Forces HQ & NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE/ HUMANTARIAN REGIMENT” located in the most centrally located barracks still owned by the Department of Defence and within striking distance of Dublin and as it is a Reserve Barracks only need for Ordinance at limited times (APR’s) as most of these units are Classroom based units.

Cost & Advantages of been based in Columb Barracks Mullingar:

• The Annual cost of Heat & light for Columb Barracks at the time of closure was a mere €180,00 per year, this in the greater schemes of things is miniscule. • Cadre as there are three Rifle Companies at present, so it would only be the cost of the HQ Staff to be covered. • DOD still own the properties of Columb Barracks & Clonmel Barracks so it’s cost neutral. • To upgrade the barracks would not cost a whole lot in the great scheme of things. • The barracks can be locked down and secured and could be used sadly as a morgue OR TESTING CENTRE/INNOCULATION CENTRE FOR THE MIDLANDS. • There is sleeping accommodation for up to 400 if required (all new beds are stored at present in Renmore Bks Galway). • Garda Divisional HQ based in Mullingar Town. • Westmeath Civil Defence HQ also based in Mullingar Town. • Westmeath County Council HQ also based in Mullingar Town. • Westmeath Fire Brigade HQ based in Mullingar Town. • C Coy Mullingar the Reserve Rifle Coy based in Mullingar Town. • Longford-Westmeath Regional Hospital based in Mullingar Town. • Order of Malta Ambulance have a unit based in Mullingar Town. • Mullingar Sub Aqua Club also based in town need accommodation Commission on Defence Forces.

Advantages of such a HQ/Training Centre & Humanitarian Regiment

At present Castlebar, Boyle & Mullingar are Rifle Coy-Sub Units of the 6 infantry Battalion Athlone and as these units need Ordinance been rifle companies the practically of such units is not compatible with an armed military unit that is not barrack based.

1) Castlebar as it is located with a Regional Hospital could become a Medic Coy and be trained by Hospital Staff to take test like during the COVID19 pandemic ,therefore relieving the stress of Medical staff in this Hospital. 2) Boyle as a smaller location could become a CIS Coy trained with the aid of 1 Transit & 1 Jeep with Trailer located to have a batch of drivers who could transport Signal staff to the other locations of this Reserve Humanitarian Regiment. 3) Mullingar could be home : • National Emergency Reserve Defence Forces HQ (Commanded by Brig General PDF) • National Reserve Defence Forces Training Centre (Commanded by Col PDF) • National Emergency Reserve Defence Forces Humanitarian Regiment (Commanded by Lt Col RDF) • National Emergency Military Field Hospital, Reserve Military Police Company to facilitate in times of crises to direct traffic through test centres and perform gate

9 duties and policing of Columb Barracks Mullingar (therefore no duty costs unless fully operational).

4) Reserve Supply & Transport Coy trained with the aid of Trucks, Ambulances, Transit & Jeep with Trailer located to have a batch of drivers who could transport medical staff or tests to where ever location that they are required to go too. The Garages and Tec Stores are still in situ in Columb Barracks Mullingar. 5) Reserve Military Hospital/Medical Company : The Hospital/Medic Coy could be trained for future uses i.e. performing COVID19 tests or other test into the future. 6) Westmeath Civil Defence are also located in the County Capital of Westmeath Mullingar and could also use the training facilities of the Training Centre and train with the Reserve Regiment in searches as the Civil Defence are trained Drone operators, Medics, Search ,Signals, Transport and they also have a Command Vehicle and an up to date Ambulance. 7) Westmeath Civil Defence also have Nationally Trained Search Managers, Drone Operators and some EMT’s etc. 8) Westmeath County Fire Service: is based in Mullingar and could use the barrack buildings for Fire or accident training. 9) Location : The Barracks is located in the centre of Ireland and within easy reach of Dublin, Curragh Camp Knock Airport, N/M4 – M6 and has the Dublin-Sligo Rail link,(EXPANDED BELOW). 10) Three Capital County Towns i.e. Longford, Mullingar & Tullamore were always excellent recruiting towns for the RDF but with the lack of foresight by Government these towns have been forgotten hence the loss of Reserve Volunteers from approx. 40,000 population. 11) EMERGENCY FIELD HOSPITAL : The position of Columb Barracks Mullingar could also be used as an Emergency Field Hospital as it is located so near to Dublin and enclosed location, within Co Westmeath. The cost of this location would be a sensible location for future National Emergencies as we as a Nation don’t know when this will ever happen again. 12) FIRING RANGE : The 25 yard Shooting Range which is still used by An Garda Síochána is still located in the barracks. 13) HELICOPTER PAD: Columb Barracks Mullingar could also be used as a Landing area for Helicopters as the two US Black Hawks landed here in years gone by. 14) Camp Field: The Camp field which belongs to Columb Barracks Mullingar housed some 25,000 troops during the first World War as the then named “Wellington Barracks” was the second largest recruiting centre in the British Empire. During the “Emergency” there were large volumes of Irish troops camp here, and both the 4 Field Supply & Transport Company and the 4 Field Artillery Regiment were founded and located here until both Units were stood down along with their Reserve Counterpart Units. 15) Order of Malta : The Order of Malta Ambulance Service also has a Unit based in the town and they are in use for the COVID19 pandemic. 16) Reserve Chaplain : The Barracks has its own Church and could have a Reserve Chaplain based in the Barracks and there is a former Corporal in the FCA living locally who could be persuaded to re-join as a Reserve Chaplain. 17) Garda Siochána : The Garda used the Shooting Range still but they could join with the other organsiations for Emergency Training in the Barracks . 18) REVENUE : Customs Dog Units have already used the Barracks for training Drug Dogs etc

10 Finally Extraordinary decisions: Irish Governments have decision to be made for the good of the Nation and its population for the future and Columb Barracks Mullingar Co Westmeath and it’s Location is paramount to protecting and assisting the people:

• Dublin -1 hour by Road • Dublin -1 hour by Rail • Athlone – 40 minutes by road • Galway -1/ ¼ hrs mins by M6 • Sligo -2 hours by Road • Sligo -1 ¾ hours by rail • Knock Airport – 1 ½ hours by road • /Northern Border – 1/ ¼ to 1 ¾ • Curragh Camp - 1 ½ hours by road • 3 – 4 hrs by Road

Cost : As this would be a more or less Reserve Defence Forces Location the main cost would be Heat & Light and pay for Cadre. The General Staff might find merit in this proposal and finally have a facility to train Reserves in one location and work hand in hand with other organisations and those organisation can enhance each other with close contact as far as training goes for any future National ,European or World crises.

The improvement and development of the Reserve Defence Forces based in the centre of Ireland and could act as a recruiting Barracks for the Reserve but also the PDF. The PDF should not be afraid of the RDF they should welcome the expansion of the Reserve as the ability of members of the public joining the Reserve would only enhance the Defence Forces and I could say that the percentage that may wish to go overseas would be low. The Knowledge and the skills should be apparent as the Reserve attracts the following:

Architects Ambulance Drivers Artic/Truck Drivers Coach drivers Pilots Backers Postmen/women Irish Rail Workers Telecom Workers Nurses Council Workers Mechanics Electricians Teachers Doctors Plumbers Builders Students HSE Staff Clerks Journalists Forklift Drivers Warehouse Staff Carpenters IT Staff Lecturers Cleaners Cooks Engineers Solicitors

I could keep filling in this panel but up to now this has fallen on deaf ears as in my time in the FCA/RDF I filled in skills charts for more time than I can remember but it was all semantics, it never was utilised. This plan if agreed could boost the RDF but the PDF could offer vacancies to skilled personal or even Cadetships to those qualified even on short term engagements. It all has to be looking outside the box and encourage volunteers and people to join the Permanent Military for short term or for a fulltime career. The DF would get or pick the people they want and this could put the words “Voluntary Service” back into people’s minds and with the like of Doctors/Nurses they could do the Medicals themselves and not all these Volunteers have to achieve the fitness levels of the PDF but they can still be useful to the State.

11 Columb Barracks Mullingar Co Westmeath could be a centre of excellence in Emergency Training with the facilities available for the following :

Locations Type of Training Type of Training Type of Training CO-OP type Training Abbeyshrule Airfield Air Accidents Army Ranger Wing Heli lifts to Barracks Westmeath Aircraft Assaults Helipad etc Civil Defence & Gardai/Military Fire Brigade/ N Ambulance Services Royal Canal Speed Boat Underwater searches Shore Searches Westmeath Lakes Swimming Civil Defence & Accidents Gardai/Military Roads RTA Searches Use roads in the Westmeath barracks Civil Defence & Gardai/Military Railways Train derailments Cars hit by trains Smuggling Gardai/Military Customs Shooting Range Shooting Accidents Use of Fire arms Treating Patients Westmeath Shot Civil Defence & Gardai/Military Fire Brigade/ N Ambulance Services Sport Grounds Concert Crushes Drugs Violent Crowds All services REVENUE Drug dog training Use buildings Cars Trucks, boats Gardai/Military Customs Customs Barracks Square Riot Training Traffic Laws How to set up road Gardai/Military Roads in Barracks closures Civil Defence

I am Sir/Madam

______

Point to Note in relation to Medal Number 7

Attached the Letter in relation to the New Ribbon for the Reserve Defence Forces after 2005, nowhere in the World is the same medal used for two different Organisations but Ireland. This was a huge slap in the teeth to the Reservists at that time as the Uniform , Brigade ,Unit & Sub Unit flashes all changed in all but the members of the FCA at that time were denied a second Service Medal for a New Organisation but the Reservist at that time stated that the same changes in the PDF they would have been allowed the New Service Medal after the corresponding Service was accumulated. This was another way of denying personal some pride for all their year’s of mostly voluntary service to the State. The extraordinary decision which was taken by the DF Conciliation and Arbitration Office , from the Office of D/COS Support on 30th July 2007 was not fulfilled after this office made the decision and sent this letter to Comdt Des Coleman General Secretary RDFRA. Volunteers were let down for the cost of a piece of Ribbon.

12 But this same Medal was struck twice at a cost of Setting up the Cast of the Medal twice rather than just allow the Reserve to accept a new Service Medal after the qualifying period of 7 years etc see photos. That’s another explanation of how Volunteers were treated.

1. The Left hand medal Cast was inscribed a RDF at a Cost – THEN NOT USED 2. The Original FCA Cast in the Centre 3. The New Strike of Medal on the Right 4. When all the DF had to do was run a Roll of the Ribbon they suggested. No person ever explained that to the Late Comdt Des Colman Gen Sec RDFRA before he retired and died. To a civilian medals mean nothing but to those who serve Medals mean everything.

Reverse of all 3 inscriptions on the FCA/RDF Medals Obverse of same Medals but Different FCA/RDF same medal for two organisation’s

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Gerard O’Connor

Commission on the Defence Forces Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin D02 WK12

RE: Submission

Dear Sir, Madam

I have attached my 13 page Submission to the Commission for the Future of the Defence Forces. I have e-mailed in this submission but just in case there is any issues with the e-mail I have attached with this letter.

Yours sincerely

------)

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