Highlights the damage wreaked upon DF human capital in last decade, & scale of the task ahead. Immediate action needed, but the signs aren’t good: significant delays to retention projects (e.g. specialist retention & career progression) in CODF Detailed Implementation Plan. 3/3

A realistic if depressing assessment by @IRLDeptDefence. So…we need to more than double our current @defenceforces recruitment & retention efforts; and if we can achieve that, then we might reach 9,739 by 2031, which is a full 3 years after our LOA 2 goal (11,500 by 2028). 2/3

“While net increase is positive, the rate of increase is not sufficient to reach current establishment (9739) within any realistic time frame. Assuming net recruitment ⬆️ substantially (140 to 400 per year) this will be achieved in 5 years, by 2031.” 1/3 https://t.co/wY8YwUjdpI

UK Govt has pledged £9bn for Service Family Accommodation. A similar initiative in @defenceforces⁩ would be transformative for recruitment & retention. ⁦@IRLDeptDefence⁩ ⁦@HMcEntee⁩ ⁦@DF_Engineers⁩ ⁦@Deloitte⁩ ⁦@DF_COS

Last week RACO had the opportunity to meet & brief members of the 8th Joint Command & Staff Course (incl. 4 members of @IRLDeptDefence) & 9th Land Command & Staff Course. Today, we met 72 members of the recently inducted 102nd Cadet Class, and signed them up! Good luck to all!

Interesting to see what other countries are doing. 🇮🇪's National Security Strategy 2020- 25, announced in 2019, due 2020, still not published. Delayed first because of Covid, then the CoDF, now... who khows why. 🇮🇪 still does not take its defence and security seriously.

It is essential that this glaring low pay gap is addressed well in advance of the next intake of cadets across the #Army, @naval_service and @IrishAirCorps, if we are serious about valuing our people and building capability to defend the State. 3/3 https://t.co/x7xBe6qOPw

This was raised at the RACO conference in October, but no progress has been made to date, in spite of commitments to address the issue. RACO has sought a meeting with Minister @HMcEntee to discuss this and other issues of concern to our members. 2/3 https://t.co/4NH8MgF5D0

Good to see Minister for Defence @HMcEntee pledging to support @defenceforces Cadets in every way that she can during her tenure. Hopefully that starts with addressing low cadet pay, which is well below minimum wage and a significant barrier to recruitment. @IRLDeptDefence 1/3

Welcome home to all members of the 126 @irishpolbatt @UNIFIL_. We were fortunate to visit our members in Lebanon last month, to see them doing a great job in difficult circumstances. Enjoy the well deserved time with your families, and good luck to 127th Bn in the next 6 months!

“Chatting to people in the Brussels EU Quarter last week, you’re left in a state of disquiet & bemusement at our extraordinary level of unpreparedness when it comes to the modern-day version of a nation defending itself, even one which is neutral.” @defenceforces @IRLDeptDefence

‘Ireland’s smug position on defence is testing Europe’s patience’ ⁦ ‘On mainland Europe, mindsets and measures are moving swiftly ahead on security and defence measures to respond to a changed world. But we’re in the lane for slow learners.’ 1/2

Hugely impressive performance from all 250 DF members involved in the @PresidentIRL inauguration yesterday. From the Motorcycle Escort and Captain’s Guard of Honour, to the @DFSMIreland music, Gun Salute and Flypast; all reflected Teamwork, Discipline, and Attention to Detail👏🏻🇮🇪

‘⁦@defenceforces has been allowed to atrophy, while we complacently ignore threats to national security. 🇮🇪 badly needs to face up to the minimum responsibilities entailed in our independence, no matter what our policy on neutrality or alliance may be.’

Extensive analysis earlier this week by @NiallJournal_ie on the impact of capability shortfalls (identified by the Feb 2022 DF Commission) on the EU Presidency. 👇🏻 Concerns across Europe that Ireland's military shortfalls could put major summit at risk

Ireland considers asking EU nations for security help during presidency, including sending a warship to Dublin for air defence. A consequence of decades of underinvestment in our @defenceforces people and capabilities. @IRLDeptDefence @IRLDeptPER https://t.co/MWGhRgeUej

Finally, thank you to the @staff_command and @SchoolInfantry Instructors, @MaynoothUni faculty and particularly the amazingly supportive families who make all of these intensive career development courses possible. 3/3

Well done to Lt Cdr Donnchadh Cahalane, who received the award for best overall student, best Research Thesis and best overall Master's Degree. Congratulations to Capt Stephen Bunney and Capt Charlene Kehoe, the best students on the 7th and 8th Land Command & Staff Courses. 2/3

On 30 October 2025, RACO presented the Lt Gen Tadhg O'Neill award for best overall result on the 7th Joint Command & Staff Course, and Director of Infantry awards for the best students on the 7th & 8th Land Command & Staff Courses at @MaynoothUni. Congrats to all graduates! 1/3

Today, RACO attended the 127th Inf Battalion @irishpolbatt review at Custume Barracks, Athlone. Tánaiste & Minister for Defence, @SimonHarrisTD reviewed the unit, accompanied by @DF_COS. The unit, commanded by Lt Col Mark Lennon, deploy to UNIFIL in Nov for 6 months. Good luck!