New Defence Force graduates pass out

The first class of the new Defence Forces induction scheme graduated today after 15 months of rigorous training.

The 82nd Cadet Class was made up of a mixture of school-leavers, third-level graduates and those who had previously served in the Reserve or Permanent Defence Forces under the new integrated induction scheme.

At the Commissioning Ceremony in Kildare’s Curragh Camp, Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea said: “I would like to commend them all for their achievements to date, both academic and sporting, and congratulate them too for being the trailblazers for the new, streamlined, 15-month cadet training course developed by the Military College.”

However, Mr O’Dea said their training was not at an end.

“It will continue for the duration of their military career. This well-balanced combination of military and academic disciplines is the best preparation for the challenging tasks that they will be required to perform both at home and overseas,” he said.

Mr O’Dea said the 33 cadets had been equipped with the necessary skills to face the many challenges they would encounter in the courses of their military careers.

In a bid to increase the number of women applying to join the Defence Forces, Mr O’Dea said the minimum height requirement for enlistment was reduced during 2006.

“Another area in which I have been keen to see progress is in the removal of the perception of a ‘glass ceiling’ to promotion. I am happy to report that a Commissioning From The Ranks competition will be announced shortly,” he said.

“This competition will provide serving non-commissioned officers with an opportunity for promotion to the commissioned ranks.”

Mr O’Dea said during 2007 another 15 armoured personnel carriers would be added to the fleet of 65, and a second of six new AW 139 helicopters would be delivered.

The protection system for individual soldiers will also be completed, with the delivery of 12,000 new battle vests and 12,000 new lightweight back packs. During 2006, 8,000 new units of modern lightweight body armour and 12,000 modern helmets were purchased.

“During my visits with our peacekeeping troops in Liberia, Kosovo and Bosnia, I have seen that our personnel overseas are as well, if not better, equipped and prepared than any of their peers,” Mr O’Dea said.

The TD said the design for the national memorial to members of the Defence Forces who died in service, which will be based in Dublin’s Merrion Square, will be announced shortly.