Officers' association believes target of 11,500 in Defence Forces is 'major challenge'

The country’s current military strength stands at 7,500 personnel of all ranks, including both fully trained and untrained. File photo

It will be a "major challenge” for the Defence Forces to reach its recommended minimum strength of 11,500 personnel by 2028, according to the representative association for officers.

The general secretary of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO), Lieutenant Colonel Conor King, said the country’s current military strength stands at 7,500 personnel of all ranks, including both fully trained and untrained. This is still only 65% of the 2028 target.