Defence Force breaches of discipline soar by over 70% to 1,600

BREACHES of discipline in the Defence Forces increased by over 70% last year, resulting in more than 1,600 charges being brought against members of the Army, Navy and Air Corps.

In total, 1,636 charges were dealt with summarily, or without recourse to trial, through the military’s internal disciplinary procedures between January and December 2003, resulting in penalties ranging from a warning to 28 days’ detention.

In addition, nine members accused of some of the most serious offences were tried and convicted by court martial, resulting in three discharges, two detentions, two fines, one demotion and one loss of seniority within rank.