Irish Army - Lebanon

YFlyer · 23-12-2019 03:14PM

Sure they're usually home for tae.

end of the road · 23-12-2019 03:16PM

Username you choose wrote: »

If he can detail exactly what it is they do that would be great.

go and google it.
what they do is actually not your concern, all you need to know is they do good and important work and are the extreme opposite of wasters.

Sleepy · 23-12-2019 03:29PM

Username you choose wrote: »

Okay look I stand corrected. I apologise to those who I offended. I didn't do my research in fairness and I received a few pm from those who had lost friends and family members.

Hopefully they will accept my apologies.

Is this a first for AH? Or the internet at large?

A Troll realising how embarrassing their original post was and actually acknowledging it?

Fair play OP. Takes a man to admit he's wrong.

cajonlardo · 23-12-2019 03:33PM

48 of our lads died in the Leb.

I remember I was two weeks into recruit training and lining the funeral route to Arbour Hill for what was to become one of far too many honour guards in the 80s.
The absolute desperate raw grief of the very young widow, the stunned vacant look from the father....

Shortly after that Two good men were captured, tortured to death in a way I cannot put into words and a third soldier played dead after being shot several times in the same murderous incident.

Few months later and I had to secure evidence for an inquiry after a man I knew well was shot.
Sobering stuff handling clothing and equipment covered in blood and body matter from the body of someone you've trained with and lived with.

What they do?

Secure, save, aid, enable, support, provide and build and maintain, health and dental care, provide and maintain vital infrastructure like Water supply, bridges, electricity supply etc, clear mines and I. E. Ds, vehicle checkpoints, patrols -both foot and mobile and protect those in dire need.

(BTW, in their spare time they built a fabulous orphanage - when it got blown to pieces they rebuilt it)

Friendly faces the locals can turn to, ready and willing and highly capable of fighting for the underdog - and always on the big Irish Ball...

P. S
Happy Christmas and safe home to all our people overseas.

Professor Genius · 23-12-2019 03:35PM

The Shi’ite Imal Militia. That’s the why.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 23-12-2019 03:35PM

Signore Fancy Pants wrote: »

Bleendin' waster :pac:

I haven't seen you about for awhile, still on holliers in Lebanon?.

I wouldn't get into this with the OP, I think the thread is just a troll tbh.

But what I think people fail to see is that we take our skills learned here in Ireland abroad to make life (and peace) easier for other less fortunate than us.

For example as a result of our efforts and in some cases sacrifices there is a whole new generation of children in Lebanon who have never seen a war, this is a first since [probably] the Israeli invasion of 1978.

We have the longest unbroken record of overseas service with the United Nations of any country in the world since first deploying to a UN mission in 1958. Today there are 595 Defence Forces personnel serving overseas across 14 missions in 13 countries.

Whilst on the outset it would appear as though we're not as busy as the 80's and 90's some jobs are busier than ever, the CIS, C-IED & other specialist technical roles are very busy, I'd also include medics in that.. I could go on, a lot of roles are far more technically advanced and so busier now than ever before in the DF.

Referring back to the generation of Lebanese children who have never seen war, have never had to shelter from bombardment in a UN bunker, who don't live under the shadow of an Israeli/Christian compound, who've never been terrorized by Palestinian, Amal or Hezbollah gunmen (yes people, the Israeli's and Lebanese Christians weren't/aren't the only bad guys there)... This is something that Ireland can be proud of, and something the Lebanese are never slow in thanking us for.

I said I couldn't be arsed with the OP, and I won't engage with it but I think people should remember our troops serving oversea's this Christmas, they're not wasting their time (or anyone else's).. And I'd also remember the lads killed in action and Private Kevin Joyce (18) who was kidnapped and murdered by a faction of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation.. Private Joyce is the longest held kidnap victim in the Middle East.

Merry Christmas.

Username you choose · 23-12-2019 03:38PM

Sleepy wrote: »

Is this a first for AH? Or the internet at large?

A Troll realising how embarrassing their original post was and actually acknowledging it?

Fair play OP. Takes a man to admit he's wrong.

Was in the wrong and was surfing other forums knocking the Irish Army. Anyway, hopefully others can learn from posting in haste.

endacl · 23-12-2019 03:44PM

Darwin Tinkling Wall-to-wall wrote: »

I haven't seen you about for awhile, still on holliers in Lebanon?.

I wouldn't get into this with the OP, I think the thread is just a troll tbh.

But what I think people fail to see is that we take our skills learned here in Ireland abroad to make life (and peace) easier for other less fortunate than us.

For example as a result of our efforts and in some cases sacrifices there is a whole new generation of children in Lebanon who have never seen a war, this is a first since [probably] the Israeli invasion of 1978.

We have the longest unbroken record of overseas service with the United Nations of any country in the world since first deploying to a UN mission in 1958. Today there are 595 Defence Forces personnel serving overseas across 14 missions in 13 countries.

Whilst on the outset it would appear as though we're not as busy as the 80's and 90's some jobs are busier than ever, the CIS, C-IED & other specialist technical roles are very busy, I'd also include medics in that.. I could go on, a lot of roles are far more technically advanced and so busier now than ever before in the DF.

Referring back to the generation of Lebanese children who have never seen war, have never had to shelter from bombardment in a UN bunker, who don't live under the shadow of an Israeli/Christian compound, who've never been terrorized by Palestinian, Amal or Hezbollah gunmen (yes people, the Israeli's and Lebanese Christians weren't/aren't the only bad guys there)... This is something that Ireland can be proud of, and something the Lebanese are never slow in thanking us for.

I said I couldn't be arsed with the OP, and I won't engage with it but I think people should remember our troops serving oversea's this Christmas, they're not wasting their time (or anyone else's).. And I'd also remember the lads killed in action and Private Kevin Joyce (18) who was kidnapped and murdered by a faction of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation.. Private Joyce is the longest held kidnap victim in the Middle East.

Merry Christmas.

Dafuq you get all that done playing 5 a side PlayStation?!?

Tenzor07 · 23-12-2019 03:48PM

Sleepy wrote: »

Is this a first for AH? Or the internet at large?

A Troll realising how embarrassing their original post was and actually acknowledging it? Fair play OP. Takes a man to admit he's wrong.

A request to delete this entire thread would be better.

davetherave · 23-12-2019 03:55PM

cajonlardo wrote: »

Friendly faces the locals can turn to, ready and willing and highly capable of fighting for the underdog - and always on the big Irish Ball...

P. S
Happy Christmas and safe home to all our people overseas.

Bula bula, *draws a big imaginary square with hands* on the ball Fiji.

cajonlardo · 23-12-2019 03:59PM

davetherave wrote: »

Bula bula, *draws a big imaginary square with hands* on the ball Fiji.

I'm smiling now. Always can rely on a brother to put you back in good form.

Just thought, can you imagine stumbling on a thread like this while you are deployed?
You'd just shake your head, smile and head back out

uck51js9zml2yt · 23-12-2019 04:06PM

Username you choose wrote: »

Why would I try getting shot? .

It might put the rest of us out of our misery !!

skallywag · 23-12-2019 04:11PM

Username you choose wrote: »

Was in the wrong and was surfing other forums knocking the Irish Army. Anyway, hopefully others can learn from posting in haste.

That's nice. Mommy will be happy that you have learned something. Hey, is she making something tasty for your dinner tonight? You've been a good boy for Santa I hope?

Fionn · 23-12-2019 04:16PM

cajonlardo wrote: »

Just thought, can you imagine stumbling on a thread like this .................

I'm glad I didn't stumble on it with a few on me....I'd be surely banned. :eek:

From an old soldier

Anyway I'm sure people can forgive the OP as it's clear he hadn't a clue about the army or overseas service or any sort of sacrifice that our troops endure. (Fair play to him for admitting it)

raze_them_all_ · 23-12-2019 04:21PM

You see this post makes no sense because the Irish army aren't held to anywhere near the esteem the likes the yanks, UK and isrealies hold their own in. They are vastly underpaid though. My brother in law get about an extra 18euro after tax for a 24 hour shift. He's in the army 18 years next year. I'm in my job two years and I get 25 and a bit euro an hour overtime

skallywag · 23-12-2019 04:21PM

Fionn wrote: »

Anyway I'm sure people can forgive the OP as it's clear he hadn't a clue about the army or overseas service or any sort of sacrifice that our troops endure. (Fair play to him for admitting it)

As much as it is the season to be forgiving etc, I for one will not be, unless it turns out that he is 10 years old or less. I'm getting pretty sick of the kiddies posting absolute nonsense, which is extremely offensive to many, and then just brushing it off and refusing to stand behind it.

Grow a fookin pair OP, if you are going to come on and post provocative drivel then at least have the intelligence to have it researched, and have the balls to stand behind it.

OP is a pure coward.

Signore Fancy Pants · 23-12-2019 04:32PM

Username you choose wrote: »

Was in the wrong and was surfing other forums knocking the Irish Army. Anyway, hopefully others can learn from posting in haste.

It's ok Leo, we know nobody likes us

Signore Fancy Pants · 23-12-2019 04:35PM

Darwin Tinkling Wall-to-wall wrote: »

I haven't seen you about for awhile, still on holliers in Lebanon?

Merry Christmas.

Howaya Mak, no thankfully got back in Nov. I think 4 Christmas Day's overseas is enough.

Hope all is well man. See you in the new year.

Merry Jesus everyone.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 23-12-2019 05:59PM

Signore Fancy Pants wrote: »

Howaya Mak, no thankfully got back in Nov. I think 4 Christmas Day's overseas is enough.

Hope all is well man. See you in the new year.

Merry Jesus everyone.

Four Christmas's away, damn anything not to buy the missus a Christmas pressie lol

I just have the one Christmas away. The kids were very young then and I chose not to come home for Christmas so that was tough.

For the uninitiated, if we want to return to celebrate Christmas with our families we pay for it ourselves. So while you're entitled to leave oversea once you're outside the gate you fend for yourself.

I'm only saying this because a lot of people think we're flown home to celebrate Christmas with the families.

Tibnin Orphanage

That's the Facebook page for Tibnin orphanage, there'll be lots of photos of Irish troops with the children and carers.. We've been through the worst times in those childrens lives, they've sheltered in our bunkers, been escorted from the orphanage by us while they were under Israeli and Christian fire and in the earlier trips we witnessed their parents and siblings blown to bits.

If anyone thinks we're wasters, spend a night sheltering in a bunker with terrified children.

We also shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988 (63rd Irish Battalion) although the award was collected the next year by a member of the following battalion (64th Inf Bn).

We've an unriveled record of providing peace, humanitarian assistance and stability to Lebanon and every other country we've to deployed to and I'll never accept anyone saying otherwise.

While our service is largely ignored by the ignorant here the people of Tibnin (a village where our battalion HQ was based for most of our time there) erected a memorial to our troops who paid the ultimate sacrifice for peace in Lebanon

Its inscribed with the name of every Irish soldier killed there.

And in Arbour Hill, Dublin 7 there's a memorial wall erected by the UN Veterans Association to every Irish soldier killed on every mission since we first served with the UN.

So don't ever call us wasters, please.

Right I think I'm finished here, I'm off out for a run and chill for the few days I have off for the Christmas.. Once again, Merry Christmas

arybvtcw0eolkf · 23-12-2019 06:14PM

Sorry, one more thing.

If anyone thinks we're not here giving AGS a dig out with organised crime, well who defuses their pipe bombs, our engineers and other units are used in searched operations to find their arms and drugs dumps, and who do you think makes those finds safe for AGS to handle?.

During the troubles we secured Britains border with us and were largely successful in combating terror in the south, we had some members murdered by the IRA also.

Our navy are busy protecting our shores and sea's, our air corp are very busy providing an air ambulance role to the HSE and we fly AGS heli's.

Now I really have to shoot offf (pun intended).

JohnnyFlash · 23-12-2019 06:39PM

I always get the feeling that a lot of defence forces folks seem to think they should be put up on a pedestal for being in the army etc. Thankfully we don’t like in a country where the defence forces are fetishised - unlike that nauseating ‘thank you for your service’ bollocks you encounter in the US.

Well done and all, but it’s the job you signed up for. Personally think the idea of dying for your country is ridiculous and extremely stupid, but to each their own and all that.

end of the road · 23-12-2019 06:57PM

you won't find anyone more against the american and british nonsense then the roadster, but i don't see what is wrong in recognising the actual good work the irish army do.
yes, individuals chose to join, and they knew the risks, but still, they don't specifically set out to be killed, but join to serve and do good work, and the irish army really does good work.
i don't believe those who join expect to be patted on the back, but a bit of appreciation for what is done in our name is no bad thing, as again, what is done in our name is good work.
the irish bring peace, security, and much more to where they serve.

cajonlardo · 23-12-2019 07:21PM

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

I always get the feeling that a lot of defence forces folks seem to think they should be put up on a pedestal for being in the army etc. Thankfully we don’t like in a country where the defence forces are fetishised - unlike that nauseating ‘thank you for your service’ bollocks you encounter in the US.

Well done and all, but it’s the job you signed up for. Personally think the idea of dying for your country is ridiculous and extremely stupid, but to each their own and all that.

I. V on our buttons.

Irish volunteer. No one made us sign up, in fact no one cared whether we did or not.

Historically most of us were happier to go about our business unnoticed - it suited everyone better that way
No one I served with ever asked to be considered special. My own take is that it was a privilege to do a job I absolutely loved and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity.

However, if people want to publicly make ignorant statements on the lines that we do nothing, that we are wasters or try to deny our accomplishments then I have to call out that ignorance and back that up with examples of why I hold those beliefs.
"By our Deeds let us be known"

I happen to believe the Defense Forces are exceptionally efficient at their job. I don't know if it is jealousy or begrudgery or what not but this simple little truth doesn't suit a certain narrative on this island. Not as bad as it was in the past, but judging by post trends on forums like boards, that narrative still exists

Oh, the dying for your country bit?
Bollocks to that. There isn't a professional soldier in the world with that boys own attitude.
You might equally consider the travelling salesman who speeds on the motorway, the coke heads in sales jobs etc etc - gob****es and looking for a quick death everywhere unfortunately

Finally, the thank you for your service shtick?
That is part of the brainwash in the u. s to get the next generation signing up to head off for the next meatgrinding - it's got nothing to do with our Defense Forces.

Tenzor07 · 23-12-2019 07:42PM

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

Personally think the idea of dying for your country is ridiculous and extremely stupid, but to each their own and all that.

That's the part about opinions being like a$$holes, but yours stinks particularly bad... not to mention the pure ignorance of your statement.

JohnnyFlash · 23-12-2019 07:48PM

Tenzor07 wrote: »

That's the part about opinions being like a$$holes, but yours stinks particularly bad... not to mention the pure ignorance of your statement.

I don’t think it’s particularly controversial to say that dying for a country or cause isn’t exactly clever. It’s very final.

Melanchthon · 23-12-2019 07:50PM

I am sure it was different in Lebanon in the 80's and 90's but had a co-worker who had been on a different overseas mission and the way he described it really did sound like they did nothing much at all and was viewed as handy money.

Certainly compared to a (non-US, non-Brit) guy I knew who was in Afghanistan who described a a very different thing.

Signore Fancy Pants · 23-12-2019 07:53PM

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

I always get the feeling that a lot of defence forces folks seem to think they should be put up on a pedestal for being in the army etc. Thankfully we don’t like in a country where the defence forces are fetishised - unlike that nauseating ‘thank you for your service’ bollocks you encounter in the US.

Well done and all, but it’s the job you signed up for. Personally think the idea of dying for your country is ridiculous and extremely stupid, but to each their own and all that.

I have never come across any person that served as expecting any type of adulation for serving in the Defence Forces, never mind be put up on a pedestal, jaysis.

It is also very doubtful that anyone joins the Defence Forces of Ireland to "die for their country".

People that should be put up on a pedestal are the Firefighters, Paramedics, Doctors and Nurses who actually do what they are trained to to on a daily basis, sometimes in awful situations.

If I am ever needed to do what I am trained to do for Ireland, well things have gone to fcuk and nobody wants that.

punisher5112 · 23-12-2019 07:55PM

Some never came home, UN peace keeping, op you really need to educate yourself, they're there to help save people not kill them.

Tenzor07 · 23-12-2019 07:55PM

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

I don’t think it’s particularly controversial to say that dying for a country or cause isn’t exactly clever. It’s very final.

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

Personally think the idea of dying for your country is ridiculous and extremely stupid, but to each their own and all that.

So you believe all those who were shot or blown up while on duty protecting the peace aren't' exactly clever or they are stupid??

That's pure ignorance and naivety on your part and a ridiculous statement to make!

Wibbs · 23-12-2019 08:11PM

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

Well done and all, but it’s the job you signed up for. Personally think the idea of dying for your country is ridiculous and extremely stupid, but to each their own and all that.

Without men and women who were prepared to fight and die for your country and rights as a human being, you'd likely have eff all of either. We all have a nice place to live in because there exists a bunch of men and women willing to deal with the sh1t on the edges to keep it that way, and not just in war.

I agree the Yanks hard on for their troops is well over the bloody top. Of course it's mostly bullsh1t and propaganda to get mostly working class young men and women to sign up as bullet stoppers. And they wanted to head off the Vietnam war clusterfcuk with returning troops being seen as baby killers, so the propaganda ramped up a gear since. Never mind that too many aren't exactly thanked for their service after they come home and leave the military.

Irish Army - Lebanon

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