Interesting articles

On a political level you would never know whats going on and it could be the EU doing the government a favour as not only the COS but also 10 senior Staff would be required.

If they leave for the EU it opens up a lot of promotions at home and also might make the new command structure easier to fill with a fresher broom.

Its not really a military command. In fact it isn't at all. Its just an administrative chairmanship that requires military knowledge, and obviously experience enough to gain the respect of the Council.

Its more a diplomatic position, just like any of the civilian Councils attached to the EU, so its not really about the size of the military the candidate is coming from, its whether or not the Member State can kiss enough babies to swing it.

Age is going up to 39 years of age as of the 29th of March.

I'm curious to see how many between 29-39 will go for it.

I met him once before and had a chat with him. He sounded very resonable i dont know whats happened him over the last 18 months

Whatever happened to orders in the Military?

Yes I realise forcing the issue would only compound existing retention issues, but the State has an obligation here, and when push comes to shove, its an Army, you're going where you're ordered.

According to the IT article what they were/are doing is in breach of a UN arms embargo - I'm not an expert on military legal matters so not sure how accurate this statement is :

"The provision of military training to forces in Libya has been banned under a UN arms embargo since 2011, which forbade “technical assistance, training, financial or other assistance, related to military activities” in a bid to stop the violent breakdown of the oil-rich country as it was torn apart by rival armed factions after the toppling of former leader Muammar Gadafy." (Source: Irish Times)

One thing that is off about the story is the payments. There is no way a professional would be going out to libya for just €300 a day.

But it is backed by our 3 leading export partners in the arab world Egypt, Saudi & UAE. We as a nation can not keep picking what we are morally outraged by as we say nothing because some of these nations are buying bulk loads of baby milk and beef but yet some of these are the worst nations with human rights abuse.

They also have LE Aisling i wonder did the any of our ERAs go out to show the locals how to work her.

Not that its right, As bad as it is every country in the world as former military working in PMCs and we cant expect people from this country to be no different.

A certain Military commentaor that is usually called by media to ask about situations like this is very quiet today. Would it be because he works for them?

Indeed, while former personnel might be able to get away with this, I can't see how a serving member can avoid disciplinary action for this if true?

Maybe, but then there wouldn't have been the issue of breaking UN sanctions.

4 star General if COS gets the EU gig. That wil help the pension. Full story behind paywall.

https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/04/08/government-will-promote-head-of-defence-forces-to-four-star-general-rank-if-successful-for-eu-post/

This stuff has been going on for decades at all levels. Back in the Colonels day, my brother was down in Tripoli doing some (sanctions busting) business in the oil and gas industry, and he got chatting to a former very high ranking DF officer, doing some "military consultancy" work. I won't mention his name to avoid embarrassing his family. These senior general staff officers from many western militaries are in the habit of picking up this type of work to supplement their pension.

4-Star?

What a con. I'm aware its a temporary rank associated with the appointment, but its worth noting that the last time we had a 4-Star Chief, the defence forces, in the guise of the National Army of the day, were 65,000 strong.

The chances of him getting the gig are so small, they aren't worth mentioning.

no surprise really, though at this point I’m not sure if it would make any material difference. I mean hell it’s not like the DF was a massively funded and equipped force when there was.