Irish Army

Irish Army
source
Unit name	Irish Army
Native name	an tArm
Caption	Flag of the Irish Army
Start date	February 1922
Country	Ireland
Branch	Army
Type	Land force
Role	National defence, peacekeeping, civil support
Size	7,310 permanent personnel (2023)
Command structure	Defence Forces
Garrison	DFHQ, Newbridge
Garrison label	Headquarters
Motto	"Glaine ár gcroí, Neart ár ngéag, Agus beart de réir ár mbriathar", ("The cleanliness of our hearts, the strength of our limbs, and our commitment to our promise")
Anniversaries	23 February (Formation)
Commander1	President of Ireland
Commander1 label	Commander-in-Chief
Commander2	Chief of Staff
Commander2 label	Service chief
Commander3	GOC 2nd Brigade
Commander3 label	Notable commanders

Irish Army. It is the land component of the Defence Forces and the largest branch within the Irish military. Established in the tumultuous period following the Anglo-Irish Treaty, its primary roles encompass national defence, support to An Garda Síochána, and extensive participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. The army is headquartered at DFHQ in Newbridge and operates under the democratic control of the Government of Ireland.

History

The army's origins trace directly to the Irish Republican Army (1919–1922) that fought in the Irish War of Independence. Following the ratification of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, the Provisional Government began forming a new national army in February 1922, a process complicated by the outbreak of the Irish Civil War. Key early formations included the Dublin Guard and the Curragh Camp became a central training location. During The Emergency of World War II, the army was massively expanded into a force of over 40,000 men for neutrality protection, fearing potential invasions by either the Allies or Nazi Germany. The post-war era saw a dramatic shift in focus towards international peacekeeping, with the army deploying to its first UN mission in Congo in 1960, where it saw combat at the Siege of Jadotville. Subsequent decades involved continuous deployments to conflict zones including Lebanon, Syria, Somalia, and the Balkans, building a formidable global reputation.

Organisation and structure

The army is commanded by the Chief of Staff, who is usually an officer holding the rank of Lieutenant General from the Defence Forces headquarters. The land forces are organised under the General Officer Commanding of the 2nd Brigade, which is the army's sole operational brigade. This brigade comprises several infantry battalions, including the Army Ranger Wing special forces unit, a cavalry squadron, artillery regiments, and combat support units. Other major formations include the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp and the Army Equitation School. The army maintains a presence in key barracks across the country such as Cathal Brugha Barracks in Dublin and Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick.

Equipment

The army's inventory is characterised by a focus on light infantry mobility and peacekeeping duties. The primary service rifle is the Steyr AUG, while crew-served weapons include the FN MAG general purpose machine gun and 81mm mortars. The cavalry corps operates the Mowag Piranha IIIH as its primary armoured vehicle, which is also used in the infantry carrier role. Other vehicle assets include the RG-32 Scout light tactical vehicle and the Toyota Land Cruiser for patrol duties. The artillery corps fields the 120mm mortar as its principal indirect fire system. The army has historically operated vehicles like the Panhard AML and the FV101 Scorpion.

Roles and operations

The army's constitutional role is the defence of the state against armed aggression. Domestically, it provides Aid to the Civil Power tasks, supporting An Garda Síochána in counter-terrorism, explosive ordnance disposal via the Army Bomb Disposal Team, and securing vital installations like Government Buildings. Its most prominent commitment is to international peacekeeping under the United Nations Charter, with a continuous presence on missions since 1958. Major long-term deployments have included the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights. The army also contributes to European Union battlegroups and provides humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Training and recruitment

All non-specialist enlisted personnel undergo a 17-week recruit training programme at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp. Officer cadets are educated at the Military College, also located in the Curragh, which includes the Cadet School. Specialised training for the Irish Army Ranger Wing is conducted at their headquarters in the Curragh Camp and is among the most demanding in the Defence Forces. Recruitment is conducted through direct entry competitions managed by the Defence Forces recruitment office, with ongoing challenges in retention highlighted in reports by the Commission on the Defence Forces.

Ranks and insignia

The army uses a standardised rank system shared across the Defence Forces. The officer ranks range from Second Lieutenant to General, though the highest permanent appointment is typically Lieutenant General. Senior non-commissioned officer ranks include Battalion Sergeant Major and Company Sergeant. Rank insignia are worn on the shoulders of service dress uniforms and on the chest of combat uniforms. Distinctive insignia and beret colours denote corps affiliation, such as the black beret of the cavalry corps, the red beret of the Army Ranger Wing, and the standard dark green beret of the infantry.

Category:Military of Ireland Ireland