PRESS RELEASE
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE AWARDS COMMISSIONS
TO 34 NEW FCA OFFICERS
“There has never been a more exciting and opportune time to become an officer in the Reserve and I have no doubt that each and every one of you will play a full role at the helm of this change”, according to Mr. Michael Smith, T.D., speaking today, 10 November, at the commissioning ceremony of 34 new officers for the FCA, at Collins Barracks Cork.
The ceremony marked the awarding of commissions to 34 members of the FCA – soon to be renamed the Army Reserve. The new officers, which include four women, are drawn from all parts of the country and between them have given 320 years service to the Defence Forces.
Highlighting the fact that they were taking up their commissions at a time of unprecedented change and development, the Minister said: “The Government has set as a priority the implementation of the White Paper which is reshaping the capabilities of the Defence Forces to meet the challenges of the modern era at home and abroad. As officers of the Reserve, these new officers are taking up leadership roles in an element of the Defence Forces which is very much a part of this change and development process”.
The Minister went on to outline that an implementation process for a new Organisation Plan for the Reserve will be rolled out over the next six years. This will involve replacing An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil (FCA) with an Army Reserve consisting of two elements. One element will provide personnel who will integrate with the Permanent Defence Force units and will receive enhanced military training and development. The other larger element will provide the overall Army Reserve, organised into three Reserve Brigades.
The Minister also emphasised that in implementing change in the FCA, it is important to preserve traditional strengths “where the spirit of individual voluntary commitment, close social links and local communities and a good depth and scope as regards nationwide geographical spread, are elements that should be maintained”.
Highlighting that the process of change for the Reserve involved making them look and feel that they are part of a modern force, the Minister said: “ We are continuing to enhance equipment levels and intend over time to achieve standardisation and interoperability between the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force in respect of both dress and personal equipment. In this regard I am particularly delighted with the positive feedback concerning the new DPM uniform which has now been issued to the Reserve and which is having a positive effect on morale and self-image.”
ENDS
10 November 2002
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