DF_Sgt_Major

RSM K.Caffrey, Sgt Major to COS Óglaigh na hÉireann. Very Proud Soldier, husband & father. Opinions are my own, and RT are not an endorsement. ☘️🇮🇪☘️

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Last weekend the Silver Swallows, the Irish Air Corps aerobatic display team, flew at two of the Royal Air Force's Lincolnshire stations: RAF Waddington, home of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, and RAF Coningsby, home of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Our Flying Training School instructors flew their full PC-9M display for the Waddington families as part of the station's Friends and Families Day 2026, before joining the Red Arrows for a special joint flypast over the station, the first time the Silver Swallows and the Red Arrows have flown together in formation. The team also flew a full display at Coningsby, four years on from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's own visit to Casement Aerodrome for our centenary.

The Silver Swallows are a team with history on this side of the Irish Sea. The first four-ship Fouga Magister display flew over Casement Aerodrome in 1982 for the 60th anniversary of the Air Corps, and in 1997 the team won the Lockheed Martin Cannestra Trophy at RIAT for the best flying demonstration by an overseas participant. Today the same instructors who train our future aviators at Casement Aerodrome fly the display, and this weekend they wrote a new line in that history alongside the Reds.

The visit continues a relationship that has grown steadily in recent years, from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Red Arrows at Casement in 2022, to the Reds opening Bray Air Display with us in 2023, and 101 Squadron's C295 at RAF Lossiemouth in 2024. Our thanks to the Station Commanders and teams at RAF Waddington and RAF Coningsby for the welcome, and to the Red Arrows for the formation.

[DF_Sgt_Major @DF_Sgt_Major]

@troublegum5 @IAmIsraelHands @irishpolbatt @DF_COS @DF_DCOS_SP @DF_ACOS New Integrated Modular Body Armour System (IMBAS) rollout commenced this month, the equipment is top class! & can be modified for personnel operating in armour. ☘️🇮🇪☘️

[128 Infantry Battalion UNIFIL @irishpolbatt]

Soldiers of the IRISHPOLBATT moving out to carry out another routine patrol in their area of responsibility.

The primary objective of patrols is to maintain a constant presence, monitor the area of responsibility, and support regional stability in accordance with the UN mandate.

[DF_Sgt_Major @DF_Sgt_Major]

@bestbreadtoday Hi, that is fully acknowledged. Would love to chat with you offline about how this large cohort might be included. ☘️🇮🇪☘️

[DF_Sgt_Major @DF_Sgt_Major]

Delighted to attend today’s Veterans Day Parade.

There is something special about coming together to recognise & celebrate those who have served, & to share in the camaraderie that exists across the veteran and serving communities.
#Alifelessordinary
#Respect
#Service
☘️🇮🇪☘️

[Irish Naval Service @naval_service]

Yesterday L.E. JAMES JOYCE participated in PASSEX evolutions with @SNMCMG1 after the Group's successful port visit to Dublin.
PASSEX are designed to test and enhance our interoperability with other Western navys ensuring we operate together to the highest standards.
🇮🇪🤝🇨🇦🇩🇪🇱🇹

[DF_Sgt_Major @DF_Sgt_Major]

Delighted today to attend the Induction of our latest Company of #Recruits

150 recruits commenced their recruit training in #Joint #Induction #Training Centre (JITC).

Best wishes to Staff and Recruits over the next thirteen week & welcome to #Alifelessordinary ☘️🇮🇪☘️

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Recently, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy visited LÉ SAMUEL BECKETT during a Maritime Defence and Security Operations patrol off Ireland’s south west coast.

Winched aboard from an Air Corps AW139 in challenging sea conditions, the Chief of Staff observed a range of operational activity, including damage control and firefighting drills, celestial navigation, counter UAS procedures, a live firing exercise and the hailing of a Vessel of Interest transiting Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Winching and fast roping are important capabilities for the Defence Forces, enabling the rapid and effective movement of personnel between air, land and maritime environments, particularly where conventional access may be limited.

The visit provided an opportunity to see first hand the readiness, professionalism and operational capability of the Air Corps and Naval Service personnel.

#ÓglaighnahÉireann

[DF_Sgt_Major @DF_Sgt_Major]

@1Bde_Official @defenceforces @DF_COS Congrats Cpl Shanahan, very well deserved! ☘️🇮🇪☘️

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Defence Forces Podcast, Out Now!
2026 International Sniper Competition - Best International Team.

https://t.co/SbJIHFyCQy

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

This Wednesday on the Defence Forces podcast - 27 Inf Bn Sniper Team - Winners of Best International Team at 2026 US International Sniper Competition.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

As part of Operation Fianna, Defence Forces personnel supported an extensive security operation at Druids Glen, providing specialist military support to An Garda Síochána during events associated with Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Operating across land, air and maritime domains, the Joint Task Force synchronised a range of specialist capabilities, including Counter-UAS, Engineer Specialist Search, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Enhanced Force Protection, and Air and Maritime support.

Bringing these capabilities together under a joint command structure enabled activity across multiple domains to be coordinated and synchronised towards a common operational objective — supporting the security and integrity of EU Presidency events.

#ÓglaighnahÉireann

[128 Infantry Battalion UNIFIL @irishpolbatt]

Cavalry Memorial Day was solemnly observed today at Peacekeepers Square by the 128 Inf Bn Cavalry personnel.

The event was marked by the presence of the Senior Irish Officer Deputy Commander UNIFIL Sector West, Col. F. MacDonald.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

BE MORE.

[DF_Sgt_Major @DF_Sgt_Major]

Delighted to accompany @DF_COS at this year #Infantry Skills Comp. #Troops getting out to apply their skills, are always a pleasure to be around #ProfessionOfArms congrats @28infantry

A great opportunity to engage with #troops & provide updates. #alifelessordinary
#BeMore

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

The Infantry Skills Competition took place recently in the Glen of Imaal, bringing together teams from across the Defence Forces to test their soldiering skills, teamwork and resilience in a demanding field environment.

Following a highly competitive series of events, the 28th Infantry Battalion retained their title.

Congratulations to all personnel who took part and to 28 Infantry Battalion on a well deserved victory.

#ÓglaighnahÉireann

[Irish Naval Service @naval_service]

World skills Ireland 16-18 September in the RDS. Free Registration at https://t.co/pSORwL6vEe

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

This Wednesday, on the Defence Force's Podcast - US Army National Guard Competition 2026

[Irish Naval Service @naval_service]

This week the Naval Service conducted a Ship Training Period (STP). This was a demanding period of training which involved Gun Exercises (GUNEX), Manoeuvring Exercises, Maritime Interdiction (MIO) and Replenishment at Sea training (RAS). #IrishDefenceForces #IrishNavalService

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

The Defence Forces Overseas Family Support day was recently held in Dublin Zoo.

Days like these show the Defence Forces’ commitment to supporting those who are serving overseas and their loved ones.

Members of our Personnel Support Services (PSS) were present to offer guidance to all present

A big thanks to the staff of the An Cosantóir Office for their great work in running and organising the day!

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

This Wednesday on the Defence Forces Podcast- First Person View (FPV) Drone/UAS.