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On Thursday, 15 MAY 26, the first chalk of the 127th Infantry Battalion arrived home following a challenging and demanding deployment with UNIFIL in South Lebanon. Throughout their deployment, personnel of the 127th Infantry Battalion operated in a complex and volatile environment, displaying professionalism, resilience and courage while representing Ireland and Óglaigh na hÉireann with distinction. #ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState

Congratulations to our Defence Forces Values Champions, recognised at a recent ceremony presided over by Chief of Staff Lt Gen Rossa Mulcahy, with guest of honour Mr Jonathon Shackleton. Our organisational values are the centre of gravity of Óglaigh na hÉireann, shaping our leadership, guiding our mission, and sustaining the trust placed in us by the Irish people. Respect, loyalty, selflessness, physical courage, moral courage and integrity are lived daily by our Values Champions, who lead by example and inspire confidence across the Defence Forces. Speaking at the ceremony, Lt Gen Mulcahy said: “Our Values Champions embody the very best of Óglaigh na hÉireann. By demonstrating our core values in everything they do, they strengthen our organisation, enhance trust, and help drive our vision to defend our State, transform our Forces, and value our people.” #ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState #IrishDefenceForces

2 Brigade Cavalry Squadron has been conducting Escort of Honour training in preparation for the Presidential Inauguration taking place on Tuesday the 11th of November.  The unit conducted training in Cathal Brugha Barracks, which focused on slow manoeuvrability training and formation riding which are essential components to the success of the escort. Other training areas included Farmleigh House, Áras an Uachtaráin and Dublin Castle where the escort conducted rehearsals independently and also as part of the wider DF rehearsals. Route Recce and liaison with An Garda Síochána were conducted in order to ensure the accurate timings will be met on the day. Did you know that the Escort arrives within a 10 second window of their tasked timing? The escort consists of two troops with the OiC, Capt Tadhg Campbell, riding alongside the President. It will provide DIGNITY, BEARING and TIMING along with rendering the appropriate honours to the President on the day, a privilege that has a long tradition and one which 2 Brigade Cavalry Squadron looks forward to providing for the in-coming President over the next 7 years. #ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState #IrishDefenceForces

Last week, South East Technological University (SETU) conferred 180 members of the Defence Forces with academic awards during a ceremony at the Kilkenny Road Campus in Carlow, the largest annual military graduation from a higher education institution in Ireland. The event was attended by Minister of State Thomas Byrne TD and Major General Colm Ó Luasa, who congratulated all graduates on their achievements. Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, said: “I am very proud of all of our deserved graduates today. These awards are a culmination of what has been a very challenging and rewarding process. Lifelong learning is one of the key tenets of a career in the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces values and promotes education opportunities and supports the concept of ‘life-long learning’, whereby personnel are encouraged to up-skill continuously so that they can adapt to the complex and challenging demands of military operations and deliver effective military capability. I would like to thank SETU’s President, Professor Veronica Campbell, and her dedicated team of academics and administrators, as well as our own instructors and support staff in the Military College and across the Defence Forces, for their work in delivering high-quality education experiences to our members.” Since 2012, over 2,300 members of Óglaigh na hÉireann have received academic awards through this partnership with SETU, reflecting our shared commitment to continuous professional development and lifelong learning. Congratulations to all graduates on their outstanding achievements and continued dedication to service, education, and excellence. #ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState #IrishDefenceForces #SETU #Education #LifelongLearning #Leadership