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THE LAST OF THE 115 members of the Defence Forces taking part in the long-term UNDOF mission to the Golan Heights area of Syria arrived safely at their new headquarters over the weekend.
The 12 officers and 103 soldiers of various ranks will spend six months in the region, serving alongside troops from India, Fiji and the Philippines.
It was initially planned that the deployment would take place at the start of the month, but the mission was postponed for around three weeks at the request of the UN due to administration problems.
So, why are Irish troops being sent there? TheJournal.ie takes a look…
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force was set up in 1974 to police the ceasefire between Israeli and Syrian troops — in the Golan Heights region between the two countries. It followed the Arab-Israeli war of the previous year, and the subsequent signing by both sides of a ‘disengagement agreement’. The mission has been ongoing for the last 39 years, with troops from various countries taking part — supervising and helping implement that ceasefire deal.
The UNDOF mandate has been renewed every six months over that period, but this will be the first Irish involvement.
According to the UN, the situation “remained quiet” until recently, with “both parties cooperating fully” with the mission. However, the recent escalation of the conflict in Syria has made the UNDOF troops’ task more difficult: From the mission website:
There has been a rise in the nature, number and gravity of incidents involving United Nations personnel on the ground, including abductions of UNDOF and UNTSO observers, the direct and indirect firing at them by the Syrian Arab armed forces or armed members of the opposition, the theft of UN weapons and ammunition, vehicles and other assets, and the looting and destruction of facilities.
It’s worth pointing out: the Irish troops do not have any mandate to get involved in the internal Syrian conflict.
The chemical weapons attacks in Ghouta have been dominating the international headlines since they took place in August. The UN voted at the weekend to order the destruction of the Assad regime’s chemical arms, following intensive US-Russian negotiations, and disarmament teams are now preparing to enter the country.
The Irish troops took part in a week-long refresher course on how to deal with chemical and biological weapons at the Glen of Imaal in Wicklow prior to heading out. Additionally, an arrangement is in place with the Israeli Government whereby the Defence Forces personnel will evacuate across the border in the event of any chemical attack.
Irish troops on parade [Photocall Ireland]
According to Lieutenant Colonel Brendan Delaney, who is commanding the Irish contingent on their mission, the approach that the troops take is the same heading on any overseas deployment:
“I was in Lebanon in 2006 when the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict broke out — that started off as quite benign and, well… things can escalate quite quickly.
“We always try to maintain what we call ‘situational awareness’: we see what’s going on, we try and anticipate problems and then behave accordingly.”
Lower down the ranks, soldiers echo their commander’s assessment, with Corporal Claire Powell telling TheJournal.ie “There is an element of danger in all the places we deploy to” and adding:
We joined the army, it is part of the job description.
Lieutenant Colonel Brendan Delany, pictured with his family, wife Mairead, Niamh (11), Joe (14) and Siobhan (15) at Cathal Brugha Barracks [Photocall Ireland]
For purposes of the UNDOF mission, the Golan Heights is defined as a stretch of land around 75km long, and varying between 200 metres and 10 kilometres in width. It’s hilly area, dominated in the north by Mount Hermon, which, at 2,814 metres, is the highest mountain in Syria. The area is officially governed and policed by the Syrian authorities, and no other military forces other than UNDOF are permitted in the zone.
There are two base camps for the force in the area, 20 permanently manned positions, eight outposts manned during daylight hours and eleven observation posts. Troops actively patrol the area by day and night.
The UN mission’s headquarters, where the Irish contingent will be based, is located at Camp Faouar.
[Image: Wikipedia]
The Irish contingent will constitute the ‘Force Headquarters Company’. Day to day, they’ll be taking part in patrols aboard armoured vehicles and undertaking what the Defence Forces describe as “reinforcement, reaction, escort and other operations”.
The first few days will be an induction period, as troops familiarise themselves with the base and its equipment. According to Defence Forces press officer Commandant Denis Hanly, the initial days at any new camp are spent getting used to “routine, basic stuff: where you live; what to do in the event of a fire; where the bunkers are — that level of detail”.
“All the time, they’ll also be doing routine maintenance of weapons and equipment, constantly checking and testing so it’s ready when needed.”
The provision of transport and of a quick reaction force to provide back-up for the wider mission will be the Irish troops’ main focus — but in terms of daily activities, there’s no easily-predictable routine. According to Commandant Hanly: “It depends on what the requirement is and what the threat assessment is at any time – travel could be by day or by night”.
Mount Hermon, the highest point in Syria [Wikimedia Commons]
In terms of leisure time, there’s what’s called a “welfare room” on site at the camp where soldiers can play snooker and pool or watch TV. For contacting loved ones at home, they also have access to wifi and Skype.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Delaney:
“We’re bringing a number of cooks over with us, and if the standard of food we had down at the Glen of Imaal is anything to go by, then we’ll be putting on a bit of weight over there — the standard was very very good.
“Alcohol is going to be a problem, because obviously if we’re on quick-time to respond and there’s driving involved — alcohol obviously impairs us, so it will be a dry mission.”
The ‘mission readiness’ exercise at the Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow in August [Photocall Ireland]
The troops are from the 43rd Infantry Group, which is drawn from fifteen Irish counties — although most are from Dublin. The youngest staff member is 21, while the oldest, CQMS Tony Fitzgerald, is 58.
It will be the first tour of duty abroad for 44 of the 115 personnel taking part.
Dubliner Claire Powell — one of four women on the mission, and the female with the most overseas trips — spoke to TheJournal.ie at the Defence Minister’s ‘review of the troops’ before the deployment began:
The troops are on a ‘six month’ deployment — in practice, though, such deployments can last up to six and a half months. So, mid-April 2014 at the latest.
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As a member of the irish defence forces id like to wish all the lads a safe and successful trip,see ye all in 6 months
I thought you were gonna say ‘see ye all in the six counties’
how silly of me.
Why would you think that?
Irish uniforms American troops by proxy no Irish troops should be sent there with America planing and looking for any reason to invade.
Shatter is a biased minister he shouldn’t be allowed send Irish troops to the Middle East especially given Israel’s attitude to Syria
Israel has “given” Dick Chaneys oil company right to the oil and gas reserves in Syria.. main shareholders in that company are the Rothschilds and Rupert Murdoch… and Irish troops are sent to the same area ………. thanks Alan Shatter, your zionist mates think you are great, now that you made yourself useful… Good luck to the troops, I hope Shatter has not put you in harms way…Get home safe..
They are in Golan Heights as part of the UN. peace Keeping force. It is in that capacity that they are serving. Like other nations who have tropes in other troubled spots.Over the years The Irish Army has served in the Congo The Lebanon ETC. They may be small in Number but they have done our country proud.I would say it is more dangerous than before because of the situation in Syria. Good luck to our troops they are great ambassadors for Ireland.
Handing out soup in a demilitarized zone is hardly “dangerous”.
It’s Syria (a warzone), not a soup kitchen you idiot.
Shredded and Dalai Obama : Pair of Tossers who haven’t a notion what they’re talking about
Is that your contribution to the discussion?
More impressive and credible than yours anyway.
Impressive? Just like our DEFENCE forces eh?
Yes, and unlike you.
Impressive like my abs you mean? Are you hitting on me Dave?
I just said unlike you, you illiterate moron.
Hitting on you? I’d HIT you if that’s what you mean you pathetic loser, hiding behind a pseudonym and making light of war.
I’ve been sitting here reading some of the childish replies you’re making, grow up Dave you moron
Agree
Irelands Eye, I presume you are Shredded, just under another false pseudonym. On the off chance you are not, please go through what I’ve said in this thread vs Shredded and then come to a conclusion as to whos made a more coherent and credible case.
Agree with Dave I mean
Thanks Michael, I though you had been turned there for minute.
The word you’re looking for is’whom’ dave, also i put it to you dave that you are infact ‘mark fehily’, no such name could possibly exist and where did you find that ridiculous picture from!?
Changing the subject yet again…
Anyway, It’s not ‘whom’, it’s “then come to a conclusion as to whos made a more coherent and credible case.” who’s as in ‘who has’… not whom. Wrong again, and you are not even putting capitals on your ‘I’s, so I wouldn’t rush to take grammatical advice from someone who cannot use caps when they should.
And I am clearly not Michael Fehily, because we have commented at the same time and even had a conversation.
Changing the subject yet again…
Don’t lower yourself by give this Guy your time Dave
Best of luck to those serving in Golan, I’m proud of what they do there.
Haters are welcome to grab a gun and show our lads how its done on the golan heights.
Dalai please bore me with tales of your own selflessness in defence of the north. Remind us all of your contribution and how you singlehandedly fought the british army to a standstill. Or were you 5hitting your nappy before you graduated to soundbite history snippets you heard on wolfe tone tapes (during cider binges naturally) gormless oaf
lol – comment of the week!
:-D
@mattoid +1. I hope for his sake he’s trolling big time. Otherwise he needs a bucket of valium and a straight jacket
Why is the Syrian government referred to as ‘regime’ in the article?
It should be called the Syrian government and not the Syrian regime. That’s sloppy.
it’s not sloppy, it’s propaganda.
A Democratic government is supposed to work for the benefit of all the citizens…A Government who kill innocent children and women with silent chemical weapons , as they sleep, is a regime….!!
Re Michael.
Ah no Michael, that’s the Syrian ‘rebels’ that do that as is evident when they sadistically moved dead children around to out them into different photographs of the aftermath of the attack. Children who had been kidnapped from other areas such as Latika.
It is very revealing that despite Syria trying to include blame as to who used Chemical Weapons in the UN mandate it was the US and French and the UK who blocked this. Why would those countries try to block this? Something to hide.
Seoirse, give it a rest!
Seoirse, the Syrian regime went from
“the attack did not happen, there are no chemical weapons in Syria”
to “the attack was staged (acting) by the rebels”
to ‘the attack happened, but it was not us”
to “the attack did happen, but it was perpetrated by the rebels”
to “we still don’t posses chemical weapons”
and then 24 hours later “actually, we do have chemical weapons, and we can give them up”.
Sounds legit.
Re Dave.
You mean the Syrian government.
Have you looked at the videos and photographs online? The whole thing was carried out by the rebels. Islamist fanatics.
Reason for that Seoirse is that the UK French and US could or would end up being blamed for the attack by providing the technology that supported the launch system and possibly the sarin chemical itself…However the Russians have all but admitted that they supplied the launch system…However Seoirse, sophisticated training is required to use , handle and launch these missiles which carry the weapons..I do accept that the trio of the UK , France and US are no saints , but do you seriously believe that the “rebels” could have the training to use these systems while they appear to be only trained in basic military ground engagements,? I don’t believe that they would have launch capablility of these weapons…..maybe I’m wrong..
Are you for real?
One day after the chemical attack occurred, Syrian state (regime) media were broadcasting from the attack site saying ‘nothing to see here, this was all fabricated by the rebels’. The US, UK and France all released declassified evidence showing exactly who was responsible for the attack, the regime in the week after the attack.
The Syrian regime own the country (and are in control of it more than the rebel forces), and they did not supply A SINGLE SHRED OF EVIDENCE to back-up their claim the rebels carried out the gas attack. Russia also said ‘the rebels were responsible’, but again did not supply A SINGLE SHRED OF EVIDENCE to back-up their claim.
You’d think a ‘Government’ as you call them, could supply at least ONE piece of proof from an attack than occurred in THEIR OWN COUNTRY to attempt to disprove it was the rebels and not themselves who carried out the attack. But they didn’t, instead after two weeks of pressure from Obama, they gave the chemical weapons (one of the largest stockpiles in the world) they claim they never had.
Re Michael.
The Russians have already said the missile either came from Libya or Egypt.
The Syrian ‘rebels’ have already carried out several chemical attacks in Syria to date. The Syrian ‘rebels’ are proficient in the use of chemical weapons, the US alone is training them in Jordan on handling chemical weapons. The Syrian ‘rebels’ have been caught with Sarin canisters in Turkey and Iraq.
Re Dave.
What information did the UK et al declassify?
Your making stuff up now.
mick feh
A Democratic government is supposed to work for the benefit of all the citizens…A Government who kill innocent children and women by planting bombs in Dublin and monaghan is a regime….glad you accept that we live in a regime.
US and French provided their findings to their governments and opposition leaders.
The rebels are not proficient in handling chemical weapons as you say, they are sh#te at it. The very few attacks they carried out were with low grade gasses that you or I could muster up in the backyard, and the causalities caused by their attempted attacks were minimal. You say Syrian rebels were caught with Srain ‘canisters’, this has not been verified, and even if it’s true you need a rocket rail delivery system (like the one used in the east Damascus attack) not canisters.
While the regime, who has now admitted to producing and stockpiling Sarin gas, used it proficiently and with modern Russian delivery systems. In the last 5 years, the Russians have sent chem weapons hardware to Syria and admitted to sending trainers to train the Syrian troops. The unit responsible for the use of chems. in the Syrian regime military is Assad’s brother, head of Spec. Ops.
Where is the Syrian/Russian proof of Rebels carrying out this attack in THEIR country???
A few days later the Syrians dropped a Thermite bomb on SCHOOL using a fighter jet. Do you next want to claim the rebels have fighter jets? They don’t.
Can you believe The Russian Government Seoirse.. ?..This is a Government who have effectively banned the Gay/Lesbian community in Russia….Are they credible…??.I accept your knowledge and information regarding the captures in Turkey and Iraq…However these rebels have no air capacity..should the Syrian “Government” not have taken out this chemical weapon capacity months ago……???….Why would the Rebels put so many resources in to training and acquiring chemical weapons stocks while they have limited field equipment and no air capacity..??..Why would they murder their own Women and children ?…Do really believe they would do this just to play a political point scoring game in the middle of a horrific civil war…I think not….
Since when were the Irish Government responsible for the Dublin and Monaghan bombings…???..UK government maybe ( via the UDA ),,
I think Dalai Obama is one of these New World Order believer types.
Re Dave.
Is the above a link to the De classified information you were talking about? There is no declassified information in that link. By the way, the UK is now considering leaving the European Convebtion on Human Rights because they want to abuse the rights of individuals without consequence so the UK citing another convention , International Law is laughable. I am still waiting on the undeniable intelligence that was promised by the US that would be released to the public.
Re Michael.
I enjoy debating but can we have a slight grasp of reality first please.
One of the points you made is you wondered why would the rebels kill their own women and children?
Hmm… First off, rebels are made up of over a thousand different factions. Secondly, the majority of the rebels are foreign jihadists. Thirdly, the Syrian ‘rebels’ use children as soldiers, get children to decapitate captured Syrian state personnel and have slaughtered entire christian villages be they made up of women, children or men.
The ‘rebels’ have also decreed that All men of a retain age must fight against the Syrian government whether they like it or not.
You, my friend, are ignored of some basic information Re the Syrian proxy invasion.
You have just repeated the same statements you made earlier, and not presented any more valid facts.
The UK is bound by the UN Convention of Human Rights, which is more widely observed and enforced than it’s EU counterpart, which borrows the same declarations. That’s off topic anyway, but it is quite clear that the Syrian regime carried out these large scale chemical attacks on Syrian citizens and indeed some rebel fighters. Some of the rebel forces are ‘jihads’, but not “the majority of the rebels are foreign jihadists” like you say. In fact, the jihads only make up about 11,000 of a fighting force of over 150,000 rebels. I don’t support what the rebels do, but we are talking about the chemical attack and whether you like it or no, it was CLEARLY carried out by the Syrian regime and even the Russian media quote sources who say the same thing.
Agree with Dave
Your Knowledge is detailed Seoirse and I appreciate it…. I’m guessing you are either a native or at least have close contact with Syria.. However you mention the rebels being made up of Jihadists..You may be right…But lets look at the words of Bashir Assad…He apparently believes that the State of Isreal has no right to exist…The manner in which that state was established in 1948 was nothing short of human rights abuse of the Palestinian people.. However that state exists now and People living there are innocent..Yet Bashir Assad believes they should be “wiped of the face of the Earth”…Does that not make him a Jihadist..??
Seoirse, Dave has given you a convincing argument as to why it was the Syrian military that was responsible for the chemical weapons attack rather then the rebels but you seem to have a severe case of denial.
Wake up seoirse! Let the light in. Get some fresh air.
and who does that? the US government you mean, funding Al Queada to murder civilians to destabilise the country, so the US can invade falsly on humanitarian grounds to liberate their oil, ans save the syrians from being bombed, by bombing them more? you haven’t thought your bullshit point through there Michael, have you?
Naughty Naughty Seoirse, you know well that the only reason the UK is considering leaving the European Convention on Human Rights is as a direct result of the Abu Hamsa debacle when the EU effectively prevented the UK from deporting this peace loving innocent [sarcasm] from its shores.
The reason people refer to the Assad ‘regime’? That would be because ordinary Syrian people haven’t been able to vote for who they want to since the early 1970′s.
And as for your reference to kidnapped children from Latika, why not do what you’ve already been challenged to and put up your evidence or shut up (and by ‘evidence’ I don’t mean a blog written by someone else like you or Syrian state propaganda). And why wouldn’t the surviving children be able to tell their stories? And the men and women killed?
All the evidence in the UN report pointed to Assad being responsible – the UN went about as far as its possible to go to highlight this without naming names (which was outside their remit thanks to Assad and Putin – where did you get the notion that the US/UK/France blocked this mandate btw??) – yet still you refuse to accept it and continue to defend your beloved Assad.
Yeah, Seoirse, I missed that point earlier. You claimed it was the UK and France who blocked the UN investigators reporting on who was responsible for the war crime, when in fact Russia and China threatened to veto the proposal of chemical weapons inspectors if they were to report back on who was responsible. That was another one of your complete fabrications.
As well as that, the US has held off on arming the Syrian rebels for the very fact there are Jihads in their midst. Not only that, but the US has provided $1.3 BILLION in humanitarian aid (all non-military) to Syrian people affected by the civil war. Russia, a state with more influence in Syria and more influence over the Syrian regime, has proved a measly $1 million, less than Ireland has over the past 2 years. It begs the question why you think the US/UK/France are the bad guys when they are actually the only ones provided humanitarian assistance to Syria and standing against the use of a banned weapon?
Im sure the defence forces would’ve liked to cross the border when derry and Belfast burned but like all good soldiers we follow orders and those in power didnt send us across the border.
Are you speaking on behalf of the defence forces John or is that a personal opinion?
Its my own opinion my comments do not represent those of the defence forces but if my history is correct im pretty sure jack lynch had the army on standby on the border but pulled the defence forces back and as all good soldiers do,they followed these orders
Best of luck in Syria, folks. Hopefully I’ll be over on the next trip to relieve you. Dalai and Shredder are quoting fu?king drivel as if they knew squat about overseas service. Maybe they might to try on a pair of combat boots and walk the blue line with us some day.
What do they receive in payment for the couple of months sitting in a tent? 15 grand tax free plus their wages? Sure they’re delighted to get away with the lads, fool around with some foreign women and gift the missus a new fitted kitchen when they get home, everybodys a winner!!
There’s no need to keep talking shite, we heard you the first time
Shredded, you are an ignoramus of gigantic proportions.
First of all there are no ‘tents’ in the UN Golan Heights posts. There are permanent structures and containers. Second of all, they won’t be sitting in them, they will form part of a Force Mobile Reserve that responds to reports of hostile activity as well as patrolling. Essentially, the DF are like an armed response unit here in Ireland, except not in Ireland but instead in one of the most dangerous places in world, Syria. They will get 6 hours sleeping time at night at the most (and probably won’t sleep for half of it). They will be on 24 hours readiness, meaning at the sound of alarm it’s weapons ready and out the door. They get an increase in payment, like you or I would if we were sent packing for a hostile environment running into the line of fire instead of whimpering away from it like you no doubt would.
And lastly, Shredded, over the last 5 decades, 90 Irish men and women – 85 DF soldiers, 4 field service officers and 1 Garda – have died on UN missions. And theres you talking about kitchens.
They’re on a peace keeping mission, hardly front line troops, 6 hours of sleep a night? Sure they’d get less than that if they were at home where they should be with their kids, patrolling? patrolling what, they’re shipped around in UN armoured cars. sound of alarm? the only alarm the’ll be jumping to is the i phone going off to remind them to skype their family, and soldiers killed on UN missions? Two in particular were collecting rocks to decorate camp shamrock for an Irish ministers visit in the Leb when they were killed by a land mine when their truck drove over it!!, UN missions me arse they shouldn’t be over there in the first place
You obviously have not got the slightest clue about the armed forces, and to be honest it pains me haven’t to respond to this tripe.
No, they are no ‘front line troops’ because this isn’t a bloody invasion. They are Force Mobile Reserve (FMR) which reacts quickly to incidents that break the ceasefire or boundaries in their AO (Area of Operations). They are akin to a SWAT team responding to a shooting in, say, a shopping centre. They run towards the hostile activity, not away from it. They are on 24 hours readiness, and yes, there is a very annoying sounding alarm when they are called out. 6 hours is the time they are given to sleep, no guarantee they will actually get asleep.
“they’re shipped around in UN armoured cars” You have a problem with that?, what do you want them to use, a bicycle?
Who exactly gives them 6 hours Dave, what makes you such an expert, and as far as comparing Syria to a shopping centre in light of what happened in Kenya last week is frankly sick Dave!!
6 hours is what you generally get abroad for sleep, and the odd day off (but mainly stay at the camp.)
“and as far as comparing Syria to a shopping centre in light of what happened in Kenya last week is frankly sick Dave!!”
How is that sick? I never mentioned Kenya, I was more comparing what the FMR do to what happens in the western world (shooting in a shopping centre, SWAT teams respond) and even then I did not make fun of it in the slightest.
How is that sick?
We all know that you eluded to Kenya, oh it was just a coincidence, get off your high horse and come down to reality, it’s guys like you that are sitting at home on their cushy army pensions that has ireland the way it is, you raed a couple of Tom Clancy novels and you think you’re an army expert! And whats the odd day off, i thought they were on allert 24 hours where do the go? water land in Damascus? Come off it dave you can sit in your bedroom naked making fun of the kids in syria and Kenya all you want but the truth of the matter is……. you’re afraid, afraid of the fact you must leave your bedroom someday and face up to the bullies who ridiclued you all your life. You served in the defence forces? Yeh right, you go back to your war games and keep your homophobic and racist views to yourself, im over here trying to make an honest living in the Hotel industry and im a good person, my kids are good people and my wives are good people, its small minded people like you who make Ireland hard to take sometimes, some of us have feelings and kids.
“We all know that you eluded to Kenya, oh it was just a coincidence, get off your high horse and come down to reality,”
I never did elude to Kenya, and even if I did, how on bloody earth was it ‘sick’? I was making a point.
Secondly, the reason a lot of more people did not die in the Kenya attack was because of a former Irish Army Ranger, who saved dozens and killed a number of attackers. Which puts another hole in your claims about the DF.
“it’s guys like you that are sitting at home on their cushy army pensions that has ireland the way it is, you raed a couple of Tom Clancy novels and you think you’re an army expert!”
I don’t have an army pension, I am still in work, just not for the DF.
“And whats the odd day off, i thought they were on allert 24 hours where do the go? water land in Damascus?”
I said 24 hour readiness, not 24-7. They get an odd day off, like I said, and stay at the camp, not go to water-land in Damascus if that even exists.
“Come off it dave you can sit in your bedroom naked making fun of the kids in syria and Kenya all you want but the truth of the matter is…….”
I’m in my study, fully clothed, and NOT ONCE did I make ‘fun of kids in Syria and Kenya’!!!! You moron.
” you’re afraid, afraid of the fact you must leave your bedroom someday and face up to the bullies who ridiclued you all your life. You served in the defence forces? Yeh right, you go back to your war games and keep your homophobic and racist views to yourself,”
So, let me get this right, I’m afraid, bullied and yet served in the DF. Didn’t you just contradict yourself there in two sentences? And as for “homophobic and racist views”, WTF? When did I mention anything about homosexuals or race??????????????
” im over here trying to make an honest living in the Hotel industry and im a good person, my kids are good people and my wives are good people,”
Good for you.
” its small minded people like you who make Ireland hard to take sometimes, some of us have feelings and kids.”
How on earth am I small minded if I actually know what is going on abroad, served abroad, and travelled. You have not got the slightest clue about the UN, DF, Syria, whatever… and you’ve proved you don’t.
It must be hard for the Army to know they have to represent and defend if necessary ignorant plonkers like you
me?
Leave the foreign guy alone Dave, your bully boy tactics probably worked before you were thrown out of the army, Shredded has obviously been racially discriminated in this country and by you saying f**k off back to your country is racist and sick Dave
I was not ‘thrown out of the army’, I left for a job that I felt I had more opportunities in.
I apologise to Shredded if that caused any offence, but at no point did he say he was foreign, he said at one point he paid tax in another country (which could mean anything). And if you read the thread you will find he’s accused me of being a “racist, homophobe and making fun of dead kids” even though if you read what I said I never mention sexuality or kids or race.
No Dave I meant ignorant plonkers like Shredded….
What are the Irish army going in Syria you ask?? Well if it’s not scratchin their arse or the Hucklebuck it probably sittin around wondering what they’ll spend the tax payers money on when they get home from their ‘jolly’!!
The UN pays for the soldiers to be there not the TAXPAYERS as you think. Oh and soldiers pay tax too so they effectively contribute to paying their own wages at home.
Nelly?!
Who funds the UN?? TAXPAYERS!! And what contribution are they making?? Protecting our country from Syria?? Get a grip!!
Yes mike
Who funds the UN? Certainly not our ‘TAXPAYERS’…
United States 22.000%
Japan 10.833%
Germany 7.141%
France 5.593%
United Kingdom 5.179%
China 5.148%
Italy 4.448%
Canada 2.984%
Spain 2.973%
Brazil 2.934%
Russia 2.438%
Australia 2.074%
South Korea 1.994%
Mexico 1.842%
Netherlands 1.654%
Wow Dave, you really showed us there of how much of a clown you are, if you spent more time reading and less time on google you would see that taxpayers pay, full stop, we the tax payers pay for the army, a service which is not required full stop.
“if you spent more time reading and less time on google”
You can read on Google too, welcome to the 21st century, Shredded.
Are you one of the taxpayers living in one of the above countries shredded?
Originally yes, why?
Then do us a favour and f#ck off back there.
dave
take the queens shit off your lips…………..it’s not too late.
I’m Irish and served with the Defence Forces, how does that make me aligned to the Queen?
Unless you’ve served for our country (which is clearly doubtful taking into account you behaviour on here), it actually makes me less aligned to the Queen than you.
Typical Dave with his racist views
How is that racist? Your the one who said bad stuff about the Queen? At least I welcomed her visit when she toured Ireland two years ago…
The mind boggles.
I didnt mention the queen you idiot
Again, HOW am I racist? You just keep ignoring my question after you made a crazy statement you cannot backup.
Any Military Personell here know if the UN resolution allows them to fire back if fired on,,The Guys in Lebanon over the years had to run for cover and usually weren’t allowed fire back,,,Suicide stuff
They can defend themselves, once it’s in line with the UN rules of engagement.
The UN rules of engagement are the problem..The Dutch troops and the 8000 men and boys who died at Srebrenica at the hands of the Mladic murderers are the result of the UN rules of engagement….The Army should be allowed defend themselves and innocent citizens in the event of an unprovoked attack…
They can fire back if they are fired upon, but only back at who fired upon them and unfortunately they cannot pre-emptively open fire to prevent certain situations. Generally, they will attempt to complete whatever their mission is and then get the hell out of there!
Anyway we can be sure they’ll do a good professional job as they always have done…Best of luck to them..!!
They can make tea and sandwiches for the people who had to flee their homes because of the pogroms.
While Derry and Belfast burned the free staters made sandwiches.
How very fcuking brave.
“While” you said. Pardon me, but I can’t remember Derry and Belfast burning WHILE the DF were in Syria!?
Plonker.
You know quite well he didn’t mean that, try say something consructive Dave.
Plonker.
Derry & Belfast are the UKs responsibility.
But if they are Burning I’m sure Ireland could lend some fire-fighters.
Say something constructive, like you Shredded, who wants to dismantle our armed forces? That’s far from constructive.
Dalai, the red thumbs mean give it a rest.
dave
you prize fcuking troll,
I said quite clearly, ‘While Derry and Belfast burned the free staters made sandwiches’
I never mentioned Syria in that comment you lying queenlicking bastard.
Declan
queenlickers won’t quieten me.
Did I strike a nerve?
that’s all the free staters can strike….nerves…………..lmfao……………..lol
And that’s why we actually have a Republic, unlike some…………..lmfao……………..lol
Jaysus Dave the journal is alive with Awkward people tonite : ur as well off to ignore them because I’ve read their comments and I’ve come to the conclusion that they may be slightly misinformed so let them get on with their therapy.
Six months holiday and a nice pot in the bank for when you get back. They’re hardly front line troops.
No, they are Force Mobile Reserve troops, which is just as dangerous as front line infantry because they actually respond to hostile actions rather than stay in one place.
‘respond to hostile actions’
quick, make some tea, the capain is very hostile. lmfao
rflmfao….that’s about as hostile as it gets for the queenlickers.
I’ve completely dismantled your assertions, and you retort with “quick, make some tea, the capain is very hostile. lmfao”. Are you a schoolgirl?
@jazz. Jesus you spout some shite on every article
” just as dangerous as front line infantry”
Gimme a break. It’s not like they’re conscripted to blow up dams in Germany with a 50/50 chance of coming back alive. They’re volunteers who join for the “life less ordinary” lifestyle. You’ve more chance being killed or maimed being a taxi driver in Dublin.
“You’ve more chance being killed or maimed being a taxi driver in Dublin.”
Absolute bulls#it, tell that to the families of the 90 DF personnel killed in action over the last 50 years. You obviously haven’t the slightest clue, just like Dalai Obama and Shredded. DF soldiers are not volunteers, they are full time, fully paid, military personnel. They might volunteer to join or to go abroad, but they are a professional force.
@iain. How many Dublin taxi men have been killed in the course of there work? Bit disrespectful to the 90 or so soldiers killed on overseas duty. Bit of cop on. These lads will be away from family and friends, away from many home comforts and with the added element of danger. I doubt the un would have troops in place if the mission wasn’t deemed necessary. Syria isn’t the most stable area at present. I think someone has watched saving private ryan once too many
Eh, you’ll find they are all volunteers.
How much compo does a Dublin taxi driver get off the “State” when someone blows his ear drums out?
Yes volunteered for the mission. Would you rather they all stayed in their home barracks?
@iain. Stupid comment. The defence forces have moved on. I’m sure if you were expected to use heavy machinery all the safety equipment would be supplied?
Iain, are you aware Austria and Japan pulled out of this area because of the dangerous posed to their troops? It’s a warzone, not a taxi rank.
Glad you cleared that one up.
Volunteering for well-paid dangerous work is all very fine if that’s what floats your boat. Just don’t pretend to be a hero. Methinks some of thejournal journos who fawn over the DF have been watching too many American recruitment adverts masquerading as film.
You really are an idiot, Iain. Have you ever served abroad with the military? If not, then shut up because you have not got a clue what you are talking about.
What about Dr Clonan’s sexual harassment findings? Moved on eh?
What about mid 30s privates taking sexual harassment cases?
@iain. Where is anyone saying the lads are heroes. People are wishing them luck and giving them there fair dues. Simple as.
Why would I serve in an organisation where you get paid peanuts to salute a leprechaun president and sing daily to the memory of a bunch of terrorists?
Iain, you’ve been proved wrong and now you change the subject for the second time. Give it a rest, you haven’t a clue.
@iain. Well just as well you don’t serve. It won’t ever concern you. Now move along
@iain. What has that to do with the un mission?
Boyscout jamborees to the middle east concern me as a taxpayer.
Just as well then the un are funding the bulk of mission. Pittence in the grand scheme of things. As a tax payer I’d be more concerned about my taxes being wasted and mismanaged by health and social welfare services
I’d be more concerned my taxes are paying for this idiot Iain Rutherford to sit around unemployed talking sh#te about the DF.
Explainer: What are Irish troops doing in Syria?
I ask myself the same question,nice holiday at the taxpayers expense,learning how to put up tents and tie knots,anything more would be an act of war,and we are a neutral country so they can’t take part in any sort of war now can they.
We are part of the UN, EU and NATO Partnership for Peace.
Give up Dave. Morons will be morons
The vast majority of extra pay received by Irish troops overseas on a UN mission is paid by the UN.
The Irish government get paid by the UN for supplying troops so it doesn’t cost the government any money their actually making money out it.
Irish neutrality ended after the 2nd world war the war is over i don’t remember a referendum on neutrality since then.
Maybe because our neutrality isn’t a constitutional position…yeah, that’s probably why. Anyway Ireland was never really “neutral” during the war, not in any real sense, we were pretty much on the Allied side and considering just how many Irish men fought in the war (well over 150,000 although for obvious reasons there is no exact number) and went to England to work in war production (over 250,000) we, for all intents and purposes, fought in World War 2. We were even bombed by the Germans a few times. So.. Shhhh now, the biggies are talking.
and there pea shooters of weapons not worth a wank if trouble strikes
Steyr AUG are decent assault rifles, maybe not as good as the US marines or Brits, but they are up to UN standard.
The Steyr is one the most reliable and robust assault rifles in the world and a far better weapon then the Brit SA80 or general issue M16 that the Marine Corp use.
Steyr is a decent bit of kit. Fired it in my sandbag days. Going to be upgraded shortly. All irish kit and training is up with the best
True, the only real problem I have with the Steyr AUG are the scopes they use. The States and Brits use telescopic sights and some use the laser dot sight, which are far better than an iron pipe sight in the dark or low light conditions, and allow for quicker and more accurate target accusation. The lack of a Picatinny rails is annoying, because that could remedy the problem with sights or torch attachments. Both the Americans and the British have adopted the Trijcon ACOG and other 4X power sights, which give greater magnification and better night-time capability. The Army Ranger Wing are very well equipped though, with AUG A3s and mainly carry the Heckler & Koch HK 416, which is one of my all time personal favourites.
Nonetheless, it’s not always the firearm but the person who uses it that counts, and the DF are well drilled on the Steyr.
Walter Mitty alert
These boys do the things you can only dream of Iain.
Can’t say I’ve ever tried soggy biscuit in the barracks, no.
Get a clue mate.
I’m not your “mate”. Did you serve in HM forces?
No, in the Defence Forces.
You said the DF “sing daily to the memory of a bunch of terrorists”, what an outrageous and unfounded accusation. For a start, the DF doesn’t sing daily and secondly, numerous DF personnel have been killed by Republican dissident terrorists in the last 40 years. The Army Rangers have conducted several operations against illegitimate terror groups on this Island, and the DF as a whole has a very proud history in combating terrorism both at home and overseas.
Da wedder is rappa over dare
6 months in a demilitarized zone handing out soup = deposit for a house.
And you get exotic facebook photos.
If that’s what you think, you wouldn’t withstand an hour in the Golan Heights.
Them’s fightin’ talk. I’m sure you’re trained to kill and all, but you’re still an ass. Are you a serving member? What would a serving member be doing opining in the early hours on a political news site? I hope you’re not on duty.
If you bothered to read my earlier comments, I am no longer serving in the DF, and work in the private security sector here and abroad. How do you know it’s the early hours of the morning where I am?
I could ask you the same question, what are you doing up at 2am Irish time spouting nonsense about our armed forces, the very same forces who would put their lives on the line for your freedom?
Since when is the journal political site? Think your clutching at straws. Anymore insults up your sleeve or have we got the lot?
thejournal should make an article about ye idiots commenting here. Never seen bigger fools hahahaha
Who’s this Dave guy anyway
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