200 troops set to depart for Chad

Some 200 troops will deploy to Chad tomorrow (Thursday) as part of the 400-strong contingent that will serve in the African country for the next four months. A contingent of 400 troops drawn from the Western Brigade, with approximately 80 troops drawn from Custume Barracks in Athlone, will serve in Chad as part of the UN Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT). The second group of troops will be deploying to Africa on Thursday, June 4. This is the second time troops from the West will have served in Chad, the first group of troops deploying last year under the EUFOR, or EU Force, banner. MINURCAT came into force earlier this year when the EUFOR mission ended on March 15. A further Athlone connection sees Kiltoom man Brigadier General Ger Aherne in a prestigious appointment with the mission. Brig Gen Aherne took up the role of Deputy Force Commander of MINURCAT in March and will hold the position for one year. He is based with MINURCAT HQ in Abeche, Chad, working with Major General EM Kendji (Senegal) as Force Commander. And with the local and European elections just around the corner, Defence Forces Headquarters has confirmed that each of troops being deployed will be given the opportunity to cast their vote. Spokesman Capt Pat O"Connor explained that those deploying on the second chalk will have had the opportunity to vote before they leave Ireland, while those deploying on the first chalk and those serving at Force Headquarters in Abeche will receive their postal votes out in Chad and will be given the opportunity to vote. He added that all members of the Defence Forces, and not just those serving overseas, are entitled to a postal vote.