Custume Barracks parade marks graduation of 82 Defence Forces recruits

by David Flynn

Eighty-two young members of the Defence Forces were awarded 3 Star Private Rank markings this month at Custume Barracks, Athlone, which represented the culmination of a physically and mentally demanding twelve-week training course.

The event took place on Wednesday, September 11 and saw the new soldiers march on military parade on the barrack square before their families, loved ones and senior army personnel.

Everyone was invited by Master of Ceremonies, Lieutenant Jack McMahon, to stand when Brigadier General Stephen Ryan, GOC 2 Bde, arrived at the start of the ceremony.

Unfortunately for a short period of time rain fell on all the personnel on the barrack square, but as quickly as it fell, it also fell away and the clouds opened to a pleasant afternoon. Certificates were presented to the 3 Star privates on the day.

"The certificates are recognising completion of their training and their promotion to 3 star Private,” said Lieutenant McMahon, Masters of Ceremonies.

"They now are trained soldiers who may be deployed on military operations by day or by night in all weather conditions in Ireland or outside of the state on UN Service. This in an important rite of passage for all Defence Forces soldiers or airmen in the Irish Defence Forces, Oglaigh na hEireann.

"We have a long tradition to recognise those members of a platoon who have shown high personal standards, motivation and contribution to the platoon in the best traditions of the Defence Forces," said Lieutenant McMahon.

Brigadier General Ryan presented awards to the soldier gathering for Best Shot, Best Dressed Soldier and Overall Best Soldier.

He also presented the Laoch Na Cursa award which is for the soldier who has contributed the most to the esprit de corps of their unit and the common spirit of camaraderie, enthusiasm and devotion to duty among the group.

Dean Buckley, from Pollagh in Offaly, was awarded the Overall Best Soldier Award on the day, for the 3 Platoon of the Defence Forces.

Dean, who has just turned 23 years of age, was always interested in the army since he was in school, and signed up two years ago.

“I decided to go to college to study Business and become a fitness instructor through Athlone IT,” said the new 3 star Private. “I signed up for the army and got through the courses and here I am today.”

He said that over the recent period, he spent three months in Finner Camp, Co. Donegal, and came back to Athlone for three months.

“There are so many opportunities in the Defence Forces,” said Dean. “I think it’s a great career, and I’m very happy I chose to go down this path. Everyone gets on so well together in the army. We’re all best friends and we all stick together.”

Dean is proud to have won the Best Soldier award for his platoon. The award was presented to the soldier who achieved the highest overall standard during the course of their training.

The award-winning soldier is judged to be highly motivated, disciplined, and physically fit and has attained a very high proficiency in each of the military skills taught during 2-3 training.

Brigadier General Ryan said there is great diversity in the Platoons with people from all across Ireland, and 12 personnel from 8 other countries, coming from different backgrounds, ranging in age from 18 to 29 years of age.

"You are a representation of Irish society and you reflect all that is good and best in modern Ireland," said the GOC.

"As a member of the Defence Forces, we have a strong and proud reputation to uphold, both at home and overseas and you must always be mindful of this in all you do," he said,

"But I must warn you, the Defence Forces is first and foremost a disciplined organisation. Acts of criminal thuggery displayed recently by members of the Defence Forces will not be tolerated.

"Please do not overindulge in alcohol, engage in illegal drugs or commit criminal acts. If you do so, it will have serious consequences for your future in the Defence Forces."

The GOC 2 also directly spoke to the families of the soldiers.

"To the families and friends of our Three Stars and Aircrew, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support," he said. "Your encouragement and belief in these young men and women have been instrumental in their success."

The Army chaplain, well-known Athlone-based priest Fr Declan Shannon said it was a fantastic day seeing the 82 soldiers honoured, and to see their families present.

Fr Declan told the Westmeath Independent that it’s good to see the efforts that the Irish Defence Forces are making to encourage new recruits.

"It's also a very proud day for their parents as well and sometimes we might lose sight of the commitment that they make, given the state of what is happening in the world," said Fr Declan.

"One day, please God, the soldiers will serve as UN peacekeepers, which is fraught with its own dangers, and for fathers and mothers to entrust their sons and daughters to the Irish Defence Forces, they have to be commended for the sacrifices that they make."