So, with this review ‘imminent’ and certain notable anniversaries arriving soon, I thought I’d add a bit of those lofty reflections on some of the commonly perceived aims, objectives and purposes of the Defence Forces..(..of Ireland.. remember the branding!) from a high level vantage.
It would seem most ordinary people, and probably most perusing IMO, would consider that the ‘A’ scenario:
INVASION!!! - of Ireland is unthinkable, and so extremely unlikely, that the eventuality is not just out of this world, but in a distant galaxy. Also, that any country so inclined to conventionally INVADE!!! would roll over the Defence Forces in 1-3 days, and the country would revert to the guerrilla style ‘flying columns’ we all learnt about in junior/inter-cert level school history. Presuming though, that the British or Americans save us first.
Unless it is them.
However, maybe a more subtle question could be asked... could the country in a scenario ‘B’ – be ‘attacked’...? Still extremely unlikely, but a lot less so than ‘INVASION!!!’.
‘Attack’ in the form say of a punishment ‘raid’ by bombardment by air, sea, or ‘commando’ hit-and-run. Think ex-Yugoslavia (Serbia), Gulf War 1&2, Libya, Israel/Palestine (rockets or aircraft either side), Syria or any nation versus nation conflict since and including WW2/The Emergency.
Then a ‘C’ scenario – a blockade by air &/or sea.
Also, this consideration; (i) Everybody (circa 30 years old and above) is aware of the concept of domestic subversives, and nowadays, foreign also, and ‘lone wolves’.
Otherwise, and less drastically, consideration (ii) UN service and other domestic civil and EU commitments.
[Seriously, ask the average ‘Jo’ the purposes of the Defence Forces... Though saying that, i’m not arguing for the Defence Forces to be seen self-promoting themselves on the street/media everyday, not by any means. I think some of the bigger nations do that too much].
It would seem most ordinary people, and probably most perusing IMO, would consider that the ‘A’ scenario:
INVASION!!! - of Ireland is unthinkable, and so extremely unlikely, that the eventuality is not just out of this world, but in a distant galaxy. Also, that any country so inclined to conventionally INVADE!!! would roll over the Defence Forces in 1-3 days, and the country would revert to the guerrilla style ‘flying columns’ we all learnt about in junior/inter-cert level school history. Presuming though, that the British or Americans save us first.
Unless it is them.
However, maybe a more subtle question could be asked... could the country in a scenario ‘B’ – be ‘attacked’...? Still extremely unlikely, but a lot less so than ‘INVASION!!!’.
‘Attack’ in the form say of a punishment ‘raid’ by bombardment by air, sea, or ‘commando’ hit-and-run. Think ex-Yugoslavia (Serbia), Gulf War 1&2, Libya, Israel/Palestine (rockets or aircraft either side), Syria or any nation versus nation conflict since and including WW2/The Emergency.
Then a ‘C’ scenario – a blockade by air &/or sea.
Also, this consideration; (i) Everybody (circa 30 years old and above) is aware of the concept of domestic subversives, and nowadays, foreign also, and ‘lone wolves’.
Otherwise, and less drastically, consideration (ii) UN service and other domestic civil and EU commitments.
[Seriously, ask the average ‘Jo’ the purposes of the Defence Forces... Though saying that, i’m not arguing for the Defence Forces to be seen self-promoting themselves on the street/media everyday, not by any means. I think some of the bigger nations do that too much].
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