Basic questions

[irishrgr]

OK lads, a few basic questions here to help me understand the Irish Army structure. Mods, if this is "sensitive info" just let me know, I'll refrain:

What is the basic rank structure in a typical Infantry Bn? IE
A CPL is in charge of ????? and so on. What is the role of the CQMS and BQMS, are they logistical roles or part of the NCO chain? Is the Coy SGT the senior NCO in the Company.

Same with officers, I gather Lt's are platoon commanders (both 2nd and 1st?), are company commanders CPT's or Commandants? I assume the Bn CDR is a Lt COL, is there a position of Executive Officer (the 2IC at company or Bn level) and what rank fills this slot?

Uniform markings: I know on the DPM's no unit flashes (other than rank slides) are worn. On the dress uniform, do soldiers wear their brigade (or other higher element) and Bn flash or just one of the above? Is the ARW "rocker" or "tab" only worn while assigned to the ARW or is it permanantly awarded and always worn regardless of assignment in the Army?

Thanks for the help in advance? I'm writing a paper on the Irish Army for grad school, so this will help flesh out the books I'm reading.

Cheers, A

[yooklid]

We're not telling you anything until you post your paper!

[Truck Driver]

A CPL is in charge of ????? and so on. What is the role of the CQMS and BQMS, are they logistical roles or part of the NCO chain? Is the Coy SGT the senior NCO in the Company.

Same with officers, I gather Lt's are platoon commanders (both 2nd and 1st?), are company commanders CPT's or Commandants? I assume the Bn CDR is a Lt COL, is there a position of Executive Officer (the 2IC at company or Bn level) and what rank fills this slot?

This would indeed be what I would regard as restricted info.... Although others may have a different
view...

Uniform markings: I know on the DPM's no unit flashes (other than rank slides) are worn. On the dress uniform, do soldiers wear their brigade (or other higher element) and Bn flash or just one of the above? Is the ARW "rocker" or "tab" only worn while assigned to the ARW or is it permanantly awarded and always worn regardless of assignment in the Army?

On dress uniforms (Service Dress No.1), unit, brigade and rank markings are worn.
In addition, corps badges are worn on the collars of the tunic.
Also, qualification badges can be worn (para wings, medic badge, marksman badge)

As far as I know, there two versions of the Ranger (Fianoglach) tab. One for anyone who does
the selction course, and a different one for those who subsequently pass through the Probation
period into the ARW proper. Although I am open to correction on this.
Once the tab has been earned, it can be worn on the uniform, even after service in the ARW has ended.

I'm unsure if there is a subdued version of the tab for DPM wear, I've yet to see it...

[ICUN]

Here's a page with all the ranks: http://www.military.ie/introduction/ranks.htm

[Barry]

As far as I know, there two versions of the Ranger (Fianoglach) tab. One for anyone who does
the selction course, and a different one for those who subsequently pass through the Probation
period into the ARW proper. Although I am open to correction on this.
Once the tab has been earned, it can be worn on the uniform, even after service in the ARW has ended.

There is one for those currently serving in the ARW (has a red border), and one for those who have passed the selection course.

[DeV]

I won't go into too much detail, as it may be classed as restricted, but ...

Section commander - Corporal
Pln commander - 2Lt / Lt (Captain in some plns)
Coy commander - Commandant
Bn CO - Lt Colonel

There is a post of Coy & Bn 2ic, as well as staff officers at battalion level

CS is the highest ranking NCO at Company level
BSM is highest ranking NCO at Battalion level
CQMS / CS / BQMS / BSM - all have both administrative and logistics roles

Brigade flash is worn on one shoulder, unit flash on other

ARW tab questions have been answered already

[Truck Driver]

There is one for those currently serving in the ARW (has a red border), and one for those who have passed the selection course.

Is there an echo around here???

That's what I said, albeit in a slightly different way........

As far as I know, there two versions of the Ranger (Fianoglach) tab.
One for anyone who does the selection course, and a different one for those
who subsequently pass through the Probation period into the ARW proper.

[irishrgr]

Thanks lads, it all makes a little more sense now. I'm working on the paper, should be ready to go in a week or so. I'll be happy to post it then, assuming someone can tell me how to do so.