ISTAR Participation (or non participation) in Battlegroup Readiness Exercise

[paul g]

. I think you might be surprised at how "fond" many people are of Irish Neutrality.

What is this neutrality that Irish people are so fond of, could you define what it means.

[sofa]

What is this neutrality that Irish people are so fond of, could you define what it means.

To ordinary people it flashes Conscription of my children into a European Army.
To the Pretend Lefties it means siding with the Capitalist west.
To the shinnies it means Ireland more imbedded with the outside world, which makes it a bit more difficult to force us to become a inward looking commie state.

[danno]

Great photos

I'm over and back to Newbridge a bit and very few of those in the attendance photo are DoD/DF stationed there from who I could recognise.

[danno]

Spotted this earlier whilst getting an overview on the DoD prompted by the thread discussion, anyone everseen/got an image of the banners concerned?

http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/Committees30thDail/PAC/Additional_Documents/20100923-3.15.pdf

[na grohmiti]

Sound like the self supporting signage that is seen at recruitment fairs.

The only issue seems to be the decision to bypass the normal procedure, and directly purchase from the supplier who provided materials last time.
To me the fault lies with the complexity of the DF supply chain.
As for the painting, that just seems like sour grapes.
DF said no budget existed for decorating. Someone used initiative, and gave mandays to skilled members in the trade, who were probably unemployed at the time in question. In both cases the DF gained.

[DeV]

And probably delivered quicker and cheaper

[trellheim]

I remember all that kerfuffle. Just goes to show there's always someone next to you ready to turn the screw.

[GoneToTheCanner]

That all depends on how far the "Old Pals act" was invoked. If this had been done by the Healy-Raes, for a Council job, there'd be meltdown. I suspect the entire back story is not out there.

[The real Jack]

It's not all that complicated gttc FCA/RDF units down the country used to always do barracks maintenance camps with paint etc bought using unit funds as the army specialises in letting buildings fall into ruin.

[apod]

MOD: Meanwhile back on topic.

[hptmurphy]

Sound like the self supporting signage that is seen at recruitment fairs.

The only issue seems to be the decision to bypass the normal procedure, and directly purchase from the supplier who provided materials last time.
To me the fault lies with the complexity of the DF supply chain.
As for the painting, that just seems like sour grapes.
DF said no budget existed for decorating. Someone used initiative, and gave mandays to skilled members in the trade, who were probably unemployed at the time in question. In both cases the DF gained.

My own feelings would be unless the person making the allegation is prepared to identify themselves, there is no allegation.

This was evidently an attempt to tarnish a persons reputation and was malicious in content and should not have been even entertained.

Even though there was no transgression in procedure and it would appear it was done with a senior officers approval complainant should have had to identify themselves to allow redress

I get very pissed of with this where just because you are in the public sector anyone can make allegation through various means and the state , public or civil service provides no means for redress in the event of the claim being false or malicious.

Case of guilty until proven innocent...and the state sanctions it through the likes of the PAC.

[SwiftandSure]

What is this neutrality that Irish people are so fond of....

Maybe "D'People" think there's a great tradition of stepping away from any international responsibility in order to be best positioned to express outrage and opposition at those who would take on the aforesaid responsibility.

You know, like the way it's the "Will of D'People" to elect Shinners, Lefties and Crusties who all know how to criticise and change a government with no experience nor interest in being party to one.

I'd love an open and frank public discussion on "Neutrality", because in today's world where our enemies don't where uniforms, don't acknowledge international rules of war, let alone the concept of neutrality; it's time to shit or get off the pot.

The more we let this political and public cowardice affect our military development, the greater the chance that we as a nation will be found wanting when (not if) the day comes that we face terrorist atrocities ourselves.

We've lost a great opportunity and vital experience by not fully going to Germany with the EUBG and it would have showcased just how vital the RDF contribution to the single force concept is proving to be.

[The real Jack]

Maybe "D'People" think there's a great tradition of stepping away from any international responsibility in order to be best positioned to express outrage and opposition at those who would take on the aforesaid responsibility.

You know, like the way it's the "Will of D'People" to elect Shinners, Lefties and Crusties who all know how to criticise and change a government with no experience nor interest in being party to one.

I'd love an open and frank public discussion on "Neutrality", because in today's world where our enemies don't where uniforms, don't acknowledge international rules of war, let alone the concept of neutrality; it's time to shit or get off the pot.

The more we let this political and public cowardice affect our military development, the greater the chance that we as a nation will be found wanting when (not if) the day comes that we face terrorist atrocities ourselves.

We've lost a great opportunity and vital experience by not fully going to Germany with the EUBG and it would have showcased just how vital the RDF contribution to the single force concept is proving to be.

There was hardly RDF due to go with?

[SwiftandSure]

There was hardly RDF due to go with?

Long story, not for here.

[Fridge Magnet]

Long story, not for here.

Anyone keeping an eye on certain places will see the spotlight being shone on the hand RDF members have had in certain parts of the Irish contribution to the EUBG.

It's exactly how the Single Force Concept should work and long may it continue.