Watched the hearing, RAOC did a good job, they came across as an organization who cares about the DF (and by default their members) and how it is being allowed to wither on the vine. I was pleased to see they spoke just as much about the lot of the enlisted and NCO's, not just exclusively officers. Did a good job of "staying in their lane", not commenting on individuals, operational matters or matters for the govt. I'd like to see the DoD civil servants speak at a hearing like that, we'd heard from the uniformed leaders, the associations, let's see what the bean counters have to say for themselves.
Questions: One of the RACO team was in uniform, what is the stance of the DF and wearing the uniform while not officially representing the DF? I'm sure the officer was smart enough to not break a rule/policy, just wondering how that works in Ireland. Here we absolutely cannot wear the uniform unless we are representing the service. Servicemen & women can testify in uniform if they are requested, our senior leaders do it all the time, but not under the auspices of an association. Lots of us are involved in associations, but the rules are clear, any such activity must be in a personal capacity (i.e. off duty & on leave).
Having said that, it was a good presentation, but I don't have much optimism, defense is just not an issue in Irish politics. As one of the panel said, look at how much the govt will spend on rural broadband when compared to the DF.
A
Questions: One of the RACO team was in uniform, what is the stance of the DF and wearing the uniform while not officially representing the DF? I'm sure the officer was smart enough to not break a rule/policy, just wondering how that works in Ireland. Here we absolutely cannot wear the uniform unless we are representing the service. Servicemen & women can testify in uniform if they are requested, our senior leaders do it all the time, but not under the auspices of an association. Lots of us are involved in associations, but the rules are clear, any such activity must be in a personal capacity (i.e. off duty & on leave).
Having said that, it was a good presentation, but I don't have much optimism, defense is just not an issue in Irish politics. As one of the panel said, look at how much the govt will spend on rural broadband when compared to the DF.
A
Comment