The Defense Forces of Ireland ( Óglaigh na hÉireann ) - the aggregate of the troops of the Republic of Ireland , designed to protect the freedom, independence and territorial integrity of the state. Consist of ground forces , naval and air forces .
| Óglaigh na hÉireann Irish Defense Forces | |
|---|---|
 Emblem of the Armed Forces of Ireland | |
| A country |  Ireland |
| Subordination | Department of Defense of Ireland |
| Type of | Military establishment |
| Includes | |
| Number of | 10 500, reserve 12 348, |
| Dislocation | |
| Site | |
Ireland is not a member of NATO and pursues a policy of military neutrality.
Content
Command
The supreme commander is the president. The direct management of the armed forces is carried out by the Minister of Defense, under which the advisory council of defense operates. The composition of the defense council includes: the minister of defense (chairman), the secretary general of the ministry of defense, the chief of the general staff and his two deputies (for operations and support).
Armed Forces
Ground Forces
Approximately 8,500 people serve in the Army of Ireland. Another 13,000 people make up the reserve. The country is divided into three regions, in each of which a separate infantry brigade is formed. The first (1st South) is responsible for operations in coastal zones. The second (2nd East) - operates in the districts of Dublin and Lenster . The third (4th Western) - in Connaught and Manster .
In addition to the existing units, there is a training camp combined with a management and supply base in Kurra.
Naval forces
The navy of Ireland is approximately 1150 people. Their task is to protect the territorial waters of the country and patrol protected areas for fishing areas of coastal seas. In addition, patrol vessels intercept smugglers' boats. There are no large vessels in the Navy; the armament of existing ships is designed to perform surveillance and security functions.
The naval forces consist of headquarters, operational command, support command, naval college. The operational command is subordinate to the flotilla of patrol ships, consisting of two divisions of patrol ships (4 ships each) and a helicopter squadron.
The base of the Navy is Haulbowline Island in Cork Bay.
In addition, there is a non-Navy Coast Guard service, the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG, ill . Garda Cósta na hÉireann ).
Air Force
The Air Force of Ireland has an auxiliary function and is not intended to protect airspace over the country. The number of employees is less than a thousand people, in service are helicopters manufactured by the Sikorsky Design Bureau and two marine patrol aircraft equipped with modern means of hydro- and radiolocation.
The air force consists of a headquarters, two aviation wings, two support wings, a communications battalion, and an air force college.
The Air Force is based at Casement Aerodorme in Baldonnel.
Reserve Forces
Reserve forces are divided into reserves of the first and second stage. The reserve of the first stage includes former soldiers of the readiness forces. The reserve of the second stage includes the reserve of ground forces (Army reserve) and the reserve of naval forces (Naval Service Reserve).
The reserve of ground forces includes only 9 reserve infantry battalions and 18 support units, including 3 air defense batteries. In addition, a reserve brigade headquarters is being created in each of the three zones of constant readiness forces.
The naval reserve consists of two groups: the Eastern Reserve Group of two companies ( Dublin and Waterford ) and the Southern Reserve Group of two companies ( Cork and Limerick )
The personnel of the Armed Forces of Ireland takes part in UN peacekeeping operations (Ireland's losses in all UN operations with the participation of the country amounted to 90 people) [1] .
Notes
- At Fatalities by Nationality and Mission up to 28 February 2019 // UN official site