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Overseas Deployments

Since 1958, the Defence Forces have a continuous presence on peace support operations, mainly in the Middle East. However, in recent years, following the end of the cold war, Defence Forces personnel have also found themselves in many other parts of the globe as peace-keepers.

About Overseas Deployments

Read about Ireland's contribution to peacekeeping deployments across the world

Deputy Military Advisor to the UN Under Secretary General for Peace Operations

Biography for Major General Maureen O'Brien, Deputy Military Advisor to the UN Under Secretary General for Peace Operations

Irish Military Rep to the EUMC

Biography for Brigadier General Gerard Buckley the Irish Military Representative to the EUMC

Past Missions

Since 1958 Irish soldiers have served on peacekeeping missions all over the world. The Defence Forces have a proud record of unbroken peacekeeping service since then. Read about some of those past missions.

Current Missions

Read about the our current deployments in Africa, The Middle East and Europe.

The Battlegroup

The Battlegroup (BG) is a specific form of the EU’s rapid response elements and is one possible answer to the timely provision of the necessary capabilities for an EU rapid response operation.

Pre Deployment Training

Before deployment each leading Brigade will carry out Mission Readiness Exercices for its Battalion. The United Nations Training School Ireland (UNTSI) also has a part to play in the preparation of personnel to serve overseas.

Families and Overseas Deployment

Overseas deployment can be challenging for both personnel serving overseas and their families.

Roll of Honour

This is a list of Defense Forces personnel who died while serving on a mission outside of Ireland.