19 December 2018
The Defence Forces currently has 650 military personnel serving in 13 different countries around the world. During the past 12 months over 1,690 soldiers, sailors and aircrew rotated through 13 counties and one sea on a range of peace support operations.
2018 also marked the 60th Anniversary of unbroken overseas service with the United Nations since first deploying in 1958. This record is unique to Ireland.
Currently, the largest Defence Forces deployment is to South Lebanon with UNIFIL where over 460 personnel are deployed.
We have over 130 personnel deployed as a Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights, UNDOF, where in Oct 2018 they completed a relocation from the Golan Heights to Syria.
Defence Forces members also serve in smaller numbers in missions deployed to Mali, Kosovo, Bosnia, The Democratic Republic of Congo & Western Sahara.
Our personnel can only do the important work of peace because of the support they receive from their families and friends at home when they deploy. Of course, this separation is most acutely felt over the Christmas period.
Below is a link to some messages that our personnel serving overseas wish to send to their families and friends at home this Christmas.
View the Messages
Press Release Date: 19 December 2018
For Further Information contact:
Press Officer: Comdt. James O'Hara
Tel: 045 49 2502 , 045 49 2503
Mobile : 087 2482130
E-mail: Press Officer
