An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD and the Chief of Staff of Óglaigh na hÉireann, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, attended the Commissioning Ceremony for the 99th Cadet Class in the Military College, Defence Forces Training Centre on Wednesday 17 April 2024
An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD and the Chief of Staff of Óglaigh na hÉireann, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, attended the Commissioning Ceremony for the 99th Cadet Class in the Military College, Defence Forces Training Centre on Wednesday 17 April 2024 .
It was a very important and proud day for the members of the 99th Cadet Class as they were awarded their Commissions in a ceremony in front of family, friends and members of the public. This represents the successful completion of 18 months of intensive and arduous military training.
The 99th Cadet Class, trained in the Military College in the Defence Forces Training Centre, began their training on 02 November 2022. Over the course of the last 18 months they have completed numerous military, tactical, physical and academic challenges as they trained to become the newest leaders of the Óglaigh na hÉireann. Following the receipt of their Commissions they will take up their new roles as Officers in the Army, Air Corps, Ordnance Corps, Engineer Corps, Equitation School and the Armed Forces of Malta.
The ARCO Sword was awarded to Lieutenant Kieran Kilbane in recognition of his achievement as Best Cadet over the course of the training.
Both An Tánaiste and the Chief of Staff congratulated the newly commissioned officers and wished them well in their upcoming career as Officers of the Permanent Defence Forces.
An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin said: "I want to congratulate the 42 members of the 99th Cadet Class and the 41st Air Corps Cadet Class on becoming newly commissioned officers. Today is a significant next step in their journey within the great traditions of the Defence Forces. A military career offers comradeship, access to personal development and an exciting range of domestic and international experiences. The people of the Óglaigh na hÉireann are its greatest asset and are key to successfully delivering the programme of transformation planned for the Defence Forces over the months and years to come."
The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy said: "Today, as you receive your commissions, you embark on a remarkable path of service to the nation. The opportunities before you are boundless - opportunities to lead both at home and overseas, to build on the excellent training you have received in the last 18 months, and to serve and contribute to Óglaigh na hÉireann with integrity. You have been entrusted to uphold our values by wearing our uniform and carrying the responsibility that this brings, which I am confident you will do with pride and dedication. Embrace the opportunities that lie ahead with courage and commitment, for you are the future of Óglaigh na hÉireann. Comhgairdeas agus fáilte Oifigigh nua."
