The 126th Infantry Battalion, this week, are completing their last stage of training in preparation for deployment to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This final phase is known as the Mission Readiness Exercise (MRE) and is held in the Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow, where personnel of the unit conduct several different serials such as live firing, battlefield inoculation, casualty evacuations, ambushes, patrolling and more to ensure they are prepared for the challenges that will face them on deployment.
The 126th Infantry Battalion is deploying with three hundred and eight (308) personnel, of which two hundred and ninety-eight (298) are drawn from the Irish Defence Forces and ten (10) from the Armed Forces of Malta. Personnel range in experience from those on their first deployment, to seasoned Non-Commissioned Officers and Commissioned Officers. They will deploy in May and take over duties from the 125th Infantry Battalion who were deployed in November, 2024. The personnel of the 126th Infantry Battalion are primarily drawn from the 1 Brigade are of responsibility with the lead unit being Galway's An Chéad Chathlán Coisithe (1st Cn Cois / 1st Infantry Battalion).
The Mission Readiness Exercise is designed to test Officers, NCOs and Privates in several demanding scenarios that represent the realities of the current situation in the Middle East and Southern Lebanon, which remains a volatile mission area. For the Media Day, personnel will conduct Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) serial where a vehicle on patrol will simulate being struck by an IED and the reactions by the other vehicles in the convoy to recover the vehicle and render medical aid to the casualties inside. This serial is particularly relevant given the presence of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in the Area of Responsibility for the 126th Infantry Battalion in Southern Lebanon.
The exercise will provide excellent photographic opportunities and will include time to interview members of the contingent. Members of the media are invited to attend.
MEDIA WISHING TO ATTEND PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS TO PRESS@MILITARY.IE BY 1800hrs ON WEDNESDAY 16th APRIL 2025. (If possible, please indicate which of the interviewees, below, you wish to interview in your RSVP.)
Date/Time: 1230hrs - 1530hrs Thursday 17th April 2025
Location: Coolmoney Camp, Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow (off the N81, Glen of Imaal/Coolmoney Camp is signposted. The camp itself is on Google Maps).
Point Of Contact: Captain Alex Quigley +353 87 329 6749
List of Interviewees:
The Battalion Commander, Lieutnenant Colonel Edward McDonagh
The Battalion's most senior Non-Commissioned Officer, Regimental Sergeant Major Andrew Marlow and his son and Commissioned Officer on his first trip, Captain Conor Marlow.
Flight Sergeant Byrne and his daughter, on her first trip Private Ruth Byrne
Platoon Commander, on her first trip, Lieutenant Erika Murray
