TheDefenceForces

  • Overseas Organisation

    Today approximately 140 Personnel are serving overseas

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  • Current Missions

    Lebanon 2011, Same but Different

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  • Overseas History

    A proud tradition of participation in peace support operations

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  • Co-Operation in Europe

    Since 2009 The Defence Forces participates in the EU Battle Group

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  • Ireland and the United Nations

    Over 50 years of service

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  • Overseas Training

    Mission Readiness

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news

Launch of Military Archives website

Monday 12th December 2011, 10.00am - Defence Forces launch first Military Archives website[Read more]

50th Anniversary of the 36th Infantry Battalion

Sunday 11th of December at 09.00am - 50th Anniversary of the Defence Forces most decorated unit [Read more]

LAF and Irishbatt UNIFIL Joint Patrol

In accordance with UNSCR 1701 IRISHBATT conduct daily regular operations with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in the IRISHBATT Area of Operations (AO). These operations are conducted in all conditions, day and night in full coordination and cooperation with the LAF. The joint Operations vary from Mechanised, Soft Skin and Foot Patrols to the establishment of Checkpoints all within the IRISHBATT AO.

The joint Operations are an integral part of both increasing and maintaining Situational Awareness for both IRISHBATT and the LAF. All involved in these operations at all levels are working tirelessly towards the joint effort of a peaceful, safe and secure environment for our friends of South Lebanon.

Our photograph, above, shows Sergeant (Sgt) Dave Williams of Carrightouhill, Co Cork, meeting up with the LAF Patrol element.

Private (Pte) Mark Slattery of Clare, pictured on patrol with Sgt Williams, both are currently serving with the 105 Infantry Battalion in South Lebanon.

The 105 Infantry Battalion in November will remain in theatre until May 2012.

Read more about UNIFIL

Defence Forces - Overseas

Irelands Involvement with the UN

Ireland became a member of the United Nations in 1955. 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. 


View Irish Defence Forces Overseas Missions in a larger Google Maps [External website]

Overseas Videos

  • Merry Christmas from the troops overseas.

  • Mission Readiness - 105Bn

  • President Departs For Lebanon

  • 104 Battalion UNIFIL.