Media Invite: 1100hrs, Thursday 23rd April 2026
The 128th 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 128th Infantry Battalion is deploying with three hundred and forty four (344) personnel from the Irish Defence Forces. 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 127th Infantry Battalion who were deployed in November, 2025. The personnel of the 128th Infantry Battalion are primarily drawn from the 1 Brigade are of responsibility with the lead unit being Limerick's Sarsfield Barracks (12th 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 128th 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.
Date/Time: 1100hrs - 1430hrs Thursday 23rd April 2026
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 Paul Murphy 087-6738395 - Sergeant Rena Kennedy 087-6453946