Reserves overseas

Riddle101

Just read in the national Newsletter that volunteers from the RDF are being sought out for Overseas missions in 2009, just wondering what's everyone's opinion on this?

I for one think it's good that the RDF are getting more professional but i don't know if i'd been volunteering for overseas tours. But still pretty intereting

minidazzler

IF that was the RDFRA newsletter then it is very vague. There is a set criteria and no gaurantee of Job Protection.

arybvtcw0eolkf

The PDF are not short of volunteers for oversea's service.

Lockstep

I'd love to go overseas with the RDF.

I'm one of the specialities and would be extremely interested in going overseas after college.

Nuttzz

6 months on sh1tty pdf wages, i dont think so....may be for the young lads, just out of school or college but not anyone with a decent career tbh

steve McQueen

what set criteria?

Sounds great to me. A good chance to put your training into real use.

kkmick

I'll believe it when i see it there's been talk of serving overseas for years now, the last i heard of it anybody going would have to spend six months training with the pdf before starting their tour

Irish_Army01

If it does happen, initially it will be specialties ..ie MP's/Cooks/Medics/ etc

The First PDF member who doesn't get overseas due to a RDF member, Will redress straight away..

kkmick

Definatly it would have to be medics/cooks etc to serve overseas as i think any RDF infantry that join a PDF unit would find it hard as they would always be looked down on as part-timers and find it very hard to be excepted. That being said i think with the right people on the ground that are willing to work hard enough to be accepted as an equal it's not impossible

arybvtcw0eolkf

Irish_Army01 wrote: »

The First PDF member who doesn't get overseas due to a RDF member, Will redress straight away..

I was going to hit on that earlier but thought I'd wait.

I for one would kick up a stink if a member of the reserve got a place instead of me.

I'm looking for Kosovo this winter, but because of my job I have to chase a particular appointment, I'd be sorely pi$$ed off if and would look for a redress PDQ.

NoQuarter

Nuttzz wrote: »

6 months on sh1tty pdf wages, i dont think so....may be for the young lads, just out of school or college but not anyone with a decent career tbh

overseas pay is quite good

EgoApocalypse

king-stew wrote: »

overseas pay is quite good

pitty we couldnt get it all the time, with the price of stuff in Ireland:D

trellheim

The First PDF member who doesn't get overseas due to a RDF member, Will redress straight away

On what grounds, pray tell ? Selection Procedures as you well know are laid down and if they're not followed fair enough, redress, but if they're not what grievance is there.

NoQuarter

EgoApocalypse wrote: »

pitty we couldnt get it all the time, with the price of stuff in Ireland:D

I will be in a few years as your know haha;)

MacBuster

There is absolutely no chance of the RDF going over sea’s stat... As they are neither trained to a competent military level nor have the commitment to do so.

This is BS being bounced around for the last 20 years and from what I see the FCA (RDF) is still the drinking club it was when I joined then subsequently left to join the PDF.

bunny shooter

MacBuster wrote: »

There is absolutely no chance of the RDF going over sea’s stat... As they are neither trained to a competent military level nor have the commitment to do so.

This is BS being bounced around for the last 20 years and from what I see the FCA (RDF) is still the drinking club it was when I joined then subsequently left to join the PDF.

And ......................... now we're sandbags ................. :rolleyes:

minidazzler

MacBuster wrote: »

There is absolutely no chance of the RDF going over sea’s stat... As they are neither trained to a competent military level nor have the commitment to do so.

This is BS being bounced around for the last 20 years and from what I see the FCA (RDF) is still the drinking club it was when I joined then subsequently left to join the PDF.

So there is not one person in the RDF capable of going overseas. (Considering before they go over they would be attached(at least) to the PDF unit taking them to receive further training.)

From what you have seen??? You are not a Cadre member I take it?? Nor are you ever around people being trained???

You see what goes on in the Mess after a training day even if you didn't observe the training. and while some view it as a Social Club. (My Unit has an official Social Club) not all do. I am personally there for a laugh because I enjoy the training. I like running around fields getting mucky. In fact I like it so much I will be doing it for free this year because I am pretty much out of days.

So drinking club a little bit, for those who join because "The Lads" are in it but not all of us do.

I may only be in a short time. (1 year 9 months ish.) But I think it would take me less time to get up to PDF standard for Section Battle Drills and the such than it would for a Recruit who has no prior military experience. (If I was taken and not put through the marching phase and whatever because I can do that and some other stuff of the Basic stuff their level already.)

I know at least 4 other members of my Unit who would be able to hack it overseas. (They went integrated and have passed it.)

I know at my current stage I wouldnt be able to hack it but It would not take too long to get me ready. (For a Rifleman or Arty role as I am not in any Tech Pos or Medics.)

(I really sound like I am tooting my own horn here but I am not.)

Anyway moral,
Some see it as a Drinking society and Some don't. But alot of them whether they think It is or isn't can "Get the Job Done". and thats what matters.

MacBuster

Yeah you could hack it oversea's another millohead or rasfada...

Soldiering is a job a dangerous one, the FCA is a hobby it is not real you will not be in action.

It has no actual role in the armed forces and should be disbanded and set back up along what a real reserve force should be...

When you do it for a job the novelty soon wears off....

NoQuarter

the PDF is the biggest drinking club i have ever seen!

MacBuster

king-stew wrote: »

the PDF is the biggest drinking club i have ever seen!

Is that so, good for you how long did you last if you were in ? I've been there 25 years and certainly seen my fair share off dipso's but nothing compared to the RDF who head off to camp to drink and act the maggot...Oh before you say it I've done 5 years as Cadre and to be quite honest the RDF was setup for political means and has no actual useful role within the armed forces, unlike the likes of the TA, US National Guard etc etc

bunny shooter

Go on then and what political means were these ? Civil War politics still with us then ?

Poccington

minidazzler wrote: »

I may only be in a short time. (1 year 9 months ish.) But I think it would take me less time to get up to PDF standard for Section Battle Drills and the such than it would for a Recruit who has no prior military experience. (If I was taken and not put through the marching phase and whatever because I can do that and some other stuff of the Basic stuff their level already.)

I know at least 4 other members of my Unit who would be able to hack it overseas. (They went integrated and have passed it.)

I know at my current stage I wouldnt be able to hack it but It would not take too long to get me ready. (For a Rifleman or Arty role as I am not in any Tech Pos or Medics.)

(I really sound like I am tooting my own horn here but I am not.)

Anyway moral,
Some see it as a Drinking society and Some don't. But alot of them whether they think It is or isn't can "Get the Job Done". and thats what matters.

Taking part in Integration doesn't make you well trained enough for Overseas. Not even close to it.

And please explain to me why you would have any right to skip parts of the PDF syllabus ahead of a civilian? The PDF is a completely different kettle of fish to the Reserves, so to say you reckon you'll pick stuff up quicker than civilians is pure arrogance.

Anyway there's no shortage of PDF personell looking to go overseas as a Rifleman, so don't get too worried about it.

bunny shooter

Must be terrible to be so insecure :rolleyes:

I can do anything a PDF person can. Learn weapons, drills, tacrtical training etc. But can everyt PDF person do my job ?

I was on an FCA 81mm mortar course a few years ago and we had two weeks to do the course. The PDF had three for the same course. There was a PDF group who started a week before us. At the end of week two for them and week one for us we were beating them in a head-to-head competition on the mortar drills.

I rest my case.

Poccington

bunny shooter wrote: »

Must be terrible to be so insecure :rolleyes:

I can do anything a PDF person can. Learn weapons, drills, tacrtical training etc. But can everyt PDF person do my job ?

I was on an FCA 81mm mortar course a few years ago and we had two weeks to do the course. The PDF had three for the same course. There was a PDF group who started a week before us. At the end of week two for them and week one for us we were beating them in a head-to-head competition on the mortar drills.

I rest my case.

Are you trained in Public Order? CBRN? How to do Cash Escorts?

That's a real nice story about the course but can I ask you something? Did you actually compete against each other when it came to firing? Or was it just drills? Anyone can be good at drills, doesn't mean they'll be good when it comes to the real thing.

Irish_Army01

bunny shooter wrote: »

Must be terrible to be so insecure :rolleyes:

I can do anything a PDF person can. Learn weapons, drills, tacrtical training etc. But can everyt PDF person do my job ?

I was on an FCA 81mm mortar course a few years ago and we had two weeks to do the course. The PDF had three for the same course. There was a PDF group who started a week before us. At the end of week two for them and week one for us we were beating them in a head-to-head competition on the mortar drills.

I rest my case.

You rest your Case? get over your self will ya!.. they were probably put on that cse kicking and screaming..but you so well up on the PDF, you knew that already..


If you are so good, why didn't you join the PDF?:rolleyes:

MacBuster

bunny shooter wrote: »

Must be terrible to be so insecure :rolleyes:

I can do anything a PDF person can. Learn weapons, drills, tacrtical training etc. But can everyt PDF person do my job ?

I was on an FCA 81mm mortar course a few years ago and we had two weeks to do the course. The PDF had three for the same course. There was a PDF group who started a week before us. At the end of week two for them and week one for us we were beating them in a head-to-head competition on the mortar drills.

I rest my case.

I really love these lot they think a 2 week course is the same say as a 6 month course.

If you think you can do better or the same as the PDF, why not join as to be honest the BS Meter from the waste of tax payers money is off the scale.

Try standing on a road in the pissing rain for 10 years, going with bad pay for nearly as long, going over sea’s and being under fire constantly, going to Portlaoise and potentially putting yourself and family at risk of reprisals if something happens...

Most of ye are empty heads playing soldiers because you neither had the balls or motivation to do the job for real only pretend...

Grow up.....


Oh and mortar drills that's lovely trying putting down rounds under fire and see how text book you are with your lovely little charts and china graph pencils

Hagar

It's nice to see people displaying their true colours.

bunny shooter

Irish_Army01 wrote: »

If you are so good, why didn't you join the PDF?:rolleyes:

I put my name down for army & navy in 1986. Still waiting for call :rolleyes:

Do you remember the 80's, freeze on recruitment ? :rolleyes:

kermit_ie

MacBuster wrote: »

It has no actual role in the armed forces and should be disbanded and set back up along what a real reserve force should be...

Welcome to 2005.

The next problem is getting rid of the fat Captains, Commandants and Senior NCOs who still think it's a drinking club, and wouldn't pass a PT test if they were driving the 3.2km.

Thankfully they are all dropping like flies.

bunny shooter

Nice to see you guys are happy in your jobs

Would ye volunteer for it at weekends as the reserve do after a weeks work ?

Hardly

And as for under fire ? No doubt ye are all shell-shocked and have post tramatic stress disorder and another batch of lucrative claims are in the pipeline.

It's part of being a soldier, or did ye not realise that when ye signed up ?

Now, build a bridge and get over it.

Irish_Army01

bunny shooter wrote: »

I put my name down for army & navy in 1986. Still waiting for call :rolleyes:

Do you remember the 80's, freeze on recruitment ? :rolleyes:

There was no freeze in the 90's..

Irish_Army01

bunny shooter wrote: »

Nice to see you guys are happy in your jobs

Would ye volunteer for it at weekends as the reserve do after a weeks work ?

Hardly

And as for under fire ? No doubt ye are all shell-shocked and have post tramatic stress disorder and another batch of lucrative claims are in the pipeline.

It's part of being a soldier, or did ye not realise that when ye signed up ?

Now, build a bridge and get over it.

A lot of us were in the FCA(then) and did exactly that..And BTW Unless You've came under Fire and know what it feels like, Smartarse I would keep quiet and have some respect..

And before you ask I was numerous times.. I was in small OP(6-20A-The Crib) on top of a hill when Code Red was given for the First time in 30 odd years in IRISHBATT, when 500lb bombs were being dropped in our Area(around BraShi'te) by the Israeli Air Force,.I've seen HMG Tracer fly directly over our Op from DFF positions..But I'm not cribbing, nor do I see any other PDF member crib either..

There is alot more to what we do than what you think..

bunny shooter

Irish_Army01 wrote: »

There was no freeze in the 90's..

I left school in june 86, aged 18, in london oct 86, returned to ireland july 94, work it out :rolleyes:

Irish_Army01

bunny shooter wrote: »

I left school in june 86, aged 18, in london oct 86, returned to ireland july 94, work it out :rolleyes:

IIRC they recruited up to 27yr olds in 94..;)

There was a 27 yr old in my platoon in 94.

concussion

Poccington wrote: »

Are you trained in Public Order? CBRN? How to do Cash Escorts?

When I joined I didn't know how to maintain and operate a Steyr - now I do.
The next year I hadn't a clue about the HMG - now I do.
Last year I couldn't command a gun crew - now I can.

Why is this? Because I was taught. The same applies to public order, CBRN, escorts and a pile of other stuff. How long does it take to learn these? Not long, so don't belittle the RDF because we don't do that sort of training. Every year there are more and more courses open to RDF, this organisation is being improved and the big problem is the amount of time we can commmit to it. For some its due to work constraints, for others its down to the amount of mandays they can apply for.

Poccington wrote: »

Anyone can be good at drills, doesn't mean they'll be good when it comes to the real thing.

So there's every chance the PDF won't be good at it when it comes to the real thing also.


This "FCA drinking club" is a load of crap. It's inevitable that when you take large groups of young adults away from home and give them access to copious amounts of cheap alcohol that they're going to abuse it. This happens every day when people go off on sun holidays for 2 weeks of fun. The difference in the DF is that we have to be up and functioning at 0-dark hundred. I've done plenty of training with the PDF, they drink copiously aswell, the only difference is most of them live off barracks so you don't see them all staggering in at 3 in the morning. Get over it, move on and focus on the work that's done during the day.

Which brings me on to the next point - when the RDF go for 2 weeks training its paid. This combined with the social aspect means you have people crawling out of the woodwork to come along and have fun. If you really want to see commitment, look to the people who attend weekly training, field days, overnights. These are unpaid and sometimes mean taking time off work and actualy loosing money. The ones who go to the range cos there are bodies needed to run a competition or those who give up their weekend to provide a guard when the PDF don't have the bods.

Like I said above, the main problem holding back the RDF is the time available for us to train. I've had plenty of interaction with the PDF and it's been mostly very positive, it's sad to see that there's still such animosity from some people.

MacBuster

concussion wrote: »

When I joined I didn't know how to maintain and operate a Steyr - now I do.
The next year I hadn't a clue about the HMG - now I do.
Last year I couldn't command a gun crew - now I can.

Why is this? Because I was taught. The same applies to public order, CBRN, escorts and a pile of other stuff. How long does it take to learn these? Not long, so don't belittle the RDF because we don't do that sort of training. Every year there are more and more courses open to RDF, this organisation is being improved and the big problem is the amount of time we can commmit to it. For some its due to work constraints, for others its down to the amount of mandays they can apply for.



So there's every chance the PDF won't be good at it when it comes to the real thing also.


This "FCA drinking club" is a load of crap. It's inevitable that when you take large groups of young adults away from home and give them access to copious amounts of cheap alcohol that they're going to abuse it. This happens every day when people go off on sun holidays for 2 weeks of fun. The difference in the DF is that we have to be up and functioning at 0-dark hundred. I've done plenty of training with the PDF, they drink copiously aswell, the only difference is most of them live off barracks so you don't see them all staggering in at 3 in the morning. Get over it, move on and focus on the work that's done during the day.

Which brings me on to the next point - when the RDF go for 2 weeks training its paid. This combined with the social aspect means you have people crawling out of the woodwork to come along and have fun. If you really want to see commitment, look to the people who attend weekly training, field days, overnights. These are unpaid and sometimes mean taking time off work and actualy loosing money. The ones who go to the range cos there are bodies needed to run a competition or those who give up their weekend to provide a guard when the PDF don't have the bods.

Like I said above, the main problem holding back the RDF is the time available for us to train. I've had plenty of interaction with the PDF and it's been mostly very positive, it's sad to see that there's still such animosity from some people.

An Army is a disciplined Military organisation being drunk on or off duty for all is an offence.

Learning a drill is fine and again solidering is not about marching around a square and drill, it is about putting boots on the ground and doing the job and not about posers who think the look cool in their uniform or who like posing for a camera, it is dirty and dangerous.

The Walters of this RDF don't actually have an real contribution to the Military aspects of this society and should be clearly disbanded and the money directed to the Regular Army/Navy where a massive increase in Manpower,equipment and pay should be directed.

We have'nt got enough men to do duties let alone go oversea's...

I regularly see these wannabe's propping up the bar in the mess both NCO's and Privates Mess talking complete BS and in a fantasy world and about 99% of the PDF agree, it is a money racket for Officers and Cadre NCO's to make big money on sub and have a cushy number.

concussion

MacBuster wrote: »

An Army is a disciplined Military organisation being drunk on or off duty for all is an offence.

So you're saying that no-one in the PDF gets absolutely bladdered, staggers into bed at a ridiculously late hour and gets up and does a days training?
Or maybe you accept that but think they should all be charged?
If someone was drunk while not on duty what section would you charge them under?

MacBuster wrote: »

Learning a drill is fine and again solidering is not about marching around a square and drill,

I'm not talking about foot drill, I'm talking about learning military skills other than marching around a square.

MacBuster wrote: »

The Walters of this RDF don't actually have an real contribution to the Military aspects of this society and should be clearly disbanded and the money directed to the Regular Army/Navy where a massive increase in Manpower,equipment and pay should be directed.

I'll get back to you when I find out exactly how little the RDF costs the DoD.

Poccington

bunny shooter wrote: »

Nice to see you guys are happy in your jobs

Would ye volunteer for it at weekends as the reserve do after a weeks work ?

Hardly

And as for under fire ? No doubt ye are all shell-shocked and have post tramatic stress disorder and another batch of lucrative claims are in the pipeline.

It's part of being a soldier, or did ye not realise that when ye signed up ?

Now, build a bridge and get over it.

You have never stepped foot outside this country on a mission as a member of the Defence Forces, let alone come under fire.

Have some ****ing respect for those that have experienced it.

As for "did ye not realise that when ye signed up ?" at least those people had the bottle to sign up and went through the hardships of Recruit Training, PNCO's Courses or spending 6 months away from their family in hostile environments....... Compared to parading once a week and a week or 2 here and there during the year.

Get over yourself.

Poccington

concussion wrote: »

Like I said above, the main problem holding back the RDF is the time available for us to train. I've had plenty of interaction with the PDF and it's been mostly very positive, it's sad to see that there's still such animosity from some people.

There is no animosity, I just don't like seeing people speak as if getting up to the required standard to be heading Overseas etc. is something that isn't too bothersome.

Or when people start yapping on about "I can do your job, can you do mine?" when they can't.

It would be better if the Reserve got more time to train so they could eventually reach a good overall standard, as well as drop the wasters. However, I can't see that happening anytime soon.

cushtac

MacBuster wrote: »

An Army is a disciplined Military organisation being drunk on or off duty for all is an offence.

Nearly everyone in the DF, PDF & RDF, should be up on charges so.

MacBuster

concussion wrote: »

So you're saying that no-one in the PDF gets absolutely bladdered, staggers into bed at a ridiculously late hour and gets up and does a days training?
Or maybe you accept that but think they should all be charged?
If someone was drunk while not on duty what section would you charge them under?




I'm not talking about foot drill, I'm talking about learning military skills other than marching around a square.





I'll get back to you when I find out exactly how little the RDF costs the DoD.

Section 168, you are on duty 24/7 and technically you can be charged if intoxicated at any time...

MacBuster

cushtac wrote: »

Nearly everyone in the DF, PDF & RDF, should be up on charges so.

Correct and Right read the DFR it will quote you exactly the regulations on the above...

Anyhow the RDF are civilians playing games simple as.

arybvtcw0eolkf

bunny shooter wrote: »

Nice to see you guys are happy in your jobs

Would ye volunteer for it at weekends as the reserve do after a weeks work ?

Hardly

And as for under fire ? No doubt ye are all shell-shocked and have post tramatic stress disorder and another batch of lucrative claims are in the pipeline.

It's part of being a soldier, or did ye not realise that when ye signed up ?

Now, build a bridge and get over it.

Just for your info.

First time I was oversea's we lost five lads, three from a landmine up at 6-9B (water tanks above Brash*t village), one to a .50cal round to the chest at Haddatha (6-48b I think) and one to a suicide.

I spent more nights on end than I can remember in 'ground hog'.

During the same period (and for every trip afterwards) we lent invaluable humanitarian assistance to the local population, and even in one incident arranged a medivac for two IDF soldiers who were blown to bits outside the 'Blackhole' - both died on the post.

Two year's after my return I was diagnosed with P.T.S.D. (no I didn't claim or cry about it). Almost every single day I think about Lebanon, as do alot of my friends who've served there.

Every single soldier who has served in Lebanon has attended religious ceremonies for fallen comrades, we've tended their memorials and thought of their families & friends and even their communities who've lost someone dear.

And privately we all put ourselves in their shoes and thanked god it wasn't us, our families or communities mourning our loss.

In every church in every barrack in Ireland there are reminders/memorials of those lads who've paid the ultimate price for their service.

Sorry for the long post - but what you posted is deeply offensive.

MacBuster

I lost a very close friend also to an RSB, who I had went through recruits, twas in school together and we even had our kids in the same hospital within the same week...

So I can understand how you feel, but that is part of what we do

concussion

Poccington wrote: »

It would be better if the Reserve got more time to train so they could eventually reach a good overall standard, as well as drop the wasters. However, I can't see that happening anytime soon.

It has started already, speaking for my own unit the wasters are on the way out, even though it means being strapped for bodies on camp, the people who don't do anything but turn up for APWT's and FTT are not being asked to attend anymore. I've seen more training this year than any time since I joined. If this is true for other units then this organisation is moving in the right direction. The next major hurdle is the introduction of fitness tests to the RDF in general, this has been on all career courses for the last 2 years with pretty shocking results from what I've seen but people are starting to wake up and realise they need to pull the finger out.

MacBuster wrote: »

Section 168, you are on duty 24/7 and technically you can be charged if intoxicated at any time...

I knew you'd bring up section 168. That's just the standard catch-all "or" charge. Its section 142. The point being that I know for a fact that PDF go on the piss, just the same as RDF and if the DF had a problem with that everyone would be charged for it. So you can stop banging on about the FCA drinking club. And the Defence Act says you can be charged for this whether on or off duty. So you can be off duty.

dahamster

bunny shooter wrote: »

Nice to see you guys are happy in your jobs

Would ye volunteer for it at weekends as the reserve do after a weeks work ?

Hardly

And as for under fire ? No doubt ye are all shell-shocked and have post tramatic stress disorder and another batch of lucrative claims are in the pipeline.

It's part of being a soldier, or did ye not realise that when ye signed up ?

Now, build a bridge and get over it.

From your previous posts i see that you are an rdf nco. If you are indicitivie of the attitude then it doesn't auger well for rdf lads who want to spent significant periods of time 24/7 with their pdf counterparts.

Remember that all pdf personnel have been through the pressure of recruit training and other various courses and have been 'proven'. One night a week and a couple of weeks a year does not compare by any stretch.

bunny shooter wrote: »

Nice to see you guys are happy in your jobs

Would ye volunteer for it at weekends as the reserve do after a weeks work ?

Hardly

Happens all the time in the pdf. Do your normal weeks work then a duty on sat or sunday, It's part of being a soldier:D

bunny shooter

Irish_Army01 wrote: »

IIRC they recruited up to 27yr olds in 94..;)

There was a 27 yr old in my platoon in 94.

I refer you to my previous post, Still waiting for call !

Irish_Army01

bunny shooter wrote: »

I refer you to my previous post, Still waiting for call !

So your previous Posts Insulting the PDF is sour grapes???

Poccington

bunny shooter wrote: »

I refer you to my previous post, Still waiting for call !

Sure it's probably for the better that you didn't get the call.

Now you have a full time job and can STILL do the PDF's job :rolleyes:

concussion

MacBuster wrote: »

The Walters of this RDF don't actually have an real contribution to the Military aspects of this society and should be clearly disbanded and the money directed to the Regular Army/Navy where a massive increase in Manpower,equipment and pay should be directed.

concussion wrote: »

I'll get back to you when I find out exactly how little the RDF costs the DoD.

http://forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=13119&highlight=cost&page=5
Have a look at posts 111 to 119 for a cost breakdown. The paper strength of the RDF is approx 8500 but only ~4500 attended 2 weeks paid training last year - this figure could be accepted as the amount of trained RDF personell. To have this force costs €10.5 million, 2% or the DoD budget compared to €544 million (half a billion) for the approx 10,500 PDF personell.

MacBuster wrote: »

We have'nt got enough men to do duties let alone go oversea's...

Not my problem and nothing to do with the RDF - the White Paper on Defence sets a cap on PDF personell at 10,500 with approx 850 on overseas missions at any time. In fact, and here's the funny thing, RDF are providing guards, guard commanders and orderly officers to allow the PDF get on with their training.

MacBuster wrote: »

it is a money racket for Officers and Cadre NCO's to make big money on sub and have a cushy number.

Cadre numbers have been cut way back. Ten years ago my own unit had 3 officers and 8 other ranks, now we have a sergeant and a private.

milmo

concussion wrote: »

http://forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=13119&highlight=cost&page=5
Have a look at posts 111 to 119 for a cost breakdown. The paper strength of the RDF is approx 8500 but only ~4500 attended 2 weeks paid training last year - this figure could be accepted as the amount of trained RDF personell. To have this force costs €10.5 million, 2% or the DoD budget compared to €544 million (half a billion) for the approx 10,500 PDF personell.

10.5 million in this instance only refers to the cost of pay to RDF. It doesn't take the costs of cadres, rent of buildings, utility bills, dining, vehicle depreciation, diesel, clothing, etc etc etc. which brings the real cost of the RDF way above the 10.5m you quoted.

This figure is only value for money if you provide a service of greater value to the DF, which if you're truly honest with yourselves is not the case. In reality it is the DF that is providing a service to you.