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Ireland Army - Order of Battle

The Army is organised on conventional military lines providing a sufficiently flexible structure to carry out all the roles assigned by Government. The Army is a standing force and provides the primary capabilities for joint military operations at home and combined military Peace Support Operations abroad. But the current two brigade structure is unimplementable and the Army is incapable of conducting battalion level field exercises never mind brigade level exercises. The last time the Army trained in field brigade formations was during WW2. No training means no capability.

The Commission on the Defence Forces published its report on 9 February 2022. The Report by the Commission on the Defence Forces is the most comprehensive review of the DF undertaken in decades. The Commission identified a range of issues with the current Army structure including that the current brigade system primarily comprises two regional administrative structures that are not deployable and do not align to international standards in terms of their strength or capabilities. Furthermore, among other issues, the current battalions do not align to NATO standards, are under-staffed and under-resourced. In these circumstances, the Commission believes that there is an urgent need to restructure the Army into a more agile and flexible force structure that can meet current and future operational taskings. The Commission recommends that the future disposition and structures of the Army be regionally balanced to ensure a critical mass of permanent and reserve forces in each region to allow for adequate recruitment, retention and career progression.

1st Brigade

The 1st Brigade is responsible for military operations in the southern region of the country. Its area of responsibility includes the counties of: Galway, Offaly, Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary. Headquarters of the 1st Brigade (Bde) is located in Collins Barracks, Cork. The other Barracks located in the 1st Brigade area of responsibility (AOR) include:

• Collins Barracks in Cork
• Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick
• Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny
• Kilworth Training Camp in Kilworth
• Dún Uí Mhaoliíosa, Galway

Within the Southern Brigades area of responsibility are situated various vital installations including: Shannon Airport; Cork Airport; Cork Docks; and Farranfore Airport. The Brigade has at times assisted the civil powers by providing security at these locations when requested.

The 1st Brigade is an all arms Brigade consisting of combat, combat support and combat service support elements. Such elements include units of Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, Engineers, Communications and Transport. These units are spread throughout the Brigades' designated area of territorial responsibility.

When not involved in operations personnel are in constant training to maintain current skills, become proficient with new equipment and in particular to be able to adapt to a constantly changing environment. Brigade training takes place all year round and covers: Conventional Military Operations; Overseas Missions; and Aid To Civil Power. There are several training areas within the Brigade area: Kilworth Camp; Bere island; Fort Davis; and Carnagh Camp.

2nd Brigade

The 2nd Brigade is responsible for military operations in the northern region of the country. Its area of responsibility includes the counties of: Wicklow, Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Doneagal, Sligo,  Leitrim, Mayo. Headquarters of the 2nd Brigade is located in Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines, Dublin. The other Barracks located in the 2nd Brigade area of responsibility (AOR) include: 

• McKee Barracks , Dublin 7
• St Bricins Hospital, Dublin
• Gormanstown Camp in Co Meath
• Aiken Barracks, Dundalk
• Custume Barracks, Athlone
• Finner Camp in Ballyshannon

The 2nd Brigade is an all arms Brigade consisting of combat, combat support and combat service support elements. Such elements include units of Infantry, Artillery Cavalry, Engineers, Communications and Transport. These units are spread throughout the Brigades' designated area of territorial responsibility.

Within the 2nd Brigades area of responsibility are situated various vital installations including: Government buildings; Uachtarán na hÉireann (Residence of the President); Foreign Embassies; Dublin airport; Dublin Docks; and Knock airport. The Brigade has at times assisted the civil powers by providing security at these locations when requested.

When not involved in operations personnel are in constant training to maintain current skills, become proficient with new equipment and in particular to be able to adapt to a constantly changing environment. Brigade training takes place all year round and covers: Conventional Military Operations; Overseas Missions; and Aid To Civil Power. There are several training areas within the Brigade area: Gormanston Camp; Kilbride Camp; and Glen of Imaal.

Defence Forces Training Centre

The Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC) is located in The Curragh Camp in Co Kildare. The DFTC consists of a HQ element, The Training Colleges and The Logistics Base Curragh.

The following DF Reserve Units are also located in the DFTC:

• 1 Mechanised Infantry Company
• 1st Armoured Cavalry Squadron 
• The Army Ranger Wing (ARW)

Army Ranger Wing

This Unit is officially designated 'Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm' which is translated as 'The Army Ranger Wing' (ARW). There is no direct English translation of the term 'Fianóglach' so the designation Ranger is the accepted version. 'Fianóglach' links the traditions of 'Na Fianna', legendary Irish warriors, with the present day Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Defence Forces. Qualified members of the unit wear the Fianóglach shoulder flash insignia. The Army Ranger Wing is an integral unit of the Defence Forces. Its roles are divided into Conventional Warfare roles and specialist ATCP roles. It also has an established role in the advancement of standards within the Defence Forces.