Should we amalgamate our Defence forces to a single force?

Surely many savings could be made and it would be simpler to carry out operations and training?

Should such a force also carry out the role of the Coast Guard

Explain what you mean by single force? The 3 arms are already under the command of one department, and one General officer commanding.
The Navy would have trouble getting the ships to the Glen of Imaal.
How do you see the army rescuing people at sea?

Originally Posted by Tommythecommy

Should we amalgamate our Defence forces to a single force?

Surely many savings could be made and it would be simpler to carry out operations and training?

Should such a force also carry out the role of the Coast Guard

We have a single force - it's called the Irish Defence Forces and its constituent parts are the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.

All three answer to the Chief of Staff, who in turn answers to the Minister for Defence and thus the Government.

The only role the Coast Guard has that should be returned to the DF is Search and Rescue but we're going to be paying €500m over 10 years from 2012 for a Canadian company to do that.

Originally Posted by Grumpy Jack

We have a single force - it's called the Irish Defence Forces and its constituent parts are the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.

Well put, though why the Air Corps felt the need to adopt a Blue Air FORCE type uniform I don't really understand. The clue is in their title, Air CORPS, a part of the Army, not an independent arm in themselves. I'm surprised it was allowed.

[QUOTE]Should we amalgamate our Defence forces to a single force?

Surely many savings could be made and it would be simpler to carry out operations and training?

Should such a force also carry out the role of the Coast Guard[/QUOTE

Great idea - where do we start?

Great idea where should we start?

Originally Posted by Tommythecommy

Should we amalgamate our Defence forces to a single force?

Surely many savings could be made and it would be simpler to carry out operations and training?

Should such a force also carry out the role of the Coast Guard

Great idea where should we start?

anyone think they could fight off the uk or usa?

if not, what's the point?

about 1,000 men with guns will do -the rest is a waste of our money.

For a moment I thought the thread title read "Should we amalgamate our Defence forces into a single farce?"

Originally Posted by toughbutfair

anyone think they could fight off the uk or usa?

if not, what's the point?

about 1,000 men with guns will do -the rest is a waste of our money.

Speak for yourself.