EU Army

[SilverSpurs]

There may never be a single EU army like the USA but the Permanent Structured Coopeation framework has set the ball rolling for a level of defence cooperation that is sufficiently far reaching to be the same difference.

[Cellach]

The French may talk big but they're in no position to guarantee any nations security.

Including, historically, their own.

[Beyond_brainwashing]

I know this is probably off topic but I actually think that's pretty unfair (ie american) view of French history.

The americans don't like to be remindend that their own country stood by while Poland was invaded (as did Ireland) while France and Britain went to war because of it. In that case France made a guarantee of security to Poland and risked all to back it up.

Actually there's still some americans who still believe they should have stayed out of both World Wars.

[jcdf]

I know this is probably off topic but I actually think that's pretty unfair (ie american) view of French history.

The americans don't like to be remindend that their own country stood by while Poland was invaded (as did Ireland) while France and Britain went to war because of it. In that case France made a guarantee of security to Poland and risked all to back it up.

Good point! Also from a more historical point of view the French provided aid to the Americans during their war of independence.

From a more relevant modern point of view France today is one of only eight nuclear weapons states in the world. Also interesting is the Russians unable to build their own aircraft carriers are buying them from the French.

A French guarantee of defense would not be anywhere as good as an American one. Nato will stay.

[Fantasia]

Seeing as Ireland is between a super-power and a major power, and our entire 15,000 military force would amount to a nondescript brigade in the Euro continent, just how can we to be of any military benefit?

[Nugget]

Vote Yes for Jobs (in the army)

[SilverSpurs]

Seeing as Ireland is between a super-power and a major power, and our entire 15,000 military force would amount to a nondescript brigade in the Euro continent, just how can we to be of any military benefit?

The army rangers are among the best trained soldiers anywhere. They would be very very welcome in any special elite squad unit. The biggest contribution we could make however would be strategic. Shannon airport is the most efficient transit point in europe. The rugged irish terrain is ideal training ground. Our western coast has some perfect spots for submarine bases.

[Fantasia]

Irish temperaments are not suited to the regimental approach of the EU army life, i.e. France and Germany. Therefore our natural gravitation in a combined theater would be to the other english speaking army- you know who, as most Irish soldiers either do not speak a continental language and/or the food would be difficult to adjust to. A form of forced approachment.

SilverSpurs
You are right on the money - Shannon and Knock as stand-off positions for Air power. This is where the EU can begin by funding a European Air College in Ireland and the development of strategic bases using Irish skills from the floor polishers to the pilots. These locations are targeted anyway so they will require hard€ning. I would urge the Brussels Defence Chiefs to establish the Irish Air Corps as the back bone of future European Air Force based in Casement and with immediate effect all current Air Corp personnel, from the rank Captain and above, promoted to the European Air Command General Staff

[sondagefaux]

Seeing as Ireland is between a super-power and a major power, and our entire 15,000 military force would amount to a nondescript brigade in the Euro continent, just how can we to be of any military benefit?

Do we even have that many? The PDF has 8,500 members.

[Fantasia]

Do we even have that many? The PDF has 8,500 members.

Standing army, which includes AC and SM with ACA about 15k give or take.