Sir‚ – In the light of ongoing discussion on the country’s state of preparedness for the increasing threats from internal and external hostile forces and our ongoing difficulties in recruiting and retaining personnel across the Defence Forces and the Garda, may I make the following proposals?
Professional athletes and professional rugby and soccer players in the State are allowed income tax rebates at the end of their professional playing career. I suggest that members of the Defence Forces and the Garda receive a similar rebate every seven years. This could well be tied to yearly fitness level evaluation. I believe that this would aid recruitment and retention in both forces.
My second suggestion is aimed at maximising the level of flexibility between different branches of the Defence Forces. As a country with a small army, navy and air force, we should look to facilitate and encourage members to become competent in skills across different branches of the Defence Forces.
A gunner in the artillery might become competent as a gunner in the navy. A mechanic, electrician, technician, drone operator or engineer might become competent across different branches of the Defence Forces.
READ MORE
Personnel who upskilled across different branches could be deployed as needed, and suitably rewarded. This would allow career progression and maximum flexibility of deployment in addressing immediate threats.,
Finally, would it not make sense as a small island nation to consolidate our distinct Defence Forces branches into a unified marine corps? – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN McGRATH,
Dublin Road,
Sutton,
Dublin.
