Spoke to a buddy in the Army yesterday about this - he's currently DFHQ but was ARW for many years. The feeling I got from him is that re-org can only be a good thing in re-purposing the ARW into 3 wings with inidivdual responsibilities. Keep up the good work!
@kevclaremcd
8 ай бұрын
Hey Kevin, great to catch up last night, as always, pity about the audio. I get your idea about a maritime and a land unit (forget about the 'air' unit, it's not feasible in my opinion, and as you say, whether fast roping or HALO jumping, they are both essentially a ride to work) but I fear that given the size of the unit currently, splitting it will start to dissolve the unit. As you quite rightly point out, each operator has to be cross-trained in basic SF techniques, fast roping, breaching, comms, advanced medicine, etc. So why split already scarce resources, the Naval Base is probably 2 hours away under a police escort, if needed. A re-org is a good thing but I'm not fully persuaded on splitting the unit into three. Happy New Year to you and yours from South Sudan!
@StewartAdam100
8 ай бұрын
Could it be a way to break apart and eventually dissolve the Irish SF capability. Sure ERU was used for overseas security when it's a ARW role
@kevclaremcd
8 ай бұрын
It's certainly being talked about, but I don't really buy into it. Hopefully, it will be a positive change, but I'd be more supportive of a land and maritime division rather than having a specific air one as well.
@sgoheibhrin894
7 ай бұрын
Hi Kevin (and Kevin). I'll caveat this by stating that I've never been an operator. Agree with the point of the unnecessary Air Corps element, and that the skills proposed therein are only a method of delivery rather than important stand alone specialism. Another consideration is the current strength of the Air Corps. Should some civil servant allow this continue, can the Air Corp field and sustain even a single platoon strength unit? Furthermore, as Kevin Owens points out, they're only up the road anyway. The Naval Service is a slightly different proposition. Whilst agreeing with Kevin Owen's assessment that an SOF unit based in Haulbowline should be a NS unit rather than army, ultimately there are not the resources to establish the until from within the NS. At present there are less than 700 personnel out of an established strength of 1094. There are insufficient personnel to run the NS today, with 4 of the 6 vessels in lay up / reserve. The addition of a further, larger vessel will put further strain on the already stretched resources of the NS. However, I hope I am wrong in this. Possibly the single biggest hindrance comes from politicians and civil servants who still seemingly have a degree of the DF to manage themselves, up to and including restrictions in the duties of the COS. Is there a willingness at political level to let soldier do what they do best and manage their own affairs without excessive civil service interference and micro management. Civilian control to this degree is a holdover from 1924, with command of the DF lying in the hads of the minister of justice whilst the COS looks after the day to day administration.
@user-mq4pw3lv3s
18 күн бұрын
Lol soft
@user-mq4pw3lv3s
18 күн бұрын
Well that's how ppl fight they attack you with out telling you. Eyes opened opened with delight
@stephenmooney1509
8 ай бұрын
Hey Kevin, I agree wholeheartedly, there are so many other issues at play that need to be resolved for this to be feasible. What about a direct entry similar to 18 X Ray or what the NZ SAS did, additionally a Reserve unit of SOF. Either or both approaches could get the SOF units fresh candidates in their 30's or older with experience and skills, and different ways of thinking. It's much easier to build or re-build full-time platoons from a pool of reserve candidates than scratch. Seems logical that if the intra-DF pool is small look outside of it. I also don't understand the airborne, if there was to be a 3rd unit i'd have thought a Garda/Army combined domestic unit for linear targets would make more sense.
@vor033
8 ай бұрын
I didn't think the article in the Irish Times was very well written and seemed partly based in a civvy trying to guess what was meant. Trying to read between the lines, I was thinking the New IRL-SOF would end up a little like an SAS Squadron with a Ground/Mobility Troop, Air Troop and Boat Troop. So all in the same SOF Unit but each "Troop" having its own specialist role. I know they wouldn't be called Troops, but just thinking of a comparison. Anyway, yet another excellent video ! keep them coming 🙂
@michaelmulligan0
8 ай бұрын
It’s in the CODF report
@tbamp09
8 ай бұрын
Thanks kev. I always love your opinions and insights into the arw, they’re going to help me get in one day
@tonyinthailand3399
8 ай бұрын
You never lost you Fundalk actcent Kev, Good to see you looking well.Great videos my friend.
@Calum-u7z
4 ай бұрын
I was in the DF myself only left there 2 years ago. To get a good recruitment going for the new units they will 100% have to drop standards. I knew a few lads that we basically considered to be super soldiers. Fit as fiddles and jilty as fuck in the field, that went off to selection and came back within a day. Shame to drop the standards really, because whenever we were in the Curragh and we saw some fella wearing the green beret, we knew they were as tough as a man can be.
@na-dk9vm
Ай бұрын
Not to breach security, but did you ever have any dealings with anyone in the wing? As in, what their physicality and mentality were like??
@lewisatkinson7277
8 ай бұрын
Really good points Kevin. Judging from recent government chatter around the possibility of having to re-examine our neutrality, thus could be a possible step toward enabling that position. Other points you raised are really valid where current uses are concerned. Domestically, we primarily have to deal with gangland activities and the East and West Coast as drug smuggling portals. To deal with those we have a very active, visible and well kitted out ERU division of the Guards. In addition to counter the drug smuggling issue, the counter-surveillance arm of the Guards work hand-in glove with the Navy. So, begs the question, currently, who's nose is going to be put out of joint or more importantly and politically, who will let it happen. As you know well we're a tribal nation and don't take kindly to being infringed upon. Overall though, great conversation and a positive step for Ireland in some ways.
@AnonAnonAnon
2 ай бұрын
I'm sure I worked alongside IDF Ranger Wing soldiers in the late 90s, training on EOD ops. I know its not talked about much but the Army Ranger Wing trains and works alongside Brit special forces. Great bunch of lads. A lot of banter between us Brits and them!
@gerryrussell5325
16 күн бұрын
Excellent points.
@bryanmcdermott4204
8 ай бұрын
Thank you for offering practical thoughts on the rationale for the proposed new divisions.
@kennybrhouston
5 ай бұрын
Thanks Kevin. A sensible overview. Former DF here (1990s, left 2002, not ARW though). It's been frustrating watching the forces back home become so emasculated over the years. I hope this is a turnaround. I teach the subject now (international affairs, etc) and any nation needs its 'monopoly on legitimate force' (as per Weber). They need to turn it around. The world has changed.
@edwardbranch3520
8 ай бұрын
Great video Kevin! I enjoy how you explain everything, 0 BS.
@michaelmulligan0
8 ай бұрын
I really can’t see the logic (except “brand recognition”). The expansion can only be a good thing, ARW was supposed to be doubled in size back in 2016, still hasn’t happened. You know the approximate size of the Wing, does it makes sense to have 1/3 of that number in Haulbowline and 1/3 just down the road from the Curragh in Baldonnel ? DoD refused to pay ARW the back pay they were owed for years, some owed tens of thousands of Euro. The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended that if the Government decided to go to LOA3 (which could happen after 2028) that there should be a dedicated SOF helicopters
@garrettowens5254
8 ай бұрын
Well said Kevin,
@supermarkmoo
8 ай бұрын
I came across this article on twitter and I can see why it's needed and can be good as someone who's father was a ranger also in the 80s I grew up with absolute love and admiration to the rangers and would join if I wasn't disabled . im just waiting to see if it actually happens you know our government kevin currupt criminals who don't care about anyone but themselves. I think the air side is for overseas more im only guess that I got no idea.
@supermarkmoo
8 ай бұрын
And I know people will disagree and that's fine but I trully believe ireland needs to abandoned its non military alignment and join nato and be both a peacekeeping and conflict country
@BM-tz7ke
8 ай бұрын
@@supermarkmoo why?
@supermarkmoo
8 ай бұрын
@@BM-tz7ke because world peace is never going to happen to much evil in the world and look at irelands history we best the British after centuries of slavery and colonisation we can't sit back and let the same thing happen to innocent women and children in palestine and Ukraine I left men out because they are fighting for their freedom in the Ukraine as we speak if they aren't draft dodgers
8 ай бұрын
@@BM-tz7ke He already told you he's disabled.
@darbomefein07
8 ай бұрын
It's a bit difficult to attach a SOF unit to a Navy if there is no Navy :) sad but true! Nevertheless, I'm a bit surprised they haven't tapped you to be an advisor!
@coach2305
7 ай бұрын
Air Corp section should be like the pj's in us air force I can't see any other role that needs defining the other two make sense
@roymunson1
7 ай бұрын
My father was in the Ranger Wing. You gotta be the real deal with them.
@na-dk9vm
Ай бұрын
Any stories (nor about operations) but their mindset and physicality ??
@na-dk9vm
Ай бұрын
Any stories (not about operations) but about their mindset and physicality??
@ryano918
8 ай бұрын
Hi Kevin, where can I get 1 of them baseball caps? Keep up the good work with your podcasts.
@kevinowens9636
8 ай бұрын
www.overmatchconsulting.com
@Bathaling
8 ай бұрын
Very unfortunate the interview was cut , hopefully you can do it again!
@thomasnguyen5639
8 ай бұрын
The Irish maritime Special Operations Forces (SOF) units might want to consider modeling themselves after some of the specialized units within the U.S. Coast Guard specifically Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT) and Maritime Safety and Security Teams. MSRTs are pretty much the FBI HRT on the water and MSSTs are specialized maritime security forces that prevent drugs/weapons smuggling, search and rescue, and enhance port security. That being said Irish Maritime SOF might not want to nor should copy and paste everything from the USCG.
@michaelbrowne8469
2 ай бұрын
As an x member when I hear the word " Re Org" I know its not gonna work it never has, the last one just caused a big exodus from the force, they made a complete dogs dinner of it and it hasn't recovered from it yet.
@ThatOneGuy-mn6dv
7 ай бұрын
Me personally this is a idea. A reform is needed and changes are going to have to be made but what those could look like may not be one originally might think of or seek to have depending on who is looking at said idea. Say this as a possibility. A new joint single command but with just 3 SF groups for their own general roles. One for the Ground, Navy and lastly something at home only. The ground unit (Please don't take it literally as word for word) but the same overall idea of what ARW is already. Navy should unit but some means if not already act like a another SBS/Seal unit. The internal protection of within Irish borders but if need be possibly overseas a more counter terror unit like we see with GIGN or GSG9 for say. These should be the only SF anywhere in Ireland just 3 and 3 alone. Raise the standards and funding to fit that role and each should try to start off 100-ish personal each is possible. They should be even more open even towards those who's never served. One might admit the home unit might not be likely the best train or maybe see the most action when compare to the ground and sea units but still. Think of maybe even a set basic for everyone as in everyone gets the same basic training phase but afterwards allowed to pick which role they want. Each role will have their own pros and cons and mission set and what they will likely been given for over the others. Joint training/missions are a given and breeds a healthy amount brotherhood of each units to each other and more skills to each other in the long run to come up with more ideas. The only question is what will this joint command will look like to govern these 3 units? Say what you want I'm just coming up with my own ideas off the top of mind head, if that's the case please ignore me while I cry in my bed.
@tomrooney3223
8 ай бұрын
The actual strength of the Irish Defence Forces is 7500, it should be 9500. They are having a retention crisis and a recruitment crisis. Too many pen pushers from the senior NCO ranks to the Officer ranks who aren't really hard core soldiers and who look at those who want to be professional soldiers with contempt. The age limit for recruits was 24 until last year. It has been increased to 29. Still a ridiculously low age limit for the Irish Defence Forces.
@kevinowens9636
8 ай бұрын
I personally think you’re in your prime in your mid thirties, people don’t usually join the army for the money, but the absolutely leave because of the money
@johnkelly9160
6 ай бұрын
The Irish army is in need of a massive upgrade as is their navy and airforce. Ireland would be entirely dependent on the UK to defend it if and when the shit hits the fan. They spend a tiny amount on defence and currently do not possess a single jet interceptor or even a radar detection system that can cover its land mass.
@kevinowens9636
6 ай бұрын
agreed
@CheGuevara110100
Ай бұрын
Lad I heard the ARW recruit based on if they like you or not and not based on merit
@Richard1A2B
5 ай бұрын
I hope Micheál Martin is a subscriber to your channel.
@scottli7390
5 ай бұрын
The DF is going through a weird time at the moment and it seems to be for the better. General consensus is that the culture is turning around also. From what I can see from the boots on the ground perspective is that we're happy about the recommendations in the comission paper and we're seeing the gears slooooooooly turning towards those changes, some slightly faster than others but the main thing is I think dependant what the next general election and government is gunna be. Cause where is the money gunna come from otherwise.
@831973x
8 ай бұрын
Maybe it's something similar to the Brits,one selection course then off to SAS or SBS. So maybe that's the idea, land based in Curragh maritime in NS. As for the Air Corps side doesn't make sense.
@darrenhartigan3033
8 ай бұрын
Happy new year kevin
@jollyharris1857
7 ай бұрын
Informative!
@palebate
8 ай бұрын
Part 3? Selection course, opinions, advice etc...
@fl4shb4ng26
8 ай бұрын
Feel the reporter was poor on the information they provided. Air troop would be more QRF rather than an activity troop. I could be wrong and if so that’s just a waste. At least a support unit would be x10 more logical
@kevinowens9636
8 ай бұрын
QRF would be a waste, mostly sitting around waiting for something to happen, I honestly don’t think they really have a solid plan
@ajback2917
8 ай бұрын
Happy new year Kevin. With regards to recruiting are they planning to allow direct recruitment to these units like NSW or the 18x program? I assumed in your time you couldn't join directly?
@kevinowens9636
8 ай бұрын
No you couldn’t back then, but I think they should
@martinbrennan4270
8 ай бұрын
Hi Kevin if you got the right offer you might consider coming back to Ireland as a consultant! Might be an idea a man of your experience! Just saying!
@kevinowens9636
8 ай бұрын
Yeah, that would be great, I might be a bit too “honest” for the job, I would, if asked, I think I could help
@martinbrennan4270
8 ай бұрын
@@kevinowens9636 well we live in hope! Happy New Year to you and your family!
@docsnider8926
7 ай бұрын
A wing is normally associated with the Airforce, never heard of this for an army unit. Is it a battalion or a regiment?
@yermanoffthetelly
6 ай бұрын
The story (from Dr Cathal Berry ex Ranger) is that when the unit was formed in the 80s with all the stuff going in the country, they didnt want to disclose that it was a counter terrorist unit as the Garda (police) had formed the civilian counter terrorist Special Task Force unit, which later became the ERU. Giving a vague designation related to the army which didnt disclose its role, size or relationship to the other branches was the gist of it.
@patboland1650
8 ай бұрын
Kevin What is your opinion on Irish Neutrality and the fact that in reality The Brits and NATO have been defacto paying for and providing our defence. Should we stand up a proper military like the Swedes or Finns. Also I dont think you feel that The US should be spending money in Ukraine. Should The US be spending money in Israel then either.
@kevinowens9636
8 ай бұрын
I personally think neutrality is a cop out in this day and age, my issue with the US supporting Ukraine is it's proximity to Europe. I'd like to see EU countries step up, spend less money on social programs and more on defense. I have two children serving in the US military, one is currently in the Middle East and the other in Korea. Israel stands alone and is surrounded by hostile Arab nations who want to eradicate it, and is our only real ally in that region. The US have given $80B to Ukraine, a very corrupt country. Global politics is complex, great question
@kimjongun2536
7 ай бұрын
The problem is Ireland inst neutral and never has been neutral. We have a policy of neutrality which means whatever you want it to mean. Its not legal. Hence throughout history Ireland has been able to do one thing and claim to be doing the opposite. The issue rises, If we want to be fully neutral that will require conscription and massive defence budget and investment in the military and military industry. Which wont happen. Or scrap fake neutrality and join NATO.Which would be substantially cheaper. But then we cant push fake morality.
@patboland1650
7 ай бұрын
@@kevinowens9636 Thanks for the reply. I guess looking at it The US gives billions every year for the past 70 years to Israel and that money could be used to give Americans a tax cut. I mean its really Israels problem if they cant get along with the neighbors and what difference does it make to Americans if Israel get wiped in a war. Israel is corrupt as hell as well I mean Netanyahu got done for corruption and Ehud Olmert went to jail for corruption and that's only the ones that got caught.........meanwhile Americans are paying for their security. Love your channel and hope it continues to grow.
@paulmacdonnell6203
8 ай бұрын
Hopefully they have the cop on to start doing some cross training with American special forces like Delta and Seal team 6 who would you rather train with Finn Harps or AC Milan .
8 ай бұрын
Give your chin a wipe.
@SnapD24
8 ай бұрын
So does Ireland need a dedicated special forces branch or do you think the money would be better spent training up standard forces? You almost make it sound like they don't really have a mission or specific need for a SOF-type unit.
@kevinowens9636
8 ай бұрын
I think having a SOF unit is absolutely needed, but I think it should be realistically built in accordance with Ireland’s needs, the temptation is to carbon copy someone else and I think that would be a mistake
@paulsr1965
8 ай бұрын
The ARW should be trained in the same way as the British SBS and to the same standard . The rate of pay is a massive issue .
@supermarkmoo
8 ай бұрын
The training is someone based on the SAS as well as the American army rangers I believe
@G.K92
8 ай бұрын
Sas and sbs has a higher pass rate then arw. Most years sas got a few people making it most years in arw it’s 0 or just 1 or 2 making it in 2019 only 1 person made it it’s extremely tough for a small country
@G.K92
8 ай бұрын
@@supermarkmoosas no rangers yes back then it was but they made their own training camp now since 4 years or so after arw was created!
@kimjongun2536
7 ай бұрын
to be fair the lads making it to sas selection are generally PARAS and generally have to have served a minumum of 5 years aswell as being allowed to go by their unit. So the quality of soldier going on selection is much higher tbf@@G.K92
@jasonrad9332
8 ай бұрын
👍🏻👍🏻
@eamonngibney7572
8 ай бұрын
Kevin how the hell are you! Its been a while...interesting developments in the SJC for sure, lets hope they dont make a balls up.
@kevinowens9636
8 ай бұрын
Doing great brother, it will be interesting to watch for sure
@benr2866
8 ай бұрын
Should be split like SAS/SBS/SRR/SSG
@jordankiljoy6
8 ай бұрын
i world think that the air task force is they 160th
@Nownow277
8 ай бұрын
The recruitment process is incredibly slow for a country desperately in need of more soldiers. Candidates have to wait for about 6 months after signing up to get into basic training
@kevinowens9636
8 ай бұрын
That could easily be streamlined
@clevertrevor
5 ай бұрын
Rangers weren’t allowed outside the camp in Mali while Royal Irish Rangers were on 2 day patrols… Leo’s lovies
@na-dk9vm
Ай бұрын
OK, so how were they hit with an IED and some hit with shrapnel?
@clevertrevor
Ай бұрын
@@na-dk9vm playing vid games I’d say.. rarely if EVER left the camp.. pointless.
@na-dk9vm
Ай бұрын
@@clevertrevor I'm sure that's not the choice of the lads themselves. Imagine if you were overseas, anywhere, and God forbid you got hit by an IED and shrapnel hit you in the face. You come home 6 months later, and imagine you meet someone in a pub and they said you didn't hit an IED, and that you were only playing video games. I'm assuming you wouldn't take that lightly, lad???
@clevertrevor
Ай бұрын
@@na-dk9vm your presumptions compared to my observations
@na-dk9vm
Ай бұрын
@@clevertrevor I'm wrong to presume if you got hit be ied shrapnel (god forbid) a and of someone said you didn't, that you wouldn't take it lightly??
@pyeitme508
8 ай бұрын
RAD
@MikeHunt-rw4gf
8 ай бұрын
Algorithm.
@pjccwest
8 ай бұрын
🇮🇪
@kendon81
6 күн бұрын
irish civil servant here, this screams upper civil service and polotical good idea fairy surprise.........far reaching redesign by people with no on the ground experience
@benkelly8376
5 ай бұрын
They were offered a full package to sort out their housing problems, improved veterans care, the best specialists from around the world offered to help and they had 20 per cent offered back to them to support the veterans and the govt approved contractors agreed with this plan and to write off the fixers fee against their taxes as a charitable donation. The corrupt officer Corp and corrupt politicians sank it. They were more interested in arguing who fit the blinds I'm the curragh. Pathetic.
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