History of the Irish Army Cavalry Corps

In the first of a series of videos from the Irish Defence Forces Cavalry School, a quick run-down on the history of the branch with Captain Jordan Corrigan.
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[@Wesley-1776]

It would have been funny if the Irish showed up to that competition with a royals Royce armored car.

[@iivin4233]

Hot rodded, of course.

[@thefunnyfritz4035]

@@iivin4233sacrilege

[@MisterFastbucks]

or bicycles

[@djd8305]

Especially as we all drive Rolls Royces here in Ireland!

[@djd8305]

"The Emergency" refered to is the Swcond World War, as a State of Emergency was in place in the country. As a neutral country and not being especially fond of of Britian, I suspect that the government also wanted to distance the country from Britain.

[@michaelamos4651]

The young captain is a very good speaker and very knowledgeable

[@Panzermeister36]

Agreed

[@calthepeacelovingclover5935]

I love it when you do videos about home! Do more please! My dad was in the Curragh, served thirty years, was overseas in Chad, East Timor and Lebanon. He wasn't in the Army Cavalry though, he was infantry and then ARW.

[@nigeh5326]

These young lads did Ireland proud too recently kzbin.info/www/bejne/aniQk6GOrpqJjdksi=u8p-MvbOeFcJgcpk

[@OscarOSullivan]

I know a man who flew Hueys with the Air Corps in East Timor

[@ssgtmole8610]

An episode chock full of bonuses. The Chieftain in full Mess Dress. A visit to The Chieftain's past. A visit to the past and into the future with Ireland's CAV.

[@SgtBrendanN]

As a Sligoman who has served in Armor in the MI NG... This filled me with so much joy!

[@jeromethiel4323]

There is a very good reason for "neutral" countries to send troop to "foreign" wars, and that is experience. You can train all you want, but there's nothing so instructive as being in combat. Plus, being exposed to other armed forces operational doctrine, helps refine your own. It's basically very dangerous cross training with other armed forces, as well as blooding your own.

[@T.efpunkt]

Nothing teaches you the trade as the two way shooting range

[@jeromethiel4323]

@@T.efpunkt Exactly. Until you have had rounds coming back the other way, you never know. And once you know, you never forget.

[@nirfz]

There's also the "reason" that neutral countries might get asked for/requested to man UN (and UN sanctioned) missions in certain places as the supposed advantage is that neither of the fractions of the conflict have "beef" with the neutral country, and they won't get accused of being on a certain side as easily.

[@ChristopherBourseau]

I enjoy listening to the Chieftain's Irish Brogue come and go, depending on the subject. Great interview!

[@markfergerson2145]

To be fair he has spent quite some time among us Yanks, and no matter what anyone claims accents rub off on people.

[@Mugdorna]

I'm Irish (born and bred along the border) but have quite a neutral (Irish) accent. My wife is from Dublin. When I work with people from the North/Ulster my accent changes, my wife notices when I come home after 2-3 days with colleagues from there (or even a visit to my parents)

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

@@markfergerson2145 That's no joke, I never had even a twang of southern drawl until Basic Training.

[@erikdekuil4629]

Quietly proud to be Dutch..

[@jeromethiel4323]

No need to be quietly proud. Be loud and proud! They earned it, you get to be proud of them.

[@seanmosley5834]

Hey be proud of who you are. Although GO IRELAND! 😅

[@DanielsPolitics1]

Fair

[@jjproductions7299]

Same here! 🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱

[@allybally0021]

A good result......heads up!

[@mckinleygoetz9855]

I had the pleasure of meeting some of these soldiers in Kosova in my 2004-2005. Was my first deployment. Camp Bondsteel. I have a Awesome experience with the Muli National Peacekeeping Force. I believe our rotation was KFOR 5B. Very professional and respectful men and women.

[@trentonarney6066]

I for one am happy you came to the U.S. I believe you have been one of the best ambassadors and educators for our military and country. I love these videos you do from all over the world showing off others countries history's. Godspeed in all your future endeavors.

[@ThroneOfBhaal]

Oooh wonderful! More Irish history! Thanks to you I'm now making a 3d model of a CIÉ Class 001 locomotive for a game I play. 😆 Irish history is fascinating, thank you for sharing. :)

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

VickMet or re engined with the 645? Which game?

[@ThroneOfBhaal]

Hopefully both. Not sure how easy tracking down decent sounds of the HSTV8 will be though. Already got the 645E sounds ( it's pretty ubiquitous at this point ) Irish railfans were able to give me some decent drawings to work with and youtube even has some good videos, which help a great deal. Transport Fever 2. Pretty decent logistics game, technically it covers the whole spectrum but a lot of us use it as a giant trainset for grown ups. 😆

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

@@ThroneOfBhaal Well familiar with TF2. I have every Steam achievement.

[@ThroneOfBhaal]

@@TheChieftainsHatch Awesome! :D Thoroughly enjoy it. Keep your eye on the workshop, there is some more Irish stuff coming. Might be enough for a full themed map one day. :D

[@richardbarnes9825]

Absolutely fantastic , curragh born and bred !!

[@djd8305]

"As I walked through the Curragh Camp I stepped into an officers mess." G'wan Christy!

[@Ungood-jl5ep]

I am a fan of Irish DPM.

[@Mugdorna]

Unfortunately they will be chagning it soon.

[@Ungood-jl5ep]

@@Mugdorna That's a bummer. Just what the world needs, another multicam pattern haha

[@robsmithadventures1537]

As fellow Irishman I fully appreciated this video.

[@OttzelTV]

2:15 The Chieftain looks indescribably dashing in that suit (or uniform?).

[@gallendugall8913]

Nah, the Chieftain makes that uniform look indescribably dashing.

[@Ungood-jl5ep]

It's called a blue mess dress uniform.

[@hoover517]

Mess Dress or Monkey Suit.

[@iatsd]

It looks ridiculous. Garish and utterly tasteless. Typically American.

[@cronoros]

Better than that jersey he has on regardless 😂

[@MrLitchy74]

What a great man, I wish you all the best you keep safe.

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Brilliant stuff, Nick, thanks this is fascinating

[@MrMe345]

Brilliant to see you covering the Irish Army's history 😁 If you're ever back over in summer keep an eye of for the IMVG show in Naas, would he great to see you there 👍

[@JakeTheTankmaster]

Can't wait to watch this with the cuppa Barry's tonight. Regards, a Galwegian.

[@warci]

your away missions are quite enjoyable chieftain! Keep it up

[@robertross2557]

After serving in the U.S. Army, it is always interesting to learn about the armies of other nations, especially the smaller ones

[@WildBillCox13]

Worthy work. Liked and shared.

[@RileygoodVideos]

It genuinely amazes me this content doesn’t have more views. Top notch Sir!

[@curtinj98]

Very interesting video, especially the last segment.

[@AdamMGTF]

This is amazing. Thanks to chieftain and the serviceman in the video. As a side note. May we all be so lucky to live in a country as great as Ireland.

[@thegodofhellfire]

The emergency. Still can't get over how good that is.

[@pbookle]

Really looking forward to the rest of the series! Did you get to squeeze into the L60?

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Not on this run. I've already covered a Swedish L60. Main difference seems to be the cannon.

[@doitatit]

That was fantastic! Thank you again for these brilliant shows. My uncle was in the Irish Calvary during the Emergency, and my Dad was in the Infantry, as a marksman. As the only man who knew how to operate and maintain a Lewis gun, during the first part of the Troubles in West Befast, he was called in to help out. I value your History and Knowledge. This has been an important one to be sure. My cousin served in The Lebanon and was held hostage by one of the protagonist. I have a nephew serving in the Irish Navy as a Petty Officer, and my Great grandfather fought in Gallipoli, landing in Sulva Bay on the River Clyde! First on last off as he used to say. My Grandfather was Michael Collins Man in Belfast, and was a Commander of D Company Belfast Brigade. I've thrown my fair share of stones at the Brits in Andersonstown during the 70's . But it was the shock of having a Saladin round a corner in Lenadoon the gave me a keen fascination with armour. Thank you again, and please forgive the long comment.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

You certainly have quite the family history.

[@doitatit]

Thank you Chieftain, that's a fantastic compliment. The program you made, explaining the early stages of the Troubles, and the blunders made by the British State was outstanding. Your knowledge and experience and education gave clear and sound guidance to a difficult subject. I witnessed first hand many of the events mentioned. On the subject of armour, my memory of Operation Motor Man as they came into our housing estate of Andersonstown is still strong. The names we gave their equipment, such as Scooby-Doo for the huge front loaders used to clear barricade 's or Creamers for the Saracen still in the Aden service colours as they squared on our street corners. I enjoy your 1/35 scale models! I'm building a RFM Easy Eight . Love your show . Cheers!

[@coldwarrior78]

Well done .

[@danielweiss7396]

Didn't know the war of independence lasted to 2021😉 5:51

[@markstott6689]

Neither did the Irish to be fair. 😂😂😂

[@jeromethiel4323]

@@markstott6689 "We are still at war?!? Begorragh! Get me another whiskey!" P.S. Please don't kill me, this is meant to be funny. ^-^

[@markstott6689]

@@jeromethiel4323 It is very funny 😂😂😂❤️😂😂😂

[@marcoflumino]

@@markstott6689 Cheeky!

[@markstott6689]

@marcoflumino Well, "Cheeky Monkey" is what I've been known as by family, girlfriends, and an ex-wife for the majority of the last 56 years. 🤣🤣🤣

[@ComfortsSpecter]

Great Presentation Beautiful History and Regalia Good Orator Wonderful Vibe

[@mathewweeks9069]

Your awesome and awesome video be safe out there

[@OttzelTV]

Awesome 🤗

[@Masada1911]

Shoutout to the Royal Netherlands Army for winning, makes me proud it does

[@FeighneyR]

My Dad served from 1939 - 41 in the Irish Army he had guard duty on coastal post in Silgo. Then he was release so he could do labor work in England

[@hobbitronic]

It's nice to see a rational interpretation of Irish military history and structure, that acknowledges the semi-tokenistic nature of the armoured force while still acknowledging the skills and expertise of the crews. Irish defence approach is a contentious issue to say the least so, this video is valuable, but the prospect of hearing the opinions on the subject of hypothetical development of irish force arrangement and potential defence spending is enticing.

[@stephenandersen4625]

It’s interesting how the Chieftain’s accent gets more Irish the longer he is back home.

[@madderanger7838]

Methinks that Chieftain is succumbing to Irish hospitality. There was Whiskey involved.

[@klydon1291]

I was stationed in Iceland for a couple of years (many years ago) and one of the members of our unit was from Boston (or Bawston to hear him say it). He had a pretty good Boston accent. After about a year, he went home on leave for 30 days and came back. Apparently part of the time spent at home was doing a refresher on his Boston accent because it was thick when he came back for a couple of months and then eventually faded to where it was before he went on leave. Not saying that is the case with Chieftain, but just saying I have seen/heard accents change before like this.

[@Mugdorna]

I'm Irish (born and bred along the border) but have quite a neutral (Irish) accent. My wife is from Dublin. When I work with people from the North/Ulster my accent changes, my wife notices when I come home after 2-3 days with colleagues from there (or even a visit to my parents)

[@mikitheslav9711]

awesome

[@janwitts2688]

Nice cuirass on the table

[@geofftimm2291]

Ah, your accent returns with familiarity.

[@phann860]

My brother was in the Irish Army, but the animosity from other Republican supporters ran deep. In the 70s the Irish Army was described as "Free Staters" especially in Munster. He served in Lebanon as part of IFOR. He was very impressed with the US soldiers there.

[@janwitts2688]

This was a lot more interesting than I thought it would be.. learned more about the Irish military watching this that I have over the previous 50 years.. much more relevant than irish politicians talking nonsence about having fighter squadrons, tanker aircraft, awacs etc..

[@OscarOSullivan]

We do need fighter planes to act as interceptors either KAI T-50 Golden Eagles or Gripens same with strategic lift aircraft most likely a Hercules.

[@bcgraham3512]

What they really need to do is pay a fair wage to these good people. The politicians pay themselves well enough. It's disgraceful.

[@janwitts2688]

@OscarOSullivan Pie in the sky mate.. you would need 18 fighters at least.. these would need 6 refueling aircraft at least...and 5 aways at least plus support.. as for transport aircraft.. that would be at least 6 am400 etc etc... just not practicable in the slightest... best to concentrate on a land element and get numbers up to a reasonable level..

[@user-rf5rj7ee2v]

Bicycles faster than foot! Remember "a second class ride beats a first class walk"!

[@matthewkeith8605]

Makes perfect sense for those post WW1 times that they started without horses, that being yesterday's game after all, but Ireland is known for fine horses and riders.

[@frankgulla2335]

Thank you, Nick. Your "Irish" is starting to show stronger.

[@Angrymuscles]

Chieftain sir, you look most excellent in mess dress. Yet another thing you excel at, including getting me hooked on almond fingers.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Lol. Where did you find them?

[@Angrymuscles]

@@TheChieftainsHatch Sainsburys and Tesco mainly. I live in South London somewhere. They're fairly common in general, you can find them lots of other places as well.

[@Mugdorna]

@@TheChieftainsHatch The open offer to ship almond fingers to Texas is there. I sent you some back in 2020 during that horrible time in global history.

[@skooistra1766]

Go Netherlands whooo (proud dutchy here)

[@trpsarge]

Read Coastal Landings by Raphael Riccio, details the Coastal landings in the civil war.

[@michaelcanty4940]

The Irish Defense Forces (Army) has an Equitation School unit with horses that could be considered "cavalry". Horses are considered an important industry in the Republic and soldiers form the teams that compete internationally.

[@derrickstorm6976]

Nice to see Vodafone as a sponsor 👍

[@phann860]

The Glengarry Cap was worn by the Auxies (A step up from the Black and Tans), so slightly odd it was adopted by the Irish Army. The Emergency was also known as WW2.

[@marcoflumino]

Back home I see....

[@chrishoff402]

I'm half Irish, I have an idea for future tank design. Why and when was Wet Ammo storage discontinued, it worked in the M4A3E8. In contrast it probably weighed a lot less than a turret bustle with blast panels. I was also watching a video where Russian designers were saying the fuel tanks on either side of the driver in an Abrams tank protected against armor penetration, in essence they worked like water armor. The Israeli's strategically place the fuel tanks on their Merkava for the same reason. So why not combine both concepts, use fuel tanks as wet ammo storage. That would drastically save on interior space allowing a lighter vehicle with the same level of protection, presenting a smaller target with excellent fuel economy.

[@ObligedOrca9161]

quick question: I'm going to be visiting D.C. soon, and I'm interested in going to the National Archives, and I know you get a lot of information from there. Do I need some sort of military clearance, or can I go in as a civilian?

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

You can go in on your own. Budget at least an hour for badging and training video before you do any research.

[@ThatOneGuy-mn6dv]

The Irish Forces never get the love and study from others that at times they deserve.

[@stug41]

Captain Corrigan is flying without a license!

[@gallendugall8913]

Always fascinating to see how other people approach the same problems in unique ways.

[@lexington476]

In Calvary isn't a troop a company and a squadron of battalion? The way they're talking it seems to be reversed.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

US terminology is different to most of the rest of the world. In RoW, troop is platoon, squadron is company, regiment is battalion. Unless the regiment is actually a regiment, then it gets complicated, but they probably wouldn't be cavalry then.

[@faeembrugh]

@@TheChieftainsHatch Same in UK cavalry - a squadron equals a company in the infantry commanded by a captain or major. A troop is same as a platoon commanded by a lieutenant. Below that are sections. Oh, and trying to explain the whole battalion/regiment thing can get very confusing! 'Yes, my great-grandfather served in 2/14th (County of London) Battalion (London Scottish) in WW1...'!!

[@Brecconable]

Would you be doing a history of Hobart's Funnies?

[@Ratelheart]

Wait, the Irish War of Independence officially ended in 2021?

[@michaelmulligan0]

Slight typo there on the date of the end of the War of Independence, pretty sure it didn’t go on till that recently😅

[@lexington476]

What is/was 'The Emergency' they are referring to?

[@konackt]

WWII

[@mickgillen9809]

Ireland was neutral during WW2 and referred to the war as the "Emergency". This existed until 1946 even though the war ended in August 1945... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emergency_(Ireland)

[@patrickporter1864]

2nd ww. Called the emergency in Ireland.

[@Mugdorna]

As a son of Ulster (south of the border however) I have a somewhat emotional/historical/old fashioned issue with the phrase "positive relations with neighbours"

[@michaelfrank2266]

I am trying to figure out how to retain our own Cav Squadron in my own state as the military insists on having constant reorganizations in the N. Guard. My son, 19D is serving in the same branch as I did on active. We are advocates for 19D. We don't want the MOS to go away. We can not imagine a military without dedicated Scouts.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

19D isn't going away, but a number of the light infantry brigade cav squadrons are. That said, div cav is coming back in some divisions.

[@michaelfrank2266]

@@TheChieftainsHatch We are both correct. My son's unwillingness to move to a different state or change to active duty means the personal loss of 19D. This and other organizational changes are causing him to want to be a 19Civilian instead.

[@seanmosley5834]

Go Ireland love my ancestral people

[@MrKonot]

anyone else notice that when he talks about his native land his accent becomes more pronounced?

[@cirian75]

evening chief.

[@larryjohnson7591]

That was great. I have 7% Irish blood, so it is good to learn a little here and there about the old country. Retired Air Force here.

[@borchen0]

The Dutch "Mad Lad" was probably sponsored by a certain brand of sugar-drink, just like Max Verstappen ; )

[@HiTechOilCo]

@The Chieftain - I've noticed you have not played a battle in W.o.T. for over six months, which is very unusual for you. Are you still with Wargaming?

[@jim99west46]

Well now that Rolls Royce armored car likely had a proper whiskey decanter with a regimental crest.

[@sealpiercing8476]

How many captains does the Irish Defence Forces cavalry have in total? Must be wild working in that role in such a small institution. I would assume it lives and dies by the diligence of a few handfuls of people.

[@MrRugbylane]

Yup 100% correct. Irish Officer Corps very very high standards . They are a curious hybrid of 1920 Republican Irregular and 1914 British Army Officer.

[@ShojiAoyama666]

Crazy Dutchman way ahead of the pack in a race. . . [Insert Max Verstappen Joke Here]

[@scottchiang7616]

Go Dubs!

[@verstappen9937]

When will the chieftain actually TALK about his favourite tank the chieftain, let alone get in one. It’s my favourite tank

[@swedishfarmboy]

Hmm Karlsborgs fästning in Sweden is open to

[@jic1]

He said "largest", not "only".

[@sampointau]

Historically there was Irish cavalry as part of the French then Napoleon's Army from memory

[@marcoflumino]

Not really, what happen is Irishman sided with napoleon and the French put them in a cavalry battalion by themself.

[@sampointau]

@@marcoflumino there were Irish cavalry before Napoleon, in the Royal French Army, one cavalry brigade but under Napoleon there was Irish infantry unit as well.

[@djd8305]

Irish regiments served with both sides. At Waterloo both Napoleon and Wellington had them. Service with the French was, over the following centuries, as a result of The Flight of the Earls, in 1607, when the Earl of Tyrone and Earl of Tyrconnel went into exile after defeat to the English at the Battle of Kinsale. This scattering of Irish nobility saw Irishmen end up at many European courts and serve in their armies.

[@bandit6272]

..........9,000 people in their army? Y'know, you can only get away with that if you live close to a friendly country that has a much bigger army.

[@bcgraham3512]

It's not the dog in the fight, it's the fight in the dog. Irish history is testament to that.

[@bandit6272]

@@bcgraham3512 Not knocking them, but there's a limit to that. I don't care how much fight you got in you, unless the "big dog" is an incompetent coward, a metaphorical chihuahua is going to lose to the metaphorical pitbull. Again, you can only get away with such a small military if you're lucky enough to be neighbors with a more capable and friendly military.

[@Mugdorna]

We also have an unarmed police force. (and had one even with a low level insurgency campaign on our island up until 1998) google "Crowd has some fun with Garda after Foo Fighters at Slane 2015"

[@MrRugbylane]

Alternatively.... dont piss off bigger countries. Its a good strategy for all small countries. If a Great European Land War breaks out, NATO is just going to rock up anyway so no point in trying to fight that.

[@merlinwizard1000]

33rd, 1 June 2024

[@whya2ndaccount]

Why Colours? Why not Standards and Guidons?

[@richardsawyer5428]

It might be following a British term. We have "Trooping the Colour" in the monarch's official birthday for example.

[@whya2ndaccount]

@@richardsawyer5428 Yes I know and they are Trooping the Colour because the Guards are Infantry Battalions. Trooping the Colour means they are Trooping the Colour of one of the 5 Guards Battalions (Grenadiers, Coldstream, Scots, etc.) Armoured units have Standards for tank units - e.g. 1RTR has a Standard and Guidons for Cavalry units -e.g. 1KDG has a Guidon.

[@mrmanire]

Quite simply that it's the Irish Army and not the US, they can call them what they like. I'm sure there is a unique and colourful history behind the naming.

[@whya2ndaccount]

@@mrmanire I never said it was the US Army. I'm in the Australian Army and we follow British traditions with Standards, Guidons, Colours and Banners (similar idea but different unit types). As the Irish Army draws from UK roots I was wondering why they didn't use those terms just like the Canadians and the New Zealanders and ... others do.

[@Mugdorna]

@@whya2ndaccount Might be a feeling that we might want to diverge a little from British roots....just saying.....

[@CGM_68]

Delighted with the new series of chats. I have some questions on the topic. Despite Switzerland being much smaller than Ireland, it has a greater GDP. Q1 Could we strengthen the defence capabilities of our Armed Forces while maintaining its "non-aligned" stance? Compared to Switzerland our armed forces are tiny. Okay, we are not landlocked like the Swiss. However we don't have a strong Navy, so being an Island isn't much help against an enemy who does have Naval amphibious capabilities. Ireland Professional Soldiers 7,520 + Reserves 3,869 Tanks 0 Armoured personnel carrier 80 Aircraft 28 of which fighters 0 trainer 8 transport 5 Special mission 5 Helicopters 10 Ships 2 (+ 4 operational reserve ) 3 others decommissioned in July 2022 Prepared defensive positions/Bunkers ? Q2 Do we have any? Q3 Do we have any plans for any mountain strong holds? Switzerland Professional Soldiers 101,500 Tanks 380 Armoured personnel carrier 8,356 Aircraft 148 of which fighters 43 trainer 45 transport 16 Special mission 3 Helicopters 41 Ships ? (They do have 4 search and rescue boats on their lakes.) More in production apparently. Prepared defensive positions/Bunkers circa 8,000 Q4 Would closer, institutionalised cooperation with NATO really be a problem to our neutrality? Ireland has committed to 0.7% GDP over the next five years to help the Irish Defence Forces begin to recover, that works out at €1.8bn. With 2% GDP (€5.14bn)the Armed forces could finally end its recruitment problem. Being from West Cork, I'd prefer to see that (pie in the sky) extra finance entirely invested in a modern Fisheries protection fleet. Q5 What would the Chieftain spend this money on if he was responsible for ÓÉ procurement? Q6 Can you ask your buddies at The Curragh about the possibility of doing a live-firing video in the Slieve na mBán again? *I know they drew the line at live firing, but that was before the Tánaiste ordered them to boost recruitment this year. Further refusal could be interpreted as disobeying orders.

[@seanmosley5834]

Wonder if my people ( Ireland ) have a equivalent of America's navy seals ?

[@michaelmulligan0]

Army Ranger Wing

[@jic1]

@@michaelmulligan0 I saw an _Irish Times_ article from last year that says that they are renaming it to Ireland Special Operations Force, and splitting it into Land, Air, and Maritime Task Groups. So, if that actually happens, the answer will be Irish Special Operations Maritime Task Group.

[@michaelmulligan0]

@@jic1Correct

[@janwitts2688]

I'm fairly sure Ireland had at least one vickers medium tank with an aeroplane engine for extra horsepower..

[@beaus123]

Slight date check, the war of independence ended in 1921, not 2021 😂

[@JonathanRossRogers]

1:31 There are *Irish* Defense Forces? IDF irony.

[@danilorainone406]

do the irish have tanks? how man,y kinds?

[@retiredstillriding843]

No tanks, not for a long time, they did have some CVRT, which were tracked but they retired them in 2017 i think. They now only have wheeled armoured vehicles.

[@markstott6689]

No fighter aircraft either, for that matter. The Irish Navy only has coastal patrol boats. In the end, who would want to invade Ireland? There's realistically only Russia who might want to, but in the last two years, that's been proven either very unlikely to virtually impossible.

[@jic1]

@@markstott6689 They've got some trainers that can do double-duty as close air support; but yes, nothing most people would think of as "fighter Aircraft" other than that.

[@Mugdorna]

Basically Strykers. We call them MOWAGs. and for an "air force", we dont have one. We have PC-9 trainers, PC-12 and CASA patrol aircraft ( and some choppers)

[@markstott6689]

@@Mugdorna Thank you 😊

[@philippos5547]

I am wondering whether Ireland would consider joining NATO now.

[@retiredstillriding843]

I doubt they will, too small and I don't think they have a defence budget which would allow them to be part of NATO. Also they have a long standing thing about remaining neutral.

[@markstott6689]

​@retiredstillriding843 Plus, there is no way the UK or USA would allow anyone to threaten Ireland. The fact Britain is closer means Britain would be the first line of defence. The RAF has already escorted Russian aircraft away. Those freakin' Bears get everywhere.

[@seanmosley5834]

​@@retiredstillriding843war interferes with the drinking time 😅

[@Masada1911]

No.

[@tomhenry897]

Why Get all the benefits without joining

[@tim2024-df5fu]

Bicycles are surprisingly good at transporting ammo and more when there aren't any roads. Just ask the Vietnamese.

[@janrobertbos]

...you ain`t much if you ain`t DUTCH...lollol...😁

[@CapnDan57]

Ahhh, you've away so long yer now calling it "drinking and chatter" instead of "rounds and banter" Sláinte!

[@L.J.Kommer]

"...and were forced to use US Army rifles instead of their normal AUGs." ...don't the Irish have natural stat bonuses for Armalites?

[@djd8305]

.... replaced in service by ballot boxes dude:)

[@Mugdorna]

@@djd8305 nicely done sir (says a son of ulster)

[@50TNCSA]

Wtf is a fort moore ?

[@Masada1911]

New name of Fort Benning

[@chattyrat3354]

4:30 ... Irish Free State Shows and it's basically devolved from the British Army .... This is not so. The Irish Free State National Army devolved from the Pro-Treaty Irish Republican Army (IRA). Pro-Treaty IRA leaders became the leaders of the National Army. The included former British Army Officers such as Emmet Dalton MC (Capt. in WWI Maj Gen in Irish Civil War) and American Army Officers such as John T Prout (Capt. in WWI Maj Gen in Irish Civil War) who had joined the IRA after WWI. The crest / hat badge of the National Army was that of the IRA and its precedessor the Irish Volunteers. Former members of the British Army fought on both sides of the Civil War having served with the IRA in the War of Independence following WWI. Notwithstanding that, former British Army solders were recruited into National Army on the outbreak of the Civil War.

[@kimjongun2536]

The 'IRA' never existed there was simply the volunteers. the term IRA was only used after the war of independence. The National Armies personnel was majority British Army Regiments Stationed in Ireland who were disbanded. They were offered transfer into other regiments or integrated into the National Army 6 months prior to the civil war. There was double the amount of British soldiers in the National Army than Irish volunteers. The majority of non British soldiers were trucileers not volunteers. The organization and doctrine of the National Army was still essentially British due to the fact the volunteers lacked any real professional military experience and little ability to run and function an army.

[@mikepette4422]

Irish drinking ? whaaat ? Now we know this is fiction as the Irish never do that sort of thing.

[@marcoflumino]

Can I have what you are having? It looks like is a good trip! ;-)

[@patrickporter1864]

Most Irish people do not drink. It just that those who do make up for everyone else.

[@scttewegner72]

Had to use US firearms instead of their Augs..... oh no, they had to use something not crappy. 🤣🤣🤣

[@djd8305]

Nope, the AUG ain't crappy. Old in service but a lovely rifle to handle, if a bit toylike.

[@AltCtrlSpud]

Hello everyone I am happy and proud to announce that I've quit using meth for good, and will now only be using it for evil :D

[@davidweihe6052]

Do you mean like the Wehrmacht did in WWII? Plan on invading Poland or France, anytime soon?

[@jaym8027]

@@davidweihe6052 Maybe he's a B-2 pilot.

[@bebo4807]

You can tell the Irish officer does not like the tall Scottish guy who’s asking all the questions.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Scottish?

[@jic1]

Seems maybe a little uncomfortable being on camera, doesn't really come across as hostile, at least not in my opinion.

[@gwtpictgwtpict4214]

As the Chieftains heritage is Irish, I think we can safely discount your assessment.

[@MmmGallicus]

The Irish have an army???????

[@Uncle_Torgo]

9000 troops in the Irish Army? That's just an anti-riot force, not an army. There are 36000 cops in the NYPD, a lot of them with Irish blood, I guess that they would be willing to go over and help out if it came down to it, but everybody knows that all of Europe's first ask in times of trouble would be 82nd Airborne!

[@jaym8027]

The current Irish government is mad to get into NATO in order to get access to the 82nd along with such niceties as primary radar and a functioning navy and air force.

[@djd8305]

Nah! 101st all the way😉

[@Mugdorna]

Did you hear about our unarmed police force too?

[@17cmmittlererminenwerfer81]

It'll always be Ft. Benning to me. I hope after the commies are ousted, they'll bring back the traditional names again.

[@requen]

Do you mean the brave republican who defeated slavery? Or honoring a general who would rather be stricken with illness and starvation than see African Americans liberated from slavery and be given equality as citizens; then preceded to speak against the Confederacy and refused orders?

[@djd8305]

You'll find dem pesky COMMIES under your bed Tex.

[@cm275]

Not sure how removing names of avowed traitors from official government installations equates to advocating for the communal ownership of the means of production, but you do you bro. Now I see why Trump loves the poorly educated so much.

[@Mugdorna]

Explain what "communism" is? Then offer a rationale for using a Confederate general as a name for a USA military institution?