The PDF - Permanent Defence Forces
The Permanent Defence Forces are the full time army, navy and air force of the Republic of Ireland. Their official title is Óglaigh na hÉireann, meaning (in English), "Volunteers of Ireland".
The president is the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces. Military Command is exercised by the Government through the Minister for Defence.
   
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The roles of the Defence Forces are:
- to defend the State against armed aggression; this being a contingency, preparations for its implementation will depend on an on-going Government assessment of the security and defence environment;
- to aid the civil power (meaning in practice to assist, when requested, the Garda Síochána, who have primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State);
- to participate in multinational peace support, crisis management and humanitarian relief operations in support of the United Nations and under UN mandate, including regional security missions authorised by the UN;
- to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the EU;
- to carry out such other duties as may be assigned to them from time to time, e.g. search and rescue, air ambulance service, Ministerial air transport service, assistance on the occasion of natural or other disasters, assistance in connection with the maintenance of essential services, assistance in combating oil pollution at sea.
The Permanent Defence Forces are made up of the:
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Today approximately 8,500 men and women serve in the Army.
The country is divided into three areas for administrative and operational reasons, and in each area there is an infantry Brigade.
In addition to the Brigades Structure, there is also a Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC), a Logistic Base in the Curragh. Other special establishments include the Equitation School, Army Bands, and the Army Ranger Wing.
Since 1945, the Irish Army has been deployed on many peacekeeping missions for the United Nations.
A total of 86 Irish soldiers have died in the service of the United Nations since 1960.
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The Air Corps is the Air Component of the Irish Defence Forces. It's mission is to contribute to the security of the State by providing for the Military Air Defence of its territorial integrity and to fulfill all roles assigned by Government.
The main roles of the Air Corps are summarised as follows:
- In Support of the Army
- In Support of the Naval Service
- In Aid to the Civil Power
- Aid to the Civil Community
- Aid to Government Departments
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The Naval Service is based in Haulbowline, Cobh, Co Cork. It is a modern and sophisticated multi- tasked organisation operating a fleet of eight ships. The fleet is equipped with state of the art machinery, weapons, communications and navigation systems.
The main roles of the Naval Service are summarised as follows:
- National Security
- Fishery Protection
- Aid to the Civil Power
- Drug Interdiction
- Maritime Safety
- Diving Operations
- Pollution Control
- Overseas Mission Support
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