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29/05/2009
Army Recruits Defy Dangerous Postings
Continuing military casualties in Afghanistan have signally failed to put-off potential recruits for the Army.
Northern Ireland is likely to see a further 500 new soldiers 'falling-in' this year, according to new figures just revealed.
The target represents a marked rise on the average intake of 300 regular army recruits per year.
The revised figure reflects the growing interest in a military career from people both north and south of the border.
The intensified drive also comes against the backdrop of the recent murders of two soldiers by dissident republicans - and the killing of a policeman.
Lieutenant Colonel Dick Rafferty, Head of Army Recruitment in Northern Ireland said: "I believe the recruiting environment in Northern Ireland has greatly changed; there has been a change in attitude; the economic climate may be a contributing factor; but young people want to join the Army, we have seen that over the past few years.
"The majority of them recognise that the Army offers a rewarding and stable career," he said.
More than 900 young men and women have joined the regular Army from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the last three years.
That is on top of the annual intake of 425 soldiers to the Territorial Army.
"Young men from Northern Ireland have been joining the Army for centuries with young women joining the ranks in the last 60 years," added Lt Col Rafferty.
"Every recruit is made fully aware of the challenges and demanding things asked of them.
"Today we get all walks of life through the doors, people that have trained in a trade, be it a plasterer or a roofer, others that have worked in manufacturing, and others straight from school. Most of them have thought about the Army before, it is not something they do on a whim.
"There is a rigorous recruiting process and not everyone makes it through, only the most determined and capable."
See: Killed UK Servicemen Named
(BMcC)
Northern Ireland is likely to see a further 500 new soldiers 'falling-in' this year, according to new figures just revealed.
The target represents a marked rise on the average intake of 300 regular army recruits per year.
The revised figure reflects the growing interest in a military career from people both north and south of the border.
The intensified drive also comes against the backdrop of the recent murders of two soldiers by dissident republicans - and the killing of a policeman.
Lieutenant Colonel Dick Rafferty, Head of Army Recruitment in Northern Ireland said: "I believe the recruiting environment in Northern Ireland has greatly changed; there has been a change in attitude; the economic climate may be a contributing factor; but young people want to join the Army, we have seen that over the past few years.
"The majority of them recognise that the Army offers a rewarding and stable career," he said.
More than 900 young men and women have joined the regular Army from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the last three years.
That is on top of the annual intake of 425 soldiers to the Territorial Army.
"Young men from Northern Ireland have been joining the Army for centuries with young women joining the ranks in the last 60 years," added Lt Col Rafferty.
"Every recruit is made fully aware of the challenges and demanding things asked of them.
"Today we get all walks of life through the doors, people that have trained in a trade, be it a plasterer or a roofer, others that have worked in manufacturing, and others straight from school. Most of them have thought about the Army before, it is not something they do on a whim.
"There is a rigorous recruiting process and not everyone makes it through, only the most determined and capable."
See: Killed UK Servicemen Named
(BMcC)
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26 March 2008
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03 December 2003
Loudmouth Tory councillor expelled
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22 January 2002
Chief Constable announces major army base will close
The Northern Ireland Chief Constable has announced that one of Londonderry’s major army bases is to be closed and the 500 troops based there are to be withdrawn to England.
Chief Constable announces major army base will close
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01 August 2007
Army Operation Ends In Northern Ireland
The British Army’s 38-year military operation in Northern Ireland ended at midnight last night. With the removal of Operation Banner, the Army’s support role for the police, it is now down to the PSNI to police the province.
Army Operation Ends In Northern Ireland
The British Army’s 38-year military operation in Northern Ireland ended at midnight last night. With the removal of Operation Banner, the Army’s support role for the police, it is now down to the PSNI to police the province.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
