On 15 March 2022, Senior Course 140 attended the second day of Field Study 1, devoted to Ireland. Presentations took place virtually and focused on Dublin’s perspectives on security and defence.
The second day of FS1 began with a welcome address by Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, Commandant of the NATO Defense College. The first session centered on Ireland’s position on defence matters. The guest speakers, Senator Gerard Craughwell and Deputy Dr. Cathal Berry, representing the independent lobbies of the Irish Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament, discussed Ireland’s historical military neutrality and its “strategic ambiguity”, which was the term used by Dr. Berry to describe Ireland’s defense posture at the moment.
Afterwards, Director Elizabeth McCullough, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, briefed Course Members on Ireland’s experience on the UN Security Council since January 2021. Christopher Campbell, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Sharon Breen, from the Department of Defence, also participated during the Q&A session that followed.
The last presentation was delivered by Colonel Caimin Keogh, Director of Strategic Planning. The focus was on the “Strategic Direction of the Irish Force in light of the Commission Report”, including a detailed overview on Irish defense forces and a brief introduction to their current challenges and opportunities.
All presentations were followed by a Q&A session. The event concluded with remarks made by a Course Member from Committee 7.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Sofia Carvalheiro, PRT C)
NATO Defense College