Irish soldiers getting set for 6 months in Syria

The 58th Infantry Group are entering their final phase of training after three months of intensive preparation for their forthcoming deployment to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria. 

A Defence Forces spokesperson said: "The Irish Troops will constitute a Quick Reaction Force, which is a small, highly mobile and flexible force which can respond to any request made by the Force Commander within 15 minutes. The Group has a wide range of capabilities including armoured force protection, patrolling and mobility, surveillance, communications, medical and operational expertise."

The spokesperson said: "The Mission Readiness Exercise puts commanders and soldiers through a series of demanding scenarios based on potential situations that may be encountered in the mission area. The training reflects the robust nature of a deployment in this area of operations and serves to prepare our personnel for any eventualities that may occur during their six month tour."