Irish troops to make up part of EU battlegroup
Irish troops are to form part of a new EU battlegroup, led by Germany, in their latest contribution to peace, writes Tom Brady.
The battlegroups remain on standby for six months and must be ready within days to fly into a trouble spot and help restore peace and stability there.
The Defence Forces will supply an ISTAR company of around 153 troops, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance.
A further 23 personnel will be deployed in staff posts at the force headquarters.
Training will culminate in a two-week exercise here in May to determine the company's readiness for standby duty.
The Irish will be working alongside troops from Germany, Austria and the Republic of Macedonia.
Irish Independent
