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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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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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.
11 November 2009
Arrest Over SAS Captain's Murder
It has been reported that the Police Service of Northern Ireland have arrested a man in connection with the killing of an undercover British army officer over 30 years ago.
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It has been reported that the Police Service of Northern Ireland have arrested a man in connection with the killing of an undercover British army officer over 30 years ago.
26 March 2008
Agreement Parties Take Stock
The DUP and Sinn Fein have each marked the first anniversary of the joint devolution deal with a review of the past year. The end of the IRA Army Council is in sight, claims DUP MP and Assembly Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson, who said that much progress had been made.
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The DUP and Sinn Fein have each marked the first anniversary of the joint devolution deal with a review of the past year. The end of the IRA Army Council is in sight, claims DUP MP and Assembly Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson, who said that much progress had been made.
03 December 2003
Loudmouth Tory councillor expelled
The Conservative Party has expelled Neville Saunders, the disgraced former leader of Peterborough City Council, after he refused to withdraw derogatory comments made earlier this year about the people of Northern Ireland.
Loudmouth Tory councillor expelled
The Conservative Party has expelled Neville Saunders, the disgraced former leader of Peterborough City Council, after he refused to withdraw derogatory comments made earlier this year about the people of Northern Ireland.
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
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.