90th Anniversary of the Creation of the Reserve Defence Forces, Collins Barracks, 16 April 2019 2160

A ceremony took place in the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, to mark the formation of the Reserve Defence Forces. Although reserve elements had been experimented with by the fledgling Irish Defence Forces the first formal reserve component opened up to the general public for part time military training was in 1929 with the formation of the Volunteer Reserve Force. This was followed shortly by the Officer Training Corps with units established in several universities around the country.
With Fianna Fáil taking power in 1932 a new force was established in 1934 - The Volunteer Force. Members and supporters of Fianna Fáil were encouraged to join; many had fought in the Civil War on the anti-treaty side.
The Volunteer Force was an all-arms undertaking with a high level of training for officers and NCO’s. it peaked at a strength of 10,578 in April 1935. On 1 September 1939 its strength was 257 officers and 6,986 other ranks. Interestingly the force was territorially organised in regiments such as The Regiment of Oriel; The Regiment of Leinster; and the The Regiment of Dublin. The Regiment of Pearse was added in 1935.
With the outbreak of World War II and Emergency was declared and the permanent and reserve elements of the Defence Forces were expanded quickly. The Local Security Force (LSF) amd the Local Defence Force (LDF) were established to help with the war effort. This expansion resulted in numbers never seen before or since in the establishment of the Irish Army. In 31 March, 1941, the regular force peaked at 41,463, while in June 1943 the LDF reached its highest enlistment number of 103,530. Many photographs of the period show pre-war officers and soldiers, Volunteer reservists, and Emergency enlistment soldiers wearing and carrying their respective equipment. During this period a reserve element for the Marine Service was established called The Maritime Inscription.
Following the end of hostilities in 1945, the Emergency Defence Forces were demobilised. In 1946and 47 all pre-existing reserve forces were disestablished. The reserve element was reconstituted into the First Line Reserve (former permanent personnel) and the Second Line Reserve - An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil (FCÁ) (Local Defence Force) which was made up of part time volunteers. An Slua Muirí became the maritime reserve component of the Naval Service. The period 1959 - 1979 was known as ‘integration’ whereby the Defence Forces was structured in six brigades regular and FCÁ. This of course was during the Cold War and the structure allowed the Defence Forces to mobilise quickly if needed. Throughout this period the reserve played a prominent role in supporting their regular counterparts who were increasingly called upon during the Troubles.
In 2005 An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil and An Slua Muirí were stood down and reconstituted into the Reserve Defence Force (na hÓglaigh Cúltaca) consisting of the Army and Naval Reserve. Initially the reserve was organised in their own units with parent regular units to which they would train with and support. In 2013 the 'Single Force Concept' was introduced whereby RDF sub-units would now be attached to PDF Army units.
Throughout its history the reserve has always relying upon volunteers who give up their free time to support the Permanent Defence Forces and conduct duties around the country when called upon. The RDF are currently recruiting. If you fancy a part time carrier in the Army or Navy check out a unit near you.
This video is a production of The Irish Military Heritage Foundation CLG: (RCN) 20203159.
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[@kevclaremcd]

I think I have the unique distinction of having joined the Reserve (then the FCA) in the Military Barracks in Castlebar in the 5th Motor Squadron, later the 5th Cavalry Squadron. I ended up as a Troop Sgt in the unit before I then enlisted in the PDF, and then after a series of various postings, I came back to the Military Barracks in Castlebar as the PDF Training Sgt with the 5th Cav Sqn. I subsequently got commissioned and had a few stints as the PDF Trg Officer with the 18th Inf Bn (also based in the barracks) and then for one brief period I ended up as OC Military Barracks Castlebar, from Trooper to OC the wheel had come full circle. I was, and still am proud to have served in the Reserve, 1007206. Abu.

[@derekstynes9631]

I started My Military Career in the Then Seventh Field Artillery Regiment as A Gunner in the fourteenth Heavy Mortar Battery , Then to the PDF with the Fifth Battalion A Company and Finished with The First Garrison Military Police Company in the Government Buildings as A Corporal . My very Best Wishes to all past and Present who serve in All Branches of the Defence Forces .

[@CavalryClub]

Great interview with our Cavalry Cpls.

[@ZuluPapa1000]

What a shame this event didn't take place on a weekend when most Reservists are on time off their civilian jobs.

[@alpteknbaser7773]

🇺🇸🙏🇬🇧💪

[@johnmcsweeney5843]

Great museum living history group, love how real the costumes are. 🙈🙉🤣