Minister with responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D., Attends Commissioning Ceremony of the 10th Potential Officer Course.

The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D., today (Wednesday 13th March 2019) attended the Commissioning Ceremony of the 10th Potential Officer Course at Dublin Castle. Minister Kehoe was accompanied by the Secretary General of the Department of Defence and the Chief of Staff.

This is only the tenth time since 1962 that a Potential Officer’s course has been run and it is the first time in 11 years that this opportunity has been provided to serving Non-Commissioned Officers.

Addressing the newly commissioned Permanent Defence Force officers, the Minister said “The course you have completed covered a wide range of subjects to equip you with an array of skills to make each of you a hugely beneficial addition to any unit within the Defence Forces.” and continued by saying “This is a proud day for the new Officers and their families”.

He added: “Over the last few years, the only regular opportunity for enlisted personnel to become officers has been by direct application for a Cadetship. Upon becoming Minister, this is something I believed needed to change.”

The 10th Potential Officers Course “was designed to capitalise on the wealth of knowledge, experience and skills already in existence within the enlisted ranks,” Minister Kehoe said. He told the ceremony that the next two potential officer courses will be run in 2021 and 2024.

Minister Kehoe paid tribute to the families and friends of the members of the 10th Cadet Class for their support and encouragement and also paid tribute to members of the Defence Forces Cadet School.

“I have no doubt that for all of you, today is a proud one and that you are deeply honoured to have received the scrolls that have just been presented to you on behalf of the President. You have taken a solemn Oath today, and I know that none of you have undertaken that Oath lightly.”

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