Brig. Gen. James appointed Deputy Chief of Staff of Defence Forces

[Frank]

http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0726/defence.html

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An Air Corps officer has been appointed to one of the top three jobs in the Defence Forces.

The Government this afternoon approved the promotion of Brigadier General Ralph James to the post of Deputy Chief of Staff.

Brig Gen James is currently General Officer Commanding of the Air Corps.

It is the first time an Air Corps officer has been appointed to such a senior position.

The 54-year-old Dubliner was the youngest general in modern times when he was put in charge of the Air Corps eight years ago.

He will be promoted to the rank of Major General when he officially takes up his new role.

Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean McCann said: 'I welcome the appointment of Brigadier Ralph General James as Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations).

'His knowledge and expertise will contribute substantially to the effective leadership of the Defence Forces at the strategic level, and I look forward to working closely with him in the future.'

[papa 242]

Well Done Ralph!!
Congratulations on the promotion!
Hope they wont want you to change to the green!!!!
Best of Luck

[Machlooper]

Hope they wont want you to change to the green!!!!

Was thinking that today but, apparently once you have served within a Corps for a certain amount of time (5 or 10 yrs??) you can continue to wear the uniform of that Corps.
 

[CK]

Will he still be commanding officer of the corps?

[CK]

Or someone else will be posted to that task?

[Frank]

A new GOC will be appointed to the Air Corps in time, I suppose interviews will be held to find a replacement.

[Dualta]

Do the Defence Forces have a formal succession plan in place and fi so why are vacant posts filled quickly following promotions/retirements/transfers etc.

[Dualta]

Sorry ...should why are they NOT filled.............

[Irish251]

I think the Defence Forces are subject to much the same control on appointments and promotions as the rest of the public service, which means that some vacant posts may be suppressed and the filling of others may be delayed.  It's all about saving money now (current salaries) and into the future (pensions).

[Dualta]

Thanks for your reply.