Irish Defence Forces

The Irish Defence Forces (Irish: Óglaigh na hÉireann) was the national military of the human nation of Ireland, founded in 1924. Throughout its history, the Defence Forces played a major role in various United Nations peacekeeping operations. Most notably, the Defence Forces were a major component in the United Nations Colonial Peacekeeping Force and participated in the Interplanetary Wars. After the founding of the United Earth Government, the Irish Defence Forces were absorbed into the . It had four main branches: the Army, Naval Service, Air Corps, and Army Ranger Wing.
==History==
==Branches==
===Army===
The Irish Army was the ground-based section of the Defence Forces. By far the largest branch of the Defence Forces, the Army was largely infantry focused, although there were several artillery and armoured companies. During the Interplanetary Wars, over half of the Army's personnel was attached to the UNCPF, and later the UNSC. Like the rest of the Defence Forces, the Army was absorbed into the UNSC in 2170, helping to form the first battalions of the UNSC Army.
===Naval Service===
The Irish Naval Service was the maritime and space-based component of the Defence Forces. Mainly utilized for patrolling the Irish Sea, the Naval Service did have a small space fleet, which was donated to UN forces during the Interplanetary Wars. Naval Service personnel were also present on several UN installations during the conflict. Like the rest of the Defence Forces, the Naval Service was absorbed into the UNSC in 2170.
===Air Corps===
The Irish Air Corps was the air component of the Defence Forces. Its resources were very limited, only having access to a small fleet of fighters and VTOLs, and was primarily utilized for search and rescue operations. Nonetheless, the Air Corps played a small role in the Interplanetary Wars, providing VTOLs and transports to UN forces. Air Corps personnel also helped operate the UN Split-class supercarrriers. Like the rest of the Defence Forces, the Air Corps was absorbed into the UNSC in 2170.
===Army Ranger Wing===
The Army Ranger Wing (ARW) (Irish: Sciathán Fiannóglaigh an Airm) was the special operations branch of the Irish Defence Forces. Delegated to a primarily counterterrorism role, the ARW participated in several domestic and foreign peacekeeping missions throughout the 21st century. When the United Nations Colonial Peacekeeping Force was formed in 2144, the ARW made up a fair section of its counterterrorist and general special operations force alongside the Swedish SOG, Australian SASR, and British SAS. ARW operatives later participated in the Interplanetary Wars, playing a significant role in UN special operations. After the conflict, the ARW was absorbed into the United Nations Space Command, helping to form the newly founded .
====Notable members====
*Riley Doyle
==Equipment==
===Weapons===
Name 	Type 	Ammunition type	Photo	Notes
MA1A assault rifle	Assault rifle 	5.56mm 	 	Standard issue rifle, adopted in 2149.
FAEN-115 	Support (modified)	5.56mm 	 	Former standard issue, now modified to be used as a light sniper support weapon by Army, Army Ranger Wing, and Naval Service
A17 	Carbine 	7.62mm 	 	Used primarily by the Army Ranger Wing as standard rifle, issued as a designated marksman's rifle in the Army
===Uniforms and armor===
Name 	Photo	Notes
Regular Field Dress	 	Standard combat gear, used by Army and Army Ranger Wing
HP57 body armor 	 	Used exclusively by the Army Ranger Wing, issued by UN
===Vehicles and ships===