Irish Army

Today approximately 8,500 men and women serve in the Army. The country is divided into three areas for administrative and operational reasons, and in each area there is an infantry Brigade.

In addition to the Brigades Structure, there is also a Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC), a Logistic Base in the Curragh and a number of special establishments such as the Equitation School, Army Bands, and the Army Ranger Wing. In the case of Corps which support the Infantry, a Corps Director and staff are provided to coordinate the purchase of specialised equipment, the execution of specialised training, etc.

The three brigade group structure envisages distinct operational areas of responsibility for each of the brigades. One has primary responsibility for operational tasks in the border area, the second for operational tasks in the greater Dublin and Leinster area and the third for operational tasks in Munster and part of the Connacht area. Practical operational considerations dictate the requirement to outline operational areas of responsibility. The brigade group structure is based on strengthened combat and combat support elements and streamlined combat service support elements.

• 1 Southern Brigade
• 2 Eastern Brigade
• 4 Western Brigade
• Defence Forces Training Centre
• Army Corps
• Army Ranger Wing
• Equitation School