PARATROOPERS of IRELAND

The Army of the Republic of Ireland maintains a company of Rangers whose training is similar to that of the airborne rangers of the U.S. Army. The Unit is officially designated 'Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm' , which is translated as 'The Army Ranger Wing'. There is no direct English translation of the term 'Fianóglach' so the designation Ranger is the accepted version. 'Fianóglach' links the traditions of the 'Na Fianna' (Legendary Irish Warriors) with the present day Irish Defence Forces (Óglaigh na hÉireann). Qualified members of the unit wear the Fianóglach shoulder flash insignia shown here.

Irish Airborne Rangers participated in a Multi-National Jump at CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo. Task Force Falcon hosted the multi-national solidarity airborne operation in Kosovo 16 August 2000. Paratroopers from all countries involved in KFOR were invited to participate. Parachutists exited from American helicopters. Immediately following the landing, an exchange of foreign jump wings and certificates was conducted.

Click here to learn more about Irish Ranger training.

Interestingly, 40 percent of the 1st Royal Irish Regiment assigned air assault missions in the Iraq conflict of 2003 are reported to be Catholics from the Irish Republic.

Click here for the Association of Irish Military Parachutists.