An Forsa Cosanta Aituil

Ireland's Reserve Defence Force

The Role of the F.C.A.

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The origins of the F.C.A. can be traced back to World War Two, when the Irish government felt that a part-time reserve was necessary to supplement the ranks of the regular Army in order to preserve our neutrality. Over the years little has changed in this regard with the structure and training of the F.C.A. reflecting its primary role as a local defence force. With the dismantling of the Soviet Union and , consequently, the end of the cold war, the F.C.A. is looking at its future role in the next century.It is widely felt that the new roles to be filled by the F.C.A. will be quite diverse, ranging from a more active particpation in Aid to the Civil Power (A.T.C.P.) to over seas duties with the United Nations.