What Christmas means to the Irish Defence Forces serving abroad

Christmas is traditionally a time to relax, to spend time with family and friends and generally forget about the humdrum of day-to-day life.

However, for millions of people across the world, December 25 is no different to any other day in the calendar.

One such group of people is the men and women in the Irish Defence Forces.

For some, they will be posted to military camps across Ireland but for others, home will be a lot further away this Christmas.

The Irish Post spoke to troops who will be spending their time in Mali this year, in searing hot temperatures.

It could not be further removed from the crisp winter mornings we experience in Britain and Ireland every December.

“Because the weather here in Mali is untypical of the Christmas season at home, it doesn’t really feel like Christmas time, and that should make it a little easier,” said Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Whittaker. “The average temperature here in Mali at this time of year is circa 35 degrees.”

Lt Cl Whittaker, a native of Cork and resident of Galway, and his troops are in Mali as part of the European Union Training Mission.

Along with military from more than 20 other EU countries, the Irish troops will spend their Christmas Day much like any other – lots of training.

“Normally, we continue with our operational tasks and duties as we would on any other given day,” said Lt Cl Whittaker. “However, we also come together to celebrate with a Christmas lunch, and have a small religious service.”

This will not be his first Christmas stationed abroad but, for some of his troops, it will be.

One such man is Corporal Patrick Walsh, from Co. Wicklow. What would a first-timer expect?

“I would like to have some nice Christmas dinner and Skype my son to see how his Christmas Day is going and all my friends and family,” he said. “The worst thing for me would be not being able to see my boy’s face on Christmas morning.”

With a multi-national campsite, the Christmas dinner will be a varied event.

A total of 300 personnel from 21 European nations will sit down to lunch on Christmas Day after a normal morning of work.

Unlike back in Ireland, where the post-dinner period is usually spent slowly digesting the mounds of food in front of a movie, it will be straight back to work for the troops.

“In between the lunch and the religious service, we continue with our work routine,” said Lt Cl Whittaker.

Despite the delicious lunch put on for the camp, a Christmas atmosphere can be hard to come by in Mali for those more used to a traditional December, which is why the heavy work load can be a blessing.

“Personally, I like to phone home, wish everyone a Happy Christmas, go training and get the day over with as quickly as possible,” said Cork man Sergeant Conor Walsh, who has also spent previous Christmases stationed overseas.

Of course, as with anything, there is always a silver lining. In this case, avoiding the shops at peak consumer season is the cushion that softens the blow.

“Being away from the mayhem and the pressure involved in Christmas shopping and the crowds everywhere is probably the best thing about being away at this time of year,” said Lieutenant James Mulderrig, from Co. Mayo.

Cpl Walsh echoes his sentiments. “As a man, I hate shopping for presents!” he said.

The EUTM in Mali has been ongoing since early 2013. The soldiers are based in Koulikoro camp, about two hours north of Bamako, the Malian capital.

The project aims to support the rebuilding of the Malian Armed Forces and train them in the Koulikoro camp.

Aside from the transfer of military knowledge, moral values and respect for international humanitarian law are at the heart of the training.

While these troops, and hundreds more like them, naturally wish to be with their loved ones at Christmas, the day will be made that bit easier by being surrounded by friends and colleagues from all walks of life.

Some of the Irish troops have messages for their nearest and dearest this Christmas…

Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Whittaker; native of Cork, living in Oughterard, Co. Galway
“Happy Christmas to my family in Galway and Cork and to all my friends xo, from Mali. Looking forward to seeing you in 2015.”

Sergeant Conor Kelleher; Skibbereen, Co. Cork
“Happy Christmas to all my family at in Skibbereen, Co. Cork. I miss you and love you all and look forward to seeing you soon.”

Sergeant Paul Doran; Clondalkin, Co. Dublin
“Wishing all my family and friends a safe and happy Christmas. I will be thinking of you all over the holiday season and looking forward to my return home.”

Corporal Johnny Collins; Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford
“To all my family and friends, enjoy the Christmas period. I will be thinking of you all and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.”