The Irish Army on Maneuvers in the Seventies

The seventies were a turbulent decade for the Irish State.  The activities of the IRA and other paramilitaries combined with criminal gangs meant an increase in bank robberies, kidnappings and trouble along the border.

As a consequence the Irish Defence Forces had to be prepared for trouble. Therefore training and exercises were very important. The photos show members of the Army Reserve Brigade on maneuvers in counties Mayo and Sligo in September 1977. The operation was codenamed "Humbert"

Irish soldiers practice with an anti-tank weapon.

Soldiers resting during the exercise.

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