Minister announces appointment of new Deputy Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces

The Government this morning (13 January) accepted the recommendation of the Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, to appoint Colonel Johnny Whittaker as Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) of the Defence Forces.

Colonel Whittaker has, since July 2024, been Director of Training and Education with responsibility for the development of training policy, the coordination of all training and education across the Defence Forces and monitoring standards achieved in order to ensure the highest levels of operational capability, efficiency and effectiveness.

Colonel Whittaker also served as Director of Transport and Commandant of the Military College before taking up his current role.

Speaking after today’s Government meeting, Minister McEntee said:

"I wish to congratulate Colonel Whittaker on his appointment. He brings a wide range of experience to the role as Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), all of which will be of considerable benefit both to him and to the Defence Forces in this key role.

"I look forward to working closely with him and his colleagues in the continued development and modernisation of the Defence Forces at a time when the Government is making record levels of investment to enhance capability across all domains and ensure that Ireland continues to meet its national and international security responsibilities and meet the challenges we face now and into the future.”