Lieutenant Colonel speaks ahead of Irish deployment in South Lebanon

Colonel Shane Rocket discusses his extensive experience in the Defence Forces, focusing on his current deployment to Lebanon. He addresses the concerns of families, reassures them of the troops' preparedness, and outlines the mission objectives. Operational changes and training enhancements are highlighted, along with the emotional state of the battalion. The challenges of celebrating Christmas abroad and maintaining communication with families are also discussed.

What is the rank and name of the speaker?

How many deployments has the speaker completed overseas?

What concerns does the speaker have regarding the troops?

What preparations are made for Christmas Day during deployment?

How does the speaker address communication issues with families?