One of the enduring strengths of the
British Army is its ability to change and
adapt to new situations and the changing
defence requirements of our country,
whilst at the same time retaining and
building upon the traditions inherited from
the past.
In 1992 the oldest, most distinguished Irish infantry Regiment of the line, the Royal Irish Rangers (itself the successor to several famous Irish Regiments of the past) merged with the youngest and largest infantry Regiment in the British Army, The Ulster Defence Regiment, to create a new Regiment with a unique identity - The Royal Irish Regiment.
This merger did more than bring together two distinguished Regiments. Its effect was to forge an infantry force with formidable expertise in both conventional infantry warfare and Counter-Terrorist operations. Over the centuries, infantrymen from Ireland have earned an unrivalled reputation as fighting soldiers and demonstrated their courage and service to the Crown in conflicts around the globe, through the generations.
Out of this long history of more than 300 years of service to the Crown, The Royal Irish Regiment looks forward with new confidence to the challange of continuing this glorious tradition in the uncertain times that lie ahead.
The Cold War may have ended and the Warsaw Pact threat may have evaporated - but the world is still a troubled place. Many conflicts rage, inflicting misery and death on countless thousands, and causing widespread disruption and famine. The United Nations is doing its best but in many instances disciplined force is needed to bring peace. The United Kingdom, and its Regiments, still has a role to play on the world stage - as a peace-maker.
Members of the Regiment celebrating St Patrick's Day with some Chelsea Pensioners
