SINCE its establishment in 1930 the Irish Military College has had an important influence on not only the Defence Forces, but arguably on the nation. Its history has not yet been written. Colonel Tom Hodson (Retd) is currently researching, with the intention of publishing, such a history.

The story is intriguing. From its early predecessor, the Army School of Instruction to today’s modern institution, the College has aspired to fulfil the roles laid down in the Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Act of 1923, in training and instructing:

• Candidates for appointment to commissioned rank in the Forces.
• Officers of the Forces, and
• Such other Citizens as the Regulations may declare to be eligible for admission to the Institution.

The task has not been easy as the Military College has inevitably been subject to the many changes and fluctuations in the duties, roles and fortunes of the wider Defence Forces. 

In addition to recording these developments, Tom is interested in researching curricula, instruction and their importance and influence on the functions allotted to the Defence Forces by successive Governments. He would be very grateful therefore for contributions on any area of the Military College and its history, which members of ARCOIreland might like to make to this research and publication.

He can be contacted at the following:

Email: thodson@tcd.ie

Phone: Home 01 6282412

           Mobile 087 7470678