Podcasts about Defence Forces

Mark Mellett, retired former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, reflects on the likely key components of Ireland's new National Maritime Security Strategy which will be announced today.

The Philadelphia Union dropped their MLS season opener to D.C. United by a score of 1–0, with former Union player Tai Baribo scoring the lone goal of the match. Todd and José discuss the latest news, including the Union finalizing a loan to send homegrown midfielder CJ Olney to USL Championship side Brooklyn FC, and the club nearing a deal to sign left back Philippe Ndinga from Degerfors IF in the Allsvenskan. Todd and José also share their thoughts from Saturday's match and discuss topics such as Bruno Damiani and Ezekiel Alladoh's lack of touches in the penalty area, Alladoh's red card, and the MLS debuts of Japhet Sery Larsen, Geiner Martínez, Alladoh, Agustín Anello, and Finn Sundstrom. They also debate whether Cavan Sullivan should have a bigger role after his first two games of the season. Finally, they hand out the first Blunder of the Week of the new season, which goes to Concacaf for its "great" press conference setup. News: The Union finalized a loan deal sending homegrown midfielder CJ Olney to USL Championship side Brooklyn FC: [2:53] Philadelphia is closing in on a transfer to acquire left back Philippe Ndinga from Degerfors IF in Sweden's Allsvenskan: [12:37] D.C. United v Philadelphia Union: Tai Baribo's impact: [16:53] Attacking Rust & Final Third Woes: [22:55] Ezekiel Alladoh Red Card: [38:12] MLS Debuts Across the Pitch: [45:15] Youth Spotlight: Cavan Sullivan: [53:19] Blunder of The Week: Concacaf's media quality after Defence Force v Philadelphia Union: [1:02:10]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/   Jose's Social Media: Twitter: @JoserNunez91 https://nunezj.substack.com/

The Defence Forces of an independent Wales - Siôn Jobbins considers the Armed Forces of an independent Wales - their size, their cost, and the wider political and military context. Siôn reads from his article, 'How Many Aircraft Carriers would an Independent Wales have?' in his anthology of the same name: The Phenomenon of Welshness or 'how many Aircraft Carriers would an independent Wales have?'. What do you think should be the make-up and size of the Welsh Defence Forces.⁠The Phenomenon of Welshness or 'how many Aircraftcarriers would an independent Wales have?'⁠:https://www.gwales.com/goto/biblio/cy/9781845273118/ Series 7, Episode 5

If I was asked whether I'd back Defence Force professionals over politicians on Defence protocols and training, I'd back the professionals every time. ACT and New Zealand First, Winston and David, have asked questions of the Defence Minister Judith Collins on the amount of Māori culture, lore and language which is part of the Defence Force's preparation for combat. This is not a new complaint. Questions about Karakia and haka come up from time to time. Some see this a against the old God, King and country ideal. But the Defence force has always used Māori tikanga to build cohesiveness. They use haka to bring the forces together. It's a war dance after all. They use Karakia, Powhiri and other tikanga Māori a lot because a lot of Māori serve in the defence forces. Proportionately more than other segment of the population. It's part of their organizational identity because the culture is unique to New Zealand and therefore beneficial in bonding the team. And when serving in multi-national military actions it differentiates us from all the other grunts with guns. The question is whether all this multi-cultural woke stuff detracts from making us fighting fit. Well, I'd like to see David Seymour say that to a Māori SAS officer. And we've had race-based military before. The Māori battalion. And they made us proud and the world take notice. The military has always embraced Māori culture because they see it as a strength and not a weakness. It's only performative politicians in their shiny suits in election year that sees Māori culture in the Defence Force as a problem. As any of the 150,000 people at the Edinburgh Military tattoo over the weekend will tell you. The Māori stuff is well liked and is respected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Philadelphia Union started their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup campaign against Defence Force with a bang, defeating them 5–0. The victory saw Ezekiel Alladoh score on his Union debut, while Bruno Damiani recorded a brace and Milan Iloski and Olwethu Makhanya also found the back of the net. Todd breaks down the match and discusses topics such as how to take positives from a game that was so lopsided, Milan Iloski earning "Superior Player of the Game," how high his ceiling is this season, and how to approach the second leg next Thursday. Todd also briefly previews this Saturday's MLS season opener against D.C. United and shares his predictions for where he believes the Philadelphia Union will finish the 2026 season. Defence Force v Philadelphia Union: Lineup: [4:38] Match Breakdown: 5 Goals = Total Control: [14:28] How Do You Evaluate a Lopsided Game: [24:16] Milan Iloski's Ceiling in 2026: [35:50] Second Leg Approach: [50:12] D.C. United v Philadelphia Union preview: Predictions: [53:50] Injury updates: [59:30] 2026 predictions: [1:03:24]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/   Jose's Social Media: Twitter: @JoserNunez91 https://nunezj.substack.com/  

Mike Barrera, Jose Nunez, Todd Lewis, and Ben Brecher sat down to discuss the Union's 5-0 result in CONCACAF Champions Cup. We also briefly talked about the lineup for DC United and the second leg against Defence Force. Doop!

The security concerns surrounding the Ireland/Israel Nations League fixture, Minister Helen McEntee's Defence Forces diversity drive and LENT are all up for discussion on this week's episode of the Long Game podcast.

Michael McLaren warns that the "short-sighted" sale of Victoria Barracks ignores the "rearview mirror" of history and creates a dangerous security gap in the heart of Sydney. Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, former Vice Chief of the Defence Force and former Chief of Army argues that losing this secure CBD site would be a "straight loss" to our immediate defense capability and our ability to respond to emergencies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pat McGrath, Western Correspondent, speaks to Fr. Paul Murphy, an army chaplain who was stabbed outside a barracks in Galway and is being awarded the Defence Forces' Distinguished Service Medal today.

The Philadelphia Union kicked off the first of two preseason games in Clearwater, Florida with a 2–0 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies, with Alejandro Bedoya and Danley Jean Jacques getting on the scoresheet for the Boys in Blue. Todd and José discuss the Union II–heavy lineup in the first half of the match, as well as Geiner Martínez making his first-team debut after being announced last week as the Union's fourth signing of the offseason. They also talk about what they want to see in Tuesday's final preseason match against CF Montréal before the Union take on Defence Force in the Concacaf Champions Cup on February 18 in the first leg of a two-match series, and they discuss the Union kit leak believed to be the club's new primary kit. Philadelphia Union Defeat Tampa Bay Rowdies 2-0: Starting XI very Union II heavy: [7:38] Andrew Rick saves yet again another penalty: [19:04] Philadelphia Union v CF Montréal last preseason game: What do you want to see in last preseason game tomorrow against CF Montréal: [39:03] Union kit leak: What do we think of the kit: [53:31]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/   Jose's Social Media: Twitter: @JoserNunez91 https://nunezj.substack.com/

Lieutenant Colonel Conor King, General Secretary of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, discusses Monday's European Committee on Social Rights ruling that Ireland is in breach of the European Social Charter regarding payment of overtime to Irish Defence Forces personnel.

Clement Manyathela speaks to Siphiwe Dlamini, who is the SANDF Spokesperson to discuss several issues relating to the operations of the defence force. These include the withdrawal of troops from the DRC and soldiers allegedly starving at the border. The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can South Africa defend human rights without the power to enforce them? South Africa speaks confidently about justice, peace, and human rights on the world stage. But holding that position requires real capacity, and that's where things get complicated. Phumi Mashigo explores the consequences of a country that still wants to lead morally, but may no longer have the muscle to do so. How does this affect South Africa's standing - and the lives of its people? Human rights activist and Chairman of the Rwanda National Congress (RNC), Frank Ntwali, and defence analyst and associate editor of The Daily Friend, Ricardo Teixeira, join the conversation to unpack what's changing, what's being lost, and what it all means. The Burning Platform

Cian McCormack discusses the 57 serving members of the Defence Forces who either have criminal convictions or are currently before the courts.

Last week the Government confirmed it will push ahead with legislation to change how the Defence Forces are deployed overseas, including the removal of the Triple Lock when Irish troops are part of an international force.The Triple Lock makes it necessary for any deployment to be ratified by the Dáil, the Government, and the United Nations. The proposed change removes the need for UN approval. Opposition parties and many independent TDs and senators are opposed to the change. That includes Independent Senator Tom Clonan, who joins Hugh today to explain why. Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An employment law expert says a firefighter who used an obscene gesture about the Prime Minister brought Fire and Emergency into disrepute. A clip posted on social media shows Chris Luxon speaking with a person before heading towards a Defence Force helicopter. The volunteer firefighter then turns to the camera and makes an obscene gesture. Fire and Emergency is now investigating. Employment law expert Max Whitehead says volunteers don't have the same rights as a career firefighter, and explained she wouldn't be able to sue the organisation if she were fired. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has launched an investigation into the firefighter in the video with the Prime Minister. You'll know what I'm talking about, you've probably seen it already. It's been doing the rounds since Friday. It's the video of the PM touring the devastation on the East Coast last week. As he's walking back to a Defence Force helicopter, he stops to talk to a volunteer firefighter who's wearing the old high‑vis with 'Fire' written on the back. He does his political schmoozing - having the chat, getting up in the face, clapping the arm - then he heads off toward the chopper. The firefighter turns around, looks at the phone filming her and makes a crude gesture, which the Hauraki boys would describe as “feeding the birds". I saw that on Friday, I smirked, I thought, “Oh, that's a bit funny,” and then I shut it down and got on with my life. Fire and Emergency NZ, however, does not think it's funny at all. They've completely overreacted to it and, after questions from the Herald, have decided to launch an investigation into this firefighter. If they're open to taking some feedback, I would urge them to drop the investigation here. If there's been a bad call, the really bad call isn't the firefighter doing something silly in front of her mates who are filming - it's the person who put the video online, which was the truly unwise thing to do in this modern age. And it doesn't seem to be the same person, by the way, given the TikTok account is run by a man and the firefighter is a woman. But even if they were the same person, it's just really not a big deal, is it? Politicians should expect - and do expect - this kind of reaction when they go around doing their political schmoozing. And if people have a laugh about the PM doing his schmoozing, who cares? It's not threatening or intimidatory, it's just mocking. We have a shortage of volunteer firefighters in this country. We shouldn't be lifting the expectations of volunteers to the same level as what we expect from professionals to the point that volunteers are dissuaded from giving us their time, which we frankly should be grateful for. And there but for the grace of God, etc, right? Because we all do stupid things - we just hope the people around us don't put it on TikTok. I don't want to live in a world where we get investigated over something as silly as this. Hopefully they drops this investigation because surely - surely to God - Fire and Emergency NZ has more important things to do. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, General Johnson Olony, deputy chief of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, ordered troops to “spare no one”. Andrew Mueller unpacks the two-man power struggle at the top and how it continues to fuel civil war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hermann Pretorius and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the state of the EFF. They also discuss the arrest of a saboteur at Eskom and an absolutely bonkers promotion in the Defence Force. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter

Lester Kiewit speaks to Helmoed-Romer Heitman, author and defence analyst, about why the R372 million Defence Force Day parade might have some benefits, following calls for the money not to be “wasted” as the SANDF suffers financially. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Africa Melane speaks to Matthew Parks, COSATU’s Parliamentary Coordinator, about the union federation’s call for government to scrap the planned R372 million Defence Force Day budget. Early Breakfast with Africa Melane is 702’s and CapeTalk’s early morning talk show. Experienced broadcaster Africa Melane brings you the early morning news, sports, business, and interviews politicians and analysts to help make sense of the world. He also enjoys chatting to guests in the lifestyle sphere and the Arts. All the interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from Early Breakfast with Africa Melane For more about the show click https://buff.ly/XHry7eQ and find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/XJ10LBU Listen live on weekdays between 04:00 and 06:00 (SA Time) to the Early Breakfast with Africa Melane broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3N Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk daily and weekly newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COSATU is calling on government to scrap the R372 million budget for the Defence Force Day parade in Thohoyandou. The union says the spending is a "grotesque waste of funds" that could address pressing needs in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). COSATU is citing struggles in the SANDF, including budget cuts, mismanagement and poor conditions for soldiers, such as deteriorating barracks and reduced meals. Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks

On this episode of Work with Purpose, we hear from Ray Griggs AO CSC about what working in the navy has taught him about taking and giving feedback, and why difficult conversations are part and parcel of becoming a better leader.Ray Griggs AO CSC looks back at a long and distinguished career in the public sector – from Australia's Defence Force to most recently the Department of Social Services. Along the way, he navigated many difficult conversations, had his views contested, and at times, had to manage failure. In this conversation with host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, he tells us how these challenges contribute to growing as a leader – and as a human.They also discuss managing large-scale change in complex environments, why you should always do your own fact-checking, and how solutions through new technologies need to be co-designed with Australia's communities.Key tips:How you respond to people's views and ideas is crucial. Respond the way you'd like your own leaders to respond to you.Never neglect doing your own fact checking. Once you launch into the process, your credibility can be at risk.Work out how real a timeline is. Sometimes we impose unrealistic timelines on ourselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The immediate postcolonial moment brought both promise and peril for the states of Africa and their security. The process of decolonization generated instability, and the emergent Cold War caught up the still-fragile independent states in a global ideological struggle between superpowers. While the political story of these states has been written in detail, the story of their militaries has been largely inaccessible, leaving only sketches of the coups, mutinies, and overall failures of security that outside observers could chronicle.Ujamaa's Army: The Creation and Evolution of the Tanzania People's Defence Force, 1964–1979 (Ohio University Press, 2024) by Dr. Charles G. Thomas traces the evolution of the Tanzania People's Defence Force from its inception in 1964 following the broader East African uprisings to its fully realized form on the eve of Tanzania's 1978 conflict with Uganda. The book gathers primary interviews with key military actors within Tanzania and interweaves their narratives with archival sources to produce a detailed history of the culmination of President Julius Nyerere's ideological project and the military leadership's vision of a professional and effective force for guarding the nation and supporting liberation struggles across Southern Africa. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

The immediate postcolonial moment brought both promise and peril for the states of Africa and their security. The process of decolonization generated instability, and the emergent Cold War caught up the still-fragile independent states in a global ideological struggle between superpowers. While the political story of these states has been written in detail, the story of their militaries has been largely inaccessible, leaving only sketches of the coups, mutinies, and overall failures of security that outside observers could chronicle.Ujamaa's Army: The Creation and Evolution of the Tanzania People's Defence Force, 1964–1979 (Ohio University Press, 2024) by Dr. Charles G. Thomas traces the evolution of the Tanzania People's Defence Force from its inception in 1964 following the broader East African uprisings to its fully realized form on the eve of Tanzania's 1978 conflict with Uganda. The book gathers primary interviews with key military actors within Tanzania and interweaves their narratives with archival sources to produce a detailed history of the culmination of President Julius Nyerere's ideological project and the military leadership's vision of a professional and effective force for guarding the nation and supporting liberation struggles across Southern Africa. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

The immediate postcolonial moment brought both promise and peril for the states of Africa and their security. The process of decolonization generated instability, and the emergent Cold War caught up the still-fragile independent states in a global ideological struggle between superpowers. While the political story of these states has been written in detail, the story of their militaries has been largely inaccessible, leaving only sketches of the coups, mutinies, and overall failures of security that outside observers could chronicle.Ujamaa's Army: The Creation and Evolution of the Tanzania People's Defence Force, 1964–1979 (Ohio University Press, 2024) by Dr. Charles G. Thomas traces the evolution of the Tanzania People's Defence Force from its inception in 1964 following the broader East African uprisings to its fully realized form on the eve of Tanzania's 1978 conflict with Uganda. The book gathers primary interviews with key military actors within Tanzania and interweaves their narratives with archival sources to produce a detailed history of the culmination of President Julius Nyerere's ideological project and the military leadership's vision of a professional and effective force for guarding the nation and supporting liberation struggles across Southern Africa. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

The immediate postcolonial moment brought both promise and peril for the states of Africa and their security. The process of decolonization generated instability, and the emergent Cold War caught up the still-fragile independent states in a global ideological struggle between superpowers. While the political story of these states has been written in detail, the story of their militaries has been largely inaccessible, leaving only sketches of the coups, mutinies, and overall failures of security that outside observers could chronicle.Ujamaa's Army: The Creation and Evolution of the Tanzania People's Defence Force, 1964–1979 (Ohio University Press, 2024) by Dr. Charles G. Thomas traces the evolution of the Tanzania People's Defence Force from its inception in 1964 following the broader East African uprisings to its fully realized form on the eve of Tanzania's 1978 conflict with Uganda. The book gathers primary interviews with key military actors within Tanzania and interweaves their narratives with archival sources to produce a detailed history of the culmination of President Julius Nyerere's ideological project and the military leadership's vision of a professional and effective force for guarding the nation and supporting liberation struggles across Southern Africa. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

Ireland will be confronted by a different world in 2026. A mixture of under-investment compared to European neighbours and concern over unidentified drones in the airspace, have placed defence atop the national agenda for 2026.Pat discusses this further with Cathal Berry, Former member of the Defence Forces.

Over 300 members of the 127th Infantry Battalion are on deployment with UNIFIL in Lebanon this Christmas and some members of the battalion recorded greetings to send to their families back home....

Justin McCarthy speaks to members of the Defence Forces serving in Camp Shamrock in Lebanon. Mark Mellett, retired former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, discusses the potential impacts of the UNIFIL's withdrawal from South Lebanon at the end of 2026.

360 Irish soldiers are set to spend their Christmas in South Lebanon, where they are stationed at Camp Shamrock. 134 members of the Defence Forces will be doing so for the first time. Our reporter Tom Douglas visited the camp over the weekend talk to soldiers serving there…

In what continues to be a busy offseason for the Philadelphia Union, the club learned its Concacaf Champions Cup fate on Tuesday night: they will face Defence Force FC from Trinidad & Tobago, with a potential Round of 16 matchup against Club América and a possible Quarterfinal meeting with Inter Miami if all clubs advance far enough. Todd and José discuss the matchup and take a look at the Union's 2026 schedule. They also cover San Diego FC triggering the purchase option on David Vasquez's loan, goalkeeper George Marks signing a new deal with the Union, and the latest Transfermarkt value updates for Union players. Finally, they react to the latest comments from South Africa National Team coach Hugo Broos, which earn him a spot as the Blunder of the Week. News: San Diego FC Exercise Permanent Trade Option For David Vazquez: [4:15] Philadelphia Union Sign Goalkeeper George Marks To New Contract: [13:21] Philadelphia Union Draw Defence Force FC in First Round of Concacaf Champions Cup: [19:45] 2026 Philadelphia Union Schedule: [40:54] Transfermarkt Update: [52:46] Blunder of The Week: Hugo Broos disrespects Mbekezeli Mbokazi's agent, disrespects his move to MLS: [1:03:26]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/   Jose's Social Media: Twitter: @JoserNunez91 https://nunezj.substack.com/ Philadelphia Union among teams punished for tampering at youth level: MLS Weekly - The Athletic Inside the Union's controversial recruitment of top prospect David Vazquez - The Inquirer

In what continues to be a busy offseason for the Philadelphia Union, the club learned its Concacaf Champions Cup fate on Tuesday night: they will face Defence Force FC from Trinidad & Tobago, with a potential Round of 16 matchup against Club América and a possible Quarterfinal meeting with Inter Miami if all clubs advance far enough. Todd and José discuss the matchup and take a look at the Union's 2026 schedule. They also cover San Diego FC triggering the purchase option on David Vasquez's loan, goalkeeper George Marks signing a new deal with the Union, and the latest Transfermarkt value updates for Union players. Finally, they react to the latest comments from South Africa National Team coach Hugo Broos, which earn him a spot as the Blunder of the Week. News: San Diego FC Exercise Permanent Trade Option For David Vazquez: [4:15] Philadelphia Union Sign Goalkeeper George Marks To New Contract: [13:21] Philadelphia Union Draw Defence Force FC in First Round of Concacaf Champions Cup: [19:45] 2026 Philadelphia Union Schedule: [40:54] Transfermarkt Update: [52:46] Blunder of The Week: Hugo Broos disrespects Mbekezeli Mbokazi's agent, disrespects his move to MLS: [1:03:26]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/   Jose's Social Media: Twitter: @JoserNunez91 https://nunezj.substack.com/ Philadelphia Union among teams punished for tampering at youth level: MLS Weekly - The Athletic Inside the Union's controversial recruitment of top prospect David Vazquez - The Inquirer

Minister for Defence Helen McEntee today unveiled a €1.7 billion defence spending plan that will run until 2030.The Minister described this plan as "absolutely essential". Its aim is to speed up the modernisation of the Defence Forces and improve defence capabilities across land, air, and sea, as well as online from cyber attacks.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South-West, Catherine Callaghan, Fine Gael TD for Carlow-Kilkenny and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security and Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent for The Irish Times.

A new report from the IIEA and Deloitte has said that food supplies could begin to run out within three days in the event of an attack on Dublin Port.Cathal Berry, Former Member of the Defence Forces analyses this further with Pat.

Ibec, the group representing Irish business, has called on the Irish Government to increase investment in defence and security. According to Ibec, ongoing global conflicts require increased efforts to ensure Ireland can protect itself and the businesses that operate here, adding that robust security is the bedrock for business, ensuring security of supply, the ability to transact, and confidence in the rule of law. This call coincides with the publication of Ibec's latest priorities paper for Ireland's upcoming EU Presidency, which focuses on security and defence as essential elements for future-proofing European resilience in the context of global instability. Danny McCoy, Ibec CEO, said: "The world has changed fundamentally in the last five years. Europeans realize that our defence and security infrastructure is very vulnerable to external attack. Defence is not just about militarisation. However, we cannot simply avoid militarisation when the rest of our European Union colleagues- the Union, which is the domain for our economic success and prosperity- are increasing their capabilities. We must be part of a secure Europe." "This does not involve abandoning our neutrality, and we need to ensure, in having realistic conversations about our defence capabilities, that we do not conflate the two. However, neutrality does not mean being defenceless. Being part of the defence of Europe is to make our contribution, and this can be in non-lethal aspects like radar systems and cybersecurity." "Within Ireland, we need to ensure we have the people and capabilities to defend us in our seas and in our air. While the Government has committed to achieving Level 2 of the Commission on Defence Forces' ambition by 2028, a truly comprehensive national defence capability would necessitate aiming for the Level 3 capability within that timeframe rather than beyond it, which requires an investment of approximately twice the current policy commitment. Businesses rely on our ability to protect our undersea cables, our grid connection, energy, and defend against cyber threats, among others. We saw with the visit of President Zelenskyy last week and with Ireland's EU Presidency fast approaching, that our vulnerabilities are going to become more scrutinised internationally. In the future world of investment, the realities of business will require a country to be able to prove that it can defend and secure its assets. So this is of paramount national importance, not just in protecting ourselves but also ensuring future prosperity." See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

A New Zealand navy ship's been shadowed by seven Chinese warships in East Asian waters. HMNZS Aotearoa was carrying out surveillance and deterrence activities last month to enforce the UN's sanctions against North Korea. The Defence Force has confirmed the warships kept a safe distance throughout. Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman told Heather du Plessis-Allan it indicates China firmly believes in its sovereignty over the Taiwan Strait. He says a growing consciousness of military might means China's less tolerant of infringements on what it sees as its sovereign claim. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An emergency meeting of the Oireachtas National Security Committee will be held this week to examine the sighting of drones near the flight path of Ukrainian president Voldomyr Zelenskyy when he visited Dublin last week. We discuss further with Security and Defence Analyst, Declan Power.

A geopolitical expert says it's a good thing a New Zealand navy ship was on its own in waters around East Asia - when it was shadowed by seven Chinese warships. The vessel was patrolling last month as part of international efforts to monitor and restrict North Korea's nuclear and missile activity. The Defence Force says the Chinese ships followed at a safe, professional distance. Geoffrey Miller told Ryan Bridge we'll have to wait and see if there are further repercussions. He says China's usually more offended by joint actions with other Five Eyes countries - so it's probably better our Defence Force was alone. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Military Life podcast episode, I speak with Racheal Cosgrove-White Veteran and President of DEFGLIS the Defence LGBTI Information Service.   Racheal and I speak about; -Who DEFGLIS is and why such an important organisation exists -Who does DEFGLIS support and represent -How DEFGLIS has changed and evolved over the years -The impact DEFGLIS has had on the lives of LGBTI defence members and their families -Why it is important to have a group like DEFGLIS -The safe and secure space DEFGLIS offers for LGBTI members and their families -Why DEFGLIS are working to stamp out discrimination in the workplace -Some of the ways DEFGLIS have helped change Defence policy & practices -Why it is so important DEFGLIS continue to advocate for policy change & education -The annual events DEFGLIS run to help connect the LGBTI defence community -The impact of not feeling as though you can come to work as your whole self creates -Why feeling misunderstood or unsupported at work leads to a 30% reduction in output, and how that impacts capability -How the LGBTI Defence community can reach out for help and support   If you would like to find out more INFO about DEFGLIS or pass on the links to someone who might be interested, there are a few ways to do so; Website- https://www.defglis.com.au/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/DEFGLIS Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/defglis/ Ready to join the ML community? Click through the link to get connected xx     www.militarylife.com.au

The Minister for Defence, Tánaiste Simon Harris, has appointed a new Assistant Chief of Staff to the Irish Defence Forces...and it is a Clare man. Brigadier General Neil Nolan has served for more than 35 years as an infantry officer. He is well known in the Defence Forces and has served in a variety of roles across the military as well as deployments with the United Nations, NATO and the EU. Neil's most recent appointment was as Director of the Army Force Design office with responsibility for planning and designing the future structures and capabilities of the Army. He has also served as Director of Infantry of the Defence Forces. Alan Morrissey spoke with Neil on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Irish Defence Forces Facebook

A scathing report into government board appointments has found a lack of transparency and integrity are eroding trust in government; A landmark class action by a group of women who allege systemic sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination within the Australian Defence Force has made its way to the courtroom; New research has found the more violent porn Australian men watch, the more likely they are to perpetuate sexual violence; The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt is set to make her Broadway debut with a coveted role in Chicago next year. Support independent women's media CREDITS Host/Producer: Ailish Delaney Audio Production: Lu HillBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast, I speak with former Marine Specialist Chris Ghalayini. Chris joined the Australian Army in transport before transferring to a specialist role as a Marine Specialist. He served across East Timor, Iraq, and within a Special Operations Unit, living a career built on discipline, purpose, and service. Chris thought he would wear the uniform for life, but everything changed the day a back injury brought his journey to a sudden halt. It wasn't just the end of his military career; it was the start of a new battle he never saw coming. In this podcast, Chris shares his story in full. The highs of service. The deployments that grounded Chris for life. The pride of serving as a Marine Specialist in SOCOMD, one of the most adverse environments in the Defence Force. Chris also talks about the back injury that ended his career due to the pain he was suffering; it sent Chris into a dark place. After 6 doctors said no to operating on his back, the 7 th doctor was willing to operate. This gave Chris a new outlook on life. Unfortunately, after this operation, Chris suffered a stroke in early 2024 during his recovery, he was determined to live for his family. Chris discusses the medical separation and the transition that no soldier is ever truly prepared for. This isn't just a story about hardship. It's about rebuilding, redefining purpose. Finding strength outside the uniform, learning that sometimes the greatest comeback starts the moment life knocks you down. This is Chris's journey before, during, and after Defence. Chris is now an entrepreneur who is the managing director of Poseidon Seas Group, which specialises in the luxury yacht space. Chris now gives veterans and first Responders a way to transition after service and give them purpose again by giving them opportunities to work. Chris is still serving, just in a different uniform and a different way. This is raw, honest and a story of redemption. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Chris Ghalayini Editor: Kyle Watkins

We're happy to share an episode Early Edition, a new podcast from The Irish Times that brings you four of our top stories in under ten minutes. Find it in your podcast app and hit follow to get updates each morning from Monday to Friday. On today's episode:The Minister for Justice and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces must hand over the names and contact details of people who may have blocked, or simply ignored, complaints of abuse within army ranks. Ellen Coyne has the details.Nursing home owners want immigration rules relaxed so they can hire more workers from outside the EU, UK and European Economic Area. Martin Wall says they're seeking changes to the so-called 50/50 rule.Tech workers in Ireland think the general public has an unrealistic idea of who they are and what they really do. Three of them have been speaking to Hugh Linehan in the first of our series, The Professionals, which looks at Ireland through the lens of different categories of worker.And winner of The Traitors Ireland, Vanessa Ogbonno, has been chatting to Tony Clayton-Lea for Me and My Money. She describes herself as a saver, but her most extravagant purchase ever was a bit of retail therapy to take the sting out of losing a football competition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A former soldier who attacked a taxi driver in a drunken rage says the Defence Force failed to get him desperately needed help after a traumatic stint training Ukrainian civilians for war. Charlotte Cook reports.

The Defence Forces are preparing to deploy a naval ship to monitor a Russian surveillance vessel should it move closer to Irish waters. We discuss further with Vice Admiral and Former Head of the Defence Forces Mark Mellett,

How is the Australian Defence Force preparing for the challenges of a changing world? Does the appointment of a naval officer as the Chief of the Defence Force signal a shift in focus to the maritime domain? What does a career in the Australian Defence Force mean in the 21st century? In this episode, Admiral David Johnston joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the insights he has gained through his career in the Royal Australian Navy, and how he sees the future of Australia's defence. Admiral David Johnston AC RAN was appointed Chief of the Defence Force on 10 July 2024. He has extensive experience across a range of leadership, maritime and joint operations, training and capability management appointments in Australia and overseas. Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of NSC. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia. TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more CDF Speaking at the ASPI 2025 Defence Conference: National preparedness and national support for defence CDF Podcast on Australia's defence strategy in the indo-pacific We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A soldier has been accused of twice attempting to strangle his former partner, to the point she says she was about to pass out and was seeing stars, The Army corporal has pleaded not guilty to two charges of assaulting the woman, who was also a member of the Defence Force at the time. Rachel Graham has been at the court martial in Burnham Military Camp.

A class action has been launched against the Australian Defence Force, with accusations that women serving in its ranks were subjected to sexual violence and harassment.  

Paul Cunningham , Political Correspondent, discusses the latest on the campaigns to become our next President, and pre-budget demands.