As the Irish Air Corps celebrates its centenary, Chris Croot speaks to Brig Gen Rory O’Connor, General Officer Commanding of the organisation, for his thoughts on the milestone and what the future may hold for the force
Brig Gen O’Connor’s career with the Irish Air Corps (IAC) began in 1982 when he enlisted as an apprentice. After four years, he successfully applied for an Air Corps Cadetship. Once officer training was complete, he completed his flying training and qualified as an instructor. During his flying career, he flew various fixed-wing types, notably providing governmental airlift on the now-retired Gulfstream IV.

In 2008, he served as air intelligence chief for the EUFOR mission in Chad and the Central African Republic before assuming command of the IAC in April 2019.