Mentoring in the Irish Defence Forces: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

This study explores the contemporary mentoring practices and opportunities that align with mentoring challenges in the Irish Defence Forces (DF). Mentoring is integral to the current DF Leadership Doctrine, relevant from tactical to strategic levels. However, there appears to be a disconnect between the stated aims of the DF Policy and the lived experience of mentoring within its personnel. This study aims to bridge the gap between the objectives of the mentoring policy and its real-world operation.

Conducting a workplace survey and semi-structured interviews, this study identified significant themes that shed light on the perceived limitations of the program, providing valuable insights for improvement. The research findings, crucial in the context of the DF mentoring program, indicate that a motivated and committed group of mentors is available to enhance the careers of military personnel through mentoring. However, the study also highlighted numerous obstacles that must be addressed to improve the program's effectiveness. These include a lack of awareness and understanding of mentoring, accessibility issues, cultural barriers, inadequate resources, and limited integration with career development initiatives. While positive mentor-mentee relationships exist, the study also highlights the 'dark side' of mentoring, necessitating awareness and mitigation strategies. It also identified contemporary mentoring methods such as Flash Mentoring and E-Mentoring, which, when employed appropriately, can enhance the mentoring experience for both mentor and mentee.