Here's a rough idea of an OOB. Feel free to whack any crazy ideas I've had
Irish OOB 1912-34
Assume OTL with mods, ( no UVF,IVF) thus lower preparedness levels at outbreak.
Intermix officers rather than separate.
Higher Volunteer level say 250K-300K, loses higher say 45K-50K
Wide range of naval forces through WW1 and enlarged with USN presence in 1917.
Greater investment in Irish Ports due to better internal politics.
Post WW1
Army
Downsizes to original force of 8 Regiments. (possible restructuring from moving from Garrison to larger Barracks.)
Air Force
Formation of RIAF (Royal Irish Air Force) 2 squadrons of Flying boat based in WW1 bases to provide coverage of the Western approaches.
Navy
Joint RN and RIN presence, possibly 8-12 Destroyers (either preWW1 or V&W perhaps, with the RN helping costs due to Shipping losses in WW1).
As sign of internal support UK helps support construction of County class (Kent class). RN Sub base maintain perhaps?
1935-1939.
Army.
Infantry Regiments begin to be restored to WW1 levels due to growing tensions.
The North and South Horses reconstituted as Armoured Car Regiment, being upgraded to Armoured Units later.
Airforce.
Coastal Command continues 2 Squadron level of Flying Boats patrolling the Approaches (upgrading to Sunderlands).
Fighter Command created (2 Squadrons of Gladiators perhaps)
Navy. A Town Class Cruiser laid down in 1935, commissioning in ’37 followed by repeat build (OTL Belfast commissioning in ‘39).
A further half squadron of Destroyers added to RIN.
1939-1945.
Army.
Back to WW1 3 division level with Armoured Brigade (North and South Horses).
Airforce.
Sustaining Flying boat Squadron and augmented by VLR squadron, US forces and more VLR Squadrons.
Fighter Squadrons enlarged to 4 with 2 deployed outside Ireland.
Centre for training aircrew for Allied Forces.
Navy.
OTL damage to HMS Belfast, perhaps another is borrowed to make up the loss (Black Prince?). Perhaps Cork handles more of the Repairs to Damaged ships allowing H&W to finish the ships under construction quicker.
Figure Corvettes are made a priority for the RIN.
Losses of about 1/3 of Destroyers through war.
Lough Swilly used as Convoy gathering point, this plus air cover and naval bases reduce Convoy loses.
1945-1960
Army.
Reduced to Prewar Regiments (Horse’s remain amalgamated as Armoured unit).
1 Regiment deployed to Korea with armoured support.
1 Regiment remains deployed in Germany.
Airforce.
WW2 surplus airframes are used to support ASW operations.
Fighter Command retains De Havilland Vampire Jets (reduced to 2 squadrons).
1955 (due to 1953 British White Paper) 24 Shorts Seamew’s available for ASW work, allowing the retirement of WW2 airframes.
Navy.
County Class (if survives) worn out, decommissioned.
Remaining Cruisers continues service in Commonwealth operations (eg Korea) then retired. Corvettes decommissioned.
Remaining Destroyers (perhaps with RN surplus) remain in service unmodified till replaced in 1950’s (9 Type 14’s perhaps).
1960-1990
Army.
Significant restructure to Marine type forces to reinforce NATO Northern Flank (3rd Commando Brigade size), would Ireland keep an Armoured battalion force for supporting amphib operations (perhaps last gen tanks?).
NATO standard helicopter support elements (Lynx, Sea King Commando)
Airforce.
Fighter’s discontinued due to rising costs plus increasing US/UK support.
4-6 KC 135’s acquired 1965 with US support for supporting NATO operations in patrol and resupply.
For ASW 6-8 Nimrods acquired in the early to mid 1970’s.
For NATO transport operations and to support forces in the Northern flank, 4 Short Belfast transport operations acquired. With RAF standing down their squadron (assuming OTL) then 2 more airframes and spares acquired.
Mid 1980’s 2 E-3’s acquired as part of NATO AWAC’s program.
6-9 SeaKings acquired for Coastguard operations.
Assume OTL upgrades.
Could Irish forces aide British forces in Falklands War?
Navy.
Type 14’s replaced with Type 21’s (could this be a 1-1?).
2 Rover RFA’s acquired to replace legacy support ships.
Fearless class acquired for Marine forces (perhaps with 1 Round table).
Formation of minesweeper Squadron for NATO deployment (9 Ton Class?) developing with RN OTL class.
Due to Cod War and fishing incursions perhaps 4-6 OPV's built domestically (crewed from Reserve/Cadet/Private crew perhaps)
1990-2012.
Army.
Modifications for post Cold War operations (assume Royal Marine modifications)
Operations in Gulf War, Balkans, GWOT.
Would Ireland stay with Lynx (Wildcat), Merlin replacing Sea King.
AirForce.
Due to post Cold War decisions
Ireland decides not to join Nimrod MR4 program and decommission’s them in the mid 2000’s replacing them with CASA 295 MPA (6ish)
Belfast transport’s worn out, replaced by 2 C 17’s in NATO procurement augmented by Tactical Transports due to combat needs (6 295’s?)
Navy.
Combat experience of Falklands and Tanker War displays weaknesses in the cheap option of Type 21. Decision taken to replace with Type 23’s (maybe reduction to 6 hulls)
3rd Fearless replaced with 3rd Albion class.
Roundtable replaced with Bay class.
Fort Victoria class RFA procured, 1 Rover class retained for overseas deployments.
Minesweeper Squadron maintained at 9 hulls permanently deployed overseas.
