2
Journal Article
Sensitive Issue, Secret Site
The Inside View of the Irish Defence Forces - Implications for Methodology and
Communication
Methodology
The purpose of this article is to outline my research methodology into the status and
roles assigned female personnel in the Irish Defence Forces. The article, in exploring
the means of access to the primary and secondary data relating to the Irish Defence
Forces has implications for researchers intent on conducting research on sensitive
issues within secretive settings.
The methodology employed was primarily qualitative in nature. The techniques
chosen consisted of ‘insider’ participant observation, informal interviews with both
male and female personnel, and a documentary and archival analysis of military
documents, correspondence, newspaper reports, and artefacts such as items of
uniform and equipment. There was also a simple analysis of official statistical data
and the ‘auditing’ or counting of female personnel across line ('combat') and support
('non - combat') appointments within the PDF.
As a serving commissioned officer (Captain) studying the status and roles assigned
female personnel within the PDF, I enjoyed a privileged access to the setting and the
subjects involved. This access allowed me to examine PDF policy and practice in
relation to the status and roles assigned female personnel in the Army, Naval Service
Convention