"In contrast, most Irish people will have an opportunity to come into contact with army units. Nearly every town in Ireland has an FCA training centre, or is close to one. All of Ireland's cities have regular army barracks and the sight of military vehicles and uniformed army personnel is not unusual. The Army's role in support of the civil power at home or overseas with the United Nations, receives regular coverage in national newspapers. Most Irish people are well informed about Ireland's contribution to the United Nations' forces in Lebanon and most recently in Somalia. The Irish army is held in high regard among most Irish people. It is seen as a manifestation of sovereignty, especially as the army claims an unbroken link with the insurrectionists of 1916. Unfortunately the Naval Service enjoys no such legacy; founded in 1946, its first commanding officer was from the Royal Navy."