[2] Following the declaration of state emergency by the de Valera government in 1939, efforts were made for military expansion.

[3] Prior to the outbreak of war in December 1937, it was estimated that a force of three divisions would be necessary to defend Ireland in the event of an invasion.

[2] Col. Michael J. Costello was promoted to Major General and appointed commander in May; a man reported to be a "down to earth soldier"[1] and prepared his division to a high state of readiness.

[1] These regional commands, which had been supplemented with brigades before the divisional-level organisation, were given various battalions, mobile squadrons and static establishments (or garrison companies).

To quote Maj. Gen. Costello:Given the inadequate armament and signal equipment of the Forces, training concentrated on attaining superiority over a potential invader in night operations with small forces expected to yield capture of enemy arms and ammunition, in cross country mobility and in marksmanship and the use of mines and explosives generally.