Careers in the Irish Defence Forces THE Irish Defence Forces is the military of Ireland. We encompass the Army, the Naval Service, the Air Corps and the Reserve Defence Forces. The Army is a standing force and provides the primary capabilities for joint military operations at home and combined military Peace Support Operations abroad. The Naval Service is the State's principal seagoing agency with a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. It is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The role of the Air Corps under the Defence Act is to contribute to the security of the State by providing for the Military Air Defence of its airspace. Defence Forces personnel lead a "Life less Ordinary". No two days are the same in the lives of our personnel. All aspects of military life are varied and for each member of the Force each day may bring a new challenge. WHO WE LOOK FOR? General Service Recruitment The Irish Defence Forces are looking for motivated, physically fit, team orientated individuals to enlist as General Service Recruits. As a recruit, you will train to become an infantry soldier. On completion of the initial training program, successful recruits 24 Education
are promoted to the rank of Private 2*. Following a second period of basic training, applicants are promoted to the rank of Private 3*. Applicants should have: • The ability to work in disciplined military environment. • The ability to work with others in a team. • The ability to work well in a high pressure and physically demanding environment. • Be willing to serve aboard for extended periods of time. • Be a minimum of 18 years of age and under 25 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications. On qualification recruits take up a position as a three star private in one of the following Service Corps — Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, Supply & Transport or Communications Information Systems. After basic training, opportunities exist to undertake further training as anything from a heavy vehicle driver, to a chef, vehicle mechanic, armourer, IT technician, combat engineer, emergency medical technician and many other roles. Officer Cadetships The Defence Forces are also looking to enlist Officer Cadets. A Cadet is a Military Officer in training. Officers are the leaders, decision makers and managers of the
"The Irish Defence Forces are looking for motivated, physically fit, team orientated individuals to enlist as General Service Recruits"
Defence Forces. They are the platoon commanders in our Army, the pilots in our Air Corps, and the navigators and engineers in our Naval Service. An Officer leads, directs and motivates our frontline troops. The role comes with very real mental and physical challenges, with Officers being expected to lead from the front in all situations. Officer Cadets engage in 15 months training in the Military College, Curragh Camp, Kildare, covering many basic and practical soldier skills and military fields of study before taking up an operational appointment in the Permanent Defence Forces. The Defence Forces is looking for people who have the potential to: • Plan, prioritize and organise. • Analyse problems, in order to generate appropriate solutions. • Be clear, concise and with effective communication skills. • The ability to motivate others and work with a team. Can you do all of this while working in a very high pressure, mentally and physically demanding environment? After completing Officer training, cadets are commissioned into a Service Corp — Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, Supply & Transport or Communications Information Systems. As a young Officer many more opportunities for development,
