Read moreA Career in the Army
Working for the Team
Read moreAir Corps Cadetship
Have a Career as a Pilot in the Air Corps?
Read moreA Career in the Naval Service
Are you suitable for a life in the Navy?
Read MoreReserve Defence Forces
Doing your bit.....................
Read moreA Career in Military Music
Would you like to play in a Military Band
Read moreA Career in the Equitation School
Do you possess good horsemanship skills?
Read MoreMilitary Life - Sport
Contributing to Fighting Spirit, Morale and Personal Development
Óglaigh Na hÉireann
HOW DO I JOIN?
- ARMY
- NAVAL SERVICE
- AIR CORPS
- CADETS
- RECRUITS

Army Cadets
INDUCTION
The Army Cadet Competition is held annually. Details of the eligibility criteria can be seen here. Candidates undergo psychometric testing, a fitness test and group assessment. If successful to this point they will be called to complete an interview and a medical exam. The Induction Process will determine if you have the potential to lead troops as an Army Line Officer.
TRAINING
The purpose of Cadet training is to develop leaders of character and competence. The training, which is conducted in an environment of strict discipline, is as mentally challenging as it is physically demanding. Cadets who become Young Officers, are not only expected to be leaders in the Army but are expected to be excellent soldiers.
Read more about Cadet Training
RATES OF PAY
Cadets receive a salary from the day they are enlisted and begin training. On receiving a commission and depending on whether they are commissioned as a Lt or 2/Lt the pay scale changes from that of the Cadet. Graduates are commissioned as Lts, while non graduates are commissioned as 2/Lts.
Read more about Cadet Pay Scales.
CAREER PROGRESSION
Young Officers are assigned to an Army Corps and over time become a fully qualified officer of that Corps. New officers must adjust quickly to the responsibilities of commanding troops.
Find out more about Career Progression.
- CADETS
- RECRUITS

Army Recruits
INDUCTION
Recruit Competitions are held in each Brigade of the Army as required. Candidates undergo fitness testing, psychometric testing, an interview and a medical exam.
Read more about the Induction Process
TRAINING
The Recruit Training Syllabus and subsequent Two Star Training Syllabus are designed to produce a physically fit, disciplined and motivated Infantry Soldier. This training is the foundation on which on which specialist and Corps training is developed.
Read more about Recruit Training
RATES OF PAY
Recruits are paid from the day that they join the Defence Forces. Your future pay scale will depend on how far you progress up through the ranks.
Read more about Rates of Pay
CAREER PROGRESSION
Newly qualified Private Soldiers are encouraged to put themselves forward for further courses in the Army that will enable them to develop their skills and allow them to deploy overseas.
Read more about Career Progression >>
- CADETS
- RECRUITS

Naval Cadets
INDUCTION
The Naval Service Cadet Competition is held annually. Details of the eligibility criteria can be seen here. Candidates undergo psychometric testing, a medical, a fitness test and group assessment. If successful to this point they will be called to complete an interview and a medical exam. This process will determine if you have the potential to take command of a Naval vessel or, if you have applied as an Engineering Branch Cadet, if you have what it takes to keep a ship operational and habitable.
TRAINING
Naval Service Cadets are expected to attain skills and qualifications that will allow them to carry out the duties of an Ensign/Sub/Lt. Initial Training takes approximately 2 years. The first 3 months are spent in The Cadet School, Military College Co Kildare learning basic military skills. The remainder of their Cadetship is spent in the Naval Base Haulbowline, on board Naval vessels at sea and in the National Maritime College of Ireland.
Read More about Naval Service Cadet Training
RATES OF PAY
Cadets receive a salary from the day they are enlisted and begin training. On receiving a commission and depending on whether they are commissioned as a Sub-Lt or Ensign the pay scale rises from that of the Cadet. Graduates are commissioned as Sub-Lts, while non graduates are commissioned as Ensigns. A patrol duty allowance is also payable to Cadets when at sea.
Read more about Rates of Pay
CAREER PROGRESSION
Naval Service Officers fall under 2 distinct groups: Operations Branch and Engineering Branch. Each Branch requires officers to develop their academic and experienced based knowledge at sea and in shore appointments. Naval Service Officers continuously develop skills, at every level, that enable them to meet the challenges faced on a daily basis, both on land and at sea.
Read more about Career Progression
- CADETS
- RECRUITS

Naval Recruits
INDUCTION
Recruit Competitions are held in the Naval Service as required and are the only way to join the Defence Forces to become an Ordinary Seaman. Candidates undergo fitness testing, psychometric testing, an interview and a medical exam. The Induction Process will determine if you have the potential to become a Seaman in the Navy.
Read more about the Induction Process
TRAINING
Naval Service Recruits completed 18 weeks basic training in military and naval skills. It is designed produce physically fit, disciplined and motivated personnel with basic military skills. An Ordinary Rating — which is the rank attained by someone who completes basic training — go on to develop further specialist skills.
RATES OF PAY
Recruits in the Naval Service are paid from the day that they join the Defence Forces. Your future pay scale will depend on how far you progress up the ranks.
Read more about Rates of Pay
CAREER PROGRESSION
Newly qualified Ordinary Seaman are encouraged to put themselves forward for further courses in the Naval Service and in the wider Defence Forces. There are a multitude of career paths and areas to specialise in.
Read more about Career Progression
- PERSONNEL
- CADETS
- APPRENTICE

Air Corps Personnel
INDUCTION
Recruit Competitions are held by the Defence Forces as required and are the only way to join the Defence Forces to become a Recruit. The assessment process involves candidates undergoing fitness testing, psychometric testing, an interview and a medical exam. The Induction Process will determine if you have the potential to become an Airman in the Air Corps.
Read more about the Induction Process
TRAINING
The Recruit Training Syllabus and subsequent Two Star Training Syllabus are designed to produce a physically fit, disciplined and motivated Infantry Soldier. This training is the foundation on which on which specialist and Corps training is developed.
Read more about Recruit Training
RATES OF PAY
Recruits are paid from the day that they join the Defence Forces. Your future pay scale will depend on how far you progress up along the ranks.
Read more about Rates of Pay.
CAREER PROGRESSION
Newly qualified Airmen are encouraged to put themselves forward for further courses in the Air Corps and wider Defence Forces. There are a multitude of career paths and areas to specialise in.
Read More about Career Progression
- PERSONNEL
- CADETS
- APPRENTICE

Air Corps Cadets
INDUCTION
The Competition to become an Air Corps Cadet is held annually. Candidates undergo psychometric testing, a fitness test and group assessment. If successful to this point they will also complete further tests such as psychomotor tests, an interview and a medical exam. Candidates are tested in terms of their mental and physical suitability to become a Military Aviator.
Read more about the Eligibility Criteria
TRAINING
Training from start to finish takes approximately 36 months: 7 months are spent in The Cadet School, The Military College, where Air Corps Cadets learn basic military skills and develop their leadership ability. The remainder of their Cadetship is spent in Baldonnel where they study and are trained to become a Military Aviator.
Read more about Air Corps Cadet Training
RATES OF PAY
Cadets receive a salary from the day they are enlisted and begin training. On receiving a commission and depending on whether they are commissioned as a Lt or 2/Lt the pay scale changes from that of the Cadet. Graduates are commissioned as Lts, while non graduates are commissioned as 2/Lts. An Officer or Cadet who is engaged in flying duties is also paid flying pay
Read more about Rates of Pay
CAREER PROGRESSION
After commissioning, the Air Corps Officer will choose between specialising in fixed wing aircraft or rotary aircraft. Depending on this decision they may find themselves, for example, flying as a military aviator on the Government Jet or a state of the art medium lift helicopter in an Air Ambulance role.
Read more about Career Progression
- PERSONNEL
- CADETS
- APPRENTICE

Air Corps Apprentice
INDUCTION
Applications for Air Corps Apprentices are taken as required. Candidates are assessed in a number of ways, including: psychometric, fitness, medical and by interview. The process is designed to select the best people to become a key member maintaining the operational readiness of the Air Corps.
Read more about AC Apprentice Induction Process
TRAINING
After 4 months of basic military training, the trainee technician will commence their academic studies. The Level 7 Degree course consists of a 3 year programme, 2 semesters per year. Trainee technicians will be instructed in all disciplines of aircraft maintenance including fixed and rotary wing aircraft, power plant and avionics.
Read more about Apprentice Training
RATES OF PAY
Apprentices in the Air Corps are paid as soon as they join the Defence Forces. The level of pay increases with time in service and rank. There is also an increase when they become fully qualified technicians.
Read more about Rates of Pay
CAREER PROGRESSION
The Air Corps operate a variety of aircraft and it takes a number of technical specialities to maintain this fleet. Air Corps technicians are encouraged to continually develop their knowledge and skills by undertaking courses and by hands on experience.
Read more about Career Prgression
Cadetships
The Defence Forces are NOT accepting applications for cadetships at this time.
Please Note:
Applications forms for entry into the Defence Forces are only available through the online application form on this site.
The online application form for enlistment is only available when recruitment competitions are open.
There is NO access to the online application form when recruitment is closed.
General Service
The Defence Forces are NOT accepting applications for General Service at this time.
Please Note:
Application forms for entry into the Defence Forces are only available through the online application form on this site.
The online application form for enlistment is only available when recruitment competitions are open. There is NO access to the online application form when recruitment is closed.







