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What age do I have to be in order to be inducted into the Permanent Defence Force?

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age in order to be inducted into the Permanent Defence Forces.

What is the difference between enlisting as an Officer Cadet, an Apprentice or General Service?

Officer Cadet – on qualification these individuals become the managers and the leaders of the Defence Forces.

Apprentice – on qualification these individuals are fully FAS accredited tradespersons who are deployed in the various technical Corps of the Defence Forces.

General Service – on qualification these individuals serve as Soldiers, Sailors or Airmen.

Do I need my Leaving Certificate to apply for General Service?

You must satisfy the Interview Board and the Recruiting Officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Permanent Defence Forces.

What are the Educational qualifications for an Officer Cadetship?

School Leavers must possess a minimum of Grade C3 in 3 Higher Level papers and Grade D3 in 3 Ordinary/Higher level papers, in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination. Leaving Certificate Applied does not qualify for this competition.

Each candidate for Army (Line) and Air Corps must possess a minimum of Grade D3 in the following Ordinary/Higher level subjects:

1. Mathematics.
2. Irish (NUI Matriculation exemptions apply).
3. English. (Candidates whose first language is not English must satisfy the English language requirements in accordance with the NUI Matriculations Regulations.
4. Third language (accepted for NUI Matriculation Registration purposes NUI matriculation exemptions apply).
5. Any two Matriculation subjects not already selected.

Each candidate for Naval Service Cadetships must possess a minimum of Grade D3 in the following Ordinary/Higher level subjects:

1. Mathematics.
2. Irish (NUI Matriculation exemptions apply).
3. English (Candidates whose first language is not English must satisfy the English language requirements in accordance with the NUI Matriculations Regulations).
4. Any three Matriculation subjects not already selected.

Graduates

Must have obtained a recognised degree i.e. a Third Level Degree awarded up to the end of 2004. With effect from 2005 have successfully completed an Honours Bachelor Degree programme at pass or honours level (level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications),

OR

For Naval Service Cadetships, hold a Diploma with merit or distinction (from a recognised institution) in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering for Operations Branch and Engineering Branch Cadetships respectively as awarded to the end of  2004, or with effect from 2005, have successfully completed an ordinary degree course (level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications) (from a recognised institution) in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering for Operations Branch and Engineering Branch Cadetships respectively. Electrical Engineering cadetship applicants must have obtained a recognized Electrical engineering degree i.e. a Third Level Degree awarded up to the end of 2004. With effect from 2005 have successfully completed an Honours Bachelor Degree programme at pass or honours level (level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications),

PLEASE NOTE:  Applications for all categories of cadetships are invited from persons who have applied to sit for examinations in the competition year as will enable them to satisfy the minimum educational qualifications criteria as specified in a, or b above. 

What circumstances would make a person ineligible for enlistment?

A person discharged from the Defence Forces (Permanent or Reserve) or the Military, Naval Police or Air Service of any other country or state because of misconduct or as a result of being found medically unfit.

Persons belonging to An Garda Síochána.

A person convicted by a civil court of a serious offence.

A person in receipt of a disability pension.

A person undergoing an apprenticeship. 

I have a criminal record. Can I join the Defence Forces?

The Defence Forces has a high dependence on trust and the use of technical equipment and weapons, and looks for individuals who are trustworthy and reliable. For this reason, all applicants undergo security vetting by An Garda Síochána, and any convictions are assessed on the severity of the offence.

What will my everyday life in the Defence Forces be like?

One of the key things about life in the Army is that your job will vary and you’ll be doing many different things. While you are on a base, your job is pretty much like any other 9 to 5 job. But you’ll also spend time away from the base, training either elsewhere in Ireland or deployed overseas.

Will I be able to stay in touch with family and friends while completing my initial training course?

While you’re undertaking your training, you will be given plenty of time to remain in contact with family and friends.

How long can I stay in the Defence Forces?

If you join on a standard engagement, you can serve for a guaranteed period of five years for General Service and twelve years for both Officers and Apprentices, providing you pass you initial training course, maintain your medical grading and service efficiency.

I play sport at a competitive level. Can I keep playing while in the Army?

If you’re playing top-level sports of any kind, the Defence Forces will ensure, where possible, you get the opportunity to compete. The Defence Forces has sportsmen and women who compete at national and international, as well as fulfilling their regular duties.

What are the height requirements?

All male applicants must be a minimum of 5’ 2" (157.48cm).
All female applicants must be a minimum of 5’ 2" (157.48cm).

Is there a medical examination and physical test?

An offer of Appointment in the PDF is conditional on the passing of a medical examination and physical fitness test prior to enlistment.

I have heard that the Defence Forces uses the Body Mass Index (BMI) as one means of determining medical eligibility. Can you explain this?

The BMI is calculated by the formula: weight (kilograms) divided by height (metres) squared, i.e. kg/m2, and is a guideline of an appropriate range of body weight with respect to minimising certain health risks.

Under 17: you will be assessed by the examining medical officer in order to determine whether you could cope with the demands of training.

17 to 29: You fall within the acceptable range for entry.

30 and above: Is not acceptable for entry into the Defence Forces and youwill be classified as medically unfit.

*Please note that the BMI result is indicative only, other factors affect the result. An initial failure of the BMI in the case for example of well muscled but short rugby player will result in a Body Fat Composition Test being used in lieu of the BMI test.

Read more about Defence Forces Fitness testing.

What is the Physical Fitness Induction Test

This test is designed to test the candidate’s current level of physical fitness, the candidate displays to the Board his/her capacity to undergo the rigours of military training.

It is composed of two aspects:

• Aerobic Endurance.
• Local Muscular Endurance.

 

Aerobic Endurance

Candidates will be required to run one and a half (1 & 1/2) miles within the Defence Forces time limit below.These are the max times allowed. This is a Pass or Fail test.

• Males - 11 Mins 30 secs
• Females - 13 Mins.

 

Local Muscular Endurance

• Males - 20 push-ups and 20 sit-ups.
• Females - 20 push-ups (Modified) and 20 sit-ups.

Max time allowed 1 minute. This is a Pass or Fail test.

What are my leave entitlements?

General Service personnel and Apprentices:
Personnel are entitled to 24 days annual leave.

Officers and Officer Cadets:
Annual leave to the extent of 31 days may be granted to cadets and junior officers. Senior officers (Commandant and higher ranks) may be granted 43 days leave in accordance with the provisions of DFR A.11.

Will I have to live in barracks?

General Service personnel & Apprentices:
Personnel will be required to live in barracks throughout the period of initial training. Upon completion of this training personnel can apply to live outside of the barracks

Officers and Officer Cadets:
Personnel will be required to live in barracks throughout the course of initial training. Upon commissioning, Officers can apply to live outside of the barracks.

Will I have to go overseas?

General Service Personnel & Apprentices:

Overseas Service is deemed mandatory for all personnel in the Defence Forces.

Officers:

Overseas Service is deemed mandatory for all personnel in the Defence Forces.

How do I join the Army Ranger Wing?

Personnel may apply, after successful completion of initial training, to undergo the Army Ranger Wing Selection Course.  If the applicant is deemed successful on this course, he/she will then become a member of the Army Ranger Wing.

Can I apply for the Army Ranger Wing if I’m in the RDF?

 

No, only members of the Permanent Defence Forces are eligible to apply for the Army Ranger Wing