You are here:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the training commitment?

That depends on how much time you can afford to give, but to gain your annual financial bonus, or gratuity, you will need to do a minimum of 24 training parades, each of not less than two hours in duration.

An overnight camp, or a field day, is deemed as being equivalent to four hours.
Security Duties are deemed as being equivalent to four hours.
A camp of not less than seven days is deemed as equivalent to twenty-four hours.

Can I leave at any time?

You will sign on for an initial period of three years (four years NSR). However, non-attendance for a period of time will signal that you are no longer interested in being a member and you could be discharged as a result. You can apply to leave at any time but there is no point in joining if you lack determination and commitment.

What are the age limits?

17 is the lower age limit for joining. The upper limit is normally 35. There are exceptions to the upper age limit for those with certain specialist skills or previous military experience. If you are under the age of 18, you must have the permission of your Parent/Guardian to join the RDF.

I am not yet 17. Can I still apply to join the Reserve?

No. You must be 17 before you apply to join the Reserve.

I am not Irish, can I still join the Reserve?

This depends. If you are a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Union, then yes, you are eligible for enlistment. However if you are a citizen of another country, then the following rules apply. You must:

not be seeking asylum within the State.
have three or more years legal and unbroken residency in the State.
be in possession of a certificate of Registration (Certificate of Residency) issued by the Dept of Justice, Equality and Law Reform covering the period of potential engagement. (Three years for the Army Reserve, four years for the Naval Service Reserve).

I have a criminal record. Would this prevent me from joining?