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Reserve Defence Force - Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need any qualifications to join?
  2. Will I get to use the weapons I've seen in the Army and Naval Service?
  3. Will I get paid during my training?
  4. I am not an Irish Citizen can I join?
  5. Can I go to Sea With The Naval Service?
  6. As a member of the Reserve Defence Force, is there the opportunity for overseas travel?

1. Do I need any qualifications to join?

No qualifications are required to enlist in the Reserve Defence Force, however an English Language proficiency test may be required.

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2. Will I get to use the weapons I've seen in the army?

Yes! All trained soldiers must qualify every year on the Steyr AUG assault rifle. This means spending a number of weeks conducting refresher training on safety, handling and care and cleaning of the weapon. Then spending a day or two on the firing range in order to qualify on the weapon. But it gets better, as you advance through the ranks of the RDF you will be introduced to a number of different weapons systems ranging from pistols to light machine guns all the way up to artillery weapons depending on your unit.

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3. Will I get paid during my training?

Members of the Reserve Defence Force are paid for all full-time training that they attend, this is normally for completing annual training in the summer months. Certain courses and duties are also paid. The maximum amount of full-time training which can be conducted each year is 42 days.

Normal weekly training is not paid but for those who attend a minimum number of training parades an extra gratuity is paid once every year. Weekend training is paid in certain circumstances".

See the following site for details on the current rates of pay: www.rdfra.ie.

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4. I am not an Irish Citizen; can I join?

Membership of the Reserve Defence Force is open to all Irish and EU citizens. Membership is also open to Non-EU nationals who posses a valid green book or Certificate of Residence from the Dept. of Justice Equality and Law Reform.

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5. Can I Go To Sea With The Naval Service?

All fully trained NSR personnel have the opportunity to go to sea with the Naval Service.

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6. As a member of the Reserve Defence Force, is there the opportunity for overseas travel?

Several overseas trips with the Naval Service are available for NSR personnel. Previous trips include US, France, Portugal, Spain, France, Liberia, Germany, Canada and Japan.

Members of the Army Reserve do not currently serve on overseas Operations.

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