Cad is Earcaíocht san Airm?
Train to become a soldier through a 12-week recruit program, followed by 10 weeks of 2–3 Star training. Build essential military skills, discipline, fitness, and teamwork before joining a unit.
What is an Army Recruit?
An Army Recruit is a person who enlists for General Service in the Defence Forces and on completion of the initial training program is promoted to Private 2*.
Information About Army General Service Recruits
The Defence Forces is looking for people who are looking for a challenging and physically demanding career in the military. Applicants should have:
- The ability to work in disciplined military environment.
- The ability to work with others in a team.
- Work well in a high pressure and physically demanding environment
- Be willing to serve abroad for extended periods of time.
On qualification recruits take up a position as a three star private in one of the following Service Corps — Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, Transport or Communications Information Systems.
Qualifications
No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. However, you must satisfy the Interview Board and the Recruiting Officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Defence Forces.
Age Limitations
Applicants must be 18 years of age and under 39 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications.
Induction
Recruit Competitions are held in each Brigade of the Army as required and are the only way to join the Defence Forces to become a Private Soldier. Candidates undergo fitness testing, psychometric testing, an interview and a medical exam. In conjunction with this all candidates will be security vetted by An Garda Síochana. Candidates must also provide two referee`s as part of the security vetting process. Candidates will be required to pass both the medical examination and security vetting to be considered for induction. The Induction Process will determine if you have the potential to become a Private Soldier in the Army.
Helpful Application Process video's
Training
The Recruit Training Syllabus is designed to produce a physically fit, disciplined and motivated Two Star Infantry Soldier with basic military skills. Recruit training is foundation military training. It is twelve weeks in duration. It is followed by 3 Star training and at a later stage by Trained Soldier Specialist Training courses.
Recruits may be required to complete their training in any Defence Forces location and following their training, may be posted to any Defence Forces location subject to Defence Forces requirements.
Career Progression
Newly qualified Private Soldiers are encouraged to put themselves forward for further courses in the Army. These courses may enable the soldier to specialise in certain areas of the Army or qualify the soldier for promotion and overseas service.
Practice your psychometric test
This link will redirect you to outside the Irish Defence Forces website to practice your test.
Media
The Defence Forces are now accepting applications for General Service Recruit in the Army.
We live in a world of diversity; the Defence Forces require men and women from all backgrounds that possess a strong sense of duty, enjoy working as part of a team, and are looking for a rewarding yet challenging career.
Army applicants must be at least 18 years old and under the age of 39 years of age on the closing date for applications.
When making an application for General Service Recruitment applicants should be aware that the areas of responsibility that applicants apply to are as follows;
1 Brigade - Cork Interview Centre:
- Cork,
- Carlow,
- Clare,
- Galway,
- Kerry,
- Kilkenny,
- Laois,
- Limerick,
- Offaly,
- Tipperary,
- Waterford
- Wexford
2 Brigade - Dublin / DFTC Curragh Interview Centre:
- Dublin,
- Cavan,
- Donegal,
- Kildare,
- Leitrim,
- Longford,
- Louth,
- Mayo,
- Meath,
- Monaghan,
- Roscommon,
- Sligo,
- Westmeath
- Wicklow.
Where possible we will facilitate applicants to conduct fitness testing & interview at a location closest to their home.
Current Rate of Pay
Ready to Begin Your Career with the Defence Forces?