Working Life

The main role of the Air Corps is to provide support to the Army, Naval Service and the Garda Siochana in countering threats to State security on land, sea and air.

In addition, the day-to-day peace time role of the Air Corps includes activities such as Ministerial air transport, maritime surveillance, fishery protection, search and rescue and air ambulance.   
  
The Air Corps trains its own pilot officers, aircraft mechanics, air traffic controllers, air photographers and general service personnel. Air Corps personnel may serve overseas with United Nations Peacekeeping Forces.

Further Information

• RAF Airman or Airwoman- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• RAF Non-Commissioned Aircrew- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• RAF Officer- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

The purpose of Officer Cadet training is to develop character and leadership skills and instil a sense of duty and responsibility in the Officer Cadets, in addition to qualifying them as Military Aviators. To benefit from that training, which is conducted in an environment of strict discipline, the Officer Cadet needs mental acuity and physical agility, See Military.ie. 

The application process involves a series of aptitude tests, interviews and group exercises. Students with a minimum of a Leaving Cert will be considered for entry. 

Air Corps Cadets spend 7 months training with an Army Cadet Class where they learn basic military skills and develop their leadership ability before they move on to flight training with the Air Corps.

Eligible candidates will be requested to attend for preliminary interview at one of the selected locations around the country. Candidates who reach a satisfactory standard at this interview will be required to attend for assessment tests and a medical examination. Subject to the outcome of the tests and medical examination he/she may be required to attend for interview by the Final Interview Board.

A candidate found suitable at the Final Interview for a Cadetship will be required to undergo a medical examination by the Civil Aviation Medical Board before being granted a Cadetship in the Air Corps. Cadetships are awarded to qualified candidates by the Minister for Defence, whose decision is final.   

A Cadet is entitled to free accommodation, meals and medical treatment.

After commissioning Air Corps officers must choose between specialising in fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft. Their new flight duties can include Air Ambulance, troop transport, and flying the Government Jet, in line with IAA flight competencies.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €23k - €36k

RATES OF PAY CADETS - CLASS A Point June 2024
On appointment
1st €23,993
2nd €26,537
3rd €29,781
4th €32,702
5th €36,645

Defence Forces Rates of Pay

Data Source(s):
Military.ie

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Marine and waterways transport operatives, Air transport operatives, Rail transport operatives, Bus and coach drivers, Train and tram drivers, Van drivers, Other drivers and transport operatives n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Following some fluctuations in the intervening years, employment in 2024 returned to 2019 levels (declining by 2,600 persons since 2023). Combined, van drivers and bus/coach drivers accounted for approximately three quarters of employment in this occupation with the remainder being train/tram drivers and air/rail/marine transport operatives. Over a third in this occupation were aged 55 years or older which will likely lead to increased replacement demand in the coming years.

Despite the fall in employment, there was a high volume of recent job hires indicating a high level of job churn. There was also a relatively large volume of vacancy posts on DSP Jobs Ireland for bus and coach drivers, driven by significant recruitment campaigns by Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus. In addition, there was a small number of employment permits issued for bus and coach drivers.

Issues with recruitment for this occupation relate to bus and coach drivers only; expansion of bus services nationwide is also fuelling increasing demand and although there has been significant recruitment of drivers recently, turnover and replacement are resulting in a continuation of shortages.

Skills shortage:

Bus and coach drivers

• Defence Forces, Recruitment & Competitions Section

  • Department of Defence,Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
  • 1890 42 65 55
  • [email protected]
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