The main occupations in the Irish Defence Forces are:
Army
Video: Engineering with the Defence Forces
| Find out more about Army Careers here including videos and FAQs |
| Find out more about Naval Service Careers here including videos and FAQs |
| Find out more about Air Corps Careers here including videos and FAQs |
Advice for Guidance Counsellors
Check out the Defence Forces YouTube Channel to for more information on what life is like working with us.
The Permanent Defence Forces recruits personnel only on Full Time contracts.
The Defence Force recruits in a number of ways as follows:
General Service – This relates to people who are interested in joining the Defence Forces as a Soldier/Sailor or Airman. Candidates who join at this level start as a recruit and when they have completed this initial training they commence their as Soldier/ Sailor or Airman.
Within this career field there is the opportunity, if found suitable, to move up the ranks to the highest Non-Commissioned Officer rank of Sergeant Major.
Apprenticeships – This relates to people who are interested in joining the Defence Forces as an apprentice. Candidates who join at this level will receive military and SOLAS training to qualify them in a particular field such as Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, Aircraft Mechanic etc. To find our more click here.
Within this career field there is the opportunity, if found suitable, to move up the ranks to the highest Non-Commissioned Officer rank of Sergeant Major.
Officer Cadetship – This relates to people who are interested in joining the Defence Forces as an Officer (Management Level). Candidates who join at this level start as a Cadet and when they have completed this initial training they qualify as a 2nd Lieutenant / Ensign. To find out more click here.
Within this career field there is the opportunity, if found suitable, to move up the ranks to the highest Commissioned Officer rank of Lieutenant General (Army Chief of Staff)
Direct Entry – As the term implies this entry path relates to people with certain qualifications who are inducted into the Defence Forces to carry out a specific function related to this qualification. These personnel undertake limited initial military training before being posted to the specific job. Direct Entry competitions are available for both General Service positions and Officer positions.
General Service
This relates to applicants who wish to apply for a position as a Soldier / Sailor / Airman.
Soldier
Recruitment - applications are only accepted only through the Defence Forces website www.military.ie
The Irish Defence forces are open for applications all year round.
What’s involved in the recruitment process and army recruit training.
Officer Cadetships
The Officer Cadetship competition normally runs from January to March. Applications are accepted in two ways:
Direct Entry Competitions
These competitions are advertised as required. Applications are accepted through our website:
Defence Forces Fitness Testing
Click here for the Defence Forces rates of pay.
