merrion street

The Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr Paul Kehoe, T.D. announced today the launch of a new Permanent Defence Force (PDF) general service recruitment competition.

The targeted strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force (Army, Naval Service and Air Corps) is 9,500 personnel and the Minister stated that “this new recruitment campaign reflects the Government’s commitment to meeting PDF strength targets”.

Commenting on the most recent recruitment campaigns the Minister said that “this general service recruitment campaign will build upon the successes of previous recruitment campaigns from which it is expected that just over 800 new personnel will have been inducted into the Permanent Defence Force by the end of 2017. As this will deplete existing panels, it is now appropriate that we initiate a new campaign in order to provide for the induction of further personnel in 2018”.

The Government is committed to building a republic of opportunity by helping everyone to reach their full potential. This new recruitment drive opens up many opportunities for young people to serve their country both at home and abroad. It offers first class training, opportunities for career progression and newly revised pay-scales are on offer to successful candidates. The Minister noted, following on from recent increases to pay, that “on completion of recruit and three star training, which takes an initial 17 weeks followed by a further 12 weeks training respectively, newly qualified 3 star Privates and their Naval Service equivalent can expect minimum gross annual earnings of €27,000 (inclusive of military service allowance)."

The Competition is open from 1000hrs on Wednesday, 27thSeptember 2017 to 2359hrs on Friday, 27th October 2017 via www.military.ie.

Applicants for General Service with the Army and Air Corps must be not less than 18 years of age and under 25 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications. Applicants for General Service with the Naval Service must be not less than 18 years of age and under 27 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications.