Defence Forces recruitment drive targets ‘modern Ireland’

Minister for Defence Simon Coveney has announced a recruitment drive for 350 new personnel for the Defence Forces, and said that the new recruits should “fully represent” modern Ireland in terms of gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation.

The new recruits to the Army, Navy and Air Corps will bring the Defence Forces back in line with the minimum personnel level of 9,500 set by the Government.

The numbers serving fell during the recession as the annual rate of retirement more than doubled.

Mr Coveney said that maintaining the State’s defence capacity means that “we need to recruit young people who are committed, adventurous and enthusiastic, and who will bring that energy to ensure that we continuously reinvigorate the modern Defence Forces”.

“I am also committed to ensuring that we have a Permanent Defence Force that fully represents the modern Ireland in all of its dimensions, including gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation, and the current campaign will endeavour to reach out to all those groups,” he said.

“The Defence Forces are committed to full equality among all its personnel, irrespective of gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.”

Pdforra response

The association representing about 8,000 soldiers, sailors and aircrew in the Defence Forces, Pdforra, said the drive for new recruits was “positive, needed, and welcome”.

The number of retirements from the Defence Forces in 2013 was 597, compared with 276 in 2008.

In 2009, 2010 and 2011, the numbers retiring were 425, 427 and 498 respectively.

Last year, the Defence Forces inducted 400 personnel to the Permanent Defence Force and 500 personnel to the Reserve Defence Force.

Mr Coveney said the Government was committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force and that the new campaign would achieve this.

Pdforra general secretary Gerry Rooney said the falling numbers in the Defence Forces over the past several years meant that there was “a requirement” for new recruits.

“The Defence Forces has about double the turnover that would exist elsewhere in the public service,” he said.

“Within quite a short period of time, we do have to continually recruit, so it’s welcome.

“Obviously when we are short of individuals the burden falls elsewhere. The organisation can be busy at times, particularly with people going overseas.”

Recruitment tests

Applicants for the Army will be required to complete a range of assessments, including physical fitness tests, psychometric tests, an interview and a security check.

To be eligible, individuals must be over the age of 18 and under the age of 25 on the closing date for receipt of applications.

The new recruitment drive will be run through a centralised online application system on the Defence Forces website.

The closing date for receipt of applications is September 4th. Enlistment of personnel is due to begin in December.