The Work

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.

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.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Competitions for cadetships are usually advertised in the national media annually. All eligible candidates undergo a preliminary interview at a regional centre. Candidates who pass this interview go forward for a medical examination and second interview in Dublin, with Military.ie.   
 
The award of Apprenticeships/cadetships to qualified candidates will be subject to passing a further medical examination on reporting for training. A candidate to whom a Apprenticeships/cadetships has been awarded is enlisted as an Apprentice/cadet for the duration of his or her training.  

Army Apprentices/cadets must have the ability to do all of the above while working in a physically demanding and high pressure environment. They must also be in good health and be physically fit.

At the time of application they must be between Be 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on the date mentioned in the notice for the current competition, and meet certain physical and psychological standards. 

Candidates must have security clearance and lawfully reside in Ireland.

Training & Development  

The purpose of cadet training is to develop character and leadership skills and instil a sense of duty and responsibility in Apprenticeships/cadetships.  

The course of training in the Cadet School, Military College, Curragh Camp is of approximately 15 months. During this time the cadet is instructed in Weapons handling, Tactics, Arms and Foot Drill, Military Engineering Human Resource Management, Communications Skills, Military Law, Computer Training in Office Information Systems, Spreadsheets, Graphics and Academic Studies.

Cadets are required to take an active interest in sport, to which special attention is given and for which provision is made in the Curriculum.  
 
Graduates with a National Diploma on Military Studies then join commissioned ranks as an Army officer/ Apprentice.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €18k - €67k

Salaries vary by scale, rank, duties, role, experience, and allowances

Defence Forces Rates of Pay. 
Military.ie Dept of Defence

Data Source(s):
Military.ie

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment in this occupation has been declining annually since 2020. Those working in this occupation are primarily employed within the public sector and, as such, any employment growth will be dependent on future Government funding. Budget 2023 allocated funding for an additional 100 prison service officers.

• Defence Forces, Recruitment & Competitions Section

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

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here