Working Life

On completion of training, the Recruit becomes a Three Star Private and is assigned to a Unit within the Permanent Defence Forces:  
 
The Corps  
 
Infantry Corps:  
Provides the main strength of the Defence Forces in the form of Battalions deployed throughout the State. Troops in the Infantry Corps are operational soldiers and may be deployed to any location at short notice along with members of the Artillery and Cavalry Corps.  
 
Air Corps:  
Provides air support for the Defence Forces and has at its disposal a range of modern aircraft in order to carry out this function. In addition the Corps provides search and rescue (S&R) cover ministerial and air transport services.  
 
Artillery Corps:  
Provides Fire Support for the Infantry and ground to air defence.  
 
The Cavalry Corps:  
Equipped with armour to carry out its main role of patrolling and protecting the infantry.  
 
The Supply and Transport Corps:  
Is responsible for planning and carrying out the movement of troops, and then keeping them supplied with everything from ammunition to food.  
 
C.I.S. Corps:  
Provides and maintains the communication systems that allow for command and control of the Defence Forces.  
 
The Ordnance Corps:  
Has responsibility for maintaining all weapons and equipment. This Corps also carries out bomb disposal.  
 
The Engineer Corps:  
Is responsible for all combat engineering and general engineering matters within the Defence Forces.  
 
The Military Police Corps:  
Provides an internal police service for the Defence Forces.  
 
The Medical Corps:  
Has responsibility for maintaining health and preventing disease in the Defence Forces and providing treatment for its sick and wounded.

Further Information

• Army Officer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Army Soldier- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Royal Marines Commando- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Royal Marines 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.

There is no compulsory military service in Ireland. All recruitment to the Defence Forces is voluntary. Entry for men and women is on an equal basis and all appointments are open to women. The three normal methods of entry into the Permanent Defence Forces are as a Cadet, an Apprentice, and a Recruit. The Army has a requirement to recruit men and women to serve as Private Soldiers. Non-technical Private Soldiers in the Air Corps are assigned from the Army as required.  

Minimum educational qualifications

(a) Army (Line) School Leaver/Non-Graduate Candidates Must possess a minimum of Grade H5 in 3 Higher Level papers, and, Grade O6 in 3 Ordinary Level papers or Grade H7 in 3 Higher level papers. Candidates must have obtained these grades in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate examination for CAO computation purposes.

English. Candidates whose first language is not English must satisfy the English language requirements in accordance with NUI Matriculations Regulations. (iv) Third language accepted for NUI Matriculation Registration purposes. NUI matriculations exemptions apply. Subject to meeting the criteria to have obtained a minimum of Grade H5 in 3 Higher Level papers, and, Grade O6 in 3 Ordinary Level papers or Grade H7 in 3 Higher level papers, a candidate may use the results of another sitting of the Leaving Certificate for the minimum educational requirements in (i) to (iv) above. Graduate Candidates must have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree programme at Level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications.

For full details check Militarycareers.ie

Appointment to a commissioned Rank

A non-Graduate Cadet who and satisfactorily completes the prescribed course of military training and who passes such examinations and tests as may be laid down will be eligible for appointment as a commissioned officer in the Army rank of Second Lieutenant (2/Lt). 

On completion of training, the Recruit becomes a Private Two Star. On completion of another course, he or she becomes a Three Star Private and is assigned to a Unit within the Permanent Defence Forces. A Three Star Private can normally apply for courses in a wide range of areas, including courses to qualify for promotion to non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank.  
 
Recruits are taken into the Army as required by way of competitions advertised. Recruits are usually enlisted for a fixed term in the Permanent Defence Force followed by a further period in the Reserve Defence Force. At the end of the fixed term, a limited number of these personnel will be offered the opportunity to extend their service in the Permanent Defence Force.  
 
Recruits in the Permanent Defence Force are required to undergo an initial training period of approximately sixteen weeks, during which time they are required to live in barracks. This training covers the following subjects: Foot Drill, Arms Drill, Fieldcraft, First Aid, Rifle Marksmanship, Tactical and Physical Training.  
 
The first three months of training is a probationary period. After this first three months the Recruit will be either finally approved or discharged from the Defence Force.

Professional Development & Associations

Military.ie Army careers

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €21k - €67k

Salaries vary by scale, rank, duties, role, experience, and allowances
Defence Forces Rates of Pay

Data Source(s):
Military.ie

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Officers in armed forces; Senior officers in fire; ambulance; prison and related services; NCOs and other ranks Fire service officers (watch manager and below); Prison service officers (below principal officer); Police community support officers; Protective service associate professionals n.e.c.

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.

• 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

• Defence Forces, Recruitment & Competitions Section

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