Hi,
I’m currently sitting my leaving cert and today was my first exam and the recruitment team had sent a message a few weeks ago saying essentially June 3rd is my fitness test and interview with all the info.

I had to respond back saying this doesn’t work considering my leaving cert and they messaged back saying “We will be in contact for a July date.”

Anyone else in the same boat? Any members who have an insight if this is an issue and would effect anything?

Thanks!

I passed my psychometric test over a month ago an havent heard anything since, I got a message on rezoomo saying they will be in touch with info about the next stage soon when i passed. Just wondering if there is an estimate on when they want more info from me/ give me a date for the next step. Ive seen lads on here get that info as soon as they pass the psychometric. Is there any problem with my application?

Is there carpenters in the Army? I am a carpenter in the Naval Service but curious to know if there are Carpenters in the Army. Is it possible to transfer to be closer to home?

Anyone have opinions on the best place to do your army recruit training? Seems like there are a few options for the initial 12 weeks and even more after that for 2-3 star training.

Any advice on a good 10KG weighted vest/plate carrier that is comfortable for runs ect…

Bit of a weird one. When I was 17 I planned on enlisting basically straight out of school. Was convinced by the grandad to not do that, he gave his experiences and convinced me otherwise.

Cut to around 22, went to one of those “come look at what we do in the barracks” open days with my girlfriend at the time and it was a fun day, but the moment passed when I was offered a higher paying spot in the current job. The girlfriend convinced me to take the raise and save a bit so we could do a big blowout holiday, and there was always next year’s recruitment.

The itch has been there on and off ever since, but along the way we had a kid. So 10 years into the relationship, 6 into the marriage, and we have a 5 year, all as I turn 30 this year.

If I was still young and single I’d be out on the hills tomorrow getting in shape, but the toughest part of this might be convincing the family. She of course knows I have always had an itch for it, but the 22+(?) weeks away to get up to that 3* and finish training is a tall ask for her to manage, and an even harder one to ask of the little one. As the preferred parent for homework, playtime, bedtime reading, it is a tough one.

So I suppose in a big way, it is quite a selfish concept to want for now, but when it comes to her priorities in life, her number one target has already been a stable and reliable life of income and routine. Now to me and anyone else here, spot on alignment, ticks the box perfectly. But for someone who hears the words army or military, and immediately jumps to Israel Iran Lebanon America etc etc, it feels like a hard talk to have.

Would really love some input from anyone in a similar spot or has been in that spot. I’d say those training months are the biggest hurdle by far, especially when phones are typically an end of night thing, so it’d already be past bedtime and the sort when it comes to it.

Cheers.

Hi everyone, thanks a million for all the great posts.

I’m interested in enlisting as an Army Recruit, with the aim to serve in the Infantry Corps.

If any women could share their experience, or any men their observations of women’s experience, please share!

Also if any women are open to dming about woman-specific considerations, I’d appreciate it.

Hey everyone,
I have my fitness test and interview coming up this month for the Communications Operator role. I’m currently living outside of Ireland, and I'm trying to figure out the best logistics for the rest of the recruitment process. I'm stuck between two choices and would love some advice from anyone who has gone through the process or is currently serving:

1. Fly in for a few days: Just come over to Dublin for the fitness test and interview, fly back home, and wait for the medical/vetting results before making a permanent move.

2. Move to Dublin now: Find temporary accommodation and look for a local job immediately while waiting out the stages of the application.

For context, I have 2 years of experience as a restaurant line cook and some customer service/retail experience. I’ve already tried applying for jobs in Dublin from abroad, but the feedback from interviews has been that they want me physically in the country first before hiring.
Given the current housing market in Dublin and the typical timeline between the fitness test, medical, Garda vetting, and the actual induction/start date, what makes more sense?

Appreciate any advice or insight you guys can give!

Anybody else starting basic on June 22nd? Feel like it might be good to get to know some people before going through hell together?

Is it best to join early to mid in the year for summer or to train in winter you think?

So forgive me for stupidity but hearing lots of barracks talk about the new clocking in system coming in and how it'll affect duties etc.

What is actually going to change or affect us on a daily basis ?

Loyalty payments should be introduced for military personnel taking on extra responsibilities while serving in units operating at less than 70% of required staffing levels for more than six months, according to a representative body for frontline members of the Defence Forces.

PDForra president Aaron Kearney said the bonuses would help improve retention within the Defence Forces and could also act as a recruitment incentive.

“Our members have been calling for equitable treatment for years on the issue of their remuneration. It’s a simple fact that many of our members are having to carry out the roles of two or in some cases three personnel due to personnel shortages,” Mr Kearney said.

....

Full Article:

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41853252.html

I know that the whole defence force is under staffed right now but does this apply to air traffic controllers?.

Would you recommend becoming an air traffic controller for a job later in the civilian world?.

What opportunities do you have after commissioning?.

Do you also manage civilian aircraft?. If not then is it busy with just Air Corp aircraft.

Do you have other duties or are you solely an air traffic controller?.

Is there anything you think people should know about this cadetship? Advice or niche information?.

Thank you to all replies.

(I didnt see any question like this so please dont delete)

For the people who have gone through basic and also watched the documentary about the basic training. Would you say it is an accurate indication of what its like or would it be harder/easier?

Just wondering upon starting recruit training what equipment gets issued to you as I havent received my listt yet and have seen others on this posting long lists of stuff to bring so.i just wanna know what will be issued rather than buying something needlessly.

This question has not been asked yet, I've searched all over posts before asking so please don't delete it.

Serious work put in today (and I imagine over last few months) by the 7th PDF completing the Norwegian Ruck March - 30km with 11kg dry pack and in under 4.5 hours - seriously fair play to all those lads involved, looked like a scorcher of a day to be running in gear too!

Looked like some event and loads/if not most seemed to come in under 4 hours!

Cool to see the DF taking on international challenges

If you don’t enjoy the branch you are in is it easy to change branch? Also if you join the army and find it isn’t for you are you able to go to the air corps or navy without doing recruits again?

Has anyone else got an offer for the 29th of May, just received today it’s very soon.

where can you track your DF security clearance? I thought it was only Garda, which shows as completed. I have no idea how far my DF security clearance is, and whether it's already completed. I applied in Apr 2025 but had to redo one part of the medical and the person on Rezoono told me they are waiting for the medical records to be checked by the doc.

Hi everyone,

I am a 23 year old female looking to join the DF. I just have a few questions to help me decide if its the right choice or not. Any help is appreciated.

-During basic do i have my own room or is it shared living?

-What are your most reccomended courses to apply for post basic?

-If im living in ,am i permitted to live in on weekends and is there a food option in the evenings and weekends?

-I have seen its hard enough to go overseas so during work life what would i be doing?

-( maybe a stupid question ) Are you allowed to wear your uniform, say if going home on friday for the weekend?

Any and all help is appreciated, Thankyou.

Hi all, I've applied for Air Corp general service and am just wondering the likelihood of me getting in should I meet the requirements. I assumed like any military they take anyone they can get who meets the minimum requirements. However after watching the RTE documentary on the army they make it seem as though the chances of getting an offer for general service are still very low.

For context I've just finished college and don't want to go into the office work and am currently applying to both Air Corp and the Guards. I just don't want to get my hopes up and delay my career waiting on this to simply not get in.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

Well lads I know that the Lebanon will be finishing up soon with peacekeeping and I was wondering where people think the next set up for the Irish army will be, I’m applying next month to join and do my training and want to go overseas as soon as possible (if there’s an overseas mission available) just wondering is there a time limit before you can apply to serve overseas or can you apply straight after training and also can you spend more than 6 months overseas? Thanks

Hi guys,

I was born in Ireland but lived in an Asian country for around 16 years. I’m 22 years old now and my English is still basic, so I’m asking help to write this with ChatGPT because I’m not good at grammar either.

I recently applied for the Irish Naval Service and got an interview date in 15 days. I want to ask honestly — is it possible for someone like me to join even if I’m Asian and not fluent in English yet?

Right now I work in a kitchen and have been doing it for over a year. Usually I work 45–60 hours a week. It’s very physically demanding and I feel like one day I might burn out or get injured. I don’t think I can do this long term.

I’m 5’10 and currently around 55kg. A few months ago I was 65kg but I lost a lot of weight recently because of stress and gambling problems. I lost all my savings, around 25k, and honestly I feel a bit lost right now.

One problem is the BMI requirement. I need to gain weight quickly and I don’t know if gaining around 10kg in 20 days is even possible or healthy.

I’m interested in joining the Naval Service because I want a more stable future and a better life. Do you guys think I still have a chance? Any advice ?

Thank you guys!