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Ian Murphy of the Defence Forces 44th Infantry Group during a training exercise in the Glen of Imaal, Wicklow. PA Archive/Press Association Images
protect and serve

A big recruitment drive in the Irish Defence Forces has already closed

Nearly half of the places have been filled this year.

A RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN by the Defence Forces has already seen just under half of the planned number of recruits accepted this year.

The Defence Forces are planning to take in 600 new general service recruits in 2016 and it’s been confirmed that so far 246 people have been accepted.

The recruitment drive has now closed with the applicants who have applied for the remaining positions being put through their paces.

The application process includes fitness testing, psychometric testing, an interview and a medical exam.

In a Dáil question put to Taoiseach and Minister for Defence Enda Kenny by Mayo TD Lisa Chambers, Kenny confirmed that the recruits this year have been in both the army and naval service.

“I am advised by the military authorities that to date in 2016, a total of 246 general service recruits have been recruited into the Defence Forces, 199 army and 47 naval service,” Kenny said.

It is envisaged that there will be an intake of 600 general services recruits in 2016. I am further advised that 9 Reserve Defence Force recruits have also been recruited to date in 2016.

The Defence Forces have confirmed that applications for the general service are now closed but they expect the 600 new recruiting slots to be filled.

 

Applications for Naval Service Direct Entry Officers remain open with a relevant degree required for consideration in these positions.

The Defence Forces is also accepting applications for applications for Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve.

Next year’s target is for 850 general service recruits in the Defence Forces.

Read: Irish Defence Forces to recruit 1,450 new staff >

Read: Irish sailors have rescued 605 people and recovered 16 dead bodies >

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