What is an Army Recruit?

An Army Recruit is a person who enlists for General Service in the Defence Forces and on completion of the initial training program is promoted to Private 2*. There are multiple career options available in all Corps on completion of recruit training.

The Defence Forces is looking for people who are looking for a challenging and exciting career in the military. You will be fully trained but applicants should have:

• The desire to work in disciplined military environment.
• The desire to work with others in a team.
• Work well in a high pressure and physically demanding environment
• Be willing to serve abroad with the Defence Forces.

Eligible Requirements to join the General Service Recruit:

• Applicants must be 18 years of age and under 39 years of age: you will be required to provide proof of your age if you progress to the next stage of the competition.
• You must be at least 5ft 2in (157.48cm) in height to be eligible. You will be measured during the selection process.
• No tattoos are to be visible above the collar while serving at the Defence Forces. This will be checked during the selection process, and you may not proceed if you have visible tattoos above your collar.
• Applicants must meet the working permit eligibility criteria to serve as part of the Defence Forces. i.e. You must have a minimum of 5 years eligibility to stay in Ireland. You will be requested to provide proof of working permit on your application.
• Must meet medical, physical and security clearance standards in which will be assessed during the recruitment process.

What to expect as an Army Recruit:

• You will participate in basic recruit training of twelve weeks’ duration. You will then do a twelve week 3-star training course. You will have options for other career and specialist courses depending on what Corps you join.
• Recruits may be required to complete their training in any Defence Forces location and, following their training, may be posted to any Defence Forces location. We will endeavour to post you to a Unit of your choice subject to Defence Forces requirements. You will be posted to a Unit in the Brigade that you apply to i.e. 1 Bde, 2 Bde or DFTC.
• Newly qualified Private Soldiers are encouraged to put themselves forward for further courses in the Army. These courses may enable the soldier to specialise in certain areas of the Army or qualify the soldier for promotion and overseas service
• 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, Engineers, Ordnance, Military Policy or Medical Corps.

Barrack locations: Cork, Dublin, Donegal, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Meath, Westmeath.