Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For General Service Recruitment only
- How do I apply for enlistment in the Defence Forces?
- What are the age limits?
- What about height?
- Is there a medical examination and physical test?
- What else should I know before applying?
- What is general suitability for military life?
- Will membership of political organisations our societies preclude me?
- What circumstances, would make a person ineligible for enlistment?
- Can non residents apply for service in the Defence Forces?
- What are the educational requirements for general service enlistment?
- What are the pension entitlements?
1. How do I apply for enlistment in the Defence Forces?
All enquiries in relation to enlistment in the Army must be made to the nearest Brigade Manpower Office. A list of Brigade Manpower Offices can be found on this site. Applications to enlist in the Army must be made on an official application form and on completion returned to a Brigade Manpower Office ONLY.
Eligible applicants will be called for an interview at a time and date allotted. When attending for interview, you will be requested to bring the following documents.
- A Birth Certificate.
- Two (2) passport sized photographs.
- Two (2) references, one of which must be from either of the following:
- A serving member of the PDF of Sergeant rank or higher.
- A serving member of an Garda Síochaná.
- A Principal or Teacher of a school, which the applicant is currently attending or has previously, attended.
- LA89 if you are a former member of the Defence Forces.
2. What are the age limits?
- You are not eligible for enlistment to the Defence Forces if you are under 17 years of age on the date of application.
- The upper age limit for enlistment in the Army /Air Corps is 25 years of age on the date of enlistment.
- The upper age limit for enlistment in the Naval Service is under 27 years of age on the date of enlistment.
A person under the age of 18 years (other than a person who has been married) must have the written consent of a parent, guardian or other person in loco parentis to him/her. The form for consent is available from the Brigade Manpower Office.
3. What about height?
- All male applicants must be a minimum of 5’ 2 " (155cm).
- All female applicants must be a minimum of 5’ 2 " (155cm).
4. Is there a medical examination and physical test?
An offer of Appointment in the PDF is conditional on the passing of a medical examination and physical fitness test prior to enlistment.
Physical Fitness Assessment
Designed to test the candidates current level of physical fitness, the candidate displays to the Board his/her capacity to undergo the rigours of military training.
It is composed of two aspects:
- Aerobic Endurance
- Local Muscular Endurance.
Aerobic Endurance
Candidates will be required to run one and a half (11/2) miles within the PDF time limit below.
- Males - 11 Mins 40 secs
- Females - 13 Mins 10 secs
Those are the max times allowed. This is a Pass or Fail test.
Local Muscular Endurance
- Males - 20 push-ups and 20 sit-ups
- Females - 20 push-ups (Modified) and 20 sit-ups
Max time allowed 1 minute. This is a Pass or Fail test.
5. What else should I know before applying?
Education
You must satisfy the Interview Board and the Recruiting Officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Permanent Defence Force.
Character
The Military Authorities must be satisfied that you are of good character prior to enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force.
Residence
You must be ordinarily resident, for a minimum period of six months, in Ireland prior to application. Details of procedures for applicants from outside Ireland may be obtained from the Manpower Office.
6. What is general suitability for military life?
If addition to fulfilling the various conditions mentioned above, you must satisfy the Interview Board that you are the type of person who is likely to adapt to military life.
7. Will membership of Political Societies preclude me?
If found suitable for enlistment you will be required to declare that you will not join or be a member of, or subscribe to any political organisation or society or any secret society whatsoever.
8. What circumstances would make a person ineligible for enlistment?
- A person discharged from the Defence Forces (Permanent or Reserve) or the Military, Naval Police or Air Service of any other country or state because of misconduct or as a result of being found medically unfit.
- person belonging to the Permanent Defence Force or Garda Síochána, or a person belonging to the Military, Naval, Police of Air Services of any other country (the recruiting centre can advise on this matter).
- A person convicted by a civil court of a serious offence.
- A person in receipt of a disability pension.
- An apprentice (the recruiting centre can advise further on this matter).
9. Can non residents apply for service in the Defence Forces?
In order to be eligible to apply for enlistment for general service reruitment within the Irish Defence Forces, citizens of states other than EU member states are required to have a minimum of five years legal and unbroken residency in Ireland.
Non nationals may also be required to pass a competency test in the English language.
Non nationals must also meet residency and work permit conditions as laid down by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment.
10. What are the educational requirements for general service enlistment?
You must satisfy the interview board and the recruiting officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Permanent Defence Force.
11. What are the pension entitlements?
Under the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, a new pension scheme will apply to military personnel who are enlisted or commissioned in the PDF on or after 1 April 2004. The New scheme will provide for a minimum pension age of 50 and that maximum benefits will accrue over 30 years. This means that pensions and gratuities will not ordinarily be payable immediately on discharge/retirement except in the case of personnel who serve to age 50 years.