Frequently Asked questions
- What does the Defence Forces Do?
- Where do they serve Overseas?
- Where are the Defence Forces based?
- What is the significance of the Defence Forces Capbadge?
- How many personnel are currently in the Defence Forces?
- How do I join the Defence Forces?
- What are the pay scales?
- Who is the current Chief of Staff?
- Can non-nationals join the Defence Forces?
- How can I find out about a relative who served in the Defence Forces?
- How can I find out about the history of the Defence Forces?
1. What does the Defence Forces Do?
The Defence Forces is the Military Organisation charged with the Defence of the Nation.
The Role of the Defence Forces >>
2. Where do they serve Overseas?
The Defence Forces have personnel serving in many parts of the world today, visit our Overseas section for further information:
3. Where are the Defence Forces based?
The Defence Forces have many installations located around the country.
Click here for more information on Defence Forces Organisation >>
4. What is the significance of the Defence Forces Capbadge?
The Defence Forces Capbadge is based upon the capbadge of the Irish Volunteers:
Click here for details about our Capbadge >>
5. How many personnel are currently in the Defence Forces?
There are approximately 10,500 personnel in the Defence Forces today:
Click here for further details >>
6. How do I join the Defence Forces?
The Defence Forces regularly advertises careers competitions and recruitment drives:
Click here for careers information >>
7. What are the pay scales?
Click here for careers information >>
8. Who is the current Chief of Staff?
The current Chief of Staff is Lieutenant General Dermot Earley.
Click here for more information >>
9. Can non-nationals join the Defence Forces?
Yes foreign national may join the Defence Forces, but certain criteria apply.
Click here for more information >>
10. How can I find out about a relative who served in the Defence Forces?
Defence Forces Military Archives hold all information pertaining to serving members and ex-service members of the Defence Forces.
Click here for more information >>
11. How can I find out about the history of the Defence Forces?
Click here for information on the history of the Defence Forces >>