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Army Ordnance Cadet

Army Ordnance Cadet

The Army Ordnance Corps was first established as a separate entity in May 1922. The Ordnance Corps has an operational and a logistical role within the Defence Forces. The logistical role is to provide technical support in the Procurement, Storage, Distribution, Inspection, Maintenance, Repair and Disposal of all items of Ordnance.

The Complete list of ordnance related equipment in use within the Irish Defence Forces is extensive but includes Ammunition, CBRN Detection Equipment & Protection, Explosives, Tentage, Night Vision Equipment & Thermal Imaging Assets, Clothing, Armour Protection, Robotics, Heavy and Light Weapons, Turrets & Mounting Systems, Naval armaments, Fire Control Instrumentation, Field Catering Equipment and Tactical Engagement Systems & Simulators.
The Ordnance Corps also provides the only Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) service within the state in Aid to the Civil Power and supervise the development of C-IED within the organisation.

The Ordnance Cadet

Ordnance Cadets undergo the same course of training as Army Cadets outlined above. On successful completion of an Ordnance Cadetship, the Cadet will be eligible for appointment as a Commissioned Officer in the rank of Lieutenant, on Rate 2 pay, in the Ordnance Corps.

On appointment to the Ordnance Corps, an Ordnance Officer will be expected to successfully complete a Young Officers Course of approximately 12-15 months duration in the Ordnance School, Curragh Camp. During their career, Ordnance Officers will also have the opportunity to complete a Masters Degree (Level 9 of the National Framework of Qualifications) in a variety of disciplines that will be of benefit to the organisation.

Any Ordnance Officer that fails to complete the Young Officer Course will be posted to a Line Officer Appointment, outside of the Ordnance Corps and will revert to Rate 1 pay, on the recommendation of Deputy Chief of Staff Support.

Qualifications

Please see current terms and conditions for educational requirements

2024 Terms & Conditions 

2024 Benefits of Joining the Defence Forces