Current Competitions

The Irish Defence Forces School of Music is currently recruiting instrumentalists for vacancies for brass, woodwind and percussion players in the three Defence Forces military bands. Applications are invited from musicians who currently have a minimum playing standard of Grade 7 and who are interested in the challenging and varied musical life that a career in the Defence Forces School of Music offers. Military instrumentalists are full-time musicians whose primary role is to service the musical requirements of state and military ceremonial. Defence Forces military bands also perform an immensely varied repertoire of concert and ceremonial music at concerts and community events throughout Ireland and abroad. Candidates must be 18 years of age and less than 29 years of age on the closing date for receipt of applications, which for this competition is 2359 hrs on 18th June 2023.

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The Defence Forces are now accepting applications for General Service Recruit in the Army.

We live in a world of diversity; the Defence Forces require men and women from all backgrounds that possess a strong sense of duty, enjoy working as part of a team, and are looking for a rewarding yet challenging career.

Army applicants must be at least 18 years old and under the age of 29 years of age on the closing date for applications.

When making an application for General Service Recruitment applicants should be aware that the areas of responsibility that applicants apply to are as follows:

1 Brigade - Cork Interview Centre

Cork, Carlow, Clare, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford

2 Brigade - Dublin / DFTC Curragh Interview Centre

Dublin, Cavan, Donegal, Kildare, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, Westmeath and Wicklow.

Where possible we will facilitate applicants to conduct fitness testing & interview at a location closest to their home.

Read more about being an Army Recruit >>

Applications will only be accepted online.

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The Defence Forces are now accepting applications for General Service Recruit in the Naval Service.

We live in a world of diversity; the Defence Forces require men and women from all backgrounds that possess a strong sense of duty, enjoy working as part of a team, and are looking for a rewarding yet challenging career.

Naval Service applicants must be at least 18 years old and under the age of 29 years of age on the closing date for applications.

Read more about being a Naval Service Recruit

Applications will only be accepted online.

Make your Application Now >>

The Defence Forces are now accepting applications for General Service in the Air Corps.

We live in a world of diversity; the Defence Forces require men and women from all backgrounds that possess a strong sense of duty, enjoy working as part of a team, and are looking for a rewarding yet challenging career.

Air Corps applicants must be at least 18 years old and under the age of 29 years of age on the closing date for applications.

Applications will only be accepted online.

Make your Application Now >>

The Defence Forces are now accepting applications for Motor Technician Fitters , suitable qualification candidates must hold FAS/SOLAS or equivalent qualification in one of the following:

• Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
• Motor Mechanic
• Construction plant Fitter
• Agricultural Mechanics
• HETAC L7 Agricultural Mechanisation

 Applicants must be 18 years and less than 29 years of age on date of application.

Direct Entry Motor Technician Fitter T&C.pdf

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The Naval Service has opportunities for Marine Engineering Officers. This is a vital position and we are looking for highly motivated individuals who combine professional skills with leadership ability and the desire to take their careers to exciting new places. A Marine Engineering Officer in the Naval Service is responsible for the hull and structure of the ship, its main engines and all auxiliary machinery. They are responsible for the main electrical generators, the electrical distribution system, air conditioning, ventilation, heating systems as well as all fuel and water systems. They also manage, lead and train personnel onboard ship.

View Direct Entry Marine Engineering Officer Terms & Conditions

Naval Service Direct Entry Marine Engineering Officer Join Now

Currently there are opportunities for fully qualified electricians within the Irish Naval Service. As an Electrical Artificer within the Irish Naval Service you will learn to manage, maintain and crew the ship as well as keeping it operational. A Leading Electrical Artificer (L/EA) will be trained to perform the roles and responsibilities of a L/EA at sea and ashore, where selected candidates will be responsible to the ship’s Marine Engineering Officer for the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of all electrical/electronic equipment on board. Through this path, you will become a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in charge of your respective department. If you are looking for an exciting, challenging and rewarding career, you fit the criteria and enjoy being part of a team, click on the link below and begin your application.

Applicants must be 18 Years of age and under 29 years of age on date of application.

Minimum Educational Qualifications

Candidates must have attained the required minimum educational qualifications at the time of entry into the Naval Service.

A candidate for enlistment as an Electrical Artiificer (EA) must have completed one of the following:

• HETAC Level 7 Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
• HETAC Level 7 Degree in Electronic Engineering (or equivalent).
• HETAC Level 7 Degree in Applied Physics and Instrumentation(or equivalent).
• HETAC Level 7 Degree in Marine Electrotechnology.
• FAS/SSOLAS QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Electrical.
• FAS/SSOLAS QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Electrical Instrumentation.
• FAS/SSOLAS QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Instrumentation.
• National equivalent of any of the above.

Read the Terms & Conditions

Direct Entry Naval Service Electrical Artificer Join Now >>

The Naval Service is the maritime component of the Defence Forces with a support base and headquarters located in the Naval Base Haulbowline, Co. Cork. We are now accepting applications for positions as Engine Room Artificer Technicians (Marine/Mechanical) who will, after full military and on-the-job training, become an integral part of the maintenance team providing technical support on board a fleet of nine ships. As our servicemen and women are our most important asset, the Naval Service is committed to providing you with an interesting, rewarding and challenging career.

Applicants must be 18 Years of age and under 29 years of age on date of application.

A candidate for enlistment as an Engine Room Artificer must have completed one of the following:

• HETAC Level 7 Degree in Marine Engineering
• HETAC Level 7 Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• FAS/Solas Standard Based Craft of Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitting
• FAS/Solas Standard Based Craft of Diesel Fitter
• FAS/Solas Standard Based Crafts of Motor Mechanic
• Department of Marine & Natural Resources Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) Certificate of Competency
• National equivalent of any of the above.

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Direct Entry ERA Join Now

The Naval Service is looking to recruit suitably qualified Chefs to be part of our team that patrols and protects our territorial waters. If you enjoy being part of a team and want a career with a difference click on the link below and begin your application.

Read the Terms & Conditions

Direct Entry Chef Join Now >>

The Defence Forces Medical Corps are now accepting applications from suitably qualified medical doctors to become Medical Officers in the Defence Forces.

A Medical Officer is a specialist Officer who practices medicine within the Defence Forces both at home and overseas. Medical practice focuses on health protection and education, primary care and environmental medicine. The role comes with very real physical and mental challenges. In addition to your medical role as an Officer you will be expected to lead and manage the personnel of the Medical Corps.

The Defence Forces is looking for people who have, in addition to the appropriate medical qualifications;

• The ability to plan, prioritise and organise.
• A reasonably high level of personal fitness.
• Clear, concise and effective communication skills.
• The ability to motivate others and work with a team.

Read the 2020 - 2021 DE Medical Officer TnC's.pdf >>

Direct Entry Medical Officer Join Now >>

*2022 Terms & Conditions Pending

The Defence Forces are looking for officers who have served in the Irish Permanent Defence Forces, if you meet the requirements and wish to be considered for re-joining.

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The Defence Forces are looking for ex service personnel who have served in the Irish Permanent Defence Forces , if you meet the requirements and  wish to be considered for re-enlistment  

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Pension FAQs >>

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