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Induction Criteria

FAQs dealing with requirements for Applicants intending to join the Defence Forces

What age do I have to be in order to be enlisted into the Permanent Defence Force?

Applicants for General Service Enlistment must be not less than 18 years of age and under 39 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications.

Applicants for Air Corps Trainee Aircraft Technician must be not less than 18 years of age and under 29 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications. 

Applicants for Cadetship must be not less than 18 years of age and under 39 years of age on the date deemed by the terms and conditions.

Please check the Terms and Conditions for Direct Entry competitions as it may differ for these competitions.

Do I need my Leaving Certificate to apply for General Service?

No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a Recruit. However, you must progress through each stage of the induction process. You must also satisfy the Interview Board that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Defence Forces.

Can I apply for a Cadetship, if I have sat exams such as O or A levels instead of the Leaving Certificate?

Please email your local recruitment office (or recruitment@defenceforces.ie) the details of your results or the exam you are sitting. If they are considered to be equivalent to the Leaving Cert standard set out above, they will be acceptable.

What are the height requirements?

The height requirement for all candidates wishing to enlist in the Defence Forces is that they must be a minimum of 157.48cm.

Is there a medical examination and physical test?

An offer of appointment in the Defence Forces is conditional on passing a medical examination.

At present, there is a physical fitness test and the results for the run section of the test are based on a “traffic light system”. Further details about the fitness test are in the “Application Process” section of these FAQs.

I have heard that the Defence Forces uses the Body Mass Index (BMI) as one
means of determining medical eligibility. Can you explain this?

The BMI is calculated by the formula: weight (kilograms) divided by height (metres) squared, i.e. kg/m2, and is a guideline of an appropriate range of body weight with respect to minimising certain health risks.

*Please note that the BMI result is indicative only, other factors such as abdominal circumference are also used.

Will I need to be able to Swim in order to join the Naval Service?

No. You are not required to be able to swim in order to join the Naval Service. We will put you through a Basic Swimming Course, and a Sea Survival Course in order to improve your confidence in the water and in using the various survival equipment in use in the Naval Service.
FAQs