APPLICATION PROCESS
Joining the RDF is a simple process, however, there are a number of important steps to be taken, which may take some time.
- Application
- Fitness Test
- Interview
- Security Clearance
- Medical Examination
- Attestation
Applications are only accepted through www.military.ie. In the application form, you will be offered the choice of 26 locations in the case of the Army Reserve, and 4 locations in the case of the Naval Service Reserve. You may only choose 1 location.
Qualifications
There are no formal education qualifications to join the Reserve Defence Forces as a Recruit. With the exception of age limits, the criteria for enlistment to the RDF are the same as the PDF with regard to fitness assessment, medical examination, and security clearance.
Age Limitations
In order to join the RDF you must be 18 years of age or above and not more than 35 years of age on the date of enlistment.
Former members of the RDF or PDF who have had not less than one year’s full-time military service and who are not more than 45 years of age on enlistment are eligible to apply
Fitness Assessment
All applicants for the RDF will be called to complete a fitness assessment. It is the same fitness assessment undertaken by applicants for the PDF.
Applicants will have to bring with them PAR-Q self-questionnaire form stating that they are fit to attempt the fitness assessment.
Interview
Successful applicants at the fitness test phase will be called to conduct an interview.
Security Clearance
All applicants for enlistment in the RDF are required to complete and sign a Consent Form that, pursuant to Section 8 of the Data Protection Act, 1988, will authorise An Garda Síochana to furnish the Defence Forces either, a statement that there are no convictions recorded against an applicant, or a statement of convictions, as the case may be.
Medical Examination
All applicants for the RDF will be called to complete a medical examination. Applicants must be in good mental and bodily health, and free from any physical defect, abnormality, physiological condition, or past history of serious illness likely to interfere with the efficient performance of their duties.
Attestation
Once all the required Security and Medical checks have been completed satisfactorily, applicants can be attested into the RDF. This process involves swearing or declaring an oath, and then signing a copy of the oath. At this stage, the applicant is a member of the Reserve Defence Forces and is issued with an army number and uniform over the next few weeks.
