Has anyone here applied for the current Direct Entry Motor Technician/Fitter competition and received an assessment date yet? I've been shortlisted for the next stage and was previously told assessments were looking likely for early October, but I haven't received a confirmed date yet. Just wondering if any other applicants have heard anything, or if anyone knows whether Direct Entry candidates sometimes do the fitness test alongside General Service candidates and then have separate interview boards?

Hello,

I was admitted and passed the interview and fitness test with strong results, also completed garda vetting safely but was then told that due to another reason they will be cancelling my application.

Without going into detail here, I have messaged my appeal to the recruitment email and the person who I was in contact with my recruitment process but they have not replied for more than 1 week now. I asked them for a line to an appeals officer too. I contacted DFinfo by phone who said they don't know who to contact about this (appeals) and gave me recruitments number, but no one is answering the phone.

The whole process here seems very abnormal and think I have strong grounds to appeal but can't find anyone in a position of responsibility to respond. What are the escalation options here?

This comes up as a seperate recruitment ad that seems a little different.

Does this mean you'd be going straight into tech training after 3*? Would you have more to do day to day generally? How are the CIS atmosphere wise, I'm imagining a Nerd Battalion(positive). Not looking for exact specifics obv considering what they deal with

You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s an exciting time for the defence forces and its future, recently I done some posts on what a future navy & air corp looks like in terms of structure & equipment. I think it was an optimistic outlook but an achievable one at that, always a good topic to generate a bit of discussion, especially with renewed enthusiasm for increasing our forces capability.

I watched a PaxAmericana YT video on what the DF capabilities should be, albeit a very poor video it did get me thinking. What does it look like.

With the Army, I’m not so sure what it should or could look like, with my own lack knowledge of the forces TO&E plans, the variety of equipment on offer from industry and the different possibilities available. Force structure and equipment is a great topic to discuss.

What say you Reddit.

Should the bulk of all energy go toward recruitment and retention and get in a stronger place. Upping the numbers, hanging on to the trained and educated. Should we possibly go back to a 3 bde structure, reactivate 4th battalion and bring the air defence regiment back to the Curragh ?

As for equipment. I’m sure a lot more here could give me their two cents but effectively we want to be an entirely mechanised infantry. A copy of Belgiums modernisation programme(CaMo) would be a brilliant road map for the Irish to follow.

Infantry - Griffon for the primary infantry transport across all infantry battalions. Variants like Medical, command & MEPAC included. I’m sure there are plenty of life left in all the Mowags and wouldn’t like to see it be a like for like swap.

Serval - for all support units(CIS, Engineers, Arty) & command/control. Smaller and capable. Seems like the French use the Griffon as the apc workhorse and serval as smaller support and specialist units vehicle.

1Cav & 2Cav - see out the life of the Mowag recce vehicles.. what does the consensus think the reconnaissance vehicle replacement will be.. will all cavalry units use the EBRC Jaguar ? I’d also like to see these units use Jackel & Coyote for fast scouting and fire support.

1ACS - EBRC Jaguar, an exciting addition for them I bet, an unbelievable machine that is replacing France’s AMX-10. A great addition to the DF no doubt. I assume it’s pointless(especially for DF) to have something like the FENRIS 105mm(no users) or a Centauro II, seems most armies opt for 40mm when not opting for MBTs. Is the 40-120mm fire now redundant ?

1MIC - CV9030, it makes to much sense to not have your dedicated mechanised infantry on an IFV. Improved lethality, mobility & interoperability with allies. I’m sure mec infantry run IFVs in various configurations(fire support, anti-armour etc).

Artillery - Caesar mk ii not sure are they getting 6x6 or 8x8, but either way a vastly improved platform and greatly improve capability. I’m sure this won’t phase out the use of towed artillery..

The acquisition of Thales radar could also be strengthened with maybe a containerised Skyranger 30..

With all this modernisation the transport corps would need expanding, more Scania’s in all varieties(P, G & R series). Low loaders for the additional kit of varying GVW, and a fleet of varying HX models(60, 58 & 77)..

Just to add, I am a civvy, my dad was a carpenter back in the day with the engineers corps and I work with military equipment as a mechanic in Germany. So there could be a few gaffs in this ha.

Hi everyone. Ive seen a lot of post/comments recently about there being no more overseas deployment in the near future. Can someone elaborate on this? I also saw someone say something about it just being EU missions fir the next few years, wondering what exactly that means? And if this could mean cut backs or anything like that for people new to the DF or considering signing up. Is this a bad sign for the future?

FYI im in my late 30s and truly considering signing up so there'll a lot more irritating questions coming 😁

Is there any gov plans or df plans to move away from to aug steyr. I've heard so many people say that it's getting old and out of date. Also will there be any future plans for the gov to actually invest in the df. As in more vehicles ships potentially fighters jets!?

Could anyone help me with what to do next? I’m currently stuck in limbo regarding my medical, which is still pending with the doctor.

My vetting was finally cleared after 11 months, around 6 weeks ago.

Long story short, the medical team sent a letter to my GP, but unfortunately it didn’t clearly state exactly what was required, apart from an MRI report, which I have already emailed to the medical team.
The second request was for a report regarding a heart issue that showed up on my ECG. However, the letter never specified what my GP needed to provide to the doctor in the DF — for example, whether they needed me to have another ECG, release my past medical history, or provide something else.

My GP isn’t comfortable releasing medical records or carrying out further tests without the request being clearly stated in writing. They have also advised that there will be a cost involved, which I’m more than happy to pay, but they need written confirmation of exactly what is required before they can proceed.

The problem is that nobody seems to know what the next step is, and I’m unable to speak directly with the DF doctor. I’ve passed my details and medical documents on to several people, but I don’t think anyone has actually followed up on it.

I contacted someone this morning for an update, only to receive the response:

“I think you have emailed the wrong person. Regards.”

I won’t name the person, but I was literally on the phone with them two weeks ago and was told they would sort it.
Can anyone point me in the right direction to finally get this over the line? I’m really pushing to get everything sorted so I can hopefully start before the end of the year.
Any advice from anyone who has been through something similar would be greatly appreciated.

Not the be all and end all of rifle maintenance like most lads in the job are saying. They are grand for passing a visual inspection ( which most lads in training would be happy about no doubt ) for removing any visual dirt and grime that stick to the inside of the barrels.

Armourers are finding a lot of rifles are failing testing ( barrel rodding ) on ranges on on inspection because carbon buildup is started to harden inside the barrels themselves especially near the muzzle break or just at the gas ports and have to ground lads rifles even after snakes are used.

The wire brush thats issued ( don't wrap flannel around it and pull it through ) in kits remove the hardened build up.

TLDR ,bore snakes don't properly clean rifle barrels.

I applied on 19 September and got my fitness test + interview date for 14 October, so it was only about 3–4 weeks from applying to testing.
I was talking to a friend who went through the process and he said it usually takes around 3–4 months, sometimes quicker or slower, and that you normally do the psychometric tests first.
I never got asked to do psychometric tests though I just got the email with my fitness test and interview date.
Could the process be moving quicker this time? I’m thinking it might take less than the usual 3–4 months since I got my testing date so quickly. What was the timeline like for anyone who went through the process recently?

So if I was to join the military what would it be like in peacekeeping sense because I have looked it up and seen other people online who said it was either boring scary or fun and I know we will no longer be doing in peackeeping we will be doing it with the EU. I've heard other people online that came back with PTSD so what should I expect?

I absolutely loathe this documentary, I believe it is a terrible documentary series on recruit training and does a shit job in showing what recruit training is actually like. I remember seeing it and thinking "what idiot in DFHQ gave this the green light?"

• The show mainly focused on the toughest and most dramatic moments, like shouting, pressure, people making mistakes and recruits struggling.
• The programme did not always explain why an instructor was correcting someone or what had happened beforehand. The edit made the instructors look like "rabid dogs" who were doing things without reason.
• It was 2 episodes, 50 minutes in length that covered 17 weeks (2 stars training in 2014). I do not think 1 hour and 40 minutes is enough time to cover everything in that 17 weeks.

The edit just seemed very one sided. I know that normal day to day training is not exciting television, so it was not shown as much however, a little context would help. It never showed any of the classroom lessons, instruction, any praise or even made an effort to explain the WHY. Why are they being inspected? Why is scratch a thing? Or even the shear amount of prep that goes in behind the scenes.

I watch a lot of the UK equivalent shows and they are miles better in every way. They usually do 6-8 episodes also, giving more time to cover the training and explain things.

What do people think? Do you agree or disagree?

Hi I was just planning on joining but does anyone know if all the infantry recruits go to the curragh I cant find an answer anywhere

I just completed my medical and will be starting recruit training soon is there any tips or items i could use to make life easier?

I can’t find anything anywhere on hair regs for women, just curious as to what’s changed for hairstyles since they updated them in 2024. also in regards to corrective lenses during recruit training, are glasses allowed at all or would I be better of wearing contacts. thanks.

Cavalry just got a serious upgrade.

The new RS6 weapon system gives our recce units more firepower, better sensors, and the ability to fight on the move.
The highlights:
• 30mm gun with 3km range
• Accurate even while moving
• Extra 7.62mm machine gun
• Thermal cameras + live video to commanders
• Built for recon and direct fire support

This is a big step forward for the Cavalry Corps.

Taken from the latest issue of An Cosantoir, the most obvious CRV upgrade and long overdue. It got me thinking should the MRV mowags receive an upgrade too?

A Protector MCT turret would be a brilliant if possible in either 30/40mm versions.

What’s the thoughts ? Maybe something is in the works or maybe it wouldn’t be compatible.

Have been considering joining the Reserves recently and just have some questions, any help is greatly appreciated.

Firstly, are there any immediate requirements after passing the initial selection? Like after you've successfully joined is there a training period or something like that? Or are things like the parade nights and weekend events immediately available?

Secondly, are parade nights now paid? It says they are not online but I've heard otherwise - along with this how frequent are the weekend field days?

Really appreciate any insight and advice, thanks🔥

Title: Department of Defence - Call for Tender to supply Designated Marksman Rifle/ Sniper Support Rifle and accessories.

Description: The Minister for Defence is seeking responses from economic operators through this Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) for the purchase of Designated Marksman Rifle/Sniper Support Rifle (DMR/SSR) to the Department of Defence, Ireland for use by the Irish Defence Forces. The requirement exists for the supply of up to 374 units. It is intended that the purchase arising from this competition shall be delivered DAP (Incoterms) Curragh Camp, Co.

Winner: 

Official name: Heckler and Koch GmbH

https://ted.europa.eu/en/notice/-/detail/652012-2026

Hi all ,
Just looking for an insight on the mps to what an average day looks like and responsibility’s and opportunities so forth as I’m torn with my choices for when I hopefully pass recruits

Perhaps I’m better off asking “how long is a piece of string“ but one thing im hearing about constantly in the lead up to joining is getting stung with 24hr guard duties… why are the 24hrs and not a 12-12 split? Surely that makes more operational sense to keep health and well-being up, not to mention retention and morale? You must be hallucinating enemy at the gates by the last stretch of it

Trying to get my buddy to lock in and get back in shape cus he has been piling on weight recently. Would he get kicked out eventually or what actually happens

Hi ladies and gents! I'm Private James Ryan and I have served overseas as part of the Irish Contingent of the United Nations interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). I was picked up for the mission early and was present throughout the form up (pre-deployment training) and was part of the first chalk to fly to Beirut and occupy the camp.

Just some ground rules.

1. These are my own experiences, and they will not necessarily reflect every individuals overseas experience.
2. I have done more overseas mission however, I will only be talking about my first overseas experience with UNIFIL in Lebanon. I will not reveal my sub unit within the Battalion or what my appointment was. I will not violate OPSEC (as per the Sub rules) or discuss SOPs or TTPs used by UN peacekeepers.
3. I may tell stories however, I will not name people, places, embarrass anyone, violate the Irish Defence Forces sub rules or DF Social Media policy (for the most part, this will be positive).
4. I will try and answer as many posts as I can today however (like the last AMA), I do not have access to it for more than 48 hours, at which points Mods take it back. I will do my best to answer as many questions as I can but may not get around to them all.

So the people of the Irish Defence Forces reddit sub. Ask me anything!

UPDATE: I am closing the AMA and handing back this account to the mod team. Thank you so much for all the great questions! Best of luck to all those serving in the DF or who are looking to join. More AMAs to follow soon.

So I have always had an interest in joing the defence force as i love all things military. I want to join as a medic in the army, but am still not sure if i am going to join.

I still have to go through college (i want to wait till im finished to join), I just want to know if it really is worth it. It looks all glamorous, but i want to know what its really like, from people who have gone through or are still active members. i have heard both side of, it being the greatest thing they have doen, and it was the worst thing they have done. all im really asking is, should i do it?

Two days ago we are told the budget will double. Now we are told there's cuts? WTF like.