Join the Defence Forces, do a degree and much more while receiving a Salary. Closing for applications; 12th May 2019

100 cadets to be recruited to serve in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps. The cadetship competition is an opportunity for young people to serve their country as officers in the different branches of the Defence Forces. On completion of their cadetships, newly commissioned officers will have the chance to serve Ireland both domestically and on overseas missions, as well as experience a broad spectrum of training and education relative to their branch of service.

Commenting at the launch, Minister with responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe TD underlined the "opportunities a career as an officer in the Defence Forces offers, to young men and women, to learn vital life skills, develop their leadership potential, undergo world class training and enhance their education. Earlier this year, 77 cadets were commissioned from the 94th Cadet Class - 17 women were part of that class- the largest number ever to be commissioned from one Cadet class. I am committed to building on these success in 2019. Recruitment is the lifeblood of the Defence Forces and is a vital component to the development of Defence Forces capabilities."

Also commenting on the launch of the competition, Óglaigh na hÉireann Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, said, "Undergoing a cadetship in Óglaigh na hÉireann is a challenging and rewarding experience that equips young men and women to be leaders and decision makers in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps. Óglaigh na hÉireann is looking for young people of character and competence who embody our core values."

We live in a world of diversity; the Defence Forces needs men and women from all backgrounds.

The Defence Forces are now accepting applications for Officer Cadetships.

• Army Line
• Army Engineer
• Army Equitation
• Army Ordnance
• Air Corps Pilot
• Naval Service Operations
• Naval Service Electrical Engineer
• Naval Service Marine Engineer

Candidates must be 18 years of age or above and under 26 years of age on the 1st September 2019

Closing date for applications is Sunday 12th May 2019 at 2359hrs

WHAT IS AN ARMY OFFICER CADET

An Army Cadet enlists for a Cadetship to become an Officer in the Defence Forces. After successfully completing the Cadet Training Course in the Military College, an Army Cadet is commissioned into the Officer Ranks of the Army as a Second Lieutenant or Lieutenant.

Who we want

Officers are the leaders, decision makers and managers of the Defence Forces. A Line Officer leads, directs and motivates our frontline troops. The role comes with very real mental and physical challenges, with Officers being expected to lead from the front in all situations. Officer Cadets or trainee Officers engage in 15 months training in the Military College covering many basic and practical soldier skills and military fields of study before taking up an operational appointment in the Permanent Defence Forces. The Defence Forces is looking for people who have the potential to:

• Plan, prioritize and organise
• Analyse problems, in order to generate appropriate solutions
• Be clear, concise and with effective communication skills
• The ability to motivate others and work with a team
• Can you do all of this while working in a high pressure, mentally and physically demanding and environment?

After completing Officer training, cadets are commissioned into a Service Corp — Infantry, Artillery, Cavalry, Transport or Communications Information Systems.

As a young Officer many more opportunities for development, growth, variety and responsibility will come your way.

Take Note: Additional education qualifications maybe required during a Cadet Competition and these will be listed in the Terms and Conditions for that competition.

Age Limitations

Be 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on the date mentioned in the notice for the current competition.

Induction

The Cadet Competition is held annually and is the only way for potential candidates to join the Defence Forces to become an Army Line Officer. Candidates undergo psychometric and fitness testing, an interview and a medical exam.

Candidates who are invited to interview will be required to complete and sign a Garda Vetting Application Form that, pursuant to Section 8 of the Data Protection Act, 1988, will authorise the Garda Síochána to furnish to the Defence Forces either, a statement that there are no convictions recorded against a candidate, or a statement of convictions, as the case may be.

Training

The purpose of cadet training is to develop character and leadership skills and instil a sense of duty and responsibility in the cadet. To benefit from that training, which is conducted in an environment of strict discipline, the cadet needs mental acuity and physical agility. During 15 months of training an Army Cadet masters basic military skills, such as rifle marksmanship, as well as developing the leadership skills required of an Army Officer. On commissioning the new Officer takes up a leadership position in one of the Army Corps.

Third Level Education

Personnel of the Army, who were inducted as an Officer Cadet and successfully completed their Officer Cadet training and who have not previously attained an Honours Bachelor Degree (Level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications) or equivalent may be assigned to a course of study leading to a degree at National University of Ireland, Galway or a course of study leading to a degree at some other third level college of education.

Career Progression

Commissioning is just the start of an Army Officer’s career. Once assigned to an Army Corps a Young Officer will undertake a number of courses to become a fully qualified officer of that corps. The Young Officer must also adjust to the new responsibilities of commanding and training troops.

WHAT IS AN AIR CORPS CADET (PILOT)

An Air Corps Cadet (Pilot) enlists for a Cadetship to become an Officer in the Defence Forces. After successfully completing the Cadet Training Course in the Military College and the Flight Training School in the Air Corps College, an Air Corps Cadet is commissioned into the Officer Ranks of the Air Corps as a Second Lieutenant or Lieutenant.

Who we want

Officers are the managers, decision makers and leaders of the Defence Forces. An Air Corps Flight Officer is also a military aviator who is qualified to fly the numerous types of aircraft operated by the Defence Forces. The role comes with very real physical and mental challenges, with Officers being expected to lead from the front in all situations. Officer Cadets or trainee Officers must engage in 9 months training in the Military College covering many fields of study before beginning their Officer Cadet Flight training in the Baldonnel Aerodrome, Dublin.

The Defence Forces is looking for people who have

• The ability to plan, prioritize and organise.
• The ability to carefully analyse problems, in order to generate appropriate solutions.
• The technical and physical ability required to pilot military aircraft in challenging situations.
• Clear, concise and effective communication skills.
• The ability to motivate others and work with a team.
• Can do all of this while working in a physically demanding and high pressure environment.

Qualifications

The Terms & Conditions for the 2019 Cadet Competition are currently under review. When the Competition is launched these Terms and Conditions will be made available.

Age Limitations

Be 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on the date mentioned in the notice for the current competition.

Induction

Candidates will undergo fitness testing, a preliminary competency based interview, a psychological interview, psychometric and psychomotor testing, and a medical exam. Candidates who are invited to interview will be required to complete and sign a Garda Vetting Application Form that, pursuant to Section 8 of the Data Protection Act, 1988, will authorise the Garda SÁochána to furnish to the Defence Forces either, a statement that there are no convictions recorded against a candidate, or a statement of convictions, as the case may be.

The Induction process will determine if you have the potential to become an Air Corps Flight Officer.

Training

The purpose of Officer Cadet training is to develop character and leadership skills and instil a sense of duty and responsibility in the Officer Cadets, in addition to qualifying them as Military Aviators. To benefit from that training, which is conducted in an environment of strict discipline, the Officer Cadet needs mental acuity and physical agility. Air Corps Cadets spend 7 months training with an Army Cadet Class where they learn basic military skills and develop their leadership ability before they move on to flight training with the Air Corps.

Career Progression

After commissioning Air Corps officers must choose between specialising in fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft. Their new flight duties can include Air Ambulance, troop transport, and flying the Government Jet.

What is a Naval Service Officer Cadet?

A Naval Cadet enlists for a Cadetship to become an Officer in the Defence Forces. After successfully completing the Cadet Training Course in the Naval Service College, a Naval Cadet is commissioned into the Officer Ranks of the Naval Service as a Ensign or Sub Lieutenant.

Who we want

Officers are the managers, decision makers and leaders of the Defence Forces. A Naval Service Officer specialises in Operations Branch or Engineering Branch. The role comes with very real physical and mental challenges, with Officers being expected to lead from the front in all situations. A Naval Service Cadet engages in a course of training of approximately two years duration divided into different stages. The first year is spent in military training at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. The second year of the cadetship is in accordance with the National Maritime College of Ireland course prescribed for the cadets. At the end of the second year and on completion of exams, and a Sea Term, the cadets will be qualified for the award of a commission in the Permanent Defence Force and will be competent to carry out those duties required of an Ensign in the Naval Service.

The Defence Forces is looking for people who have:-

The ability to plan, prioritize and organise.

• The ability to carefully analyse problems, in order to generate appropriate solutions.
• Clear, concise and effective communication skills.
• The ability to motivate others and work with a team.
• Can you do all of this while working in a physically demanding and high pressure environment.

Operations Branch Cadet

Officers of the Operations Branch of the Naval Service are responsible for the efficient running of the ship. It is only from within this Branch that an officer may become Captain of a ship. The Operations Branch Officer’s responsibilities include Bridge Watchkeeping, where they are responsible for the safe navigation of the ship and the safety of the ships company along with the weapons and communications systems onboard. Operations Branch Officers also lead boarding teams in fishery protection and anti-drug running boarding operations and are therefore prime leaders and motivators of the ships company.

Engineering Branch Cadet

The Engineering Branch Cadet will be trained to a level whereby he/she can fill an appointment as a ships’ Marine Engineering Officer. The Engineering Officer is responsible for everything that keeps a ship afloat, moving and habitable. This includes the hull and general structures of the ship, its main engines and all auxiliary machinery, the main electrical generators, the electrical distribution system, the air conditioning, ventilation, heating systems and cold rooms as well as all fuel and water systems. It also includes the computer systems for communications, navigation and weapons control systems.

Electrical Engineering Cadet

Please see current terms and conditions for educational requirements.

2019-Cadetships-Terms-&-Conditions.pdf (size 1 MB)

Age Limitations

Be 18 years of age or over and under 26 years of age on the date mentioned in the notice for the current competition.

Induction

The Officer Cadet Competition is held annually and is the only way for potential candidates to join the Defence Forces to become a Naval Service Officer. Candidates undergo psychometric and fitness testing, an interview and a medical exam.

Candidates who are invited to interview will be required to complete and sign a Garda Vetting Application Form that, pursuant to Section 8 of the Data Protection Act, 1988, will authorise the Garda Síochána to furnish to the Defence Forces either, a statement that there are no convictions recorded against a candidate, or a statement of convictions, as the case may be. The Induction Process will determine if you have the potential to lead troops as a Naval Service Officer.

Training

The purpose of cadet training is to develop character and leadership skills and instil a sense of duty and responsibility in the cadet. To benefit from that training, which is conducted in an environment of strict discipline, the cadet needs mental acuity and physical agility. During 2 years of training a Naval Service Cadet masters basic military skills, such as rifle marksmanship, as well as developing the leadership skills required of a Naval Service Officer. The second year of the cadetship is in accordance with the National Maritime College of Ireland course prescribed for the cadets. On commissioning the new Officer takes up a leadership role on a Naval Service vessel.

Third Level Education

On successful completion of the first year of training, Naval Service cadets spend the second year of the cadetship studying for a degree at the National Maritime College of Ireland.

Go to http://www.military.ie/en/careers/current-competitions/

For other jobs in Ireland go here; www.jobalert.ie

PRESS RELEASE - 18th April 2019

Today the Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr Paul Kehoe T.D., announced the launch of the 2019 Cadetship Competition for the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF). The aim of this years competition is to induct 100 cadets to serve in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps.

The cadetship competition is an opportunity for young people to serve their country as officers in the different branches of the Defence Forces. On completion of their cadetships, newly commissioned officers will have the chance to serve Ireland both domestically and on overseas missions, as well as experience a broad spectrum of training and education relative to their branch of service.

Commenting on today’s launch, Minister with responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe TD underlined the "opportunities a career as an officer in the Defence Forces offers, to young men and women, to learn vital life skills, develop their leadership potential, undergo world class training and enhance their education. Earlier this year, 77 cadets were commissioned from the 94th Cadet Class - 17 women were part of that class- the largest number ever to be commissioned from one Cadet class. I am committed to building on these success in 2019. Recruitment is the lifeblood of the Defence Forces and is a vital component to the development of Defence Forces capabilities."

Also commenting on the launch of the competition, Óglaigh na hÉireann Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, said, "Undergoing a cadetship in Óglaigh na hÉireann is a challenging and rewarding experience that equips young men and women to be leaders and decision makers in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps. Óglaigh na hÉireann is looking for young people of character and competence who embody our core values."

The competition will be open from Thursday 18th April to Sunday 12th May and applicants can apply via military.ie.