Defence Forces launch recruitment drive

Minister for Defence Simon Coveney has announced a new recruitment drive for the Permanent Defence Forces.

The Defence Forces plan to induct just over 600 general service personnel to the Permanent Defence Force in 2016 and a further 850 personnel in 2017.

The 2016 campaign ‘Join Our Team’ will specifically aim to increase female recruitment, while also reaching out to people from all backgrounds and ethnicity using social media channels, digital advertisements, the introduction of information programmes for applicants and a streamlined online application process.

The Defence Forces consider a more diverse Defence Forces, which is reflective of Irish society, as a stronger Defence Forces better equipped to tackle the increasing complexity of the modern security environment.

The centre piece of the campaign is a 60 second long video which features Sergeant Valerie Cole. Sergeant Cole is from Carrick on Shannon in Co Leitrim and is 30 years of age.

She has served in a variety of appointments both at home in Ireland and abroad in Chad during her 12 years of service. Sgt Cole has completed some of the most challenging courses Óglaigh na hÉireann has to offer. Courses include: The Fighting In Built Up Areas (FIBUA) Instructor Course, The Physical Training Instructor Course, The Specialised Instructor Course, The Public Order Instructor Course and The Infantry Platoon Sergeant’s Battle Course.

The courses she has completed while serving with the Defence Forces have been accredited by Carlow IT and she has received a certificate in Leadership, Management and Defence Studies as a consequence.

As a certified Defence Forces Physical Training Instructor Sgt Cole is responsible for organising physical training for the troops under her instruction. In her current role in the Non-Commissioned Officers Training Wing Sgt Cole takes responsibility for the Planning, Organising & Delivery of Instruction on Defence Forces Career Courses.

Meanwhile, PDFORRA, a representative association for members of the Defence Forces, has criticised the terms under which recruits will be employed.

PDFORRA General Secretary, Gerry Rooney said: “All the new entrants will be treated less favourably than all other public service workers in relation to the pay terms of the Lansdowne Rd Agreement.  Consequently, most will retire after a short period of service”.

“In the year where the Permanent Defence Force has played such a central role in marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising and in the recognition of their outstanding contribution both at home and overseas – it is plainly wrong to treat these young recruits as second class citizens,” said Mr Rooney.

He claimed “the problem is particularly severe in the Naval Service where an exit queuing system has been put in place to ensure that ships have enough crew to remain operational. Large numbers of recent entrants are leaving and this is hardly a surprise given that in some cases they are receiving less than the minimum wage while operational on missions such as Operation Pontus in the Mediterranean. Some people will find this hard to believe, however the facts speak for themselves.”

“PDFORRA will not conclude the Lansdowne Road Agreement until new entrants to the Permanent Defence Force are treated the same as other public service workers in regards to pay. This outcome will be beneficial for both the new entrants and the Permanent Defence Force in terms of carrying out its operational tasks,” Mr Rooney remarked. He pointed out that “a year after initial entry the pay of a Private soldier or Seaman is at €21,828.”

Application forms and guidance for the 2016 recruitment competitions can be found on www.military.ie.