Published on
New Defence Forces recruitment campaign
Defence Minister Simon Coveney today launched a new recruitment campaign for the Defence Forces. The campaign will look for 600 general service personnel for the Permanent Defence Forces this year, with a further 850 to be recruited next year.
The Minister said:
This planned recruitment over 2016/17 will enable us to rejuvenate our Defence Forces with the induction of young, enthusiastic and committed men and women. The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel and this current campaign will enable us to do that.
With the changes in the makeup of Ireland’s population, it is important that we raise awareness and attract recruits from all backgrounds, so that our Defence Forces reflect the society that they serve.
The 2016 campaign will specifically target increased female recruitment using social media channels, digital advertisements and the introduction information programmes for women.
“Currently just over 6% of our personnel are women and, in the White Paper, the Government undertook to increase female participation at all ranks. I am committed to achieving that and the recruitment campaign we are launching today represents the first step on that journey”, the Minister said.
Outreach initiatives established in 2014/2015 seeking to engage with minority communities and new citizens will also continue.
These measures include Defence Forces presence at citizenship days and direct contact with community groups in order to raise awareness of the Defence Forces and highlight career opportunities. Initiatives established in 2014/2015 continue to develop through active engagement with organisations such as GLEN (Gay, Lesbian, Equality Network) promoting the Defence Forces as an employer.
Applicants for recruitment to the Permanent Defence Forces will have to complete physical fitness and interview assessments. The recruitment competitions will be run through a centralised online application system on the Defence Forces Website www.military.ie.