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The Minister  for Defence Paul Kehoe has launched a new Permanent Defence Force (PDF) recruitment competition. 


The targeted strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force (Army, Naval Service and Air Corps) is 9,500 personnel and the Minister said the new recruitment campaign reflected the Government’s commitment to meeting PDF strength targets.
 
Commenting on the most recent recruitment campaigns the Minister said: “This general service recruitment campaign will build upon the successes of previous recruitment campaigns from which it is expected that just over 800 new personnel will have been inducted into the Permanent Defence Force by the end of 2017.

“As this will deplete existing panels, it is now appropriate that we initiate a new campaign in order to provide for the induction of further personnel in 2018”.  
 
This new recruitment drive opens up many opportunities for young people to serve their country both at home and abroad.  It offers first class training, opportunities for career progression and newly revised pay-scales are on offer to successful candidates.  

The Minister noted, following on from recent increases to pay, that “on completion of recruit and three star training, which takes an initial 17 weeks followed by a further 12 weeks training respectively, newly qualified 3 star Privates and their Naval Service equivalent can expect minimum gross annual earnings of €27,000 (inclusive of military service allowance)."


The competition is open from 10am today to 11.59pm on Friday, October 27, via www.military.ie. 


Applicants for General Service with the Army and Air Corps must be not less than 18 years of age and under 25 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications.  Applicants for General Service with the Naval Service must be not less than 18 years of age and under 27 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications.