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Reserve Defence Forces - Still recruiting?

  • 11-05-2011 8:48pm
    #1
    Justin1982
    Closed Accounts Posts: 328 ✭✭


    Hey!

    Just wondering if anyone knows if the Reserve Defense Forces are taking people on at the moment? How do I get involved? When can one expect to start? Their website isnt brilliant.

    I wear glasses and have a record of asthma. Is that a problem?

    Any help would be great.

    Thanks.
    Justin


Comments

  • #2
    Craigsy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 611 ✭✭✭Craigsy


    You're in for a long wait. I know my coy is only dealing with people who have already had their paperwork in the system rather than looking for people. And you can't start training until security clearance comes back with in my case was about 9 months + :(

    But your best bet is to contact or go down on a parade night show you face, talk to them, see whats happening and hopefully they can sort you out


  • #3
    Cryos
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 816 ✭✭✭Cryos


    As with what craigsy said, the recruitment process is alot longer at the moment as there is only drips of people being approved every x months to be attested. But again its better to attend and go through all the paper work and be ready for when its your turn.

    You wont be able to attend anything next week, but do drop down on the week starting the 23rd, if you have an idea of what unit you wish to join ring ahead or email one of the following:

    http://www.military.ie/reserve/want-to-find-out-more


  • #4
    Justin1982
    Closed Accounts Posts: 328 ✭✭Justin1982


    Craigsy wrote: »
    You're in for a long wait. I know my coy is only dealing with people who have already had their paperwork in the system rather than looking for people. And you can't start training until security clearance comes back with in my case was about 9 months + :(

    But your best bet is to contact or go down on a parade night show you face, talk to them, see whats happening and hopefully they can sort you out

    Sound. Thanks.


  • #5
    Justin1982
    Closed Accounts Posts: 328 ✭✭Justin1982


    Cool.

    Just been looking at the following website http://www.62infantry.com/Joining.shtml
    Baldonnel or Cathal Brugha Barracks are the only ones I know that are close by.

    I live in Drogheda. Is there a RDF unit closer than Dublin?

    Does anyone know if history of asthma in last four years is a problem for attempting to join Irish Army itself should they be recruiting next year? Thats presuming this country is still in existence next year. The way things are going, I'm not overly confident.
    Asthma medical history has already prevented me joining British Army and fighting for the Queen ;-)

    I'm 29 now so its looking like the only crowd that will realistically recruit me at this stage is the Taliban :-)

    Thanks again.


  • #6
    Donny5
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,827 ✭✭✭Donny5


    Justin1982 wrote: »
    Cool.

    Just been looking at the following website http://www.62infantry.com/Joining.shtml
    Baldonnel or Cathal Brugha Barracks are the only ones I know that are close by.

    I live in Drogheda. Is there a RDF unit closer than Dublin?

    Does anyone know if history of asthma in last four years is a problem for attempting to join Irish Army itself should they be recruiting next year? Thats presuming this country is still in existence next year. The way things are going, I'm not overly confident.
    Asthma medical history has already prevented me joining British Army and fighting for the Queen ;-)

    I'm 29 now so its looking like the only crowd that will realistically recruit me at this stage is the Taliban :-)

    Thanks again.

    Unfortunately, 29 means you are now too old for the Irish Defence Forces. The PDF anyway. You have six years until hit the RDF age limit.


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  • #7
    Topper Harley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,698 ✭✭✭Topper Harley


    Justin1982 wrote: »
    Cool.

    Just been looking at the following website http://www.62infantry.com/Joining.shtml
    Baldonnel or Cathal Brugha Barracks are the only ones I know that are close by.

    I live in Drogheda. Is there a RDF unit closer than Dublin?

    RDF Unit Locator

    Drogheda unit info

    Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan, Kells and Swords all have RDF units or at least they used to. Even McKee Barracks in Dublin would be closer to you than Cathal Brugha or Baldonnel.

    If you make a few phone calls or send a few emails, you'll be pointed in the right direction but there's no knowing when exactly they'll be recruiting again. Your best bet is to just be on the radar of a unit for when/if they do get the go ahead to recruit.


  • #8
    Topper Harley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,698 ✭✭✭Topper Harley


    Craigsy wrote: »
    You're in for a long wait. I know my coy is only dealing with people who have already had their paperwork in the system rather than looking for people. And you can't start training until security clearance comes back with in my case was about 9 months + :(

    But your best bet is to contact or go down on a parade night show you face, talk to them, see whats happening and hopefully they can sort you out

    Some pre-induction training does take place once a month or so. It's just classes and a little bit of drill training while waiting for security clearance/approval to recruit.


  • #9
    Morpheus
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 2,688 Mod ✭✭✭✭Morpheus


    Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan, Kells and Swords all have RDF units or at least they used to. Even McKee Barracks in Dublin would be closer to you than Cathal Brugha or Baldonnel.

    tut tut tut

    can assure you we are ALL still in existence and VERY active training wise!!! the recruitment embargo has thinned us out a bit though. Im in swords, the drog unit is down the bottom of the road that the football stadium and the lourdes hospital is on. cant miss it, the eegits blended it into the urban surroundings by painting it DPM.


  • #10
    Morpheus
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 2,688 Mod ✭✭✭✭Morpheus


    Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan, Kells and Swords all have RDF units or at least they used to. Even McKee Barracks in Dublin would be closer to you than Cathal Brugha or Baldonnel.

    tut tut tut

    can assure you we are ALL still in existence and VERY active training wise!!! the recruitment embargo has thinned us out a bit though. Im in swords, the drog unit is down the bottom of the road that the football stadium and the lourdes hospital is on. cant miss it, the eegits blended it into the urban surroundings by painting it DPM.


  • #11
    Craigsy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 611 ✭✭✭Craigsy


    Topper Harley wrote: »
    Some pre-induction training does take place once a month or so. It's just classes and a little bit of drill training while waiting for security clearance/approval to recruit.

    This is being clamped down on and stopped for various reasons, mainly as until you are attested you are still a civvie


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  • #12
    Justin1982
    Closed Accounts Posts: 328 ✭✭Justin1982


    Grand thanks for the comments. I'll try get in the system and hope they start recruiting in the next year or two. A unit near Lourdes hospital in Drogheda? Thats a small bit of luck at least.


  • #13
    the monk5845
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 203 ✭✭the monk5845


    your looking for the 67th reserve with HQ coy based in droagheda drop me a pm and ill see if i can get you some names and numbers


  • #14
    Topper Harley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,698 ✭✭✭Topper Harley


    Morphéus wrote: »
    tut tut tut

    can assure you we are ALL still in existence and VERY active training wise!!!

    I'm happy to hear that and I didn't mean to question you're existence or activity, just wanted to add a disclaimer in case I'd gotten my facts wrong.


  • #15
    trellheim
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,965 ✭✭✭trellheim


    Some pre-induction training does take place once a month or so. It's just classes and a little bit of drill training while waiting for security clearance/approval to recruit.


    This is being clamped down on and stopped for various reasons, mainly as until you are attested you are still a civvie

    This is incorrect. "Because You're a Civvie" isn't the reason.


  • #16
    Craigsy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 611 ✭✭✭Craigsy


    trellheim wrote: »
    This is incorrect. "Because You're a Civvie" isn't the reason.

    It is one of the reason as because you are a civvie you cannot receive military training. Another reason being a certain incident with a local newspaper and a bit of a hoo hah for a unit


  • #17
    the monk5845
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 203 ✭✭the monk5845


    oh never heard about that what happened?


  • #18
    Kiddd94
    Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭Kiddd94


    Cryos wrote: »
    As with what craigsy said, the recruitment process is alot longer at the moment as there is only drips of people being approved every x months to be attested. But again its better to attend and go through all the paper work and be ready for when its your turn.

    You wont be able to attend anything next week, but do drop down on the week starting the 23rd, if you have an idea of what unit you wish to join ring ahead or email one of the following:

    http://www.military.ie/reserve/want-to-find-out-more

    Im 16 and im still in school and I want to join the reserve defence forces . I live in Tralee and I was wondering if the barracks was recruiting ? Any info would be appreciated . Thanks


  • #19
    goldie fish
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,195 ✭✭✭goldie fish


    Kiddd94 wrote: »
    Im 16 and im still in school and I want to join the reserve defence forces . I live in Tralee and I was wondering if the barracks was recruiting ? Any info would be appreciated . Thanks

    Come back whe you are 17. The situation may be different then.


  • #20
    Topper Harley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,698 ✭✭✭Topper Harley


    Kiddd94 wrote: »
    Im 16 and im still in school and I want to join the reserve defence forces . I live in Tralee and I was wondering if the barracks was recruiting ? Any info would be appreciated . Thanks

    Because of the length of time it takes to get Garda clearance and the fact that there likely won't be any recruitment for a few months they might begin processing your paperwork now. You'll probably be 17 by the time they recruit and you'll have the paperwork and clearance out of the way (unless you've just turned 16).

    Contact your local unit in Tralee and ask them, they'll tell you everything you need to know. There's contact details in the unit locator link I provided above and also here for you local unit which is 32 Reserve Infantry Battalion.


  • #21
    goldie fish
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,195 ✭✭✭goldie fish


    Topper Harley wrote: »
    Because of the length of time it takes to get Garda clearance and the fact that there likely won't be any recruitment for a few months they might begin processing your paperwork now. You'll probably be 17 by the time they recruit and you'll have the paperwork and clearance out of the way (unless you've just turned 16).

    Contact your local unit in Tralee and ask them, they'll tell you everything you need to know. There's contact details in the unit locator link I provided above and also here for you local unit which is 32 Reserve Infantry Battalion.

    Thay won't begin processing any of your paperwork until you can produce a birth cert saying you are 17 or older. 31MP alsa have a section in Tralee.


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  • #22
    Topper Harley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,698 ✭✭✭Topper Harley


    goldie fish wrote: »
    Thay won't begin processing any of your paperwork until you can produce a birth cert saying you are 17 or older. 31MP alsa have a section in Tralee.

    Are you sure about this? I'm fairly sure I've seen it done and it's also mentioned in the FAQ section of that 62 Inf. website.


  • #23
    goldie fish
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,195 ✭✭✭goldie fish


    Topper Harley wrote: »
    Are you sure about this? I'm fairly sure I've seen it done and it's also mentioned in the FAQ section of that 62 Inf. website.

    Thats the way we used to do it in 32 inf Bn. I don't know anything about how 62 do things. There is so little recruitment these days the units can afford to be choosy, picking those who are already 17.


  • #24
    The_ChiefDUB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 365 ✭✭The_ChiefDUB


    I know this thread is a little out of date but I thought someone who was already following this might have some advice for me.
    I'll be 34 in October and want to get in to the RDF before I get too old (I'm not too old yet, right). I've been trying to get in for about three years now. I initially was just calling up the barracks in Swords every few months to ask what the story is and being told to call back again a few months later. So at the end of last year I went down to McKee barracks on the advice of a friend who is in the RDF and got my name taken down. I haven't heard anything since then.
    I'm starting a Masters Degree in International Security and Conflict in the next couple of weeks (I'm hoping to one day make it in to the UN or another NGO) and so I'm looking in to this again.
    So, my question is, is the fact that someone took my name and said I would get a call about all I can do right now, or is there any point in just calling around every unit I can to see if there is any other way of getting in?


  • #25
    Mr. Tezza
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 593 ✭✭✭Mr. Tezza


    goldie fish wrote: »
    Thay won't begin processing any of your paperwork until you can produce a birth cert saying you are 17 or older. 31MP alsa have a section in Tralee.


    do they?! i've never seen them!

    I'm not sure what the particular recruitment situation is with the Coy based in Tralee but if your not of legal age to join i doubt your information will be taken at all, I agree with goldie on this one, as soon as you turn 17 turn up on their training nite and speak to them to get the ball rolling.


  • #26
    goldie fish
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,195 ✭✭✭goldie fish


    Yeah, just inside the gate on the left.


  • #27
    Mr. Tezza
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 593 ✭✭✭Mr. Tezza


    goldie fish wrote: »
    Yeah, just inside the gate on the left.


    I haven't seen that building/shed used in years! I thought it was disused


  • #28
    dazza161989
    Registered Users Posts: 882 ✭✭✭dazza161989


    i filled out all the forms any idea roughly how long before i get called???


  • #29
    Topper Harley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,698 ✭✭✭Topper Harley


    dazza161989 wrote: »
    i filled out all the forms any idea roughly how long before i get called???

    Have you just filled out the forms recently?

    If so, 2-3 years, if you keep on their back. Ridiculous amount of time, especially considering you're a volunteer, but that's just the way it is at the minute unfortunately.


  • #30
    Turbine
    Site Banned Posts: 317 ✭✭Turbine


    Topper Harley wrote: »
    Have you just filled out the forms recently?

    If so, 2-3 years, if you keep on their back. Ridiculous amount of time, especially considering you're a volunteer, but that's just the way it is at the minute unfortunately.

    It won't be that long, but he'll be waiting a good 6 months before any movement on getting sworn in because of the re-org.

    @dazza161989, don't wait for them to ring you. Give it till maybe April and then start getting in contact with them, asking for any update, go down to the barracks if necessary.


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  • #31
    Topper Harley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,698 ✭✭✭Topper Harley


    Turbine wrote: »
    It won't be that long, but he'll be waiting a good 6 months before any movement on getting sworn in because of the re-org.

    I'm not trying to dishearten him but unfortunately, there's very, very little movement in the way of recruitment at the minute, as you know, and there's likely a long waiting list of potential recruits who'll be above him in the pecking order. Add to that the usual long waiting time on Garda vetting and so on and it all adds up. 6 months would be nice, but highly unlikely.


  • #32
    dazza161989
    Registered Users Posts: 882 ✭✭✭dazza161989


    hav da forms done about a month dey were hopeful of january but hard to know!! hoping really to join the pdf as an army recruit nut theres no enlistment comps at the mo so it wud be a start at least!!!


  • #33
    Morpheus
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 2,688 Mod ✭✭✭✭Morpheus


    When recruitment re-starts, i get the feeling that due to possibly newer entry requirements and the new structure / fresh start etc, that they will take in completely new applicants and anyone on the so called panel will just have to re-apply. Saying that i would imagine it will be a LOT quicker than it has been over last couple years to get sworn in and training.


  • #34
    Turbine
    Site Banned Posts: 317 ✭✭Turbine


    Morpheus wrote: »
    When recruitment re-starts, i get the feeling that due to possibly newer entry requirements and the new structure / fresh start etc, that they will take in completely new applicants and anyone on the so called panel will just have to re-apply. Saying that i would imagine it will be a LOT quicker than it has been over last couple years to get sworn in and training.

    Yeah over the last few years battalions didn't know where they stood when it came to recruitment and had to have any recruitment sanctioned by brigade HQ, which meant some people were waiting 2+ years to complete recruit training which was ridiculous.

    At least now the government have set out exactly what the strength of the RDF must be which should mean recruitment being carried out at more regular intervals, and whenever recruitment does restart there'll be none of the carry-on over the last couple of years where new recruits were enlisted and then told they weren't being taken on, then called back etc.


  • #35
    galwaycyclist
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,912 ✭✭✭galwaycyclist


    Morpheus wrote: »
    When recruitment re-starts, i get the feeling that due to possibly newer entry requirements and the new structure / fresh start etc, that they will take in completely new applicants and anyone on the so called panel will just have to re-apply. Saying that i would imagine it will be a LOT quicker than it has been over last couple years to get sworn in and training.

    Bear in mind that if you applied in the last couple of years then the unit you applied to will cease to exist and in many cases the cadre (army admin) staff will be redeployed. There may not be a policy of requiring completely new applications but its the kind of situation where the existing files can get overlooked or relocated somewhere where no-one can find them.

    Despite the oversupply of higher ranks within the re-organised RDF, there is still a shortage on paper of private soldiers. There will need to be recruitment and likely man-days (money) will be allocated for recruit training. So if you are interested in joining it is worthwhile making regular enquiries to your local barracks and making sure you have any paperwork you need ready to go.


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