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If the PDF put me through College

  • 07-02-2007 7:01pm
    #1
    DarkMuse
    Closed Accounts Posts: 47 ✭


    I'm joining the RDF as soon as a space opens up in my local barracks and am considering the PDF once I get my leaving.

    I'm considering all my options, going straight into the PDF, going to College then the PDF or I hear that the PDF will put you through College if they think your suitable.

    So just a few questions:

    Is College life much different if you experience it while in the PDF?

    I'm a smart enough guy, but what do they mean by suitable? Are we talking average Intelligence or just people going for 600 points?

    And finally if you do join It would be as a carear but I'd still like to know how long are you comitted to the Defence Forces for if you let them pay?:cool:


Comments

  • #2
    Hard Larry
    Closed Accounts Posts: 670 ✭✭✭Hard Larry


    At the moment mate with the Cadetships you see advertised on TV and the papers the DF is actively recruiting College Graduates and other skilled civilians to swell their ranks as it has cost them a lot of money to send people through college and the time it takes leaves them with inexperienced young officers.

    Although I dont know what the future holds for non-graduates in the Cadets, maybe they will restart the USAC program next time around.

    But as for joining as a recruit for general service the chances of you getting a college course are very slim. And if you have the points to go the college/university of your choice then you should be thinking about other careers other than the DF.


  • #3
    DarkMuse
    Closed Accounts Posts: 47 ✭DarkMuse


    Thanks for that,

    I'm going to be aiming for around 450-500 points but I've always wanted to be in the Defence Forces.


  • #4
    Hard Larry
    Closed Accounts Posts: 670 ✭✭✭Hard Larry


    I'm not up on my CAO points but thats about enough for an engineering course. Civil Engineers can get direct entry into the DF at the rank of Captain, same with Doctors and Dentists.

    If you want to join the DF to go to college or go to college first before joining then the Cadets is what you want to be aiming for. Joining the RDF is definitely a step in the right direction, as is team sports (especially GAA). I think the first part of an officers contrat is for 12 years (dont quote me on that, check www.military.ie for recruiting info)

    Joining as a recruit for general service after graduating college with 450-500 points under your belt IMHO would be a bad idea. Especially if you only want the experience of military life. Recruits sign for a 5 year contract you wont have much to show on your CV until after that time. But with the above qualifications sooner or later you'd end up on a career path.

    Not many civilian companies have a need for a .5 MachineGunner or a qualified Mortar Man :D


  • #5
    DarkMuse
    Closed Accounts Posts: 47 ✭DarkMuse


    You seem to be making sense alright, don't want to be 25 and still really have nothing to my name.

    I think if I do decide to go PDF I'll try for the cadetship after college because I think you get an extra 10% in the final interview if you've have a degree of a certain level, 7 or 8 I think. And I'm already playing Rugby, I would play hurling or football too but I'm physically incapable of playing them, no ability whatsoever:eek:


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