considering the RDF

studente

I've been considering joinging the RDF but am not sure if it will suit me. need some advice.
1. i'm doing a postgrad in conflict management and resolution and hope to work abroad on EU and OSCE missions when finished. membership of defence forces or reserve forces is necessary for some positions while i think it would be beneficial in general for consideration for all posts. the problem is that i'm 31 and as far as i can tell recruits are 17-20 so i think i'd feel a little out of place. are there any units where the general age is older or are there ever any older recruits.
2. also should i decide to join the RDF how long would it take to reach officer stage since the higher my position the better it would look with regard to applying to the EU or OSCE.

any advice would be much appreciated. thanks guys:)

Evd-Burner

Age is between 17 - 20 theres lads who just joined with us who are like 34 35

ChapOfDRyans

Right well im not going to lie but 90% of recruits are 17-20 but there people in my unit that much older then that and have joined.Once you can enjoy yourself that's really what matters,not your age.While taking it serious at the same time.

To get to officer your looking at a long time tbh. First you have to get into NCO ranks which your look at 2 years service be for you go for pnco's course.

then the rest depends on your unit needs i think.

studente

thx for the info guys. i'm kinda leaning toward the reserve mp since i've read in a post on the boards that they tend to have an older membership.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Looking to join the RDF to advance your civilian career is hardly going to motivate people here or in your unit should you join.

Althought the RDF does not ask much I don't feel its for you.

You want to be an officer, just lets say you got that promotion for a moment. I think you'd be a very bad one as you won't be as motivated as your lads and won't feel the same connection to the force as they do.

I've worked with officers who were driven by influences outside of the Defence Forces, without fail they were terrible.

Thats not to say I feel your a terrible person, but I don't feel your right for the job.

Covenline

Is there a upper age limit to go for a potential NCO course? I heard it was 35?

christophicus

Yeah to be honest man, if you are not interested in joining the RDF for the sake of joining the RDF, rather then filling a requirement for a job, then it would probably be best that you didn't sign up, if not for your own sake, then for the sake of the lads that would be around you. I have only been a recruit for a few weeks at this stage and I can already see that you really do need enthusiasm for it, you will not really work as well with the rest of the lads if you don't really care too much about it.

ChapOfDRyans

If you just want to do it for the job requirement then i dont think you would stick out the first 6 months to a year as thats the hardest as your application will move at snails pace,But people who want to do for the organisation will kost definatly stick it out.

But then if want to do it no 1 will stop and its another recruit which the RDf are short of at the mo.

studente

wow calm down folks... there's alot of assumptions and presumptions goin on here:
one point is correct in that membership of the RDF would benefit my career - i think. however that does not automatically mean that I wouldn't be committed to it. the fact that I might consider it necessary to get where I want to get might infact strenghten my commitment level to the RDF.

as for enthusiasm. it's difficult to be enthusiastic about something that you know every little about. I think it's better to enter into something with your eyes open and with no preconceptions drawn from movies or the media or any other outlet. If I'm honest judging from what I have read in previous posts regarding the RDF it would seem that the commitment levels of plenty of members are lacklustre - with some only attending the training camp.

I don't want to be an officer for vanity reasons or whatever. Being one would give me organisational and management experience and would be a requirement for some posts which is understandable since as I had understood (maybe incorrectly) that officers recieve more training and have the opportunity to do different courses.

finally should I decide to join the RDF it will not be so I can fill in an extra paragraph on my CV. I think it would benefit me and toughen me in order to deal with working in harsh conditions in the future, I may be wrong though. in any case, while being motivated to join the RDF solely on the basis of interest and commitment to the RDF is certainly desirable, an interest in joining in order to learn skills that may be useful in working situations is hardly that despicable or worrying. surely it's better than those that join it so they can drink cheap booze and shoot "guns.":)
the RDF is a voluntary organisation and does expect/require some level of commitment from its volunteers. I fail to see any problem in benefitting in civilian life from a commitment made to a voluntary organisation. that way its a win-win for all

iceage

Quick question, is membership of a RDF or PDF desirable, or a prerequisite, to be considered for employment in said field?

jake59

just to hijack this thread a bit, i'm also considering joining (or rejoining i should say) the rdf. i am 32 now and have been out of the pdf 10 years now. does anyone know what units work out of either the curragh or carlow? thanks

ChapOfDRyans

jake59 wrote: »

just to hijack this thread a bit, i'm also considering joining (or rejoining i should say) the rdf. i am 32 now and have been out of the pdf 10 years now. does anyone know what units work out of either the curragh or carlow? thanks

Try here your best bet http://www.military.ie/reserves/locator/index.htm

studente

iceage wrote: »

Quick question, is membership of a RDF or PDF desirable, or a prerequisite, to be considered for employment in said field?

bit of both really depends on the various role specs

kermit_ie

Covenline wrote: »

Is there a upper age limit to go for a potential NCO course? I heard it was 35?

No. There's an upper age limit for a Potential Officer course however, which is 35.

jake59

ChapOfDRyans wrote: »

Try here your best bet http://www.military.ie/reserves/locator/index.htm

yeah tried that... its brutal.... only showed up units in dublin. showed absolutely nothing for kildare.. ah sure i'll ring them today

trellheim

send PM with your location if you want some details of your nearest units

christophicus

jake59 wrote: »

just to hijack this thread a bit, i'm also considering joining (or rejoining i should say) the rdf. i am 32 now and have been out of the pdf 10 years now. does anyone know what units work out of either the curragh or carlow? thanks

http://www.1bderdf.com/33infbn.htm

greenarrow

From January 2009 reservists will be going overseas. The best unit to join for overseas prospects would be the LSB. Which is the transport and medical corps.

http://bebo.com/62LSBMedCoy
You can get all the information you need from this site.

minidazzler

greenarrow wrote: »

From January 2009 reservists will be going overseas. The best unit to join for overseas prospects would be the LSB. Which is the transport and medical corps.

http://bebo.com/62LSBMedCoy
You can get all the information you need from this site.

January? Are you sure of this? I heard end of 2009!!!

greenarrow

January is the date that I have been given. So if that has changed I haven't heard anything to that effect.
They are only looking for medics, drivers and mechanics though. Maybe that's why you didn't hear about it.

minidazzler

I never heard Jan mentioned!!! I highly doubt that is the date!!! There will be pre-deployment training sure!!!

greenarrow

I would say that is probably what it is in all fairness. And then whatever misssion comes up in the new year will be filled with reservists too.

enda50

its coming into that time of year for recruitment to the rdf, and at our night parades we have been discussing it, and a great emphasis has been put on looking out of the schools be cause we are looking for committed people regardless of there age,
there is always the case of the older one on camp, the oldest one i have seen was like 24 on the last camp i was on, so i wouldn't really worry about it, its a great fun.

it would be quite funny being the corporal telling you are not aloud drink on the recruit camp though!

i say if willing to commit go for it. if u dont enjoy it leave, that is the decision every recruit faces anyway, and i can guarantee that most of the younger ones wont be putting as much thought into it as you. thats a good sign of your character
:rolleyes:

Poccington

greenarrow wrote: »

January is the date that I have been given. So if that has changed I haven't heard anything to that effect.
They are only looking for medics, drivers and mechanics though. Maybe that's why you didn't hear about it.

I find that quite hard to believe. Considering the Units you speak of are based in the same barracks as mine and considering when the form up for that mission in January starts there hasn't even been talk of Reservists putting in for it.

If there was Reservists going over, the whole Brigade would know about it by now.

greenarrow

Poccington wrote: »

I find that quite hard to believe. Considering the Units you speak of are based in the same barracks as mine and considering when the form up for that mission in January starts there hasn't even been talk of Reservists putting in for it.

If there was Reservists going over, the whole Brigade would know about it by now.

For a start medics are over in St. Bricin's. And everyone in Brigade knows about this, as the deadline for applying was September 26th. And every unit in the RDF was informed of it.
And the directive came down from all the proper channels too.

Perhaps you should be looking to find out why you were kept in the dark. Ask anyone from the medics and they will tell you that they were asked about it last month.

minidazzler

greenarrow wrote: »

For a start medics are over in St. Bricin's. And everyone in Brigade knows about this, as the deadline for applying was September 26th. And every unit in the RDF was informed of it.
And the directive came down from all the proper channels too.

Perhaps you should be looking to find out why you were kept in the dark. Ask anyone from the medics and they will tell you that they were asked about it last month.

Alot of LSB, with relevant quals, were asked to fill out a "Declaration of intention to serve overseas", that was only recently filled out, I am not sure ho many did so, but only people who are qualified would get to go.

The most likely people to go over are probably Cooks!!!

They will not be going in January.

Poccington

greenarrow wrote: »

For a start medics are over in St. Bricin's. And everyone in Brigade knows about this, as the deadline for applying was September 26th. And every unit in the RDF was informed of it.
And the directive came down from all the proper channels too.

Perhaps you should be looking to find out why you were kept in the dark. Ask anyone from the medics and they will tell you that they were asked about it last month.

As Daz has already said there was a Declaration of Interest for Overseas Service form filled out. Not quite the same thing as heading Overseas.

Poccington

minidazzler wrote: »

The most likely people to go over are probably Cooks!!!

I just hope they're better cooks than some of the ones floating about barracks at the moment :P

bunny shooter

enda50 wrote: »

..............it would be quite funny being the corporal telling you are not aloud drink on the recruit camp though! .............QUOTE]

Why? 'cause said recruit is 24, they are a recruit, age is nothing to do with it and if recruits can't drink alcohol then they can't drink alcohol, end of

greenarrow

Well said BunnyBoiler. The whole point of going away with the RDF should be to train and gain the military experience out of it too. Who cares about alcohol.

The days of the RDF being a massive piss up for a fortnight are a thing of the past. And I am aware that there are still those people who still treat it like one.
But at the end of the day, they are in the minority and most of them are dinosaurs anyway.

Full stop, the majority of recruits are 17 and aren't allowed by law to drink. And if you look forward to your annual camp as being a week to go on the beer then you obviously have a problem.

But I have seen units organise events and R&R for their recruits too that doesn't involve alcohol. And organised properly too which should be done by every unit really, but its not unfortunately.

bunny shooter

greenarrow wrote: »

Well said BunnyBoiler...................

That's Bunny Shooter and on certain days/nights it is Corporal Bunny Shooter (RDF), hence the amazement at that statement, I was an RDF recruit at 27, got best Recruit on my Recruit camp too (Bere Isl. 1996), (proud as f**k), was in bed at 23.59 hrs with no alcohol, just for the record. That was the rule, didn't like it, but then I didn't have to be there either.

So if I tell some 24 year old recruit to be in bed by 23.59 hrs and no alcohol, then he/she had better realise I mean it !

greenarrow

bunny shooter wrote: »

That's Bunny Shooter and on certain days/night it is Corporal Bunny Shooter (RDF), hence the amazement at that statement, I was an RDF recruit at 27, got best Recruit on my Recruit camp too, (proud as f**k), was in bed at 23.59 hrs with no alcohol, just for the record. That was the rule, didn't like it, but then I didn't have to be there either.

Apologies bunny shooter...I am getting you mixed up with the wife there.

Well done on the old accolades there. But yeah, spot on though from you. You don't go away with the RDF for two weeks to go on the beer or the lash. You go for the training.

bunny shooter

Don't get me wrong have spent my share of nites in the mess in a mess but never missed any training over it though. That's the difference

Anyone under my command who is able to be in the mess and then reports sick the following morning definately won't spend too many more nights in the mess Extra training, regimental and fatigue duties are great for curing various ailments :P

There are Privates, Troopers and Gunners who think an RDF Corporal has no power, to them all I will say is you haven't met me yet

greenarrow

Too right. If people can go to the mess and get up the next morning and put in a days training, then good for them. But I agree with you about those people who go mental and then cry off the next day.

Makes a show of the army, and their unit too.

enda50

Why? 'cause said recruit is 24, they are a recruit, age is nothing to do with it and if recruits can't drink alcohol then they can't drink alcohol, end of

Im just saying it is quite funny to put someone who has a higher comparative level of maturity than the rest to bed and tell him he cant drink when he has been aloud for a good few years. not saying there would be any problems, or that i disagree with the alcohol policy.

i have had older recruits on camp with no problems! ! !

and certainly didn't want to send this tread the way of alcohol in the RDF with a passing statement!!!!!!

bunny shooter

enda50 wrote: »

Im just saying it is quite funny to put someone who has a higher comparative level of maturity than the rest to bed and tell him he cant drink when he has been aloud for a good few years........

If I have to put recruits to bed, of any age, I am doing something wrong. They always have a choice, they could go home if they are seriously offended by curfew and no alcohol rules. Last time I checked my contract I, and they are still volunteers.

enda50

please stop taking every little thing i say apart! it was a passing statement meant as a joke!

i mean by putting them to bed- have u never been os and did a bed check or checked the nominal role to make sure they are all in by curfew????

bunny shooter

That's where we differ then. I treat my RDF service seriously

You and or your unit do things differently to me/mine I reckon. The OS is normally one of the recruits and/or 2/3 stars and therefore, unless he/she is having problems I do not generally have to get involved.

And if I find someone under my command breaking curfew or the no alcohol rule or any other part of military law and the OS hasn't notified me then firstly the OS is in a world of hurt followed closely by the guilty party. I know my job Been doing it since 1998.

enda50

i asked not to take apart everything i say.

bunny shooter

oops have I embarrassed you with my extensive knowledge of military procedures ? I do so hope you didn't think I was bluffing about my service and rank.

No offence meant, but some was obviously taken.

Age does bring with it a maturity and ability to remove oneself from the need to be 'friends' with those under your command I find. Hence, I have no problem expecting those under my command to obey all orders and sop's relating to their conduct as I have to also and that any breech of same will lead to me being unhappy with them

enda50

no i havent you have just taken a passing comment completly wrong and sent this tread a way that isnt answering the question asked.
not only that you have made assumptions about the seriousness of my attitude towards my rank and subordinates, which i feel is slightly derogatory.

bunny shooter

:rolleyes:

Poccington

And the winner is.... Mr. Shooter

segaBOY

True point King Ludvig!!


V
V
V

King Ludvig

I smell off-topicness

MarkTheChap

ChapOfDRyans wrote: »

Right well im not going to lie but 90% of recruits are 17-20 but there people in my unit that much older then that and have joined.Once you can enjoy yourself that's really what matters,not your age.While taking it serious at the same time.

To get to officer your looking at a long time tbh. First you have to get into NCO ranks which your look at 2 years service be for you go for pnco's course.

then the rest depends on your unit needs i think.

Mate I'm 26 and I'm joining is that ok? :rolleyes:

But no I'm living in Longford so where do you think that will leave me?

You seem knowlegable about these things so any help would be appreciated.

Also this is just a rumour but a few people have told me that there is a lot of sexual abuse in the reserves lately and I'm a big man so it doesn't worry me but it's still dishusting. Any truth in it mate?

Cheers

christophicus

WTF? ALOT of sexual abuse? Where did you hear that ?

MarkTheChap

christophicus wrote: »

WTF? ALOT of sexual abuse? Where did you hear that ?

I'ts just something I heard and I'm almost certain that I've read it somewhere too.

Apparantly thats why they encourage so many youngsters to join.

Like I sais just a rumour and hopefullly theres nothing in it.

I would like to hear Chapryans opinion though and anyone elses who is knowlegable about the reserves.

Cheers

iceage

Ahem......what a load of bollix.......ahem.

You've obviously been talking to the wrong people mate.
get in there and give it a go.:)



Actually, I've just re-read your post, are you taking the p1ss or
are you serious? You sound like a journalist to me, but then
again I'm always the paranoid guy. Trust no one n all that! :P

If your not, then someone is winding you up mate I'm sure.

concussion

MarkTheChap wrote: »

Also this is just a rumour but a few people have told me that there is a lot of sexual abuse in the reserves lately and I'm a big man so it doesn't worry me but it's still dishusting. Any truth in it mate?

Ok, first off you definately heard wrong, there is zero tolerance for any sort of bullying, discrimination or sexual abuse. (or drugs, see other thread)

MarkTheChap wrote: »

Apparantly thats why they encourage so many youngsters to join.

Is the wise person who informed you of the rife sexual misconduct seriously insinuating that young people are recruited so they can be sexually abused??? :mad::mad::mad:

Mr Toad

The original poster asked about joining the RDF with a view to upskilling to go on EU and OSCE missions (I presume as a civilian?).

The EU recruits civilians directly for some ESDP missions. See this jobs page.

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/showPage.aspx?id=316&lang=en

I have no military background - I did postgrad in international relations and some work experience (NGO and internships) in the area and got a contracted post in a Mission. The posts for civilians are generally administrative (finance officer, secretaries etc.) type ones but also include press & public info. officers, analysis and reporting, legal officers, human rights advisors etc.

Military experience is NOT required for the civilian jobs - you are being hired for your civilian skills. Remember that there will be professional military and ex-military on these missions. They will do the military stuff or anything even vaguely security related - and they do it very well indeed. Civilians on the Mission will be in HQs, its like working in an office anywhere. There is some hostile environment training but as a civy in a Mission you will be told from day 1 you NOT there to go anywhere remotely near the dangerous stuff

If you want a job in an EU mission (I recommend it to anyone) do something more practical like brush up your language skills.