Irish Army age limit versus british army?

TheFunker

Hi all,
Hope this hasnt been discussed here before. But I was recently checking out both the Irish army and the British army. I'm 27 years old and seriously thinking of joining.

I checked out the British army and the age limit is 33 years old. Seems reasonable. Then I checked the Irish army and its 24 years old?!

What gives?
A person at 24 is seen to be past it or something?
+
Also means I have absolutely no chance or getting into the irish army under any circumstances right?

Local-womanizer

The DF can afford to be picky when it comes to recruitment due to the numbers that apply and in the recent year limited places available.

judosean2005

I can tell you first hand. the irish army wont take u if ur 25+. i was down in Cork for the fitness test 3 years ago.and they just said everyone who is 25 stand up.''Sorry we dont need ye today,thanks for coming''.end of story.
Brits will take u up to mid 30's i think. im 27 now and starting in few weeks.
Sean

Delancey

Same with the Police - UK Police have no stated age limits and I am aware of people in their 50's joining ( though they must pass all fitness checks like everyone else ). Gardai are 35 years I belive.
I think it's all down to it being far more of an employers market here though it's not as if the British Army is short of applicants.

bwatson

judosean2005 wrote: »

I can tell you first hand. the irish army wont take u if ur 25+. i was down in Cork for the fitness test 3 years ago.and they just said everyone who is 25 stand up.''Sorry we dont need ye today,thanks for coming''.end of story.
Brits will take u up to mid 30's i think. im 27 now and starting in few weeks.
Sean

32 is the upper age limit I believe.

Very few join at anything close to that age however.

Lemming

bwatson wrote: »

32 is the upper age limit I believe.

Very few join at anything close to that age however.

33 for regular army. 34 for TA, pushing up to 44 for anyone with previous service re-enlisting for some units.

Some units have more strict age thresholds, like the Paras (age 27 I think? Although not for the TA at 34), or TA-SAS who have a limit of 32 if I recall.

DipStick McSwindler

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Poccington

The age limit was lowered because the DF became quite focused on lowering the age profile of it's troops.

Procrastastudy

Sort of a hijack so sorry but does anyone know why there is the odd age gap for Sandhurst. They will only take new officers to 26 (IIRC) and then 29 for NCOs getting a commision. You cant go at 26-29 I could be wrong.

DipStick McSwindler

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Procrastastudy

feeney92 wrote: »

its 26 for a new applicant who has never been in the Army before, and its 29 for NCOs who are currently serving.....id say its for current soldiers who are found to be good leaders and or have combat experience

But what about top class NCOs at 27 or 28. Its more the gap that confuses me. Ah I've just rered you post and see where the confusion has come in. Its not an upper age limit - its that from 26 - 29 you cannot go to Sandhurst. So if you are an NCO currently serving you have to WAIT UNTIL 29 before you can go (Or go befre 26 presumably)