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Reserve Defence Forces Recruitment 2015 **Update!**

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 174 ✭✭Doctor14


    Garzard wrote: »
    Just on this topic, earlier on in the thread I mentioned having a college repeat and only received the date this week [scheduled for morning of August 19th]. Would they be reluctant to let myself and others in similar situations off training for a few hours to do the repeat or even completely refuse? Just in case both do end up conflicting?

    In those circumstances, I would give you leave....but you will have to wait and see what your training unit will say. Leave will usually be given in certain circumstances, it is up to your training unit to decide what those circumstances are. They are the only ones who will decide.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,799 ✭✭✭rizzee


    Doctor14 wrote: »
    In those circumstances, I would give you leave....but you will have to wait and see what your training unit will say. Leave will usually be given in certain circumstances, it is up to your training unit to decide what those circumstances are. They are the only ones who will decide.

    Do you think it would it be the same story if a holiday is already booked?


  • Registered Users Posts: 18 theJED102


    rizzee wrote: »
    Do you think it would it be the same story if a holiday is already booked?

    You probably just won't be able to attend camp then I'd say.


  • Registered Users Posts: 18 theJED102


    Doctor14 wrote: »
    Not sure of this one but I believe it will be barracks based - all units based or HQed in a barracks will be trained in that barracks....but I believe that this has not been decided yet.



    Most of your off time will be spent cleaning rooms, ironing uniforms etc. Sleep will be at a premium so you will want to grab some when you can. There used to be sports events but nowadays there is so little time available that every hour is needed to try and finish the training. If you are on FTT and they give you "time off" or have sports events, it means that something is not being done that needs to be done and you are missing out on some training that you will need in the future.


    Leave will be granted in certain circumstances, Leaving Cert results is usually one of those circumstances. But forget about getting a weekend off, getting your results, having a mad weekend of drinking and crawling back into the barracks on a monday morning. If you are VERY lucky, you will be left off at 6pm to be back next morning. If you need to collect your result in an afternoon, you will get a few hours. Anything you miss will need to be covered in your own free time.

    Dress code for Attestation...long time since I did it. But normally it would be smart - shirt and tie. But not 100% sure.

    Thanks for replying, called the barracks to clarify some questions.

    There will be initial induction training on weekends with your company and then two weeks camp i.e. in gormanstown, glen of Imaal, Kilworth etc. Although its not clear if it will be done by brigade battalion or company.

    For those worried about dress code for attestation its regular civis so jeans or a tracksuit (was recommended to me).


  • Registered Users Posts: 399 ✭✭TheAlkaline


    Does anybody know that in case we are allowed to leave the barracks during the training (for certain circumstances), are we going to be allowed to wear our civ clothes or we will need to stay in the full uniform?


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  • Registered Users Posts: 755 ✭✭✭mcko


    Generally Recruits are not allowed out, if you are then in civvies.


  • Registered Users Posts: 87 ✭✭twinydavid


    Anybody do there attestation yesterday? How did you get on?


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 Tom.737


    still didn't get an email yet, done the medical and passed it but our bloods and urine weren't taken as the lab was 'closed'. They said they'd email us to get them taken about 6 weeks ago. So yeah, not a clue whats happening at all. Anyone get an email from the lads in Mullingar?


  • Registered Users Posts: 15 Outdoors Junkie


    Just to let people on here know, I was attested last Saturday and I have already undergone part of the induction phase over the course of the weekend.

    They have told us we should have are uniform by next week but no promises. From what I've heard and seen so far, I am very impressed by the standards the reserves set themselves and its an honour to be with them.

    Just remember for the lads to be clean shaven- face and neck and have your hair cut to - a 3 or 4 blade on the back and sides and neat on top and don't wear a suit for your attestation, just wear something smart/casual like jeans, a shirt and comfortable smart shoes, as you may be doing foot drills in the afternoon like I was. Also remember to bring a small notepad and pen or pensil for taking notes and anything else your told to bring in the emails.

    I am very happy to come this far and I hope the best for the other recruits on here as well!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,000 ✭✭✭trellheim


    Congratulations and welcome to the force. You'll need an army number now to get issued any uniforms so that should be coming along soon. You will always remember your Army Number. Always have a small notepad and a couple of biros ( one always goes dead )

    ( Pro Tip : you will be asked to produce same many many times and will be gicked if you have not one with you. Someone will always have forgotten. Don't be that guy. )


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  • Registered Users Posts: 399 ✭✭TheAlkaline


    I am still waiting to see if I passed my blood and urine tests, and to get a date for attestation. Going into CBB - CAV


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭brennan10


    I am still waiting to see if I passed my blood and urine tests, and to get a date for attestation. Going into CBB - CAV

    Same here....sure we done those tests the same day...can't be much longer now surely...


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,300 ✭✭✭Garzard


    brennan10 wrote: »
    Same here....sure we done those tests the same day...can't be much longer now surely...

    It's been so long that I'm starting to think I haven't been selected.


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭brennan10


    Garzard wrote: »
    It's been so long that I'm starting to think I haven't been selected.

    Well by the looks of it collins barracks have started attestation so would think cathal brugha can't be far behind....sure it's basically August now something has to happen...


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 Tom.737


    Waiting for the email. Doing my head in to be honest. Can't plan anything in case its the same date as the camp. But I'm sure it'll be well worth it in the end!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,300 ✭✭✭Garzard


    Do they still email on Fridays or weekends?


  • Registered Users Posts: 87 ✭✭twinydavid


    2 months waiting now. What a load of ****e


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,031 ✭✭✭Lockstep


    I've had my two training weekends so far. Heading off on the 2 weeks FTT soon enough.

    Seems fairly interesting so far. Won't go into too much detail due to Restrictive etc etc. Training weekend was straightforward enough: introduction to military law, foot drill etc. Also a big focus on fitness with a fair bit of PT which was harder than the application fitness test (divided into different bands). Apparently from now on, RDF personnel will have to undergo annual fitness tests, similar to what the PDF do and will have to do a fitness test again during the FTT.


  • Registered Users Posts: 138 ✭✭Kirm2


    Lockstep wrote: »
    I've had my two training weekends so far. Heading off on the 2 weeks FTT soon enough.

    Seems fairly interesting so far. Mostly was straightforward enough: introduction to military law, foot drill etc. Also a big focus on fitness with a fair bit of PT which was harder than the application fitness test (divided into different bands). Apparently from now on, RDF personnel will have to undergo annual fitness tests, similar to what the PDF do and will have to do a fitness test again during the FTT.

    Is that for Cork or Dublin?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,031 ✭✭✭Lockstep


    Cork, I applied for the Southern Brigade.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 138 ✭✭Kirm2


    Lockstep wrote: »
    Cork, I applied for the Southern Brigade.

    Thanks very much for answering. I have a couple of further questions, have you been given your uniform yet? And secondly, and only if you are allowed to answer, what does PT involve?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,031 ✭✭✭Lockstep


    We've been issued our uniform but won't be collecting it for a few more days. Not sure why. It's great kit though.

    As for PT, the info is available on the internet so I doubt there's any issues in explaining it.
    Basically, you have to do your maximum amount of push ups and sit ups (in 60 seconds) as well as a 3km run and a 10km march.
    This is different from the initial fitness test as you're given a grade for your score rather than pass/fail and will have to reach a grade 4 (the minimum passing grade depending on your age).
    So if you're 17-29, you need to do something like 28 push ups, 26 sit ups (both in 60 seconds) and run 3 km (not 2.4 like the initial test was) in at least 15:30.
    You also have to do a 10km march while carrying at least 14kg of kit. IIRC, the aim is to do it under 90minutes or so. These are all for grade 4 though so you should be aiming a lot higher. The highest is a Grade 1 which is 54+ push ups for example.

    It's important to note that these are bare minimums and you're meant to constantly aim to get a better grade.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2 Mewt


    twinydavid wrote: »
    2 months waiting now. What a load of ****e

    When I first joined the RDF, I did 6 months training only to be told that my unit was only taking 5 people. Naturally they took the first past the post on garda vetting, people who had put in a bit earlier than us but decided not to attend parade nights, not the people who had turned up for training those few months.

    So, I might suggest to you, if a little ''hurry up and wait'' with a dose of good old inefficiency gets you so worked up, you have joined the wrong organisation, and indeed the wrong line of work ^_O.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,300 ✭✭✭Garzard


    Lockstep wrote: »
    I've had my two training weekends so far. Heading off on the 2 weeks FTT soon enough.

    So the initial training is just on weekends?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,031 ✭✭✭Lockstep


    Garzard wrote: »
    So the initial training is just on weekends?

    Two weekends away and then 2 weeks FTT.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,799 ✭✭✭rizzee


    Thanks for the detailed posts Lockstep. Really hope they get in contact soon. Am away 25th to 1st September so I'm hoping nothing will happen in between them dates, it would be typical...


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭JB400


    By the sounds of it some of ye lads are well underway...i think that'll be the only group who gets to do their two weeks training...i only did my blood and urine test last tuesday week..haha dont know when i'll hear from them...


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,300 ✭✭✭Garzard


    Not exactly on topic but Gmail's been getting more and more unreliable by the day recently so I haven't been able to check the inbox for an RDF response as often as I'd like. It'll go several hours without working with the typical ''Page cannot be displayed'' with a random window of maybe 1/2 an hour will come up now and then. Anyone else having the same issue?


  • Registered Users Posts: 67 ✭✭Irishboy!


    Does anyone know how much were getting paid for the 2week camp??


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,031 ✭✭✭Lockstep


    Recruits get €333 a week so €666 for the two, less USC etc.
    Make sure to sort out your tax credits before you go!


  • Registered Users Posts: 67 ✭✭Irishboy!


    Lockstep wrote: »
    Recruits get €333 a week so €666 for the two, less USC etc.
    Make sure to sort out your tax credits before you go!

    I was told that aswell yeah, what isit we actually need to do in tax office though? i work at moment so would i be ok?


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 Tom.737


    Anyone apply to Mullingar? Gimme a private message, in bad need of info!


  • Registered Users Posts: 399 ✭✭TheAlkaline


    Lockstep wrote: »
    It's important to note that these are bare minimums and you're meant to constantly aim to get a better grade.

    What happens if you fail though? Or go under the Grade 4


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,031 ✭✭✭Lockstep


    What happens if you fail though? Or go under the Grade 4

    Apparently Grade 5 is acceptable for this year only in order to allow RDF to get up to scratch. If you get below that, you get retested in a few weeks. Not sure what happens after that, presumably booted.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,031 ✭✭✭Lockstep


    Irishboy! wrote: »
    I was told that aswell yeah, what isit we actually need to do in tax office though? i work at moment so would i be ok?

    Basically head to the tax office and get your credits divvied up to prevent you being taxed. Maybe transfer all your tax credits to the RDF and then rechange them after camp.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 174 ✭✭Doctor14


    Lockstep wrote: »
    Apparently Grade 5 is acceptable for this year only in order to allow RDF to get up to scratch. If you get below that, you get retested in a few weeks. Not sure what happens after that, presumably booted.

    You will be given a few opportunities to pass and may be helped along with training programmes and reviews by an army PTI but in the end, you will be booted out for not passing.

    Not that much harder than the induction test and a lot of people do very well at it. There will be training to help you achieve it and it is age based. It is not a hard test if you passed the induction test.


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭brennan10


    Just a tad of topic if anybody had any answer or opinions regarding employment while in the RDF? I work in the hospitaliy sector for a US based org and recently explained to my manager my intent of joining up. I told them of the process I went through to date to get their approval which I gladly got and wanted to let them know sooner before I get in hopefully. Basically what I'm wanting to find out is there any issues that recruits need to be aware off when it comes to employment while serving and can the defence force help in any way to protect your employment while on exercises/fft requirements? ? Thanks.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 171 ✭✭donegaldude


    Just be aware of the short notice that tends to be given for things that are going on. The army won't protect your employment as there is no legislation in place in the country for taking time off for military service. The majority of people take their annual leave for FTT or unpaid leave depending on where they work or even if they work.

    I find that plenty of notice does the trick though sometimes it just doesn't happen.


  • Registered Users Posts: 5 FlyingAnts


    Anyone got any tips on what to bring on camp?


  • Registered Users Posts: 18 theJED102


    FlyingAnts wrote: »
    Anyone got any tips on what to bring on camp?

    -Lots of spare jocks and socks (enough so as to have a change twice a day)
    -Lots of sports gear
    -comfy civis for the evenings
    -flip flops for showers
    Don't bring bacon fries and lucazade as it attracts flying ants.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 5 FlyingAnts


    Thanks haha


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,300 ✭✭✭Garzard


    Lockstep wrote: »
    Recruits get €333 a week so €666 for the two, less USC etc.

    Handy!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 174 ✭✭Doctor14


    brennan10 wrote: »
    can the defence force help in any way to protect your employment while on exercises/fft requirements? ? Thanks.

    The important thing to note - the Army does not care about your civilian employment and they will do nothing to protect your employment. There is nothing in law to protect you either. Take it from me, your employment needs to take priority over the RDF - if you lose your job over the RDF, no one will protect you.
    FlyingAnts wrote: »
    Anyone got any tips on what to bring on camp?
    There used to be a very good list of what to bring but it went by the wayside a long time ago

    -Personal Hygiene products - towels/flipflops/stuff for shaving, showering, brushing teeth, nail clippers, etc. sunblock and toilet paper (really important). DO NOT bring an electric razor - I have yet to see one that will give you a close enough shave to pass inspection.
    -Boot polish & brushes
    -Socks, jocks and bottle green t-shirts (the army issue is nowhere near enough - The new DPM tshirt cannot be gotten anywhere else but there are still a good number of the bottle green one around for you to get away with it)
    -PT Gear
    -If you absolutely need them, bring medications but make sure they are over the counter stuff - the Army can spring a surprise inspection and ask a LOT of questions over any medications
    -a cheap and cheerful watch. Bring a mobile phone to keep in contact with home but DO NOT bring it with you during the day, only use it at night. Bring some money (cash) but not too much. Bring a set of locks, you might be lucky enough to get a locker with a latch for locks.
    -bring biros, notebooks, stationary etc.


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭brennan10


    Thanks for your advice regarding the employment question...it's funny thou what your told by privates during my time at medical when the discussion of outside employment came up. What we were lead to believe is that since it's a goverment job thereabouts that your protected from losing your civie job in the advent of fft etc. I understand that what was said was not offical by any means and a good pinch of salt is required but important topics like that shouldn't be said or taken lightly especially if those statements are wrong to begin with...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,031 ✭✭✭Lockstep


    We got a list, telling us to bring the following:

    Camo stick/camo paint
    Pocket mirror (for camo)
    Regular mirror (shaving etc)
    Foot powder
    PT gear
    Toiletries: shower gear, shaving gear, deodorant etc
    Toilet paper
    Cash: there won't be much to buy but there'll be the odd time out to the cinema and for minerals
    Civilian gear
    Boot polish gear
    Watch
    PT gear
    Towel
    Sleeping bag
    sun cream
    insect repellant
    2 padlocks for lockers
    Iron
    Notebook and pens
    water bottle


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 174 ✭✭Doctor14


    Lockstep wrote: »
    We got a list, telling us to bring the following:

    Iron

    Seeing that there is weekends before, it might be a good idea for groups to arrange for people to bring an iron or 2, ironing boards, some cleaning materials for rooms & toilets (Detergents, rubber gloves etc.). The Army does provide some cleaning materials but it is minimalistic. You do far better at room inspections if you have better and more numerous cleaning materials.
    Works as a team and have the stuff ready - makes life easier especially when you are already under enough pressure - no need for everyone to bring an iron or mop.


  • Registered Users Posts: 138 ✭✭Kirm2


    I've tried several times to phone Cathal Brugha to find out when the emails will go out but there's no answer, has anyone got through and found out when we'll get them??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,000 ✭✭✭trellheim


    Thanks for your advice regarding the employment question...it's funny thou what your told by privates during my time at medical when the discussion of outside employment came up. What we were lead to believe is that since it's a goverment job thereabouts that your protected from losing your civie job in the advent of fft etc. I understand that what was said was not offical by any means and a good pinch of salt is required but important topics like that shouldn't be said or taken lightly especially if those statements are wrong to begin with...

    Doctor14 is completely correct. There is zero employment protection for reservists in this country, even for discrimination. Better not to mention it at work. Even if you are called to active service there is no protection.


  • Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭brennan10


    trellheim wrote: »
    Doctor14 is completely correct. There is zero employment protection for reservists in this country, even for discrimination. Better not to mention it at work. Even if you are called to active service there is no protection.

    Thanks man I really appreciate your advice....I wonder how many people that get in in turn find that having no protection as you said have to priortise something they have always wanted instead of the people who just throw in the towel just because it gets difficult...been apart of it should have some sort of legislation in terms of employment as it could be said your providing a valuable service for your country...here's hoping nobody has to encounter having to make such a difficult choice!


  • Registered Users Posts: 120 ✭✭LUKEG2411


    Hi lads I was wondering if anyone here could offer me advice or information.

    I got a email a few weeks ago offering me a place in the curragh RDF and I have to get back to them with my decision. My only problem is that induction starts at the end of August for us and I'm then back to college at the start of September. I had hoped it would have started much earlier so I could have got the camp done before I go back. Now assuming the camp is on during the first semester, I really can't afford to miss two weeks due to the nature of my course. Would this mean that I can't join, or would I have to leave? And would that look bad on future applications? Would anyone know when the camp is meant to go ahead for the 1st mech and cav? This is also a long shot but would it be possible to do the camp earlier with a different unit? Thanks for your help in advance.

    I really want to join but really my study's have to take priority.


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