Cadetships 2020

Ayrtonf7

Hey,

I figured I would make a thread for the current round of cadetships. I just applied for the Army and Naval Operations cadetships.

For a bit of background, I'm 26 years old and currently living abroad with an eye to moving back home in the not too distant future. The military is something that's always interested me but I was sidetracked after college and never got around to really pursuing it. I just about make the cut-off date for the age requirements so I have one shot to try and get in (I hope).

The application was more straightforward than I thought, in fact it was just some typical information about myself (name, age, address, etc.) and some qualifying questions. I was expecting to have to submit a CV and letter of interest or something. I'm guessing that comes at a later date?

Is there anybody else out there applying in 2020?

mcc_c

There seems to be a thread for every year so why not! I have applied for the Air Corps myself and might consider the Army and Navy but to be honest I'm dead set on the Air Corps.

I was surprised at the initial application as well, I actually went back twice to make sure a CV wasn't needed, my own assumption is that they give every applicant a chance at the psychometric to be as fair as possible? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it would make sense.

At of curiosity where are you based? Sounds like you're living abroad! Goodluck with your application man!

Ayrtonf7

mcc_c wrote: »

There seems to be a thread for every year so why not! I have applied for the Air Corps myself and might consider the Army and Navy but to be honest I'm dead set on the Air Corps.

I was surprised at the initial application as well, I actually went back twice to make sure a CV wasn't needed, my own assumption is that they give every applicant a chance at the psychometric to be as fair as possible? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it would make sense.

At of curiosity where are you based? Sounds like you're living abroad! Goodluck with your application man!

I did the same thing! Especially after reading the word CV on my first application. I can confirm though I didn't see any location for uploading a document. I'm guessing they will take a look through your LinkedIn profile to supplement your application so it would be worth having that up to date.

I'm base in Vancouver Canada so ideally I'd like to wait until further along in the process before coming home, that's assuming I make it far at all.

Same to you, best of luck with yours. I've heard the Air Force cadetship is the hardest in terms of selection and attrition.

Borderland

Ayrtonf7 wrote: »

Hey,

I figured I would make a thread for the current round of cadetships. I just applied for the Army and Naval Operations cadetships.

For a bit of background, I'm 26 years old and currently living abroad with an eye to moving back home in the not too distant future. The military is something that's always interested me but I was sidetracked after college and never got around to really pursuing it. I just about make the cut-off date for the age requirements so I have one shot to try and get in (I hope).

The application was more straightforward than I thought, in fact it was just some typical information about myself (name, age, address, etc.) and some qualifying questions. I was expecting to have to submit a CV and letter of interest or something. I'm guessing that comes at a later date?

Is there anybody else out there applying in 2020?

So this will be the third time I’ve applied so I suppose I can offer some insight on how they’ve run the competition in previous years. All dependant on what will be the new normal in a post Covid-19 world.

Step 1: Application form
Step 2: Online psychometric test
Step 3: Fitness test/Group assessment/Supervised resit of psychometric test in Curragh.
Step 4: Questionnaire/Interview
Step 5: Medical

Townton

Ayrtonf7 wrote: »

Hey,

I figured I would make a thread for the current round of cadetships. I just applied for the Army and Naval Operations cadetships.

For a bit of background, I'm 26 years old and currently living abroad with an eye to moving back home in the not too distant future. The military is something that's always interested me but I was sidetracked after college and never got around to really pursuing it. I just about make the cut-off date for the age requirements so I have one shot to try and get in (I hope).

The application was more straightforward than I thought, in fact it was just some typical information about myself (name, age, address, etc.) and some qualifying questions. I was expecting to have to submit a CV and letter of interest or something. I'm guessing that comes at a later date?

Is there anybody else out there applying in 2020?

It goes in phases so they will get around to your more personal information at the latter stages. You will have the various online tests to do (not that challenging) fitness, group assessments initial medicals, interviews and full medicals thats at least how i remember it.

On a side note if you are interested in the military as a career then there is always the BA. Sandhurst has a higher age limit and those going in tend to be a bit older, most post graduates many of those having worked/trained in industry, professions or else where before so your age wouldn't really be an issue, just a thought.

josh1010st

Hi lads, I have applied for the Army only but debating applying for navy operations too.
I was just wondering about the medical stage, it says in the descriptions that there is a flexibility test? Just wondering what it’s like and should I take up yoga to prepare for it? 😂 Thanks lads!

RCB1A

Hi lads, I'm new to this format of posting. I've applied for the Air Corps as well as the Army cadetships. I'm a bit worried because my left leg hurts so I'm taking a break from running this week, it'll probably be fine.

Good Luck to everyone!

josh1010st

Hi again lads, UL sent me on this link to practice the psychomectric tests. You have to use your college email when signing up to get full access to all the tests but might be handy to practice.
https://www.teamfocus.co.uk/psychometric-testing/

Best of luck to everyone!

Borderland

RCB1A wrote: »

Hi lads, I'm new to this format of posting. I've applied for the Air Corps as well as the Army cadetships. I'm a bit worried because my left leg hurts so I'm taking a break from running this week, it'll probably be fine.

Good Luck to everyone!

Be careful you’re not overtraining. It’s going to take a couple of weeks for them to get everything processed. There is another 2 weeks left on the applications.

The fitness test is very straight forward. They will stop you after 20 push ups, and 20 sits ups. The run is an individual best effort with the time limit of 11mins 40 seconds for men and 13mins 10 seconds for women. All are graded pass/fail.

RCB1A

Borderland wrote: »

Be careful you’re not overtraining. It’s going to take a couple of weeks for them to get everything processed. There is another 2 weeks left on the applications.

The fitness test is very straight forward. They will stop you after 20 push ups, and 20 sits ups. The run is an individual best effort with the time limit of 11mins 40 seconds for men and 13mins 10 seconds for women. All are graded pass/fail.

I know, I just really wanted to cut my time down to 9 minutes before the actual test day

mcc_c

I read about the flexibility part too, I applied for the RDF and had my fitness/interview in January. Was worried about that and the run myself considering it was straight after Christmas (food et. al) so prepared with standard stretches and a few runs.

The fitness isn't actually that bad, @Borderline has the order right, before the run they brought us through a warm up which required a small bit of running so bear that in mine too. If you haven't, I would seriously suggest looking at their videos explaining how they want the push ups/sit ups done, for example if you lift your hands off your knees at any stage off the sit up it's an immediate disqualification so it's best to familiarise yourself with that.

@josh1010st, they didn't go through flexibility on the day, they did do stretches but no sort of test or anything. This might be different for the cadetships I'm unsure. Might actually look at a bit of yoga myself. Also thanks a mil for sharing that link, any practice is good practice. Good luck with your application!

josh1010st

@ mcc_c. Fair play man! Yeah I’ve watched all the videos they have put up and I’ve spoken to a few serving members, at least the fitness test is fairly straightforward.

No hassle with the link lad, no harm in us all helping each other out!

The 2020 terms and conditions doesn’t mention the flexibility tests but all the other Years do so maybe they don’t do it anymore? Anyway bit of light yoga and we shouldn’t have to worry about it!

Borderland

Would highly recommend people check out the Defence Forces Podcast. Available on all social media channels.


They’ve previewed an Aer Corp Cadetship today and they’ll be doing the Army Line and Naval Cadetships in the coming weeks.

Interesting insight!

Whelan 95

Sorry for going a bit off topic here but what way do they conduct the running part of the test? is it like around a track or pitch or sports hall? Id imagine it would vary from where the test takes place itself, just curious.

Thanks.

RCB1A

If anyone hasn't seen it already, there's also a video on Youtube "Now We're Talking Podcast - Episode 3 with Oisin McGrath (Irish Air Corps -Officer Commanding 302 S)"

I can't link stuff yet so youse will have to do with copying/pasting the title

RCB1A

Whelan 95 wrote: »

Sorry for going a bit off topic here but what way do they conduct the running part of the test? is it like around a track or pitch or sports hall? Id imagine it would vary from where the test takes place itself, just curious.

Thanks.

I'd reckon it just depends on the base. When I did my work experience in Kilkenny they just got us to run the distance around the base (hard tarmac).

@Borderland probably knows a bit better though

Borderland

Whelan 95 wrote: »

Sorry for going a bit off topic here but what way do they conduct the running part of the test? is it like around a track or pitch or sports hall? Id imagine it would vary from where the test takes place itself, just curious.

Thanks.

So the Aer Corp do their own fitness testing in Baldonnel and I don’t know anything about that. All the cadet/naval fitness testing took place in the Curragh.

I’m also not sure how they’re going to do things with social distancing etc, but the way it was done previously was that they’d do the BMI/Height first and then a warm up.

For the actual test (in the main gym hall); push ups first, if anyone fails you’re out. Then sit ups - if you fail you’re out.

Everyone who passes those two gets put on a bus. Drive about 3/4 minutes to the start line. The route is on a normal road which they close off for the test. It goes down a slight hill. Run down, turn, run back. You call your number (which they will give you on the day) as you finish.

josh1010st

@Borderland Thanks for the info man! Prob a stupid question but can you have earphones in for the run?

Borderland

josh1010st wrote: »

@Borderland Thanks for the info man! Prob a stupid question but can you have earphones in for the run?

I don’t remember anyone having them to be honest, you’d look like a bit of a plonker. I don’t think you’ll have an issue with motivation on the day 😅

stall

Hi all,

Does anyone know what the BMI testing is? What score it’s to be under for example?

Or how serious they take this score if you’ve passed the other elements?

Thanks in advance!

RCB1A

Lads did I skip over the section where it says a third language is required for the Cadetship or did they not include that this year?

Also @stall the BMI is between 20 and 25 on the website but judging by the writing they seem lenient if you're above/under ? I'm not sure what's the story with the skin fold calipers though. On the website it says if you're under 20 they use it and to not have a measurement above 70mm.

josh1010st

RCB1A wrote: »

Lads did I skip over the section where it says a third language is required for the Cadetship or did they not include that this year?

Also @stall the BMI is between 20 and 25 on the website but judging by the writing they seem lenient if you're above/under ? I'm not sure what's the story with the skin fold calipers though

Just had another read through the terms and conditions for this year and a third language is needed for school leavers due to it being required for NUI entrance. It said nothing under the graduate section about needing a third language so the degree must suffice there.

mcc_c

There's another podcast up available through the DF social media on the Army Cadetship. Interesting insight into the day-to-day of the cadetship which if I'm not wrong is applicable to all three of the branches, particularly Army and Air Corps.

Sounds like a tough course but to be honest, sounds so exciting/interesting/demanding and rewarding. Whole heartedly want this cadetship! Out of curiosity are many of you coming from totally different backgrounds to the cadetship you are applying for?

Iscreamkone

Borderland wrote: »

I don’t remember anyone having them to be honest, you’d look like a bit of a plonker. I don’t think you’ll have an issue with motivation on the day ��

When training I use wireless earphones to let me know time and pace as I'm progressing. Maybe he wants to know for this reason?

It wasn't me!

Iscreamkone wrote: »

When training I use wireless earphones to let me know time and pace as I'm progressing. Maybe he wants to know for this reason?

You're running in a group. Wear a watch and don't be at the back of the group and you'll be grand. And it's a best effort, so know in advance how hard you can run for 1.5 miles.

RCB1A

mcc_c wrote: »

There's another podcast up available through the DF social media on the Army Cadetship. Interesting insight into the day-to-day of the cadetship which if I'm not wrong is applicable to all three of the branches, particularly Army and Air Corps.

Sounds like a tough course but to be honest, sounds so exciting/interesting/demanding and rewarding. Whole heartedly want this cadetship! Out of curiosity are many of you coming from totally different backgrounds to the cadetship you are applying for?

I agree! It's pretty exciting. I don't really have any background in military stuff at all tbh. One of my grandfathers was a policeman and that's as close as it gets. Other than that it's just a really big interest in working as an officer in the Air Corps/Army. What about you?

Tsandcs

Story lads, also applied for the army line cadetship.

I also thought that the application was very small, I expected to submit my CV and proof of my degree but they must look for that further along.

I'm assuming we're gonna hear more after the 31st, best of luck lads.

mcc_c

RCB1A wrote: »

I agree! It's pretty exciting. I don't really have any background in military stuff at all tbh. One of my grandfathers was a policeman and that's as close as it gets. Other than that it's just a really big interest in working as an officer in the Air Corps/Army. What about you?

No background at all, applying for the Air Corps and I'm hoping that not having a technical background won't set me back... A bit concerned because of that but I suppose I'll cross that bridge when it comes to it

mcc_c

Tsandcs wrote: »

Story lads, also applied for the army line cadetship.

I also thought that the application was very small, I expected to submit my CV and proof of my degree but they must look for that further along.

I'm assuming we're gonna hear more after the 31st, best of luck lads.

I'd say it's a case of them not ruling anyone out, it was a bit weird submitting with no CV didn't feel right haha

P0dr1ck

Is everyone here applying for the first time?

josh1010st

P0dr1ck wrote: »

Is everyone here applying for the first time?

Yeah first time applying for me anyway, I was waiting until I finished my degree to apply, you?

Tsandcs

P0dr1ck wrote: »

Is everyone here applying for the first time?

First time, was also waiting to finish my degree

P0dr1ck

josh1010st wrote: »

Yeah first time applying for me anyway, I was waiting until I finished my degree to apply, you?

This is my 2nd time applying after finishing my degree, got to the interview stages last year but didn't prepare well for them so here i go again. Good luck to everyone this year

RCB1A

P0dr1ck wrote: »

Is everyone here applying for the first time?

First time applying too, just finished secondary and waiting on grades.

Borderland

P0dr1ck wrote: »

Is everyone here applying for the first time?

This is my third time. I’ve finished my undergrad and done a postgrad in the meantime so if they don’t want me now, their loss!

P0dr1ck

Borderland wrote: »

This is my third time. I’ve finished my undergrad and done a postgrad in the meantime so if they don’t want me now, their loss!

Which ones have you applied for? I went for two navy Cadetships and army line Cadetship.

mcc_c

P0dr1ck wrote: »

Is everyone here applying for the first time?

This is my first time applying as well.

@Borderland that's some commitment fair play to you and goodluck, sounds like you deserve it!

Borderland

P0dr1ck wrote: »

Which ones have you applied for? I went for two navy Cadetships and army line Cadetship.

Just the army cadetship!

RCB1A

So how is everyone doing?

The radio silence and anticipation are killing me. I keep thinking through some misfortune they've forgotten to send me an email.
I suppose all I can do is keep on preparing to keep my mind off of it.

Borderland

RCB1A wrote: »

So how is everyone doing?

The radio silence and anticipation are killing me. I keep thinking through some misfortune they've forgotten to send me an email.
I suppose all I can do is keep on preparing to keep my mind off of it.

This process literally takes the entire summer. I reckon you shouldn’t expect anything for the next 2 weeks. You’ll get a week to do the tests online, then another couple weeks before the fitness tests.

So long as you got your confirmation email/text just sit tight on the rest!

josh1010st

Borderland wrote: »

This process literally takes the entire summer. I reckon you shouldn’t expect anything for the next 2 weeks. You’ll get a week to do the tests online, then another couple weeks before the fitness tests.

So long as you got your confirmation email/text just sit tight on the rest!

For the Psychometric tests, is there much practice material supplied? And do you know what company supplies the tests to the DF because they usually have more practice ones on their website?

Thank you!

Borderland

josh1010st wrote: »

For the Psychometric tests, is there much practice material supplied? And do you know what company supplies the tests to the DF because they usually have more practice ones on their website?

Thank you!

Eh not that I can remember. There is a practice booklet that comes with the invitation to sit the test. As for the actual test, you do a tutorial prior to the actual test. I tended to just do the practice tutorial 7/8 times and then launch into the test.

They used Mindmill in previous years, although that is probably subject to change.

josh1010st

Borderland wrote: »

Eh not that I can remember. There is a practice booklet that comes with the invitation to sit the test. As for the actual test, you do a tutorial prior to the actual test. I tended to just do the practice tutorial 7/8 times and then launch into the test.

They used Mindmill in previous years, although that is probably subject to change.

Ah nice one, thanks for that buddy!

josh1010st

Anyone get their Psychometric tests today?

Tsandcs

josh1010st wrote: »

Anyone get their Psychometric tests today?

Yep just got the email too

mcc_c

josh1010st wrote: »

Anyone get their Psychometric tests today?

Didn't seem to get one, anyone else in the same boat? Checked junk as well

P0dr1ck

mcc_c wrote: »

Didn't seem to get one, anyone else in the same boat? Checked junk as well

Got mine too, you might want to ring them on Monday if you don't get it by then

mcc_c

P0dr1ck wrote: »

Got mine too, you might want to ring them on Monday if you don't get it by then

Hmmm very strange, unless they're giving them out by branch? Have any of use who got it applied for the Air Corps? Yep I might get in touch on Monday if I hear nothing back!

P0dr1ck

mcc_c wrote: »

Hmmm very strange, unless they're giving them out by branch? Have any of use who got it applied for the Air Corps? Yep I might get in touch on Monday if I hear nothing back!

No just army and navy

Borderland

They’ve issued the Army and Navy tests.

The Aer Corp psychometric tests are different to the ones for the Army/Navy and will presumably be sent when they’re ready to send them on.

The Aer Corp process is different to the Army/Naval insofar as you go to Badonnell for the fitness etc whereas everyone else goes to Curragh. They could be operating to a different schedule.

Would just sit tight if you’re waiting on an Aer Corp psychometric. Maybe give them a call Friday if you’ve not heard anything or if you know they’ve sent Aer Corp tests out.

Only drawing attention to yourself otherwise!

mcc_c

Borderland wrote: »

They’ve issued the Army and Navy tests.

The Aer Corp psychometric tests are different to the ones for the Army/Navy and will presumably be sent when they’re ready to send them on.

The Aer Corp process is different to the Army/Naval insofar as you go to Badonnell for the fitness etc whereas everyone else goes to Curragh. They could be operating to a different schedule.

Would just sit tight if you’re waiting on an Aer Corp psychometric. Maybe give them a call Friday if you’ve not heard anything or if you know they’ve sent Aer Corp tests out.

Only drawing attention to yourself otherwise!

Yeah that's fair enough could be a little longer to get together or something like that. Probably a better idea to wait, thanks for the advice.

If anyone who has applied for the Air Corps gets an email would they mind posting it up? Just to be sure to be sure. Thanks again!