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Defence Forces want more women, gay people and ethnic minorities

If you’re interested, you have a month to apply.

THE DEFENCE FORCES are looking for recruits.

Defence Minister Simon Coveney launched a campaign for new members today.

coveney Defence Forces Defence Forces

He said maintaining Ireland’s defence capacity means “we need to recruit young people who are committed, adventurous and enthusiastic and who will bring that energy to ensure that we continuously reinvigorate the modern Defence Forces”.

“I am also committed to ensuring that we have a permanent defence force that fully represents the modern Ireland in all of its dimensions, including gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation and the current campaign will endeavour to reach out to all those groups,” Conveney said.

The minister added that the new recruits will have “significant opportunities” for training and development at home and overseas.

How to apply

Applicants for recruitment to the army will be required to complete a range of assessments including physical fitness, psychometric tests, an interview and a security check.

To be eligible individuals must be over 18 and under 25 years of age on the closing date for receipt of applications (Friday, 4 September).

Coveney said the government is committed to maintaining the strength of the permanent defence force at 9,500 personnel.

In 2014, the Defence Forces enlisted 400 personnel to the permanent force and 500 people to the reserve force. The army enlists about 350 general service recruits annually.

It’s expected that successful applicants in this round of competition will start being enlisted in December.

More information is available on military.ie – although the site has been experiencing some technical difficulties today.

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