Of the many reasons why joining the Defence Forces is a good idea, this has to be one. “Extremely challenging” are the words that Tánaiste Micheál Martin used back in October, to describe the task of meeting Defence Forces recruitment targets by 2028. In August 2023, Permanent Defence Forces here numbered 7,671 - comprising 6,221 Army, 755 Navy and 695 Air Corps. The 7671 falls short of the current establishment of the Permanent Defence Forces at close to 9,600 and of plans to increase that number to 11,500 — to include civilian staff — by 2028. The Irish Defence Forces recruit Naval Service, Army and Air Corps recruits all year round.

Source: Irish Examiner December 25, 2023 22:01 UTC