The jump in recruitment comes following a modernised recruitment process and new ad campaigns invested in by the Defence ForcesNew online recruitment campaigns by the Defence Forces have helped increase sign-ups by 34pc in 2025. This year the Defence Forces introduced a modernised recruitment processes, enhanced branding, increased use of direct entry roles along with dedicating additional staff to recruitment and improved applicant journey experience and timelines. The Defence Forces spent heavily on online advertising this year in an attempt to boost recruitments, with advertising on Twitch, Facebook, TikTok and on outdoor billboards. Earlier this year, the Israeli Defence Forces fired shots in close proximity to a joint Irish Unifil and Lebanese armed forces patrol near Camp Shamrock. The Defence Forces also has staff officers and non commissioned officers deployed to the EU Military Assistance Mission Ukraine (EUMAM-UA).

Source: Irish Independent December 30, 2025 06:36 UTC