1.0 Introduction
This article provides an overview of Air Corps careers in the Irish Defence Forces (IDF).
The Irish Air Corps is the air component of the IDF, and is also the smallest component with approximately 700-800 personnel of the 9,500 personnel within the IDF (DOD, 2016, p.38).
2.0 Hierarchy of the Air Corps
An overview of the IDF can be found here.
3.0 Methods of Entry
There are currently three methods of entry for joining the Air Corps depending on the career path of the candidate:
- Cadet for officers.
- Recruit for other ranks.
- Apprentice for certain other ranks.
4.0 Cadet
Officers are the leaders, decision makers and managers of the Air Corps.
Training for officer cadets is undertaken at the Military College, Curragh Camp, over a 36 month period. This involves basic soldiering skills and military training, after which candidates will commence an operational role as a commissioned officer.
The attributes of a good Officer include:
- The ability to make good decisions and communicate them in stressful situations;
- An interest in physical fitness; and
- A sound understanding of military tactics.
Information on the selection and recruitment process for candidates wishing to become officers in the Air Corps can be found here.
5.0 Recruit
Enlisted or other ranks account for the majority of personnel in the Air Corps, and candidates enter via the recruit pathway.
Training for recruits is undertaken over a 17 week period. This involves foot and arms drill, marksmanship, field-craft, and military tactics.
The purpose of this training is to transform the civilian candidate into a professional soldier of the Army.
Information on the selection and recruitment process for candidates wishing to become airmen/women in the Air Corps can be found here.
6.0 Apprentice
Aircraft Technician apprentices are responsible for maintaining the Air Corps fleet of aircraft.
These apprentices will undertake just under four years of military and technical training at the Technical Training School of the Air Corps College before assuming their duties.
Information on the selection and recruitment process for candidates wishing to become airmen/airwomen in the Air Corps can be found here.
7.0 References
DOD (Department of Defence). (2016) Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report 2016. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.military.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/images/Info_Centre/documents/Annual_Reports/Annual_Report_2016__English_.pdf. [Accessed: 08 January, 2019].
