Brought to you by the Defence Forces.
Ever wondered what it was like to work for the Defence Forces?
Have you ever considered joining the Army or Naval Service?
The Defence Forces have launched a general service recruitment campaign and are looking for people to join both the Army and Naval Service.
It is a challenging but deeply rewarding career for anyone looking to join up, as Trooper Kevin Conlon did.
We asked Kevin a number of questions about his decision to join the Defence Forces, and how it has changed his life for the better...
JOE: What made you want to join the Defence Forces?
Kevin Conlon: From a young age I always wanted to join the Defence Forces. Seeing soldiers working as I was growing up really stuck with me and inspired me to join.
Was it a big change from what you did before?
Yes, it was a massive change. The training was so varied and we covered so many new skills. I worked in Paddy Power and it was a totally different challenge which I really enjoyed.
Were your friends surprised when you joined?
No, none of my friends were surprised as I always talked about it and I was involved in team sports and activities growing up. They knew it would be a natural fit for me.
What does an average work day involve?
I don’t really think I could call any day average, each day is different, from training, ceremonial or completing career courses such as the Potential Non Commissioned Course that I am currently on.
On a normal working day in my unit (2 Cavalry Squadron) one of my tasks is to maintain the MOWAGS (Armoured Personnel Carriers) and ensure they are ready for deployment at all times. I am a dispatch rider and we provide escorts for the president. I am also a trained sniper. This takes a lot of teamwork and requires a strong level of communication between me and my partner and a very high standard of shooting skills.
Describe your job in three words.
Demanding, physical, rewarding
How does your job compare to other roles in the Defence Forces?
Skills obtained within my unit offer me additional opportunities to deploy overseas as I am a MOWAG driver and a sniper.
What’s the biggest surprise about working in the Defence Forces?
When I joined as a civilian I wouldn’t have had the same sense of urgency as I do now. This was instilled in me during my recruit training, not to mention the teamwork that is involved in every aspect of the tasks we undertake.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The camaraderie between all soldiers within the Defence Forces.
What’s the hardest part of the job?
Ensuring a high standard of physical fitness whilst being very busy operationally.
What tactical course did you find most interesting and why?
I found the sniper course to be the most interesting I have completed to date. I found I was trusted to do more and it afforded me the opportunity to shoot with Navy SEALS and German special forces during international competitions.
What peacekeeping missions have you carried out?
I completed a six month tour of duty to UNDOF (Golan Heights) in 2015. My section was used as a quick reaction force to all the UN observer posts as well as providing security for mine clearance.
What’s it like to go into that type of situation?
I found it very interesting. This is the point in which all my prior training accumulates and I could put my skills to the test.
What’s the biggest difference between working in the Defence Forces and a civilian job?
Friendships, loyalty and commitment. In the Defence Forces we rely on each other a lot more than in civilian jobs. This level of trust is needed as your life may depend on it overseas.
Are there many opportunities for development or advancement?
There is a lot of opportunity for advancement. On top of military courses, the Defence Forces and Carlow IT have established a partnership, in which our prior learning is recognised and is rewarded through different levels of academic qualifications.
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about the job?
I think people don’t realise what we do domestically. From the army being used for operational reasons, including protecting vital installations around the country, being involved in ceremonial events, to assisting local authorities during severe weather. The Air Corps is providing vital air ambulance and aeromedical services and the Naval Service protecting our seas and communities with drug interdictions and fisheries protection.
The Defence Forces have launched a general service recruitment campaign for both the Naval Service and Army. There are rewarding opportunities from training and education to travelling the world while helping some of the world’s most vulnerable people along the way.
Recruit training consists of 15 weeks where the new entrants learn everything from marching, marksmanship training to develop their physical and mental resilience, they also commence their basic tactical training.
To learn more and start the application process, click here.
Brought to you by the Defence Forces. 
