Applications for defence force cadets up 100%

THE number of people applying for cadet posts in the defence forces has jumped by 100% in the past year, with one-quarter of applications coming from college graduates.

So far, 1,641 applications have been received by the defence forces for just 42 roles advertised this month.

The figures, which represent a rise of almost 100% on last year, suggest that applicants have not been deterred by Bord Snip proposals to cut 500 defence forces personnel.

Defence Minister Willie O’Dea, announcing the army and navy cadetship competitions in the wake of the Bord Snip report, said the 42 places were arrived at following lengthy discussions with Finance Minister Brian Lenihan.

In the context of the government decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, cadet recruitment was destined to be suspended.

But the minister said the decision to advertise 30 army and 12 naval cadet posts was “a significant achievement” in light of current economic realities.

Careers expert Eilis Coakley from the Institute of Guidance Counsellors said the figures were a sign of the times.

“Many graduates aren’t finding jobs in the areas they would have found them before. With the defence forces, they’ve got the opportunity to use their managerial and technological skills,” she said.

“And because companies are laying people off and only offering short-term employment, maybe young people are looking for a permanent, pensionable job as well.”

People applying for the prestigious cadetships will be put through their paces with a rigorous series of aptitude tests, interviews and fitness challenges.

Successful candidates then undergo 15 months of training to become an army officer, or two years of training to become a naval officer on board one of eight state ships.

“We have a highly rigorous assessment process which includes competency-based interviews,” a spokesman for the defence forces said.

“If you meet our standards on these then you’re a candidate.”

Ms Coakley said those seeking stopgap employment need not apply.

“It’s possible that some people might apply out of desperation, but the interview will root out those who are really interested and who want to make a career out of it,” she said.

“If it suits somebody’s abilities and interests and they’re up for a challenge then they should go for it.”

The closing date for online applications is midnight on Friday.