Defence Forces get 4,807 applications for 75 vacancies

A total of 4,807 hopefuls applied for 75 officer cadet vacancies in the Defence Forces — an average of 64 for every post.

The majority of the positions will be filled in the Army this year with the remainder in the Naval Service and Air Corps.

RACO, the organisation representing officers in the Defence Forces, said the intake was “not nearly enough” to keep pace with the number of officer vacancies and a notable increase in early retirements.