Staffing Crisis: Poor pay forces members to flee Defence Forces

Sean O’Riordan examines a UL report which highlights the high numbers leaving the Defence Forces

AN average of 60 personnel of all ranks are leaving the Defence Forces (DF) every month and even though there’s been accelerated recruitment, fears have been expressed that even with maximum recruitment it won’t keep pace with the exodus for better-paid jobs elsewhere.

The University of Limerick report also highlights concerns that expertise is being lost and that inexperienced people are acting up, which, through no fault of their own, could lead to a calamity. This is particularly significant where high-risk military operations are concerned.