Low pay blamed for Defence Forces exodus

A survey of 167 personnel who opted to pay to be discharged early from the Defence Forces shows that the vast majority are leaving for better pay and conditions elsewhere.

The “exit” snapshot carried out by Defence Forces HR comes as military veterans announced they are planning to march on the Dáil to highlight the fact that 84.12% of serving personnel earn below the average public service wage.

These personnel have normally undergone specialist and costly training and must pay back a specified amount to break their contract. The exit survey showed that at least one person was so anxious to get out, they paid €10,000.