Reduced pension terms cited as 79% of Defence Forces; officers plan early 'exodus'

The Defence Forces are facing a mounting crisis in their officer ranks after a survey revealed 79% of those inducted since 2013 are planning to quit ahead of mandatory retirement, because they are on reduced pension terms compared to other public servants.

The findings are contained in a survey of 622 young officers — mainly lieutenants and captains — conducted by Amárach Research on behalf of the Representation Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO).