Career pathways
Every pathway leads to a recognised qualification, a salary from day one, and a long-term career inside the Defence Forces.
General Service
Begin your Defence Forces career on the front line. Operational training across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps.
- Open to ages 18–25
- No Leaving Cert required
- Paid from day one
Cadetships
Train as a commissioned Officer in the Army, Naval Service or Air Corps. The premier route into Defence Forces leadership.
- Honours degree pathway
- Officer commission on completion
- Leadership focus
Apprenticeships
Become a qualified tradesperson while serving — aircraft mechanics, marine engineers, vehicle technicians and more.
- SOLAS-recognised qualification
- Fully paid apprenticeship
- Guaranteed posting
Technician Pathways
Specialist technical roles in communications, ordnance, cyber and engineering. For STEM-minded students.
- STEM Leaving Cert focus
- Advanced training included
- Cyber & comms roles
Air Traffic Control
Train as a military air traffic controller with the Air Corps at Casement Aerodrome — one of Ireland's most demanding specialisms.
- Air Corps posting
- ICAO-aligned training
- High aptitude entry
Further Education Routes
PLC and further-education courses that bridge into Defence Forces entry — built with ETBs across Ireland.
- ETB partner courses
- Pre-Defence Forces modules
- Pathway to GS or apprenticeship