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Frequently
Asked Questions
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This page of FAQ's
is designed to help address some questions you may have about the Army
Reserve, and more specifically the 62 Reserve Infantry Battalion.
- If you think there
should be questions added to this list or think you can improve an answer
Contact Us.
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Questions
on Joining
Questions
on Training
General
Questions
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When
does the Army Reserve (62nd Battalion) train and what is it like?
Weekly training parades.
In the local centres the troops are inspected by an officer (checking
of uniform) then drill (marching etc...) for about 20 or 25 minutes. Then
lessons for the rest of the night on things such as map reading, section
and, platoon tactics, patrolling, guard duty, camouflage and concealment.
You need to know these for when you go "on the ground" for tactical
exercises. Weapons training is also taught on weekly training nights.
In barracks (field
days, weekends and training nights) the battalion train on weapons. You
start with the Steyr AUG - a fully automatic assault rifle (same as the
full-time army), when you complete your training and firing on that you
train on the Light Machine Gun and fire that. After that the other weapons
available are the anti-tank weapon (bazooka), mortars, grenades and the
Browning Automatic Pistol.
You would normally
go away for a weekend or a field day (full day's training) about once
a month where you will usually to the rifle range or to the barracks.
In the summer there is two week full-time training camp where you'll do
the bulk of your "On the Ground" tactical training. There are
also other events throughout the year like Easter Camp and tactics weekends.
You get paid for these. Some weekends are paid. Other paid work can include
occasional security duties in the barracks (which are voluntary too) and
exceptional events. For example in 2003 nearly 1,000 Reserve soldiers
were involved with the Special Olympics, doing security etc... which was
paid.
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How
do I join and what are the processes involved?
There is a process
when joining:
1. Application:
Before
applying make sure you meet the required standards. (e.g. Aged 17-34 inclusive,
over 5 foot 2 inches (158cm), good eyesight and hearing, normal colour
vision etc...). Contact your local unit and arrange to come in and apply.
You'll need to bring your birth cert (long form), two passport photos
and your PPSN (RSI) number. If under 18 your parents or guardian must
sign a form giving you permission to join (you will be given this by the
unit you're applying to). You will be required to fill out an application
form and some other paperwork.
2. Security Clearance:
Once you have applied the Garda and Military authorities will do a thorough
background / security check on you.
3. Medical Examination:
Once your security clearance is complete you will be called for an audiogram
(hearing test), eye test, and a medical examination. Ensure you avoid
loud noises (loud music, nightclubs etc...) for at least a week before
your audiogram and visit your doctor if you have problems with wax in
your ears as this may reduce your hearing.
4. Attestation:
This is the final stage. You will be required to swear an Oath
of Allegiance to Ireland and sign a document to that effect. Once
that is complete you will be issued with an Army Service Number, and then
your uniform.
- For more information
on joining Click Here. For detailled information
on the joining process and medical requirements. Click
Here.
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What
is the Oath of Allegiance?
Extract from: DEFENCE
ACT, 1954
I, ............................................................................................................................,
do solemnly swear (or declare) that I will be faithful to Ireland and
loyal to the Constitution and that while I am a man of the Reserve Defence
Force I will obey all lawful orders issued to me by my superior officers
and will not join or be a member of or subscribe to any secret society
whatsoever.
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Do
I get a uniform?
Yes after you have
completed the above processes. The uniform that the Army Reserve uses
is the same as the full-time army the only difference being that they
wear a black beret and we wear a green one. You wear this uniform when
training on weekly training parades and on training weekends and whenever
you're asked to. You are not allowed wear any part of the uniform when
not on military service as it is an offence (e.g. going to a fancy dress
party). To view a poster of the uniform Click
Here.
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Am
I suitable for military training?
Military training
by its very nature is demanding at times. From recruit training to 3*
(advanced private soldier) training and beyond you will be presented with
challenges from learning how to march, firing a machine gun, doing armed
security duty, to going on a 48 or 72 hour exercise (a continuous period
of training 'on the ground'). From the very outset (when you are sworn
in) there are certain things which will be required and expected of you.
You will be expected to train regularly. Army regulations require you,
for example, to have short hair. While training you will be subject to
military discipline and military law. Most importantly, perhaps, it is
important to be well-motivated, dedicated, and to work with the rest of
the team.
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Will
I be Drug Tested?
The use of illegal
drugs and abuse of legal drugs is strictly prohibited by the Defence Forces.
Compulsory Random Drug Testing (CRDT) was introduced for the Reserve Defence
Forces on 1 January 2005. For details download this CRDT
Explanatory Booklet.
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Is
there a Fitness Test?
It is not currently
required that you complete a fitness test to join the Army Reserve. However
you are expected to maintain a good level of personal fitness.
Many courses now available
to reservists require you to complete a fitness test. For information
about this fitness test Click Here.
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Do
you have to be an Irish citizen to join the Army Reserve?
No. You must, however,
be a resident of Ireland before you enlist and for a minimum of three
years from your date of enlistment (joining). If you are not a citizen
of the European Union you must have a work permit which will last for
at least three years after enlisting (joining). Joining the Irish Army
Reserve will not give you a work permit or residency in Ireland!
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What circumstances would make a person ineligible for
enlistment in the Irish Defence Forces?
A person discharged
from the Defence Forces (Permanent or Reserve) or the Military, Naval,
Police or Air Services of any other country or state because of misconduct
or as a result of being found to be medically unfit. A member of the Permanent
Defence Forces or Garda Síochána, or a person belonging
to the Military, Naval, Police or Air Services of any other country (the
recruiting centre can advise further on this matter). A person convicted
by a civil court of a serious offence. A person in receipt of a disability
pension. Failure to meet the medical requirements will also make you ineligible
for enlistment. e.g. below the height requirement of 158cm (5'2").
If you are under 17 or 35 or over you are deemed ineligible for enlistment.
(An extension of the upper age limit is allowed in the case of certain
former members of the Permanent Defence Force or of the Reserve of Men
(First Line). ) If you are nearing your 17th birthday you may apply for
enlistment as it takes some time to enlist.
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Do
I get paid?
Full-Time training
is paid. You will be paid to attend annual training camps which you are
required to attend (1-2 weeks duration twice yearly). Courses, duties
and admin are also paid. You may complete up to 42 days paid training
per year in addition to unpaid weekends and field-days. Some weekends
are also paid. For more information on pay Click Here.
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Can
I join under the age of 17?
No. To enlist you
must be over 17 and under 35. However you may apply to join before (near)
your 17th birthday. The situation is that you can be enlisted (i.e. join)
on the day of your 17th birthday. In this situation it is recommended
that you approach your local unit a few months (3-4) before your 17th
birthday. This allows them to sort out your paper work, medicals, security
clearance etc... before your 17th birthday. This should help ensure that
you will be enlisted as soon as you reach 17. On your first visit to your
local unit bring two recent passport photos, your long form birth certificate,
and your PPSN (RSI) Number which is on your social services card.
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What
are the medical requirements for joining?
For detailled information
on physical and medical requirements for joining Click
Here.
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Are
there full-time jobs in the Army Reserve?
No. All positions
in the Army Reserve are on a part-time, voluntary basis. (You can be paid
for up to 42 days training each year)
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I
live outside Dublin and East Wicklow. Where is the nearest Army Reserve
unit to me?
We only provide information
for the 62 Reserve Infantry Battalion. For details of units outside of
the Dublin and East Wicklow area contact the official army website at
www.army.ie
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I
live in Northern Ireland. Can I join the Irish Army Reserve?
As the 62 Reserve
Infantry Battalion is based in Dublin you will need to contact your local
unit. i.e. one in the border area. This website cannot assist you with
joining a unit ouside of Dublin / East Wicklow. For details of units outside
of the Dublin and East Wicklow area contact the official army website
at www.army.ie
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How
do you become an Officer in the Army Reserve?
To become an officer
in the Reserve you must work your way up the ranks. i.e start as a normal
recruit like everyone else, then after being a private for 3-5 years you
need to be recommended for a potential non-commissioned officers (NCO)
course. Once you have reached the rank or Corporal you may be recommended
(after enough satisfactory service) to undergo a potential officers course
which takes 2 years.
In short you're looking
at 7-8 years minimum to become a commissioned officer though most people
who become officers would have nearer 10 years service.
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Do
I get issued all equipment I need and is it mine to look after and use?
You will be issued
what you need, when you need it. The kit issued is only to be used while
training / on operations and not for personal use. For example it is illegal
to wear your uniform (or any part of it) when not on duty. Each soldier
is responsible for washing, cleaning and maintaining your issued kit /
equipment.
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What
is the life of a typical soldier like?
We have prepared a
profile of what a typical soldier does in his first four years of service.
Click Here to view it.
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Does
the Army Reserve shoot live ammunition?
Of Course! On a regular
basis. To fire you must complete your TOET (Test of Elementary Training)
on each weapon that you fire. This is to show you are competent with the
weapons and safe with them. The Battalion go to the firing range out of
Dublin to shoot on a weekend. For example firing the Steyr
AUG includes a night shoot with the infrared night vision scope.
You fire at stationary and at moving targets.
You will find basic
information on some of these weapons on the Small
Arms and Support Weapons page.
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How
much time will I be expected to put in / How often do I train?
The 62nd Infantry
Battalion trains on Tuesday nights (Cathal Brugha Barracks Rathmines &
Baldonnel) and Wednesday nights (Dun Laoghaire, Bray, Wicklow) (except
holidays) between 8 and 10 in their centres. Some companies also train
on Sunday mornings. You will also be expected to attend field days (a
full day's training or a weekend camp) and these occur usually every two
to six weeks. In the summer (usually July) you will be expected to attend
full-time annual training for 1-2 weeks. There is usually also a 1 week
training camp at Easter.
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What
are the Roles of the Army Reserve?
The same as the regular
Army (PDF). The reorganisation which is ongoing sets out the roles as:
- Defence against
armed aggression
- Aid to the civil
power (ATCP)
- Participation in
peace support operations (When the reorganisation is completed)
- Other duties which
may be assigned by government.
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What
has happened to the FCA, and the 20th and 21st Infantry Battalions?
The FCA no longer
exists and has being reorganised as the Army Reserve. On 1st October 2005
the 20th and 21st Infantry Battalions amalgamated to become the 62nd Infantry
Battalion. This reorganisation includes vital modernisation and a rationalisation
of the force. The plan is to have an Army Reserve which will mirror the
regular Army (Permanent Defence Forces). This will include closer cooperation
and more training with the regular army. Part of the Reserve will be integrated
with the regular Army. For further information about the reorganisation
of the Reserve Defence Forces download this Adobe Acrobat File from the
official Defence Forces website:
Reserve Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan
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Does
the Army Reserve / Reserve Defence Forces go overseas / on UN Peacekeeping?
Not at the moment
though it is in the pipeline apparently. If it does come in it will be
on a voluntary basis.
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What kit should I bring on my Recruit Camp?
Go to this
page to view a list of what kit you would bring on your Recruit Camp.
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What
is the RDFRA?
The Reserve Defence
Force Representative Association (RDFRA) is an organisation that represents
the interests of members of the Irish Reserve Defence Forces.
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What's
in an Irish Army Ration Pack
For information on
the full contents of a 24 Hour Ration Pack Click
Here
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What
is the entry fitness test for the Permanent Defence Forces (Regular Army)?
Click
Here to go to the official Defence Forces Website for information
on this.
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I'm
studying / working in Dublin, can I train with 62 Infantry Battalion when
there?
Yes. To do this you
will need to contact the particular company you wish to get attached to,
and of course inform your own unit of this.
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What
Vehicles do you use?
For information on
vehicles used in the Infantry visit the Vehicles
page.
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What
is the Presidents Award (Gaisce) and how do I start doing it?
The President's Award
is designed to recognise young people who lead active lives and show committment
to their Community, learn a new skill, play sports, and do an Adventure
Challenge. If you're a member of 62 Reserve Infantry Battalion or a Dublin
RDF unit click here for more
information.
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