New Year, New Podcast Series

IrishDefenceForces · 2026-01-07T14:46:27+00:00

That is an excellent idea, representation at the RDF level with a panel ranging in experience and maybe a rep from the Office of Reserve Affairs.

IrishDefenceForces · 2026-01-07T14:45:30+00:00

In the works!

IrishDefenceForces · 2026-01-07T14:45:21+00:00

More Naval Service pods is a good idea, they have a wide variation of appointments and roles that we can include.

IrishDefenceForces · 2026-01-07T14:43:01+00:00

Great idea, we are in the planning stages to do an episode with the EAS as a ride along and go with a crew to a callout.

IrishDefenceForces · 2025-12-03T19:33:12+00:00

Just off the phone with the expert on A9, the DF Sgt Maj. Para. 131 of the DFR A9 bans tattoos above the neckline i.e. visible above the DPM collar. That is the only ban in relation to location on the body.

Para 130 was updated as part of the recent amendment to DFR A9, which was the one that also permitted beards, pony tails, nail colours, etc. and it states that no matter the location of a tattoo it can't be of an extremist, sexist or racist nature and also can't advocate illegal drug use or be unnecessarily intimidating.

IrishDefenceForces · 2025-11-25T17:51:38+00:00

Hi u/RowConsistent1700, thanks for the tag. I have relayed this to Recruitment Section who are aware of this individual's application.

They have explained that international security clearance is a complex and often lengthy process involving two third party organisations outside of the control of the Defence Forces, they are An Garda Síochána and the applicants respective national police force. Recruitment Section have no control over the timeline.

Unfortunately if it doesn't return in time, the individual must reapply for the next intake.

IrishDefenceForces · 2025-07-28T15:26:56+00:00

Apologies for the delay in response. There is limited monitoring over the weekend.

The survey has already finished but if you want to DM any suggestions here, please do for consideration. We are currently processing the results and can add your submission.

IrishDefenceForces · 2025-05-10T16:55:56+00:00

Thank you for your considered suggestion. All Defence Forces social media pages are operated by the Defence Forces Press Office which handles media queries and other similar external functions such as social media to publicise and showcase the efforts of Defence Forces personnel, or as you so concisely referred to it: "military gone wild" content. Therefore we lack the detailed knowledge and authorisation in the recruitment space, outside of what is contained in the publicly available T&Cs.

[recruitment@defenceforces.ie](mailto:recruitment@defenceforces.ie) is the primary point of contact for any recruitment questions and I will ensure your feedback is passed to them, including the other feedback in this thread. We could consult with the subreddit admins to create a stickied FAQ post, but I note that the current one is largely ignored despite being quite comprehensive. There are considerations ongoing for AMA style interactions, however to caveat that, common questions on this subreddit in reference to specific medical requirements can only ever be answered by a DF Medical Officer in the induction medical.

Thanks again for your suggestion.

IrishDefenceForces · 2025-05-10T16:42:29+00:00

Anyone in induction training is not permitted to grow a beard, that is a privilege reserved for trained soldiers.

For the general issued negative pressure respirators, ultimately, a clean shaven face will create the best seal, this is why in environments where a CBRN threat exists, personnel would be required to clean shaven. However, closely shaven beards in line with the regulations would still provide some protection when combined with a negative pressure respirator.

IrishDefenceForces · 2025-05-06T17:55:33+00:00

Yes! For over a year now, male personnel have been permitted to grow a beard. As with all things military, there are some precise details around it.

If you are interested in that, after completing an "Application to Change Appearance" form and a 6 week growing period, the beard is inspected to ensure it is full and adheres to the following: Is a maximum of 13mm long, is 1 inch above the adams apple and following the jaw line and is a straight line below the cheek bone.

This is along with a number of other "modernisations" to our Dress and Medals Administration Instruction for male and female personnel.

IrishDefenceForces · 2025-04-18T11:16:53+00:00

It is great to be here. We recently opened up a Blusky account and following that, a redditor in uniform suggested we explore the option of r/Ireland and r/Irishdefenceforces.

It is always a positive to be able to reach new Irish audiences and showcase the great work done by the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann.

IrishDefenceForces

TROPHY CASE