1.0 Introduction

This article provides an overview of the training process for Irish Army recruits wishing to join the Irish Defence Forces (IDF).

2.0 Purpose of Recruit Training

The purpose of the Recruit Training Syllabus is to produce a physically fit, disciplined and motivated Two Star Infantry soldier with basic military skills.

Recruit training (aka boot camp, basic training or Phase 1 initial training) is fifteen weeks in duration.

It is followed by Three Star training and at a later stage by Trained Soldier Specialist Training courses.

3.0 Outline of Basic Training

Officer Cadet training is divided into four distinct phases of training:

  • Phase 1: Induction lasting one week.
  • Phase 2: Basic Training Period lasting six weeks.
  • Phase 3: Tactical Training Period lasting six weeks.
  • Phase 4: Final Training Period lasting two weeks.

3.1 Phase 1: Induction

Phase 1 is one week in duration and training includes:

  • An orientation package;
  • Medical intake processing;
  • Adventure training;
  • Information/motivational instruction;
  • Personnel/logistical administration;
  • Health and safety education and training; and
  • Physical training.

Training takes the form of both lecture and practical demonstrations.

3.2 Phase 2: Basic Training Period

Phase 2 is six weeks in duration and training includes:

  • Foot/arms drill;
  • Rifle marksmanship (to include the Recruits Annual Personal Weapons Test), GPMG (to include the Recruits Annual Personal Weapons Test); and
  • Physical training.

3.3 Phase 3: Tactical Training Period

Phase 3 is six weeks in duration and training includes:

  • Tactical training that culminates with a five (5) day exercise in week 11.
  • Section level tactics.

3.4 Phase 4: Final Training Period

Phase 4 is two weeks in duration and training includes:

  • Final testing and assessment; and
  • Passing Out Parade.

4.0 Assignment to First Unit

Recruits who successfully complete the basic training programme receive their Unit assignment in the last week of the Recruit course.

5.0 Recruitment Statistics

In 2016, the Army recruited (or inducted) “501” recruits from a total applicant pool of “4,807”, “477” men and “24” women (DOD, 2016, p.39).

6.0 References

DOD (Department of Defence). (2016) Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report 2016. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.military.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/images/Info_Centre/documents/Annual_Reports/Annual_Report_2016__English_.pdf. [Accessed: 08 January, 2019].