Over 70 recruits join Defence Forces in Ireland

More than 70 young men and women are starting new lives in the Defence Forces. A total of 72 recruits joined on Wednesday at the Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston Camp, Co Meath. This is the largest group to enlist at the centre since it opened last year. The recruits will undergo 24 weeks of training. After this period, they will graduate as soldiers, sailors, and aircrew. Upon qualification, they will earn €41,465, which can increase to €44,176 in their third year of service. On their first day, recruits and their families enjoyed a military show. The event featured the Black Knights Parachute Display Team, helicopters, army vehicles, and horses. Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris welcomed them, highlighting the opportunity for personal and professional growth in their new careers. As of January, the Defence Forces had 7,497 personnel, down nearly 2,000 since 2010. The government aims to increase the staffing levels across all three services of the Defence Forces.