Cadetship 2005. How many applicants?

[Eddie Dillon]

Just as a matter of interest, how many people from the board applied this year and does anyone have any idea of the numbers of applicants to the Air Corps compared to the Army/Navy?

[ZH195]

I have applied this year. I have been speaking to a few DF personnel and they said that around 500 people usually apply for the Air Corps.. 500 people to fill 6 - 8 places..Its a damn tough competition!!

[Eddie Dillon]

You've said it. Roughly a one-in-a hundred odds from the outset. I imagine you can knock a good few off the initial number of applicants though especially after the first interview. Still, a damn tough one as you say

[ZH195]

Yea I would agree with you there mate. Seeing as the fitness test is first, I'd say it will knock quite a few out of the competition. Hows you preparation going Eddie??

[ICUN]

For the army the 1st interview is before the fitness test this year so I presume it's the same for the Air Corps.

[FMolloy]

Unless things have radically changed in the last couple of years, the fitness & medical are among the last things you do.

[ZH195]

I was told by numerous DF personnel that the fitness test for all cadets is first this year..

[Eddie Dillon]

I also thought the fitness was first this year.At least that's what I understand from the brochure:

" SELECTION PROCEDURE
Preliminary screening will commence in April 2005. The subsequent stages of the selection
procedure will commence in June 2005 (for Leaving Certificate candidates after completion of
the Leaving Certificate). Candidates, if selected, will be required to attend for the various
stages of the selection procedure on the dates and times notified. Candidates who fail to
attend for any stage of the selection procedure will be disqualified from participation in any
further stages of that competition.
a. Preliminary Screening Interviews
(1) Physical Fitness Test. In order to qualify for a Cadetship candidates will be
required to undergo a physical fitness test which is designed to assess their potential
to undergo the rigours of military training. Candidates must attain the minimum
standard laid down in order to proceed in the competition.
(see Annex ‘A’ for details of the test).
(2) Preliminary Interview. Preliminary Interviews will be held at each of the centres
indicated on the application form, provided that there are a sufficient number of
candidates for each centre.
(3) Consent Form Authorisation. Candidates who are invited to attend before an
Interview Board will be required to complete and sign a Consent Form that, pursuant
to Section 8 of the Data Protection Act, 1988, will authorise the Garda
Síochána to furnish to the Defence Forces either, a statement that there are no
convictions recorded against a candidate, or a statement of convictions, as the case
may be. In the case of candidates under 18 years of age, his/her parent or guardian
shall be required to complete the Consent Form.
Note: Success at the preliminary screening entitles a candidate to proceed to the
next stage of the selection process."

[ICUN]

I thought that from reading the brochure as well but apparently it's not. Phone the compeitions section: 01-8042144 if you want to find out the dates for everything

[ELVIS]

last year the fitness was first but they are continuously reviewing the program. Its probably so that people will take the fitness a bit more serious if they pass the preliminary interview.

[Bosco]

I also thought the fitness was first this year.At least that's what I understand from the brochure:

"
a. Preliminary Screening Interviews
(1) Physical Fitness Test. In order to qualify for a Cadetship candidates will be
required to undergo a physical fitness test which is designed to assess their potential
to undergo the rigours of military training. Candidates must attain the minimum
standard laid down in order to proceed in the competition.
(see Annex ‘A’ for details of the test).
(2) Preliminary Interview. Preliminary Interviews will be held at each of the centres
indicated on the application form, provided that there are a sufficient number of
candidates for each centre.
."

i would have thought they would have done the fitness and medical towards the ends as they normally bring you up to Briccans hospital for the medical

[Eddie Dillon]

Thats the intense medical though, heart tests and all that stuff. The physical is just the run and the push and sit ups at least thats what I understand anyway

[DeV]

The medical includes audiogram, x-rays, blood tests, dental check, eyesight test, weight, height, etc

[ELVIS]

i would have thought they would have done the fitness and medical towards the ends as they normally bring you up to Briccans hospital for the medical

they used to do this but too many people were going through all the interviews and aptitude tests and then failing the fitness at the end. not very time effective.

[DeV]

In the last year or 2, the physical was first, but you had to have a medical check up by your GP before allowed to do it.