PDF lifestyle?

[Calgar99]

I'm considering joining the PDF as a career choice and was hoping some one could give me an insight to what a PDF member's days, weeks and months consist of. What is the terms of leave, what effects it had on your social life(i.e girlfriends, family). What degree of fitness would you really require.On military.ie it describes what the physical requirements are but would these be considered the bare minimum. For the the 6 months training would you need to be level 3 or 4 fitness. Any help would be much appreciated

[Groundhog]

Depends on what you are actually doing.

During recruit training your feet won't touch the ground. After that training gets a bit more laid back. If you are in an infantry unit you'll get put on a few weapons courses Light Inf Sp Wpns, HMG, 81mm Mortar or A/Tk. You can volunteer to do a sniper course or a transport course and a Potential NCO course. And you'll do a few exercisies a year. Apart from courses you'll do lots of security duties in barracks, cash escorts and prison occassionally. Overseas missions are starting to build up again too. Socially you shouldn't suffer a lot. Except for recruit training. But you will work weekends frequently so tell family and girlfriend to get used to not seeing you or seeing you at odd times.

Leave entitlement is 28 days a year which you get when it suits the army and not necessarily all at once.

I'd imagine military.ie gives the minimum entry fitness requirement for recruits. Don't worry the army will make you fit. After recruit training the onus is on you to stay fit.

[Calgar99]

Is the PDF basicialy a 7 days a week profession?

[Groundhog]

5 days a week usually but the army owns you so you work when they say for as long as they say.

[ollie]

if you are stationed in the curragh dont forget the joys of sweeping up sheep s**t ,leaves or raking certain peoples gardens, all career enhancing opportunities,

[Groundhog]

the joys of sweeping up sheep s**t ,leaves or raking certain peoples gardens,

Somebody has to do it.:D

[3 Star Pte FCA]

I have found out that i'm been sent to clonmel for training, and am wonder what life is like up there? also what the NCO are like or any other advice that would help would also be nice.
Thanks in advance!
3*

[Goldie fish]

NCO's in clonmel?? OOHHHHH!!!!! A nasty bunch.....there is one sergeant in particular....

[Ex-soldier]

It doesn't really matter what life is like in Clonmel because life as you know it is over for the next few months!!

[Groundhog]

Clonmel is a wonderful place and all the NCO's are wonderfully friendly and helpful. The surrounding countryside is absolutely stunning and you'll get to visit it a lot. Tourist traps like Moanyarha Bog (it's pronounced moon-ee-aha), Knockanafrinn and the Glenary valley will become a home away from home for you.:D

[3 Star Pte FCA]

Thanks for the advice, all of you!
:D :D

[Johnny2Stripes]

I have a simular question - What is life like in the cadets? Has anyone on the board done the course, what is the time off like? does it make a difference (time off wise) if you are married?....no speculating please

[Ex-soldier]

Cadets are required to be single!!! You must be single at the time of appointment and must have permission to get married if you are to remain a cadet. After you are commissioned, you may marry but until then, you are married to the Army.

[Earhart]

Where did you get that Ex-Soldier?

[DeV]

that was the position a number of years ago, you had to be unmarried to join but thats not the position anyone, think it was to try to bring DF inline with Employment Equality Act