Defence Force Questions!:)

YoungSoldier

Hello,
I've a few questions on the PDF, RDF and the ARW.

Is there any exceptions to join the RDF younger than 17?

Any tips on joining the PDF cadets??

And can someone explain how you actually get into the ARW because I do find it confusing?

Thanks.

Maybe_Memories

The only thing I can comment on is getting into the ARW (ah, we can all dream).

Right, firstly you get into any part of the DF; army, navy or air corp. Doesn't make a difference which, but I'd imagine (now I don't know this, it would just make more sense) you'd have a better chance if you were in the army because you'd already be trained with weapons, assault drills etc.

So when you're in the DF and have your training done, you can then apply for ARW selection, which is pretty similar to other special forces selection courses.
You pretty much need to be super fit and able to conquer your fear of heights, water etc. As far as I'm aware it's similar enough to SAS selection except there's no RTI (resistance to interrogation) section. I'd imagine it;s great fun though; having white noise blasted at you while you hang upside down and naked for 36 hours.

But yeah, pretty much it.

Local-womanizer

With regards the RDF, no you have to be at least 17 to join, and have your legal guardian sign a form of consent if you are 17. Then you have to wait for recruitment to start again. Your best bet is to go to your local unit and get your name down.

As for PDF cadets, there are loads of threads on it and the DF website has good details about the process ( military.ie)

As for tips, get as much interview experience, get fit, fitter than you need to be for the fitness test pass levels and try and get some experience of aptitude tests behind you too.

As the ARW, worry about getting into the Defence Forces first!

cruasder777

Maybe_Memories wrote: »

The only thing I can comment on is getting into the ARW (ah, we can all dream).

Right, firstly you get into any part of the DF; army, navy or air corp. Doesn't make a difference which, but I'd imagine (now I don't know this, it would just make more sense) you'd have a better chance if you were in the army because you'd already be trained with weapons, assault drills etc.

So when you're in the DF and have your training done, you can then apply for ARW selection, which is pretty similar to other special forces selection courses.
You pretty much need to be super fit and able to conquer your fear of heights, water etc. As far as I'm aware it's similar enough to SAS selection except there's no RTI (resistance to interrogation) section. I'd imagine it;s great fun though; having white noise blasted at you while you hang upside down and naked for 36 hours.

But yeah, pretty much it.

Respect to the ARW, but comparing SAS selection with ARW selection is like saying PDF infantry basic training is like that of the Royal Marine commandos.

There are no lone 40 milers with 55lbs of kit etc during ARW selection, no 6 week jungle phase, no 4 week resist phase, survive, etc.

SAS selection

The final stage of the "hills" phase of selection is known as "Test Week" which consists of six marches on consecutive days with ever increasing bergen weights and distances. The second to last day involves covering 35 kilometres (22 mi) with a hand-drawn sketch map rather than a printed map. Test week concludes with "Endurance", a 65 kilometres (40 mi) march across the Brecon Beacons, completed in less than 20 hours loaded in excess of fifty five pounds plus water, food and rifle.
URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=United_Kingdom_Special_Forces_Selection&action=edit&section=3"][COLOR=#0000ff]edit[/COLOR][/URL Initial continuation training (4 weeks)

This consists of detailed and realistic training in weapon handling, vehicle handling, demolitions and small unit patrol tactics.
URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=United_Kingdom_Special_Forces_Selection&action=edit&section=4"][COLOR=#0000ff]edit[/COLOR][/URL Jungle training (6 weeks)

Jungle training is usually carried out in the thick rainforest of Borneo with candidates allocated to four man patrols, each patrol supervised by a member of the Directing Staff (DS). Damp and rain are persistent, potentially demoralising the candidate, and skin contusions, insect bites, cuts and blisters must be cared for due to the risk of infection.
Training includes jungle survival, patrol techniques, navigation, boat handling, camp and observation post techniques, contact drills and medicine.
The final test encompasses these skills, where all things that have been learned must be applied correctly in a tactical environment.
URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=United_Kingdom_Special_Forces_Selection&action=edit&section=5"][COLOR=#0000ff]edit[/COLOR][/URL Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract (4 weeks)[1]

Personnel undertake Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract training. The test stage for this training phase requires the candidates to undergo an evasion exercise, dressed in greatcoats to restrict movement and operating in small groups. A Hunter Force from the Special Forces Support Group provides a capture threat.
All personnel are required to undergo a Tactical Questioning stage; should a candidate reach the objective without capture he will still be subjected to this element.



ARW SELECTION....looks a bit like SAS selection lite. But then the PDF has a much smaller pool of selection to choose from, far less money on selection to spend, nor the physical fitness culture of the Paras where most SAS recruits come from.

So recruting from such a small pool means selection is as demading as it can be.


Abseiling - Assesses a student's confidence when working at height. (Absailing can be taught in half an hour)

Bridge jump - Tests confidence in water. (Jumping off a bridge into water from a height is no great deal)

River crossing - Evaluates ability to work in a team. (Stuff like this is done by standard infantry and on NCO courses)

Claustrophobia - Tests a student's ability to work with their equipment in confined spaces. (Need more details)

Gym tests - Assesses muscular endurance and strength while performing a set number of exercises.

10 km run - Tests cardiovascular endurance over a set distance and time.

Mountain walk - Tests endurance over a set uphill march, while carrying a medium load. (How far ? Medium load according to below equates to around 35lbs)

Hill circuit - Assesses stamina and strength over a set cross-country course, while carrying a light load.

Forced march "cross-country" - Assesses stamina and strength over a set cross-country course and time while carrying a medium load around 15 kg.

Forced march "road" - A group test to assess the student's tolerance of pressure over a set course and time, while carrying a medium load, the distance is between 35–40 km.

Route march - A group test to assess overall stamina, endurance and strength during a forced march over the mountains while carrying a medium load. ( By medium load they mean around 35lbs)

.... Im in my 40s and recon Im fit enough to pass ARW now, SAS selection I doubt, its the jungle phase (infections, demoralisation etc that gets most people)

Poccington

cruasder777 wrote: »

.... Im in my 40s and recon Im fit enough to pass ARW now, SAS selection I doubt, its the jungle phase (infections, demoralisation etc that gets most people)

I've no idea of how fit you are, so obviously can't comment on the above. However, it's quite important to point out that what you used above doesn't mean passing those tests = passing Selection.

To pass those tests means you're at a good enough level to continue on with Selection. Not that you've passed Selection. Passing Selection requires a hell of a lot more fitness, carrying far heavier loads, over far longer distances etc.

I agree though, saying ARW Selection is like SAS Selection is a bit like saying BUD/S is like SFAS. Every SOF units has a different way of selecting their troops.


To Young Soldier, I'd say concentrate on getting into the PDF, before you start to entertain Selection. Ambition is good but so is crossing bridges as you come to them.

Maybe_Memories

So hypothetically if one was capable of passing SAS selection then one would pretty much guaranteed to pass ARW selection?

Poccington

Maybe_Memories wrote: »

So hypothetically if one was capable of passing SAS selection then one would pretty much guaranteed to pass ARW selection?

No, anything can happen on Selection. There's no guarantees on any Selection course anywhere in the world. You'd certainly be in the best possible position to pass but people pick up injuries etc.

cruasder777

Cant find any vids on ARW selection.

Heres a good one on the SAS jungle and escape and evasion phase, apparently they do mock executions, handcuff people to railway lines while hooded, a train will come and change tracks at the last minute. (9mins).



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U5I0URlFNU

Maybe_Memories

cruasder777 wrote: »

Cant find any vids on ARW selection.

Good luck finding any information on the ARW, let alone in-detail selection videos.

cruasder777

Maybe_Memories wrote: »

Good luck finding any information on the ARW, let alone in-detail selection videos.

I said on selection, there are ARW vids on you tube and an official page on the ARW on the defence forces site.

alex18

cruasder777 wrote: »

Cant find any vids on ARW selection.

Heres a good one on the SAS jungle and escape and evasion phase, apparently they do mock executions, handcuff people to railway lines while hooded, a train will come and change tracks at the last minute. (9mins).

The cold hard fact is that the SAS are prepared to accept that some of it's recruits may be killed or permanently disabled through the training they undergo.

This is partly what separates the British forces from those across the world. While safety is always paramount, in some situations there is an inherent danger; live-firing exercises are a good example. Rather than shying away from this danger and limiting training, the British forces embrace the danger and accept that occasionally, even with the best safety mechanisms, there can be some casualties.

Praetorian Saighdiuir

alex18 wrote: »

The cold hard fact is that the SAS are prepared to accept that some of it's recruits may be killed or permanently disabled through the training they undergo.

This is partly what separates the British forces from those across the world. While safety is always paramount, in some situations there is an inherent danger; live-firing exercises are a good example. Rather than shying away from this danger and limiting training, the British forces embrace the danger and accept that occasionally, even with the best safety mechanisms, there can be some casualties.

The PDF also regularly conduct Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT).

alex18

benwavner wrote: »

The PDF also regularly conduct Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT).

From what I understand (this is just hear-say from an ex-RDF soldier, now serving in the UK) it is very different to the exercises in the UK.

Of course, the man I know may well be wrong or out-of-date.

SIRREX

alex18 wrote: »

From what I understand (this is just hear-say from an ex-RDF soldier, now serving in the UK) it is very different to the exercises in the UK.

Of course, the man I know may well be wrong or out-of-date.

Well, considering the RDF do not do LFTT, you can dismiss any stories he tells about how it was done when he did it as B*llsh*t

alanmcqueen

LFTT in the BA is significantly more 'involved' then anything on offer over here. That should not be construed as an anti-PDF comment BTW. IMO there is simply little to compare as they are fundamentally different forces. The DF have adapted part of the UK programme and utilised it to the best of their ability within fairly tight safety constraints.

In addition, the Glen or Kilworth are relatively small areas when you start laying out LFTT templates especially for anything over 7.62mm. While the BA had developed this area significantly prior to AFG 2006, it has advanced even further since then.

The Canadians have done tremendous work in this area particularly where dynamic shooting is involved i.e. utilising firearms in dynamic settings with realistic scenarios against multiple targets (in buildings for example). Again, like most western countries involved in combat in AFG, they have 'had' to adapt. Nothing forces change on traditionally conservative military bodies like lessons in combat.

OS119

SIRREX wrote: »

Well, considering the RDF do not do LFTT, you can dismiss any stories he tells about how it was done when he did it as B*llsh*t

loathe as i am to get involved in these idiot pissing contests - how on earth can a force that does not conduct LFTT possibly be considered soldiers?

sorry boys, but there are Air Cadets in the UK who do LFTT.

alanmcqueen

OS119 wrote: »

loathe as i am to get involved in these idiot pissing contests - how on earth can a force that does not conduct LFTT possibly be considered soldiers?

sorry boys, but there are Air Cadets in the UK who do LFTT.

I certainly did not frame a reply as part of an 'idiot pissing contest'. There was a lack of clarity over LFTT and I attempted to clear it up with a non-inflammatory post. I abhor the constant sniping and bickering on this forum particularly on the PDF/BA front.

cmalone922

I know this off the topic and dealing with my own agenda but can anyone tell me if i can become an raf pilot? i know people from the republic can join the raf but are they restricted to raf jobs other than a pilot/officer? any replies would be welcomed

goldie fish

cmalone922 wrote: »

I know this off the topic and dealing with my own agenda but can anyone tell me if i can become an raf pilot? i know people from the republic can join the raf but are they restricted to raf jobs other than a pilot/officer? any replies would be welcomed

No you cant.

OS119

cmalone922 wrote: »

I know this off the topic and dealing with my own agenda but can anyone tell me if i can become an raf pilot? i know people from the republic can join the raf but are they restricted to raf jobs other than a pilot/officer? any replies would be welcomed

i don't wish to be horrible mate, but if you haven't got the wit to post your query on a topic even remotely relevent to your question, or read the other topic on this subject on the first page of this forum that answers your very question, or indeed go onto the RAF website to get a definative answer, then you probably aren't quite what the winged master race are looking for.

read your post, then ask yourself if the author of that post is the kind of person you'd put in the cockpit of a £90million Typhoon.

cmalone922

here bud go **** yourself!!!

ChunkyLover_53

cmalone922 wrote: »

here bud go **** yourself!!!

Outstanding

RMD

cmalone922 wrote: »

here bud go **** yourself!!!

Certainly Officer material.

amurph0

OS119 wrote: »

loathe as i am to get involved in these idiot pissing contests - how on earth can a force that does not conduct LFTT possibly be considered soldiers?

I'm in the RDF, and to be honest the standard of training is not good enough to risk peoples live's in a full on LFTT exercise.

Camoflage

OS119 wrote: »

loathe as i am to get involved in these idiot pissing contests - how on earth can a force that does not conduct LFTT possibly be considered soldiers?

sorry boys, but there are Air Cadets in the UK who do LFTT.

But you obviously will get involved in such a contest. I am sick of hearing people comparing the PDF to the BA. The simple facts are that the UK spends 2.7 % of it's GDP on its Armed Forces - 2010 57 Billion, Ireland spends 0.6% of its GDP on the Defence Forces - 2010 1.3 Billion. Now when Ireland starts spending a comparable amount then we can compare the two forces. The fact is the Irish Defence Forces operates on a very limited budget which can only go so far.

Couple this with the fact in the case of the RDF that the organisation is completely voluntary and troops face no sanctions for not turning up (often through fear of losing their civilian employment as they have no legal back up unlike the BA TA or for that matter the US National Guard) it then becomes impossible to effectively train a reserve force that is organised in this way to level required to conduct LFTT safely ( and yes the Irish public will not be happy if a seventeen year old RDF man/ woman dies on LFTT, and that is just the facts)

Now mini rant over - sorry about the off topic but I felt we needed to clarify a few things

OS119

Camoflage wrote: »

...Now mini rant over - sorry about the off topic but I felt we needed to clarify a few things

if you want to clarify things, you might first want to find out who the Air Cadets are...

blowing in the wind

Crusader77 (Full of hot air!)

I joined the PDF in 1999 at 17.
I took part in the ARW Selection course for 5 weeks in 2002.
Luckily, for all my hardship, i passed and went on to do my specialist training, and on passing this 5 to 6 months probation and intense training programme, I was then selected to be past of a specialist team (in which i CANNOT say which one!)
I deployed to Liberia with the Recce group in November 2003 for a number of weeks prior to the PDF's main body arriving some weeks later.
I left the ARW & the PDF in 2009 to pursue a career in music (believe it or not)
I also do specialist security and Bodyguard work with european company to date.

Now to the kid who asked the question?
You can join the PDF from 17 onwards (Same age for the PDF) so i would imagine that if you are fit and ready for the PDF apply NOW! However, If you want to think about options, The PDF is a good (but not solid) training ground to try it for a year or so to get a very brief idea what a life in the PDF is like.

Then when and if you are enlisted to the PDF, you will be a recruit/2 satr private, and when you are finished you will become a 3 star private (Though you will have to do a further 6 to 10 weeks, depending on what corps you join..Ie, Artillery/Infantry/Cavalry/Ordnance/Engineers/Sigs & Comms, and so on..)

You can the at this point apply for The ARW!

As for information on joining the Irish Army Cadets - Log on to www.defenceforces.ie where you will get a full on detail on how the Cadetships work!
If you do apply and become successful in getting enlisted to Cadetships - This is a Long period of training between getting Commissioned and Young Officers Courses & Degree studies, It could take up to 24 to 34 Months - It's only then that you can apply for the ARW!
Rank is essential and respected in the ARW, but teamwork is of Paramount Importance, so if it is the ARW you really want, then go and join the PDF, and if and when you are ready for ARW Selection - Go get it and dig the heels in!
This will help you reach your goals Quicker!

To date the ARW Still remain to carry out Recce missions worldwide in clearing the paths for oncoming PDF Battalions /Companies ready to partake a mandate with the UN/NATO/EUFOR, etc!
The ARW also do a LOT of Undercover work here at home and liase with the Gardaí in undercover operations and anti-terrorist breaches!

Best of luck young man - I enjoyed my 10 or so years!
(You have it for life!)

"Crackerjack"

blowing in the wind

"The PDF is a good (but not solid) training ground to try it for a year or so to get a very brief idea what a life in the PDF is like" (This, my above line in the recent comment should have read The RDF rather than the PDF...is a good (but NOT solid) training ground!

I would also like to reiterate to Crusader 77 and a few more "Computerized Soldiers" that the 6 months specialist training after the ARW 4 Week Selection Course, is where the ARW "Numbers" are taken to places like Holland/Swedan/UK/Germany to partake in courses that are applicable to ALL Special Forces in the world!!

Also, in 2004, 2006 & 2007, whilst i was on competing teams in special forces competitions, The ARW of The Irish Defence Forces came out on top of their games in these years ahead of Royal Marines, SAS, U.S Marines, German SF's, and so on.....
We have really great etho's in the ARW and every number of men in there is in it together and this is where comraderie is Spectacular!

If you have never served in the ARW (Or any Special Forces - Shut your mouth, because these matters do NOT cater for Freedom of Speech!)

cruasder777

blowing in the wind wrote: »

"The PDF is a good (but not solid) training ground to try it for a year or so to get a very brief idea what a life in the PDF is like" (This, my above line in the recent comment should have read The RDF rather than the PDF...is a good (but NOT solid) training ground!

I would also like to reiterate to Crusader 77 and a few more "Computerized Soldiers" that the 6 months specialist training after the ARW 4 Week Selection Course, is where the ARW "Numbers" are taken to places like Holland/Swedan/UK/Germany to partake in courses that are applicable to ALL Special Forces in the world!!

Also, in 2004, 2006 & 2007, whilst i was on competing teams in special forces competitions, The ARW of The Irish Defence Forces came out on top of their games in these years ahead of Royal Marines, SAS, U.S Marines, German SF's, and so on.....
We have really great etho's in the ARW and every number of men in there is in it together and this is where comraderie is Spectacular!

If you have never served in the ARW (Or any Special Forces - Shut your mouth, because these matters do NOT cater for Freedom of Speech!)

Quote :


Also, in 2004, 2006 & 2007, whilst i was on competing teams in special forces competitions, The ARW of The Irish Defence Forces came out on top of their games in these years ahead of Royal Marines, SAS, U.S Marines, German SF's, and so on.....



........This is complete bs, now I know youre a walt.


Do you really think the undermanned SAS have the manpower to spare to take part in charity orienteeering, fieldcraft contests with minor special forces and Police swat teams ?

cruasder777

blowing in the wind wrote: »

Crusader77 (Full of hot air!)

I joined the PDF in 1999 at 17.
I took part in the ARW Selection course for 5 weeks in 2002.
Luckily, for all my hardship, i passed and went on to do my specialist training, and on passing this 5 to 6 months probation and intense training programme, I was then selected to be past of a specialist team (in which i CANNOT say which one!)
I deployed to Liberia with the Recce group in November 2003 for a number of weeks prior to the PDF's main body arriving some weeks later.
I left the ARW & the PDF in 2009 to pursue a career in music (believe it or not)
I also do specialist security and Bodyguard work with european company to date.

Now to the kid who asked the question?
You can join the PDF from 17 onwards (Same age for the PDF) so i would imagine that if you are fit and ready for the PDF apply NOW! However, If you want to think about options, The PDF is a good (but not solid) training ground to try it for a year or so to get a very brief idea what a life in the PDF is like.

Then when and if you are enlisted to the PDF, you will be a recruit/2 satr private, and when you are finished you will become a 3 star private (Though you will have to do a further 6 to 10 weeks, depending on what corps you join..Ie, Artillery/Infantry/Cavalry/Ordnance/Engineers/Sigs & Comms, and so on..)

You can the at this point apply for The ARW!

As for information on joining the Irish Army Cadets - Log on to www.defenceforces.ie where you will get a full on detail on how the Cadetships work!
If you do apply and become successful in getting enlisted to Cadetships - This is a Long period of training between getting Commissioned and Young Officers Courses & Degree studies, It could take up to 24 to 34 Months - It's only then that you can apply for the ARW!
Rank is essential and respected in the ARW, but teamwork is of Paramount Importance, so if it is the ARW you really want, then go and join the PDF, and if and when you are ready for ARW Selection - Go get it and dig the heels in!
This will help you reach your goals Quicker!

To date the ARW Still remain to carry out Recce missions worldwide in clearing the paths for oncoming PDF Battalions /Companies ready to partake a mandate with the UN/NATO/EUFOR, etc!
The ARW also do a LOT of Undercover work here at home and liase with the Gardaí in undercover operations and anti-terrorist breaches!

Best of luck young man - I enjoyed my 10 or so years!
(You have it for life!)

"Crackerjack"

I joined the PDF in 1999 at 17.
I took part in the ARW Selection course for 5 weeks in 2002.
Luckily, for all my hardship, i passed and went on to do my specialist training, and on passing this 5 to 6 months probation and intense training programme, I was then selected to be past of a specialist team (in which i CANNOT say which one!)
I deployed to Liberia with the Recce group in November 2003 for a number of weeks prior to the PDF's main body arriving some weeks later.
I left the ARW & the PDF in 2009 to pursue a career in music (believe it or not)
I also do specialist security and Bodyguard work with european company to date.





.......Im not knocking your achievement and you can be very proud, if its true, alas its not your last post shows you up as a walt.


The selection for the Wing cannot be compared to to SAS in terms of intensity, training or duration or the experience of those applying or your role if successful.

The average SAS candidate has most likely spent time in the Paras, done combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, then done Pathfinder selection (which is based on phase 1 SAS selection), training in both HAHO and HALO and then done long range patrolling in Afghanistan before attempting SAS selection, which can then have a 95% failure rate.

Even soldiers who have passed the 32 week commado course and P coy say it is another level up. Phase 1 is 4 weeks of Tabs, runs, orienteering, fieldcraft etc on 4 hours sleep a night, it ends with a week of progressively longer and heavier marches ending in the solo night navigation, "long drag" 40 miler.

Im not knocking, just stating reality. That does not mean the ARW are not a decent small SOF unit.

Camoflage

OS119 wrote: »

if you want to clarify things, you might first want to find out who the Air Cadets are...

I know who they are ..they are part of BA ... so therefore share in that budget... not sure what your point is here

OS119

Camoflage wrote: »

I know who they are ..they are part of BA ... so therefore share in that budget... not sure what your point is here

i'm fairly sure you'll find that they are a youth organisation - like the scouts - who are sponsored by the RAF, which itself is not the most militaristic formation in the history of the world.

please tell me that you are not suggesting that a youth club who's members start at 13 should be comparable with - or indeed better trained than - the RDF?

can you tell me why you think FFTT should be more expensive for a unit to undertake than a bog-standard 100m gallery range?

iceage

Air Cadets, woose's of highest order. Not like them's ACF scum, they were nails mate. Murder ball anyone?

cruasder777

OS119 wrote: »

i'm fairly sure you'll find that they are a youth organisation - like the scouts - who are sponsored by the RAF, which itself is not the most militaristic formation in the history of the world.

please tell me that you are not suggesting that a youth club who's members start at 13 should be comparable with - or indeed better trained than - the RDF?

can you tell me why you think FFTT should be more expensive for a unit to undertake than a bog-standard 100m gallery range?

Youd be surprised.

A lance Cpl who would be about 14 in the Army cadet force would be trained on the SA80, GPMG, basic fieldcraft,basic attack drills, marksmanship,drill, first aid, map and compass and some survial skills, also taken part in night exercises, to get promoted they have to pass modules.


4 man section advance to contact, obviously they dont train with live ammunition and flash bangs take the place of live grenades.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F27C5DxDHc


Army cadet force drill competition.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRVkf0_Oapg&feature=related




The RDF potentially could be a highly competent force, but at the moment they are simply a local milita who would be called up in an emergency.

Much Irish military planning is still based around a potential internal conflict, thus troops are based in small barracks often in towns with no training areas, In the past if an internal conflict had kicked off, it was important for troops to control the main towns and obviously cities. These days it would make more sense if there were just 4 or 5 main barracks with centralised recruit training.

The RDF should downsize, professional PDF NCOs brought in with recruits doing the same training over lets say 9 months that PDF recruits do.

The RDF should serve abroad and fill slots in the PDF for tours.

In its present form the RDF has an outdated role.

Bagenal

crusader 777

The RDF potentially could be a highly competent force, but at the moment they are simply a local milita who would be called up in an emergency.

Much Irish military planning is still based around a potential internal conflict, thus troops are based in small barracks often in towns with no training areas, In the past if an internal conflict had kicked off, it was important for troops to control the main towns and obviously cities. These days it would make more sense if there were just 4 or 5 main barracks with centralised recruit training.

The RDF should downsize, professional PDF NCOs brought in with recruits doing the same training over lets say 9 months that PDF recruits do.

The RDF should serve abroad and fill slots in the PDF for tours.

In its present form the RDF has an outdated role.

I would say that the RDF has being saying something fairly similar to this for many years but I dont think anyone is listening.
The powers that be in this country remind me of a house where the lights are on but no one is at home, i.e. you can knock at the door all you like but there'll be no answer

OS119

Bagenal wrote: »

I would say that the RDF has being saying something fairly similar to this for many years but I dont think anyone is listening.
The powers that be in this country remind me of a house where the lights are on but no one is at home, i.e. you can knock at the door all you like but there'll be no answer

sadly i think its more complicated than that - if you look at the debacle of the integration project, personal fitness and attendance you'll find that a significant proportion of the RDF isn't that keen on the idea of a useful, deployable reserve force, regardless of the self-serving machinations of the PDF and the half-witted beffudlement of the DoD and the Cabinet.

i have my own views on how the situation could be rectified, and why it should, but i fear that in a society where the producer is always more important than the product, it would be a waste of time.

blowing in the wind

Crusader77 - Having read your last few posts, I'll give you one thing where it's due - You're a learned man with regards of Military organization, etc.
i agree with your, let's say opinion (and mine) that the RDF are actually serving an outdated role. I also agree with downsizing the RDF.
I think the PDF should be minimized also to a 2 brigade army/DF, with a Logistics/Admin Brigade serving in The Curragh Camp.
They should take the 1 armd tank sqn and 3rd inf bn out of there, and base them in the camps of Wicklow (Coolmooney & Kilbride)

Getting back to my previous comments, that you felt you had a right to judge a man who you don't know and never will!
Whilst competing in competitions abroad, The SAS and other such units do indeed have a wider role worldwide. However, They still have numbers based in the UK known as "Home Numbers"
What a "Home Number" is, is a unit (up to 40 personnel) who are kept at home at all times (These men rotate depending on team deployments, etc) But at NO point are there any less than 40 to 50 (at least) SAS Numbers on UK Soil!
And Yes, All my Facts are very much true.
It would seem that any ol' ranter who gets involved with such debates online, would be seen as a "Walt" (Your word) but when passion strikes and you see other people commenting on what they actually have NO clue about, You feel as a proud and former member of the force that it's still your duty to put the "Computerized & Disappointed Soldiers" back in place. (Not saying that you're one - as i said, I don't know you well enough to judge)
As i stated, you are a knowledgeable man (or woman) and you seem to have a grasp of what's going on across the water, But, Don't speak so surely about something, you actually have No idea about! (Ie, The ARW - You may know the basics, and i commend that, but Google/Youtube or Call of Duty DON'T tell us everything ;-)

I will finish on this note!

The ARW's Numbers total up to less than 100.
I KNOW, that up to 2 years ago when i was still serving, and today that those guys are working at least 3 day's a week for up to 18 hours (Non-Operational) and sometimes 36 hours, one after the other, when working on intense operations or what would be known as "Black ops"
The ARW do deploy oversea's and just because it's NOT plastered all over the news, is because there are some deployments that can't be revealed!
The ARW are what's known as an "Anti Terror" force attached to The Defence Forces.
They do carry out those tasks - However, They also work alongside The Gardaí/The Naval Service, etc.. on all sorts of tasks/missions/operations.
They trained and continue to have an involvement with The Gardaí specialists The ERU!

I will "SHUT UP" at this stage - And leave this thread well alone.

Thank you!

Bagenal

cruasder777 wrote: »

SAS selection

The final stage of the "hills" phase of selection is known as "Test Week" which consists of six marches on consecutive days with ever increasing bergen weights and distances. The second to last day involves covering 35 kilometres (22 mi) with a hand-drawn sketch map rather than a printed map. Test week concludes with "Endurance", a 65 kilometres (40 mi) march across the Brecon Beacons, completed in less than 20 hours loaded in excess of fifty five pounds plus water, food and rifle.
URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=United_Kingdom_Special_Forces_Selection&action=edit&section=3"][COLOR=#0000ff]edit[/COLOR][/URL Initial continuation training (4 weeks)

This consists of detailed and realistic training in weapon handling, vehicle handling, demolitions and small unit patrol tactics.
URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=United_Kingdom_Special_Forces_Selection&action=edit&section=4"][COLOR=#0000ff]edit[/COLOR][/URL Jungle training (6 weeks)

Jungle training is usually carried out in the thick rainforest of Borneo with candidates allocated to four man patrols, each patrol supervised by a member of the Directing Staff (DS). Damp and rain are persistent, potentially demoralising the candidate, and skin contusions, insect bites, cuts and blisters must be cared for due to the risk of infection.
Training includes jungle survival, patrol techniques, navigation, boat handling, camp and observation post techniques, contact drills and medicine.
The final test encompasses these skills, where all things that have been learned must be applied correctly in a tactical environment.
URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=United_Kingdom_Special_Forces_Selection&action=edit&section=5"][COLOR=#0000ff]edit[/COLOR][/URL Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract (4 weeks)[1]

Personnel undertake Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract training. The test stage for this training phase requires the candidates to undergo an evasion exercise, dressed in greatcoats to restrict movement and operating in small groups. A Hunter Force from the Special Forces Support Group provides a capture threat.
All personnel are required to undergo a Tactical Questioning stage; should a candidate reach the objective without capture he will still be subjected to this element.

Might I ask where you sourced this information? Was it Wikipedia or some such similar source perhaps?

amurph0

Bagenal wrote: »

Might I ask where you sourced this information? Was it Wikipedia or some such similar source perhaps?

The whole comment is copy/pasted from wiki.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_Special_Forces_Selection

OS119

Bagenal wrote: »

Might I ask where you sourced this information? Was it Wikipedia or some such similar source perhaps?

where else?

he must be same internet-fed odd bloke who crawls through every Irish website shoving 'SAS' and 'PARA' videos/wiki/tripe into every thread he possibly can. usually he has a number in his username but he did go for 'Pathfinder' once. he doesn't contribute any actual ideas or personel experience into any debate, just rams in a load of 'references' and says 'ha, see we're the best'.

to describe it as either tedious or embarrassingly transparent is overly charitable.

Bagenal

amurph0 wrote: »

The whole comment is copy/pasted from wiki.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_Special_Forces_Selection

Thanks amurph

I thought as much when I seen the EDIT buttons. Seems we have a Wikipedia Warrior on board :rolleyes:

Bagenal

OS119 wrote: »

he must be same internet-fed odd bloke who crawls through every Irish website shoving 'SAS' and 'PARA' videos/wiki/tripe into every thread he possibly can. usually he has a number in his username but he did go for 'Pathfinder' once. he doesn't contribute any actual ideas or personel experience into any debate, just rams in a load of 'references' and says 'ha, see we're the best'.

to describe it as either tedious or embarrassingly transparent is overly charitable.

OS119 I might not agree with you on some things you brought to the debate but I'll agree with you on this, at least you're willing to debate without being so intellectually deficient as to copy and paste from Wiki.
Now that you mention it his posts seem very similar to a poster on a military website which I too am on.

High 5 bud :cool:

blowing in the wind

"Youngsoldier"s initial thread got more than it bargained for! :-)

I got a laugh out've Bagenal's "Wikipedia Warriors" comment!
Because that's what seem's to be here - Let's copy, Let's paste, and let's think we know what we are actually talking about!
I also agree with OC119 when you use the line "to describe it as either tedious or embarrassingly transparent is overly charitable" with what you are talking of.

I served in the PDF for 10 years (7 of those in the ARW) and i find it so frustrating when someone who may have never served is going by wiki updates and online false information.
There are somethings that are not to be said.

A line i learned very well in fact in the ARW over the 7 years was "Saying Nothing is better than assuming something)

:-)

cruasder777

OS119 wrote: »

where else?

he must be same internet-fed odd bloke who crawls through every Irish website shoving 'SAS' and 'PARA' videos/wiki/tripe into every thread he possibly can. usually he has a number in his username but he did go for 'Pathfinder' once. he doesn't contribute any actual ideas or personel experience into any debate, just rams in a load of 'references' and says 'ha, see we're the best'.

to describe it as either tedious or embarrassingly transparent is overly charitable.

I have never posted as pathfinder, so you think its better not to challenge walter mittys on here and their bs claims ?

Say what you like, but at least my post are factual.

Blowing in the wind is a walter mitty, if you check out his claims with a simple search you will see they are based on his over active imagination.

Poccington

blowing in the wind wrote: »

I served in the PDF for 10 years (7 of those in the ARW) and i find it so frustrating when someone who may have never served is going by wiki updates and online false information.
There are somethings that are not to be said.

A line i learned very well in fact in the ARW over the 7 years was "Saying Nothing is better than assuming something)

Really?

Poccington

Lads, let's at least try be civil. Crusader has never posted as Pathfinder, so let's knock that on the head.

Bagenal

blowing in the wind wrote: »

I got a laugh out've Bagenal's "Wikipedia Warriors" comment!:-)

Glad you had a laugh :-)

Crusader777

...........Say what you like, but at least my post are factual......

Your posts are factual? Please explain how. Wiki or any website similar to it cannot be used as a reference because of fact that it can be edited by use of the edit buttons. I suspect if you used Wiki as a reference when doing an assignment in school or college you would lose marks, on a course I was on recently we had to do a written assignment, the lecturer would not accept any assignment that had any reference from Wiki at all

Bagenal

YoungSoldier wrote: »

Hello,
I've a few questions on the PDF, RDF and the ARW.

Is there any exceptions to join the RDF younger than 17?

Any tips on joining the PDF cadets??

And can someone explain how you actually get into the ARW because I do find it confusing?

Thanks.

Now back to the original question..............

You MUST be at least 17 to join RDF
As for the cadets I would suggest, work on your fitness, play some team sports, if you could become captain of a team or something else to show your leadership skills all the better. I dont know your age or education level but Leaving Certificate is minimum requirement though I think if you could get a diploma/degree or other education/experience before applying it would stand you in good stead ( I am of course open to correction on that) if can do so without being over the upper age limit.
As for the ARW, as has been previously said get in the PDF first, do whatever training is required to pass out, get a few years experience under your belt. There are many more fulfilling & rewarding careers in the DF than just the ARW.
I wish you the best of luck if you decide to apply.

blowing in the wind

Crusader77 - Let's "Pretend" i'm a Walter Mitty!
But the "Fact" of the matter is that I own a green book which is a "Testimonial of Discharge" LA.89 Doc, that i was issued on discharge in 2009.
In that said book, it states What i was and wasn't throughout my service.
I done the hard work!
I know what i was and what i achieved!
I know where i served!
I'll leave it at that!

And if you Crusader77 "assume" that i am indeed a Walter Mitty with an overactive imagination, Well who the hell am i to change your Ill active imagination, or opinion for that matter??
I don't usually bend so low to pick up so little, But my heart scalds when i see/hear (Disappointed Soldiers...or Not at all) Blubbering on about what they see as a few black lines on a page that is ALWAYS possible for editing!

Enough on this my lad/lassie - But for god's sake, STOP been such a blubbering fool! It already seems that some folk are already on to you at this stage! You're probably a responsible professional bloke, I don't know, But I WON'T Insinuate anything about you, because it's a networking body, and we can all type a few words to hurt the stranger the other side of the screen, But for god's sake pal, Will you grow up!

Enough said.....Be Good!

cruasder777

blowing in the wind wrote: »

Crusader77 - Let's "Pretend" i'm a Walter Mitty!
But the "Fact" of the matter is that I own a green book which is a "Testimonial of Discharge" LA.89 Doc, that i was issued on discharge in 2009.
In that said book, it states What i was and wasn't throughout my service.
I done the hard work!
I know what i was and what i achieved!
I know where i served!
I'll leave it at that!

And if you Crusader77 "assume" that i am indeed a Walter Mitty with an overactive imagination, Well who the hell am i to change your Ill active imagination, or opinion for that matter??
I don't usually bend so low to pick up so little, But my heart scalds when i see/hear (Disappointed Soldiers...or Not at all) Blubbering on about what they see as a few black lines on a page that is ALWAYS possible for editing!

Enough on this my lad/lassie - But for god's sake, STOP been such a blubbering fool! It already seems that some folk are already on to you at this stage! You're probably a responsible professional bloke, I don't know, But I WON'T Insinuate anything about you, because it's a networking body, and we can all type a few words to hurt the stranger the other side of the screen, But for god's sake pal, Will you grow up!

Enough said.....Be Good!

You claim to have taken part in military competitions against the SAS, thats impossible, press reports at the time stated the SAS never took part, either did the royal Marines or US SOF you claim.

Austria's COBRA police team came first, with Italy's NOCS police second and the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) third.

Youre a walt.

cruasder777

Bagenal wrote: »

Glad you had a laugh :-)

Crusader777

Your posts are factual? Please explain how. Wiki or any website similar to it cannot be used as a reference because of fact that it can be edited by use of the edit buttons. I suspect if you used Wiki as a reference when doing an assignment in school or college you would lose marks, on a course I was on recently we had to do a written assignment, the lecturer would not accept any assignment that had any reference from Wiki at all

That info is not just on wiki, its also on many other sites, its factually correct.