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Joining the RDF

  • 21-10-2012 5:40pm
    #1
    DaveRDF
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭


    Hey guys, My name is Dave, and I'm interested in joining the RDF (Reserve Defense Force) I Live in Galway city and am 17 years of age, I have a few questions I'd like to ask and if anyone can help me I'd appreciate it a lot.

    1. Is there a fitness test that needs to be done to join?
    2. What is the pay? and how does it go? i.e (Per week, Per two weeks etc..)
    3 I'm currently on Medication for Depression and anxiety, will that effect my chances of being accepted?
    4. Do I have to wait long to start my training or exercises etc?

    Thank you in advance, Dave. :)


Comments

  • #2
    DaveRDF
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭DaveRDF


    Bump


  • #3
    Local-womanizer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,798 ✭✭✭Local-womanizer


    There is plenty of threads here if you search.

    Or ring your local unit.

    Check military.ie


  • #4
    Turbine
    Site Banned Posts: 317 ✭✭Turbine


    DaveRDF wrote: »
    1. Is there a fitness test that needs to be done to join?

    Yeah its the same as the PDF (2.4km in 11mins40secs, 20 push ups in 1min, 20 situps in 1min)
    DaveRDF wrote: »
    2. What is the pay? and how does it go? i.e (Per week, Per two weeks etc..)

    You get paid for full time training. Current rate is €330/week but you're taxed on that and have to pay USC (you can claim it back though). You'll probably only do around 2-3 weeks FTT in a given year though. Outside of this, you're also given a gratuity paid once a year which varies depending on how many training nights you attend, how many training courses you take, how many duties you volunteer for etc.
    DaveRDF wrote: »
    4. Do I have to wait long to start my training or exercises etc?

    Have a look through other RDF recruitment threads to see what the process is like. It can be as quick as a few weeks or as long as a year.


  • #5
    John_D80
    Registered Users Posts: 3,539 ✭✭✭John_D80


    Turbine wrote: »
    Yeah its the same as the PDF (2.4km in 11mins40secs, 20 push ups in 1min, 20 situps in 1min)

    Is this new? I always thought the RDF didn't have an entry level physical fitness test and that they only had fitness tests for certain courses.


  • #6
    Turbine
    Site Banned Posts: 317 ✭✭Turbine


    John_D80 wrote: »
    Is this new? I always thought the RDF didn't have an entry level physical fitness test and that they only had fitness tests for certain courses.

    Yeah this year's recruits were the first to take it.


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  • #7
    John_D80
    Registered Users Posts: 3,539 ✭✭✭John_D80


    Excellent. And about time too.


  • #8
    galwaycyclist
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,912 ✭✭✭galwaycyclist


    DaveRDF wrote: »
    3 I'm currently on Medication for Depression and anxiety, will that effect my chances of being accepted?

    Probably not as another poster has remarked you may not event get asked.

    This is not the place to discuss your medical history. However what I would do is I would go back to whoever has prescribed that medication for you and ask them what their view is on you joining the RDF or your suitability for the RDF?

    If they are in favour, then ask them if they would be prepared to write a letter of support if anyone makes an issue of it.

    If they think the time is not right for you then maybe take that advice on board.

    It is more problematic for a group like the RDF since by definition we use guns and profound depression and guns are not always a good mix. The odd bout of anxiety on the other hand might get you promoted. :D


  • #9
    Doctor14
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 174 ✭✭Doctor14


    DaveRDF wrote: »
    1. Is there a fitness test that needs to be done to join?
    No - not for Entry.
    BUT the new recruit syllabus requires you to pass the Army Annual fitness test during recruit training - you cannot finish recruit training till you pass it.
    DaveRDF wrote: »
    3 I'm currently on Medication for Depression and anxiety, will that effect my chances of being accepted?

    If I remember, it is a question on the medical questionnaire so it will be asked. Galway cyclist has good advice on it. The recruit syllabus is not very forgiving so you have to decide for yourself if you have the commitment, tenacity and willpower to get through it. You don't want to be stuck in limbo trying year after year to pass the course.


  • #10
    goldie fish
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,195 ✭✭✭goldie fish


    When commencing training, you must declare if you are taking any medication. If you are seen to use medication you have not declared at your medical at the beginning of training, you will be sent home. End of story, no questions asked.


  • #11
    galwaycyclist
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,912 ✭✭✭galwaycyclist


    goldie fish wrote: »
    When commencing training, you must declare if you are taking any medication. If you are seen to use medication you have not declared at your medical at the beginning of training, you will be sent home. End of story, no questions asked.

    Yes I should have pointed this out. You have to declare any medication and you are subject to mandatory random drug testing once you join.


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  • #12
    eyescreamcone
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,562 ✭✭✭eyescreamcone


    Is there an upper age limit to joining the RDF?


  • #13
    ruserious
    Registered Users Posts: 138 ✭✭ruserious


    eyescreamcone wrote: »
    Is there an upper age limit to joining the RDF?

    35 for non prior service.


  • #14
    Turbine
    Site Banned Posts: 317 ✭✭Turbine


    Doctor14 wrote: »
    No - not for Entry.
    BUT the new recruit syllabus requires you to pass the Army Annual fitness test during recruit training - you cannot finish recruit training till you pass it.

    Should've clarified that it's done during recruit training and not a requirement for enlistment. However, it's not the annual (trained soldier) fitness test, it's the induction fitness test you take (same as for PDF recruitment).


  • #15
    Doctor14
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 174 ✭✭Doctor14


    Turbine wrote: »
    Should've clarified that it's done during recruit training and not a requirement for enlistment. However, it's not the annual (trained soldier) fitness test, it's the induction fitness test you take (same as for PDF recruitment).
    No, looking at the syllabus now - it is the annual Fitness Test you must pass as part of your training.
    There is an initial "Fitness Assessment" but no details on what that is.


  • #16
    Turbine
    Site Banned Posts: 317 ✭✭Turbine


    Doctor14 wrote: »
    No, looking at the syllabus now - it is the annual Fitness Test you must pass as part of your training.
    There is an initial "Fitness Assessment" but no details on what that is.

    No it was definitely the induction fitness test.


  • #17
    Doctor14
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 174 ✭✭Doctor14


    Turbine wrote: »
    No it was definitely the induction fitness test.
    No, latest syllabus which was conducted this year states it is the Annual Fitness test you must pass.
    We are talking about the same thing? RDF Recruit Training TI 18-11, Para 7, Star test 11. Also restated on Table 10.
    I would copy and paste but it is a Restricted document but I guarantee you that I am looking at it and it does say the annual test. And I saw the Recruits in S Bde being tested on the ANNUAL test, not the induction test.


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