2,000 expected to apply for 100 local army places

The 4th Western Brigade is expecting in excess of 2,000 applications for 100 places within the brigade, it emerged this week as the closing date nears for the latest recruitment drive. As of yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon the Defence Forces had received 8,000 applications for 600 places throughout the brigade. Based on the fact that the recruitment drive is for personnel for the three army brigades and the Navy, a Western Brigade spokesman said that the brigade would expect 25% of the applications to be for the 4th Western Brigade. The Defence Forces is expecting in the region of 10,000 applications before the closing date on Sunday, April 22, which could result in some 2,500 applications for the 100 places in the 4th Western Brigade. Once the closing date has passed applicants will then undergo medical and fitness testing, interviews and psychometric testing to narrow down the numbers and then the selection process will fully begin. The 100 applicants who are successful will be taken into the Western Brigade in two groups, one in the middle or end of summer and the second group in late autumn where they will undergo training to become two-star privates before completing their training and passing out as three-star army privates. A previous recruitment drive in late 2010 sparked a similar influx of applications to the Western Brigade. The closing date for applications is Sunday, April 22, and more information is available on www.military.ie