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| 31 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE 2024 RECRUITMENT RDF recruitment has remained open throughout 2024. Significant gains have already been made with almost 250 new recruits inducted for the year to date with almost 18% of applications being converted to attestations. This is a considerable achievement and is testament to the significant work being undertaken by the Recruit Liaison Officers at Unit level. The liaison between applicants and a point of contact at Unit level is essential to maintain engagement despite the protracted timelines being experienced. Based upon current indications, a net RDF strength increase of 15% could be achievable by year end. This is a significant scaling in a short period of time which brings its own challenges to adequately resource induction training. The ORA are working with a range of stakeholders to mitigate the challenges being experienced. A comprehensive recruitment plan for 2025 is currently being developed to be implemented at Unit level and supported by the ORA. This plan will endeavour to balance demand with capacity and introduce greater efficiencies in the wider induction process. It is appreciated that the necessary level of scaling is ambitious and will require significant support from a range of stakeholders across the DF. The ORA will continue to engage with Brigades and Formations to support the recruiting effort throughout 2025. 2024 RDF ACTIVITY One of the key recommendations of the CoDF was the implementation of a mechanism to monitor and report RDF activity on a routine basis. Throughout 2024 the ORA has coordinated a monthly return of all RDF activity. Significantly the data has shown a shift from the traditional focus on training, to report activity in support of PDF training and operations. Approximately 43% of all RDF activity has been in direct support of the PDF. Meaningful deployment of this nature is enhancing the integration of Reserve elements and providing a greater sense of purpose for many Reservists. This integration will be further enhanced in 2025 as a greater utilisation of Reservists is facilitated through the development of the 'Skills for Defence' database. This system has been developed as part of an innovation project led by the ORA and funded by the Research and Technology Initiative (RTI). Skills for Defence will align Reservists with specific skillsets to capability requirements across the DF. This initiative is supported by the DPR 2024 which notes "The reinvigoration of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) will offer additional capability to the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) that should be of particular support where there are specialist gaps". The deployment of Reservists will be further enhanced with the issuing of the RDF Deployment Policy. This guidance, which is currently under development, will empower Unit Commanders to deploy Reservists where and when required as part of the single force. THE OFFICE OF RESERVE AFFAIRS The ORA continues to expand towards an establishment of 24 comprising both PDF and RDF personnel. By the end of this year the strength of the ORA will be 15 including two First Line Reserve Officers assigned to special projects. Additional Officer and NCO appointments will be filled throughout 2025 as the ORA moves towards full operational capability. LOOK AHEAD TO 2025 The continued growth in the effective strength through enhanced recruitment and retention initiatives will enable the RDF to deliver military capability where and when required. The development of protocols for the implementation of supplementary military service will take place in 2025. Such protocols will enable Reservists to serve for fixed periods in support of the PDF. Supplementary military service will also enable Reservists to deploy overseas. The ORA will also work closely with the DOD to develop enhanced employment protection measures needed to further enable Reservists to contribute to our national resilience and defence capability. With the continued commitment and devotion to duty demonstrated by Reservists 2025 will see the RDF remaining on a very positive trajectory towards Vision 2030. JOIN THE RESERVE SERVE IN YOUR SPARE TIME JOIN THE ARMY OR NAVAL SERVICE RESERVE The Opportunities • Train as part of a team and member of Óglaigh na hÉireann. • Qualify in weapons handling, driving, communication and combat first aid. • Strengthen your leadership, teamwork, confidence and fitness. • Deploy in support of Defence Forces operations and training. • Join our sports teams in GAA, rugby, soccer, boxing, kayaking, mountaineering & more. • Participate in State Ceremonial Events. The Commitment • There is NO contractual obligation. You can apply for your discharge at any time. • Undertake paid training in your spare time while working or studying. How To Join • Apply now on www.military.ie and select Army Reserve or Naval Service Reserve. • Candidates will complete an interview, fitness assessment, medical assessment and security vetting. "The DF's greatest asset has always been its people. During my 18 months as Director of Reserve Affairs, I've seen the outstanding dedication and loyalty of our Reservists, the skills they bring and their commitment to Óglaigh na hÉireann. The Establishment of the ORA, combined with the publication of the Reserve Regeneration Plan and the Defence Policy Review matches that commitment and ensures we are well positioned for the Reserve to meet Vision 2030." Colonel Oliver Dwyer Director – Office of Reserve Affairs Naval Service Reserve Training Day on the LÉ Aoibhinn RDF Members stacking up in the Military Training Facility DFTC Reservists conducting a CASEVAC under the cover of smoke

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