An Cosantóir

24 | courses, there are more and more opportunities opening up as the DF becomes a more streamlined, efficient and effective organisation. As with other career opportunities within the DF the area of further education is one that is increasingly being availed of by many personnel. While there is scope within the annual training directive for enlisted personnel to undertake the leaving certificate programme, many more are now going further afield and applying to third-level institutions to further their studies. For many, access to such programmes is primarily through the Refund of Fees or Courses Specific to the Defence Forces schemes, through which each application is assessed on the relative benefit of the proposed course to the DF before financial support can be accessed. Not every applicant is successful and many of those who aren't still decide to pursue third-level education for a variety of reasons, whether it is for personal development or with one eye to the future. In deciding to self-fund there are several issues for the prospective student to evaluate before committing to college. Aside from the obvious financial implications, one area that has to be 'squared away' immediately is – 'Can I undertake a two- or three-year programme in my own time and successfully integrate it with my working obligations?' In attempting to answer such a difficult question it is essential that the prospective student approaches his commander and informs him of his intentions. The support of the unit or section OC is critical. While the military duties and obligations of the soldier will always be paramount, there is often a great deal of flexibility with unit commanders to assist the prospective student, particularly when involved in own-time study. Other issues, such as career courses and overseas deployments, should be discussed with family and colleagues, as they too will have to be factored into the equation. It should also be remembered that the academic year is not continuous and breaks quite frequently. Generally, it can run roughly from September to December, and then from January to May, so it is possible to successfully integrate a soldier's military commitments and academic pursuits. Having weighed up the pros and cons of whether go for the third-level option or not, identifying the right course and institution is equally important. Here, the question An Cosantóir December 2011 Pat on his graduation day with his wife Jan Carroll to be asked is: 'What qualification am I aiming for, and will it be of use to me and the organisation?' While many applicants within the DF may be mature applicants (over 25) and may not have a primary degree, they can still apply for places on several MA-level programmes. For example, many serving members of the DF have successfully completed MA programmes in the School of Law and Government at DCU (an institution where currently there are approximately 25 members of the DF attending other programmes). The fact that a potential student may not have a primary degree or even a leaving certificate is not always a stumbling block to entry into university. Many institutions such as DCU, UCD and NUIM, all accept mature students who meet certain criteria. Taking You a Stage Further… A BY PATRICK FINUCANE career in the Defence Forces offers many things to young soldiers today. Whether it is overseas service, weapons or specialist training, technician or career

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