The Defence Forces have invested nearly €1.25 million in recruitment ads over the past two years, in an attempt to attract new members. Last year’s spending amounted to €490,739, which was about two-thirds of the expenditure in 2021.
More than half the money, €666,000, was spent on digital campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and TikTok, which were successful in generating interest from would-be recruits. Print advertising cost €198,000, radio campaigns cost €140,000 and TV ads cost €235,000.
According to the Defence Forces, the recruitment campaigns resulted in 17,189 applications in 2021 and 2022, of which 956 were accepted. Of the 1,419 cadetship applications, 45 were admitted, while 5,416 applied for general service roles and 350 were successful. 987 applied for specialist roles, of which 38 were accepted.
A Defence Forces spokesperson said: “Óglaigh na hÉireann has a wide range of recruitment opportunities for its three services, from general service recruits and cadets to specialised, technically proficient soldiers, sailors and aircrew. Education and training are fully funded, and the skills acquired can lead to increased confidence, better leadership and improved teamwork.”
