Defence body wants military careers extended by 10 years

THE ASSOCIATION representing about 8,000 soldiers, sailors and aircrew of the Defence Forces, PDforra, has called for the military careers of its members to be extended by at least 10 years.

The body wants privates to be allowed to remain in the Defence Forces for up to 31 years, and not 21 years as is currently the case for members who joined after 1994.

It has urged Minister for Defence Alan Shatter to scrap current retirement procedures before the first tranche of those affected by the rule becomes “aged out”.

PDforra general secretary Simon Devereux said it made no sense to retire people early at a time of high unemployment and when they had skills that were badly needed by the Defence Forces. “

Many of these people will be at their very peak in terms of output – and large numbers will be technically qualified after years of training and very specific skills development.”

He said the Defence Forces’ most critical work involved international peacekeeping, where it was imperative to have experienced and well-trained staff.

It wants the retirement age change to apply not only to the Army but also to the Naval Service and Air Corps.

The current criteria were introduced in 1994 with a view to lowering the age profile of the Defence Forces. They stipulate that a private must retire after just 12 years’ service if they have not been promoted to corporal.

PDforra secured concessions that allowed many privates to stay on for 21 years once they passed health and fitness tests and had been on a number of overseas duties.

However, under current rules some privates could in theory still be forced to retire after 12 years unless promoted to the rank of corporal.

All corporals must currently retire after 21 years if they have not been promoted to sergeant.

PDforra now wants a system where personnel could serve at least 31 years provided they passed fitness tests and had fulfilled overseas service requirements.

The association’s appeal comes just days before it is due to enter into a conciliation and arbitration process with the Department of Defence on the issue of early retirements.