I heard about the cadetship after attending a talk with an Army Officer at a careers evening in UCD. I enlisted and completed my training.
After being commissioned as an army officer I was posted to my unit which is based in Dublin. I had to do two interviews, a fitness test and a full medical. I was notified via post and phone.
Describe a typical day?
There is no typical day. For example one day I could be involved in training soldiers, another in unit administration, another I could even be deployed overseas.
I am mainly employed in a leadership/management role with responsibilities for unit training, career development and operations. There is constant pressure being placed in a leadership role but that's just part of the job. The rewards are good, good opportunities to travel and to be promoted.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
My main tasks are unit training and operational tasks such as aid to the gardai etc. I am currently employed as a troop commander responsible for the soldiers under my command and the armoured vehicles we work with.
What are the main challenges?
The constant striving to achieve perfection in all tasks I complete. Working under time constraints and strict deadlines in a disciplined environment. Your interpersonal skills and communication ability must be excellent.
What's cool?
Being responsible for modern equipment like weapon systems, armoured vehicles and night vision equipment. Travelling overseas to see different cultures. Getting to operate and fire sophisticated weapons systems. Meeting and working with new people everyday.
What's not so cool?
The unsociable hours when on tactical operations.
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
My leadership skills, management skills, interpersonal skills, instructional ability, ability to work under pressure and time constraints. My resilience, my decision making and problem solving abilities.
