Does Defence Forces Ireland pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Defence Forces Ireland employees rate their compensation and benefits as 2.3 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Defence Forces Ireland. This rating has decreased by 7% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Defence Forces Ireland?

48% of Defence Forces Ireland employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Defence Forces Ireland 3.0 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.0 for culture and values and 3.5 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Defence Forces Ireland?

Soldier (20) , Army Soldier (13) , Officer (10) , Technician (7) , Infantry Soldier (6) , Corporal (5) , Maintenance Technician (5) , Army Officer (Commandant) (4) , Captain (4) , Aircraft Technician (3) , CIS Technician (3) , E-4 Corporal (3) , Electronics Engineer (3) , O3 - Army - Captain (3) , Private Soldier (3)

What are the pros of working at Defence Forces Ireland according to real employee reviews?

"Time off and variety of work." ((in 29 reviews)); "Great people to work with" ((in 10 reviews)); "Good opportunities and travel options" ((in 9 reviews)); "Excellent training delivered by some brilliant instructors." ((in 9 reviews)); "Job Security is a good benefit in bad times" ((in 8 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Defence Forces Ireland according to real employee reviews?

"Not telreated well and pay is poor" ((in 51 reviews)); "Poor work life balance" ((in 14 reviews)); "Poor wages and lack of resources" ((in 8 reviews)); "Poor pay, poor pension, poor facilities" ((in 8 reviews)); "Technical positions are being drained by significantly higher salaries elsewhere." ((in 5 reviews))

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Defence Forces Ireland

Defence Forces Ireland Reviews

3.1

48% would recommend to a friend

(291 total reviews)

Lieutenant General Seán Clancy

86% approve of CEO

16% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

3.5

Career opportunities

3.0

Culture and values

3.0

Diversity and inclusion

3.0

Work/Life balance

2.3

Compensation and benefits

2.0

Senior management

Defence Forces Ireland has an employee rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars, based on 291 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Defence Forces Ireland employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Government and public administration industry (3.6 stars).

Reviews by job title

291 reviews

3.0

4 Jan 2026

Slowly improving

Technician

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Time off and variety of work.

Cons

Pay and too much red tape.

4.0

27 Nov 2025

Great place to work

Officer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Promotional prospects. Good variety of work

Cons

You don't choose what barracks you get sent to.

3.0

18 Nov 2025

Good work environment but overworked

Communications specialist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Great work environment and atmosphere depending on unit you are in. Good opportunities to achieve qualifications. Afforded time for gym/training studying.

Cons

Overworked at times due to low staffing numbers, low pay, lower ranks not valued by management, highly qualified personnel with years of experience who may have remained at a lower rank can still be treated badly by certain "leaders" in the organisation.

Viewing 1 - 3 of 291 Reviews

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Jobs at Defence Forces Ireland

Naval Service: Direct Entry - Operations Branch Officer

Naval Service: Direct Entry - Engine Room Artificer

Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) Competition

Naval Service: Direct Entry - Hull Artificer

Naval Service: Direct Entry - Electrical Artificer

Defence Forces Ireland reviews FAQs

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Defence Forces Ireland

Defence Forces Ireland Reviews

Ratings by category

Reviews by job title

Slowly improving

Great place to work

Good work environment but overworked

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