2026 Naval Service Operations Cadetship

Applications are now open for the 2026 Naval Service Operations Cadetship.

This cadetship prepares individuals morally, mentally, and physically for their role as leaders in the Naval Service. Throughout the programme, cadets are instilled with the organisation’s core values of respect, loyalty, selflessness, physical courage, moral courage, and integrity.

As a Naval Service Operations Cadet, you will undergo world-class training to develop the skills required for leadership at sea. This is a unique opportunity to serve your country while embarking on a challenging and rewarding career.

Why Apply?

Comprehensive leadership and naval operations training
Competitive salary and benefits
Opportunities for career advancement and global deployments
A role that makes a real difference in national and maritime security

Who Can Apply?

We are seeking individuals who are:

Dedicated and disciplined
Ready to embrace leadership and teamwork in a naval environment
Committed to upholding the values of the Defence Forces

Eligibility Requirements to Join the Cadetship

Applicants must be 18 years of age and under 39 years of age on the closing date of application. You will be required to provide proof of your age if you progress to the next stage of the competition.
You must be at least 5ft 2in (157.48 cm) in height to be eligible. You will be measured during the selection process.
No tattoos are to be visible above the collar while serving in the Defence Forces. This will be checked during the selection process, and you may not proceed if you have visible tattoos above your collar.
Applicants must meet the working permit eligibility criteria to serve as part of the Defence Forces (i.e. you must have a minimum of 5 years eligibility to stay in Ireland). You will be required to provide proof of working permit with your application.
Applicants must meet medical, physical, and security clearance standards, which will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Educational Qualifications

School Leaver or Non-Graduate Candidates

Must possess a minimum of Grade H5 in 3 Higher Level papers, and Grade O4 in 3 Ordinary Level papers or Grade H7 in 3 Higher Level papers.
(Candidates must have obtained these grades in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate examination for CAO computation purposes.)
Must include a minimum of Grade O6 at Ordinary Level or H6 at Higher Level in the following subjects:

Mathematics
Irish (NUI matriculation exemptions apply)
English (Candidates whose first language is not English must satisfy the English language requirements in accordance with NUI Matriculations Regulations.)

Candidates must also have obtained a minimum of Grade H4 in 4 Higher Level papers, and Grade O2 in 2 Ordinary Level papers or Grade H7 in 2 Higher Level papers. A candidate may use the results of another sitting of the Leaving Certificate for the minimum educational requirements in (i) to (iii) above.

Where a School Leaver applicant is undertaking a field of study in Nautical Science at Level 7 (or below) of the NFQ, they may be facilitated in continuing their training to complete their field of study in Nautical Science at Level 7 of the NFQ in a college nominated by the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service.

Where a School Leaver applicant has undertaken or is undertaking a Level 8 (or below) NFQ qualification not specified above, they may seek a determination that the course of study meets the requirements, subject to submitting suitable evidence of equivalence to:

Defence Forces Recruitment Section

Defence Forces Headquarters

Department of Defence

Station Road

Newbridge, Co. Kildare

W12 AD93

for the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service’s determination.

Graduate Candidates

Graduate candidates must:

Have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree programme at Level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications,

Have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree programme at Level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications, from a recognised institution, in Nautical Science.

Application Deadline

Sunday, 8th March 2026

Apply for the 2026 Naval Service Operations Cadetship today.

For detailed information about the Cadetship, please refer to the Terms and Conditions.