The strength of Ireland’s Defence Forces has fallen below 6,000 for the first time in recent history, sparking concerns about the military’s ability to operate effectively. As of June 30, 2023, the total number of personnel stood at just 5,959, with the army suffering the most significant decline.
According to Irish Examiner, this figure is 1,500 fewer than the minimum number required for the force to function properly. The army should ideally have at least 7,520 personnel, but it now has only 5,959—a drastic reduction from previous years. The air corps and naval service, though also understaffed, have remained relatively stable with slight improvements in their numbers.
The ongoing decline has been driven by a combination of forced retirements, resignations, and medical discharges. In 2022 alone, 758 personnel left the Defence Forces, but only 415 recruits were brought in. The trend has continued this year, with 338 leaving in the first six months and only 240 new recruits joining.
Retention issues, particularly among sergeants and corporals, are exacerbating the problem. Mark Keane, President of PDForra, which represents over 6,000 enlisted personnel, pointed to poor pay, challenging working conditions, and stiff competition from the private sector as key factors driving personnel out of the Defence Forces.
Despite recent efforts by Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin to improve pay and conditions, many within the military believe these measures have not gone far enough to address the underlying issues.
With only one navy ship currently operational and several others sidelined due to personnel shortages and mechanical issues, the future effectiveness of Ireland’s Defence Forces remains uncertain.