Frequently Asked Questions

Military Medicine constitutes the art and science of medicine as practiced in the Defence Forces or other military environments. 

A Medical Officer (MO) is a specialist physician who practices medicine within a military environment and is defined by a unique set of professional characteristics. 

Dual specialist training combines training in two specialist disciplines; in this case, Military Medicine and General Practice.

The congruence of the professional characteristics that define both disciplines makes General Practice (GP) the single most significant element of military medical practice.

No. Military Medicine is part of a dual-specialty award that requires the completion of specialist training in General Practice in order for the military component to be valid.

The training programme is of five years duration in full-time training.

Yes. Following completion of the training programme, the Medical Officer will have a three-year service commitment to fulfil and will be posted to a Medical Unit within the state. Subject to Defence Forces operational tasking, it is envisaged that Medical Officers will serve overseas for a period during this time.

There is no application fee for the current Military Medicine trainee application.

There is a two-part application process. Applicants must comply with both the Irish College of GPs process and the Defence Forces process.

Candidates are required to submit all supporting documentation as specified by the Irish College of GPs. Candidates will be required to bring a passport sized photograph (signed on the back), an original copy of the Long Form Birth Certificate (photocopies are not acceptable), and their passport to the interview stage of the competition. Candidates will also be requested to sign the Declaration Form accompanying the application form at the interview.

Yes. Candidates applying for GP training may also apply for the Military Medicine training programme. However, a candidate may only accept one offer of a training place.

Candidates may consider the offer and either accept or reject the offer by the closing date specified.

There is no option to defer a training place.

Trainees are Commissioned Officers of the Defence Forces for the duration of the Training scheme. During the first two years of the scheme, the trainee is seconded to, employed and paid by the Health Service Executive. During years three, four and five of the scheme, the trainee is employed and paid by the Defence Forces.

The trainee is paid a Senior House Officer in the HSE. Details of the pay scale can by found in the Conditions governing the appointment of trainees in Military Medicine in the Defence Forces (2016).

Trainees are paid as Captain Medical Officers. Details of the pay scale can by found in the Conditions governing the appointment of trainees in Military Medicine in the Defence Forces (2016).

Military Medicine is aligned with the TCD Training Scheme in General Practice based in Tallaght, Dublin 24.

Subject to Defence Forces operational tasking, it is envisaged that trainees will serve overseas for up to two periods each of three weeks' duration.