The maturation of 2,500 service pensions for members of the Defence Forces this year has been described as the perfect storm
PDForra President Mark Keane says these members are facing a cross roads in their career and he described this possible exodus as unsustainable and alarming
Defence force numbers are already at an all time low with more than 1700 personnel fewer than the minimum 9,500 strength the country’s military is supposed to have.
PDForra says existing personnel are left working long hours and as a result more are looking to other job opportunities in the private sector
Speaking to RedFM News PDForra President Mark Keane says the exit rates from the Defence Forces, which are the highest in the public service, are unsustainable:
"The culmination of a perfect storm where we have people who have given over 21 or 31 year service to the state, across the three arms of the Defence Forces. Now we're at a crossroads and deciding whether to stay in the defence forces or will they depart and take up employment outside. We are losing people at a rate of knots. People are departing the service for better paid work, not alone is it just better pay but also there's the attraction of family friendly policies in civilian employment as well which is very attractive."
