About Us

WHAT IS RDFRA?
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RDFRA is the representative association that advocates on behalf of all members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve.
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It is a representative association, NOT a union.
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It is a non-political organisation.
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It is governed by Defence Forces Regulation S7, the RDFRA Constitution, the RDFRA Code of Conduct, and the RDFRA Rules and Policies document.
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Membership is open to all reservists, regardless of rank.
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The Association's main role is to consult and liaise with the Civil and Military Authorities on behalf of the Reserve Defence Force.
WHY JOIN RDFRA?
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Be part of the majority of active reservists.
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Support your comrades in securing better service conditions for all.
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Receive support from your RDFRA unit/sub-unit committee, Formation Committee, or National Executive Committee.
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Obtain unbiased information on all matters relating to your service.
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Avail of an alternate channel of dispute resolution if required.
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Obtain a free RDFRA membership ID card (members can apply here).
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Receive the Association's newsletter which provides regular news and updates on a wide range of Reserve Defence Force matters (members can register for the newsletter here).
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An online RDFRA Membership Application form can be found here.
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
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Introduction of employment protection legislation to provide employment security for reservists who may be called up for fulltime service in emergency circumstances.
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Restoration of 9% pay for all members of the RDF.
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Re-building of the RDFRA network nationwide.
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Naval Service Reserve enlistment eyesight standards updated to allow persons with visual acuity grade 3 to apply.
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Multiple corps choice selection online for new recruits joining Dublin city, Cork city, Athlone or the Curragh Camp.
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Recruitment windows open during school/academic term time.
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Weekend fitness testing for recruits/serving personnel.
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Introduction of referee system to speed up Security Clearance for new recruits.
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Implementation of RDF Recruit Liaison Officers to assist recruitment process.
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Candidate Manager training for RDF personnel.
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Shifting of recruitment PR focus to Social Media.
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Approval for military transport to be used for carrying new applicants to/from induction testing.
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Rigorous oversight of RDF financial matters.
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Hollow Fibre / Snugpak jacket on issue to RDF pers.
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Camelbak / Hydration bladder on issue to RDF pers.
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Regular NCO and officers promotions where vacancies exist.
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Publication of the RDF Employer's Handbook.
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Return of the office of Director with responsibility for the Reserve.
OUR SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION (as per DFR S7)
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Pay and allowances.
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Conditions of service.
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Entry criteria to join the Reserve Defence Force.
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Performance appraisals.
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Criteria for promotion.
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Medical and dental benefits following accidents on duty.
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Standards of training accommodation.
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Procedures for redress of wrongs.
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Provision of legal representation.
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Application of Health and Safety at Work Act.
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Clothing and Personal Equipment.
MATTERS OUTSIDE THE REMIT OF RDFRA (as per DFR S7)
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Operational matters.
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Disciplinary matters.
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Actual promotions.
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Official Defence Forces communications with the press