The Irish Press th Thursday, February 16 , 1950 HOW TO BECOME AN ARMY PRIVATE THE modern Irish Army offers a variety of interesting careers that, are well worth, considering by the ambitious young man. The soldier of the present day is a trained technician and an excellent all-round man. Army conditions compare favourably with most civilian occupations in rates of pay, free medical attention and free dental attention (this is also available to the families of serving soldiers), marriage allowances, free time for recreation, and other facilities. The soldier is provided with modern canteens not unlike modern lounge bars, where meals and drinks are served by civilian waiters .and waitresses at reduced prices. general aptitude or suitability, for general service: Whether they are posted to a Unit as a Line soldier or technician depends on whether they have had any previous technical training or trade experience. Those who are posted to the Line, will, on passing the prescribed tests, be eligible, for advancement to privates, ' one, two or three stars. The rates of pay are: Private one-star, 5/6 per day, or £1-18-6 a week; Private two-star, 6/- per -day or £2-2-0 a week; Private three star, 6/6 per day; or £2-5-6 a week. When it is understood that this money goes into the pocket for spending or saving, these rates compare very favourably with civilian jobs. There is absolutely no restriction on advancement, but the normal period for three-star grade is three years' service. When this grade, is attained, opportunities for promotion to non - commissioned ranks are available, provided of course that the qualifying examinations are passed. The rates of pay for non-commissioned officers of the Line vary from 7/6 per day or £2-12-6 a week for a corporal one-star, to 12/- per day or £4-4s-0d. a week for a sergeant major. Those who are posted to any technician class are given a trade test. Depending on the result of this, men are graded from private one-star to private three-star. For technicians, the rates of pay are as follows: Private one-star, 5/6 per day; private two-star, 6/6 per day, and private three-star 7/6 per day. Pay for Non-Commissioned Officers varies from 8/- per day for a Corporal one star, to 12/- per day for a Sergeant Major. Marriage allowance for a Private three star (Line) with two children is: Pay. £2 5s, marriage allowance, £1 15s. Total, £4 Os. 6d. For a Private three-star Technician) with, two children, the pay is: £2 12s; 6d. and the marriage allowance £1 las. Od. Total £4 7s. 6d. The married Sergeant (Line) with, three children receives pay £3 3s.; allowance, £1 19s. 6d. Total £5" 2s. 6d. The married Sergeant (Technician) with three children receives: pay £3 6s. 6d.; allowance, £1 19s. 6d. Total, £5 6s. Od. In addition to pay and allowances, privates and non-commissioned officers are clothed, fed, and accommodated. The Army produces efficient tradesmen and technicians who are capable of filling good jobs on returning to civilian life. Enlistment centres are: Dublin: Collins Barracks and Portobello Barracks. Co. Dublin: Baldonnel. Clonmel: Kickham Barracks. Athlone: Custume Barracks. Cork: Collins Barracks. Limerick: Sarsfield Barracks, Galway: Renmore Barracks. Mullingar: Columb Barracks. Co. Meath: Gormanston Camp. Curragh: Curragh Training Camp. Kildare: Kildare Barracks. The Irish Press, Thursday, February 16th, 1950 Transcribed by Matt McNamara – June 2019 . .