Dan
Michael O'Leary traditionally doesn't like the British military. Although he has employed one or two ex-RAF, they don't have an easy time getting in (pun intended!). Air Lingus don't have a problem as far as I know, don't know about the rest.
I'm ex RAF, my Base Captain is ex Army: I have friends elsewhere with FR who are also ex RAF and Army and Navy. Not only is " getting in" straightforward ( read down to earth, practical and no b*llsh1t lego building) it's all jolly pleasant once you are in.