The PDFORRA President has claimed that his soldiers are so badly paid that they will become vulnerable to moneylenders.
Willie Webb complained that the wages of soldiers have been seriously eroded through pay cuts, pension levies and taxes.
He was speaking at the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association annual conference in Trim, Co Meath.
Mr Webb said they were suffering intolerable hardship and a feeling of hopelessness.
He said many soldiers are losing their homes by not being able to keep up their payments, but still having to carry on with their duties.
Members of the Defence Forces are being treated as second class citizens, he said.
The PDFORRA President said some people will grasp this opportunity to influence or corrupt vulnerable individuals.
Mr Webb called on the Government to pay soldiers a decent wage in recognition of their commitment and professionalism at home and abroad.
