Many young South African learners who complete their Grade 12 think that joining the army can be one of their career choices. In this article we are going to discuss requirements to join the army in details. The aim is to help provide guidance to the youth that may want to follow this career option.
As we know it all starts with subject choice that learners must take at grade 10. Most schools separate learners at this grade so that they fall in different streams before they get to grade 12.
Understanding The Army of South Africa
The South African Defense Force (SANDF) is what people generally refer to as the Army. It is composed of four armed formations that make up our country’s army. These are the South African Air Force, the South African Navy, the South African Military Health Service and the South African Army.
Individuals who are interested in joining the SANDF can do so by applying through the Military Skills Development System which is commonly called MSDS. This is a full training and development programme which is put together to train and equip member of the SANDF with skills set needed in execution of duties.
What Are Eligibility Requirements To Join The Army In South Africa?
- Only South African citizens can apply
- You must not have a criminal record
- You must be 18 up to 26 year of age
- All applicants must be medically fit
- Applicants with Critical and professional skills have not age restrictions
- You must be fit to complete the training programme
Youth that wishes to join the army service can do so by joining the MSDS which is a 2 year developmental programme. Over the period of training you will be equiped with basic military skills training.
SA Army Requirements
- Only South African citizens with ages between 18 to 22 can apply
- Graduate applicants who possess qualification must be up to 26 year old
- An average of pass mark of 50% or level 4 in Maths and Science is an added advantage
- Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential
- Applicants with a criminal record will not be accepted
- Applicants must not have pending criminal cases
- Female applicants must comply with medical fitness height of 148cm and a weight of 48kg
- Male applicants must comply with medical fitness height of 155cm and a weight of 52k
HOW TO APPLY TO JOIN THE ARMY IN SOUTH AFRICA
You must download the SA Army Application Form (.pdf) and complete it in full.
Careers Within The SANDF
1. Combat Support
This option includes the following
- infantry – responsible for ground combat operations and core fighting
- armour – operation of mobility equipment like tanks and vehicles
- artillery – provisioning of indirect fire support at the battlefield
- engineers – engineering services provisioning to equipment and infrastructure
- signals – responsible of all communication and equipment
2. Combat Support
- Logostics
- Transport
- Medical Provisioning Services
- Ordinance Services
3. Combat Service Support
- Military Police
- Intelligence
- Chaplaincy
- Legal Services
4. Staff Corps
- Generals Staff
- Quartermaster Staff
- Directorate of Military Intelligence
- Health Services