The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is one of the best career options in South Africa to instill self-discipline, selfless service, strong values, and other strong attributes to help you succeed in life.
How to Apply to SANDF?
Currently, for 2022, the SANDF is not recruiting however to apply you need to follow the steps below
- To get started click Here to Download the MSDS (Military Skills Development System) application form
- Fill in all blank spaces on the form with the correct responses only.
- Attach your CV and required documents such as your matric certificate and a copy of your ID document
- Deliver the documents to – SA Army HQ, Chief Army Corporate Services, Directorate Army
Human Resources, Private Bag X 981, Pretoria, 0001.
What is the SANDF?
The Department of Defence is a South African national government department. It is in charge of the South African National Defence Force, which is responsible for defending South Africa.
The South African National Defence Force comprises of the armed forces of South Africa. Its mandate is to defend and protect the RSA, its territorial integrity, and its people in accordance with the constitution and the principles of international law regulating the use of force.
The SANDF has different divisions which are:
The Joint Operations Division is a component of the South African National Defence Force in charge of conducting joint operations with South African National Defence Force Services. The Joint Operations Division is the focal point for the planning and execution of all force employment obligations and activities. As a result, it is the Joint Operations Division’s responsibility to plan, oversee, monitor, and coordinate all force employment obligations and actions at the military strategic level.
The South African Army is tasked with providing combat-ready land forces in pursuit of national defence and conflict prevention in order to fulfil national security goals collectively and preferably multi-nationally, rapidly and decisively. In accordance with its international commitments, promote national and internal peace and stability collaboratively. They are also tasked to contribute to the growth and advancement of the Republic of South Africa, its people, and the African continent as a whole.
The South African Navy (SAN) is one of the services of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The South African Navy’s core business is to “fight at sea” thereby protecting South Africa’s coastlines and marine resources. For this reason, the South African Navy uses ships and submarines to conduct its business and its fleet is based in Simon’s Town (Cape Town).
The SA Military Health Services serves as a health community for the SANDF. It provides health services to the full range of military deployments (where and whenever needed), and it sustains the health of members of the armed forces, their families and others eligible for care by the SAMHS.
The Department of Defence’s Chaplain Service is authorized by the White Paper on Defence as well as the DOD Policy on Religion.
The Chaplain Service provides soldiers and their families with highly specialized ministry. Chaplains provide spiritual leadership, ethical counselling, and social support to SANDF members and must be equipped with specialized skills and knowledge to perform effectively in this unique and demanding setting.
South African citizens may volunteer to serve in the Reserve Force. Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Reserve Force either serve in a military unit or as necessary under a professional and skills programme.
The primary responsibility of the Defence Reserves Division is to ensure that there are combat-ready Reserves. To that end, the Defence Reserves Division works with each Service and Division to revitalize, develop, and publicize the Defence Reserves Service System.
Different SANDF Divisions?
The SANDF reserve only releases applications to join the force once a year and this is published in various newspapers and career portals. As a reserve member, depending on the necessary requirements you may choose to serve in any of the following divisions:
- Air Defence Artillery
- Armour
- Artillery
- Engineer
- Infantry
- Intelligence
- Signal
And support core functions:
- Personnel
- Logistics
- Finance
- Training
You may join the South Africa Reserve Force Division, either through the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) (a two-year voluntary service system that allows young South African citizens to serve in uniform) or through direct recruitment which only applies to people with special skills such as IT specialists, diesel mechanics, and engineers.
To qualify for the MSDS programme you should meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be aged between 18 and 22 years (Graduates up to the age of 26 years).
- Be currently busy with the National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or have completed it.
- Not be area bound.
- Have no record of a criminal offence.
- Be preferably single.
- Comply with medical fitness requirements for appointment in the South African National Defence Force.
- Be prepared to do Basic Military Training, Functional Training and to serve in uniform.
To join the army reserve through direct recruitment you will have to meet the following requirements:
- A South African citizen.
- Medically, mentally and battle fit.
- Between the ages of 18 and 26 years (the required age varies according to the category of training/service) when joining for the first time. This age restriction does not apply to applicants with professional or critical skill qualifications required.
- You must have the attributes and qualifications which are required for your training.
- You must be able to perform the service or duties attached to the post for which you apply.
- If you are employed, your employer must be willing to grant special leave for military activities within reasonable demands.
- Have no criminal record.
- Training is provided to new recruits but due to the nature of the system, longer courses are presented in shorter flexible modules.
- Other corps may require you to have existing qualifications in that specific field. For example, to join the Air Force Reserves an applicant must have aviation related expertise.
Benefits of Joining SANDF?
Joining the SANDF gives you the opportunity to serve your country, and a chance to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need in times of natural or other disasters. Your expertise can help improve our country’s defensive needs and with the allowance to travel abroad.
Other benefits that many young people can take advantage of are:
- Free/subsidized access to public transport
- Skill acquisition and education support
- Job placement
- Burial support
These opportunities can help you kick start your career and earn a living whilst doing good for our beautiful country South Africa.
When you are done with your service, you become a veteran, which comes with opportunities of getting military pension; housing; free access to military health services; free/subsidised access to public transport; skills acquisition and education support; job placement.
SANDF Closing Dates
The MSDS applications open each year and close by the end of February, you can check early next year for the next application cycle. You may also check SA Gov Jobs for other career opportunities available at the SANDF.
