By Staff Reporter
PRETORIA-The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is inviting young and deserving South Africans to apply for the Military Skills Development System (MSDS).
This initiative provides an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to serve their country and develop essential skills within the military.
The application window is now open, and the deadline for submissions is 28 March 2025. Successful candidates will begin their duties at the start of 2026.
The MSDS programme is designed to train and develop approximately 2,000 volunteers across the South African Army, Air Force, Navy, and the South African Military Health Service.
Participants will undergo intensive basic military training, followed by specialist training in their chosen fields, depending on their service branch. After training, recruits are deployed to various divisions, units, or military bases.
Upon completion of the 24-month MSD period, a select group of volunteers will be offered short-term full-time contracts (usually lasting for 10 years), while others will be integrated into the Reserve Force.
This system allows recruits to gain valuable military experience, whether through direct service or as part of the reserves.
For those interested in applying, certain criteria must be met. Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens (dual citizenship is not permitted).
- Be between 18 and 22 years old (graduates may apply up to 26 years old).
- Have completed or be in the process of completing Grade 12.
- Have no history of serious criminal offenses or ongoing legal cases.
- Have no visible tattoos.
- Meet the SANDF’s medical fitness standards.
For candidates applying to the South African Air Force, additional qualifications are required, especially for those interested in pilot training.
Engineering positions available in the Air Force cover civil, industrial, electronic, mechanical, aeronautical, chemical, and computer engineering.
The Air Force also offers roles in communications, flight operations, military police, radar reporting, and defense intelligence.
The South African Military Health Service offers diverse career paths, including patient administration, logistics, medical support operations, dog handling, counter-intelligence, and human resources, among others. The South African Army offers positions in infantry, armor, artillery, air defense artillery, intelligence, military engineering, logistics, and military police.
Candidates can submit their applications in person by delivering them to the nearest SA Army recruitment center or by mailing them to:
SA Army Headquarters
Army Corporate Services
Directorate Army Human Resources
Recruitment Section
Private Bag X981, Pretoria 0001
The application form is available free of charge and can be downloaded from the Department of Defence’s official website at www.dod.mil.za.
