How to Become A Soldier In South Africa

A soldier is one who fights as part of an army. A soldier can be a conscripted or volunteer enlisted person, a non-commissioned officer, or an officer. Soldiers are military personnel that participate in ground, sea, air forces or reserved.

What is the role of a soldier?

Army soldiers perform duties such as operating and maintaining military equipment, guarding and protecting people and properties under threat, and helping in disaster relief and emergency management efforts.

What does calling someone a soldier mean?

soldier noun [C] (ARMY MEMBER)

a person who is in an army and wears its uniform, especially someone who fights when there is a war: Soldiers were patrolling the streets.

How is a soldier?

According to Wikipedia a soldier is one who fights as part of an organized armed force. According to other sources a soldier is a person who is in the military. … A soldier is someone who is willing to sacrifice his own life for the protection of his country and its citizens.

What is a soldier’s life?

A life of soldiers is filled with sacrifices and stories of bravery and courage. From fighting enemies in the front lines at our border to rescuing citizens of the country from earthquakes, floods or conflict zones, a soldier’s importance in our lives are plenty. Soldiers life is a life filled with pride and dignity.

How to Become A Soldier In South Africa

The Western Cape government has published a new outline of the requirements for joining the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in 2020.

The outline states that one of the most common ways to currently enter the SANDF is through the Military Skills Development System (MSDS).

The Military Skills Development System (MSDS) is a two-year voluntary service system that allows young South African citizens to serve in uniform.

Successful MSDS candidates will receive basic military training, specific mustering and functional training in the first year and be utilised or deployed internally or externally in the second year of the MSDS.

After the two years, you will either continue as part of the reserve force or receive a contract offer to join the regular force.

Requirements

To qualify for the MSDS programme, you have to meet the following requirements:

Be a South African citizen only. (No dual citizenship);

Grade 12 Applicants must be between the ages of 18 – 22 years;

Graduates and/or other Tertiary Qualification up to the age of 26 years;

Completed Grade 12 with (Average of 50% or level 4) (Mathematics and Science will be advantageous);

Admission Point Score (APS) of 17 excluded Life Orientation (LO);

Leadership potential;

Not to be area bound;

Have no criminal record or pending cases;

Comply with medical fitness requirements for the appointment (Minimum height Females 148cm, Males 155cm and minimum weight Females 48kg, For males the minimum weight is 52kg (Within average height/weight ratio)).

Training

In the first two years of voluntary service, you can expect to receive the following training.

First-year of MSDS

Basic military training and functional training;

Corps specific training;

Participation in practical military exercises;

Combat ready training exercises;

Selection of junior leaders.

Second-year of MSDS

Junior leaders (officers) are receiving leader group corps training;

Undergo young officers formative training;

Selection of Officers to study at the military academy;

Focus on utilization and deployment of MSDS troops.

Military Skills Development System members will receive wages for the duration of their two-year full-time training and utilisation.

However, the SANDF has historically been hesitant about providing exact salary information regarding the MSDS programme due to the high number of scams targeting prospective trainees.

Further information can be obtained through the SANDF’s website here and the army’s website here.

They can serve in different areas:

Infantry Corps – (OFO No: 542301)

  • This section has most of the Soldiers. They are ‘foot’ Soldiers. They are the ‘attack’ team and protect our borders and country from threatening forces. Training includes: weapons, field craft and tactical moves.

Intelligence Corps

  • This section of the army deals with intelligence collection. They are always collecting and analysing data about enemies and what the enemies are planning. With this information, the army can then design and prepare military moves to combat the threat/s.

Armour Corps

  • Soldiers in this section are extremely well trained on weapons and tanks. You will need to have a technical mind to belong to the Armour Corps.

Air Defence Artillery Corps

  • This section is trained to protect our troops, supplies, airports, power plants, dams and other strategic and important infrastructures. Candidates who have passed Mathematics and or Physical Science are preferable.

Artillery Corps

  • This section of the army is to destroy the enemy, preferably prior to contact with own Infantry and Armour, by means of firepower. Successful candidates will be employed in a digital and technologically advanced environment. Must have passed Mathematics and or Physical Science in Grade 12.

Ordnance Service Corps (OSV)

  • The main role of the OSV is to acquire, look after and distribute clothing, ammunition, vehicles, parts, fuel etc within the army.

Technical Service Corps (TSC)

  • This section provides technical support and maintenance to the army: mechanical, electrical and electronic. Must have at least a Grade 12 / Level 4 N3 with Mathematics.

SA Ammunitions Corps (SA AMMU C)

  • The SA AMMU C makes sure that the effective and safe ammunitions are supplied to the defence force. You must be intelligent and emotionally stable with a Matric / Level 4 N3 with Mathematics and Physical Science.

SA Catering Corps (SA CAT C)

  • This section prepares and makes food for the SADF with a strong emphasis on nutrition. Candidates must be medically fit with a basic knowledge of cooking skills as well as have a keen interest to work with people on all levels.

Personnel Service Corps

  • This is like the HR department of the army. They are responsible for the career planning, promotions, transfers, leave, pay, etc of all the members of the army.

What does a Soldier do?

  • This will depend on which section of the army the Soldier works in.

Are you ?

interested in serving your country?

loyal?

a team player?

willing to train hard?

willing to be away from family and friends for long periods at a time?

responsible and reliable?

trustworthy?

calm under stress?

confident?

How do I become a Soldier?

Who can apply?

Must be South African

Must be 18 to 22 years old (currently completing matric or completed matric)

Must be 26 or younger (graduate with diploma or degree)

Must not be area bound (happy to move around SA)

Must have a clean criminal record

Must be preferably single

Must be fit and healthy (pass SADF fitness requirement test)

The SA Army’s way of recruiting is through The Military Skills Development Systems (MSDS).

It’s a 2 year contract, voluntary service system with the long-term aim of building the SADF’s capabilities.

During the 2 years you will receive:

1st year – military and functional training

2nd year – deployed to develop use your training and develop your skills

At the end of your second year you can decide if you want to continue as a volunteer or join the SADF on a permanent basis. The SADF will only recruit permanent members if you prove yourself.

There are 3 groups of applicants:

(1)    Applicants with Matric / Grade 12

Applicants will be chosen on educational performance, participation in sport and community involvement

After training, the SADF will then consider you for specializations.

(2)    Applicants with Matric / Grade 12 with VERY HIGH MARKS + exemption

Training that will focus on developing your leadership potential during the second year of deployment

After training, you may be selected for the Core Service System (CSS) studies at the Military Academy. Only candidates with Grade 12 exemption can be considered for studies at the Military Academy.

(3)    Applicants with a recognized 3 year diploma or degree

  • It will depend on our qualification at the time and what the SADF requires. These applicants will be earmarked for leadership development and or non-leader group training

Applications:

Applications usually take place between 1 Jan and 28 February: CLICK HERE

It’s up to you to double-check for the closing date.

  • Volunteer: Join the Reserve Force:

What qualifications do I need to be a soldier in SA?

Must be between the age of 18-22 with only Gr 12.

Must be between the age of 18-26 with post Gr 12 qualification.

Must be a South African citizen.

Be preferably single.

Must not be area bound.

Must be medically fit.

No criminal offence.

How long does it take to be a soldier in South Africa?

South African Army recruits undergo 22 weeks of basic military training (BMT), up from 14 weeks in 2005.

How much do soldiers earn in South Africa?

Average SANDF Soldier monthly pay in South Africa is approximately R 11 917, which is 18% above the national average. Salary information comes from 11 data points collected directly from employees, users, and past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months.

How much do soldiers in basic training get paid in South Africa?

The increases, with effect from December 1, will see the salary of a first-year Military Skills Development (MSD) trainee soldier rising from R2643 a month to R4318, that of a second-year trainee from R2643 to R5343, a private from R5286 to R7871, a lance corporal from R6149 to R8519, and a sergeant from R8962 to R10 ..

How do I join a soldier?

The following are the basic requirements for enlisting:

You must be a S.A. citizen or a resident alien.

Be between the ages of 17-34. .

Have a high school diploma.

Have no more than two dependents.

Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.

Pass a Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam.

What should I study to become a soldier?

Essential Qualification and Age for becoming a soldier in army varies from Non-metric to Metric with some time asking for math, science and English as main subjects.

Indian Army Soldier Eligibility.

CategoryEducationAge
Soldier General DutySSLC/Matric16-21 Years
Soldier TechnicalSSLC/Matric 45% aggregate16-23 Years

What does SA army do?

The primary function of the SANDF is to defend South Africa against external military aggression. 21 The other functions are secondary. However, it is important to highlight that, whenever a need arises, the SANDF is expected to render services to the communities of South Africa.

Do soldiers get paid during basic training?

Yes. You’ll be glad to hear you’re at least getting paid to struggle through challenges that will shape you into a soldier. During the in-processing of Week Zero, the Army will establish your military pay records and scale.

What subjects are needed to become a soldier in South Africa?

Grade 12 Applicants must be between the ages of 18 – 22 years; Graduates and/or other Tertiary Qualification up to the age of 26 years; Completed Grade 12 with (Average of 50% or level 4) (Mathematics and Science will be advantageous);

Where can I study military in South Africa

?The academy is a military unit of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) housing the Faculty of Military Science of the University of Stellenbosch.

South African Military Academy.

MottoDiscendo Armemus (Latin) (Arm yourself through Knowledge)
AffiliationsStellenbosch University South African National Defense Force

Can a South African join the US Army?

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to join the Army, but you do have to live here. You cannot join the military from a foreign country – you must become a permanent U.S. resident, AKA a green-card holder.

How many hours of sleep do you get at basic training In South Africa?

The Office of the Army Surgeon General recommends that soldiers sleep at least seven hours per night, although only a minimum of four hours is required during field training exercises.

How old do you have to be to join the Army South Africa?


If you would like to join the army reserves, you 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.