Are you young and fit and interested in serving in defence of you your country? The South African Police Force, the Army, Navy and Air force all offer excellent career opportunities for you. The defence forces have excellent job security with free education in an your area of excellence. Service fields require that you are:
- A South African Citizen
- At least 18 years of age
- Have completed Gr 12 successfully
- Have no criminal record
- Be willing to serve in uniform
- Be medically fit
Apply to the Army, Navy and Air Force in FEBRUARY. You will hear the result by SEPTEMBER. The 2018 application form is available here. If you are currently in Matric, you cannot apply until next year February to start in October. This means you will have a year that you need to fill in with other activities. You can phone an army recruiter, contact details here. Read this website for more information on how to join.
The Police Force advertise their recruitment phases in public listings such as newspapers. More information on their application process is available here.
Army
The SA Army provides combat ready forces. The Military Skills Development System is a two-year voluntary service system. Members undergo basic training and corps training during the first year and deployment during the second year. There are many different corps available, each with focus on a specific service delivery. These include engineering, intelligence, catering and much more. The army prepares you for your career both in service and when you leave.
Your CV is the most important part of your application. The focus is on educational performance, participation in sport and community involvement. Cognitive ability, motivation and determination to join the SA Army are also considered. Applicants with a Matric Bachelor pass, above average grades and leadership potential may be selected to study at the Military Academy. Applicants with a University Bachelor Degree can also apply for various army positions and the age limit is higher for graduates.
There is a really helpful summary of what happens during basic training here. The stipend for basic training is R2000/ month. After that you apply for positions in the army that have their own salaries.
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Navy
The SA Navy provides a seaward military service. This is achieved through maritime operations, assistance and support operations and hydrographical services. Like the army, the Navy offers a two year voluntary period of services. They equip recruits with necessary skills for a career with the navy and also for general employment. Training begins with Military training and is followed by Functional Training.
Combat applicants as well as Engineering and Technical applicants must have at least a code 4 for Maths and Physical Science (50-59%). These applicants become Officers who are trained to lead in maritime warfare. Finance Officers also form an important leadership function. Officers can complete an appropriate University Degree during training. You still need to get the required entry marks to be accepted at a university – being in the navy is not a backdoor entry! Having a code 4 for Maths and Physics does not guarantee an offer of a place. Out of 15 000 applications only 500 places are offered. After academic screening, the best candidates complete a psychometric test, interview and medical before final selection.
Non-commissioned officers are responsible for much of the hands-on work and often also hold trade certificates as shipwrights, electronic fitters and mechanical fitters.
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Contact Details
SOUTH AFRICAN ARMY; Telephone: (012) 355-1492/1150 Fax: (012) 355-1032
SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE Telephone: (012) 312-2033 (012) 312-1188(012) 312-2639 Fax: (012) 312-1347
SOUTH AFRICAN NAVY Telephone: (012) 339-4145 Fax: (012) 399-4112
To read about starting a career with the South African Police Force and Air Force, look out for Part 2 of this blog next week.
See Part 2 for information on the Air force and the Police force.
