The South African Army, through its Military Skills Development System (MSDS), is offering young South African citizens an opportunity to serve in uniform on a two-year contract.
- Year 1: Recruits receive military training and functional training.
- Year 2: Recruits are deployed where needed, applying their knowledge and developing their skills.
Application Window
- Start: 16 February 2026
- End: 27 March 2026
Forms are downloaded online; they are not available at recruitment centres. Check SANDF social media regularly.
- Download Application Form: https://bit.ly/4rR7iGD
- Regional Office Addresses: https://bit.ly/46csKxr
General Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen (no dual citizenship)
- Age 18–22 for Grade 12 applicants
- Age 18–26 for 3-year tertiary qualification or N6 holders at reporting
- Successfully completed Grade 12
- Admission Point Score (APS) of 17 and above (excluding Life Orientation)
- No criminal record or pending cases
- Must meet medical fitness requirements
- No visible tattoos on legs, lower arms, neck, or face
Other Requirements
- Minimum height: Females 148 cm, Males 155 cm
- Minimum weight: Females 48 kg, Males 52 kg
- BMI: Females 18.5–30, Males 19–30
- Applicants undergo:
- Drug testing
- Psychometric evaluation
- Medical evaluation
- Criminal record verification
- Qualification verification
Career Options in the SA Army
| Career | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|
| Infantry, Armour, Artillery, Air Defence Artillery | Standard requirements |
| Intelligence / Defence Intelligence | Height ≥ 1.65 m; Grade 12 with Bachelor’s pass; English L4, Mathematics L4, Physical Science L4, Geography & History L4 |
| Engineering | Mathematics & Physical Science L3 |
| Signalers, Human Resources, Logistics, Fire & Rescue | Mathematics & Physical Science L5 |
| Hospitality, Music, Technical Service | Mathematics & Physical Science L3 |
| Military Police, Ammunition | Mathematics & Physical Science L5 or N3 Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, fitting and turning |
Application Process
- How to Apply: Hand-deliver your application to the nearest SA Army recruitment centre or submit via post to the official address on the application form.
- Required Documents: Certified copies of ID, Grade 12 certificate, tertiary qualifications (if applicable), and updated CV.
The 2026 Military Skills Development System (MSDS) application form for the 2027 Intake is now available. Applications open today, 16 February 2026, and will close on 27 March 2026. Please use the links below to download the application form and to view the list of regional office addresses where completed forms must be submitted. Application Form: https://bit.ly/4rR7iGD, Regional Office Addresses: https://bit.ly/46csKxr
