A Comprehensive Guide on How to Apply to SANDF

Are you interested in pursuing a career with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)? The Department of Defence is seeking young, fit, and healthy individuals who are citizens of South Africa. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to become a member of the SANDF Reserves.

Application Process for SANDF

Applications for the SANDF are open once a year. You can find the application form published in various newspapers and on the Careers Portal website.

The SANDF Reserves operate as a voluntary, part-time branch of the armed forces. Reserves provide essential support and expertise to the military and respond to emergencies as needed.

By joining the reserves, you have the chance to serve your country and offer humanitarian aid during natural disasters or crises. Your skills can significantly contribute to the nation’s defense needs, and being a reserve member also opens up opportunities for international travel.

Professional Growth

Being part of the reserves allows for professional development and the acquisition of new skills. You can serve in one of the following corps, provided you meet the necessary requirements:

Air Defence Artillery
Armour
Artillery
Engineer
Infantry
Intelligence
Signal
Support Functions:

Personnel
Logistics
Finance
Training
As a reserve member, you will receive benefits similar to those of regular force members, which include:

A competitive salary
Medical aid
Access to SANDF facilities
Application Timeline
Wondering when applications will open this year? Click the READ MORE link to find out!

Joining the Reserve Force

You can join the South African Reserve Force Division through two routes: the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) or direct recruitment.

The MSDS is a program designed for young South Africans seeking a career in the SANDF. If selected, you will undergo an initial two-year voluntary service period. Afterward, you will be offered a five-year contract to continue in the reserves, with the option for renewal until the age of 65.

Direct recruitment is available for individuals with specialized skills, such as engineers, IT specialists, and diesel mechanics.

Eligibility Criteria

To join the army reserves, you must meet the following requirements:

Be a South African citizen

Be medically, mentally, and physically fit
Be between the ages of 18 and 26 at the time of your first application (age restrictions may vary based on training/service category; applicants with professional skills may be exempt)
Possess the necessary attributes and qualifications for your desired training
Be able to fulfill the duties associated with the position you are applying for
If employed, your employer must be willing to grant reasonable leave for military duties
Have a clear criminal record
Training will be provided to new recruits, but due to the system’s structure, courses are often condensed into flexible modules. Some corps may require existing qualifications; for example, applicants for the Air Force Reserves should have relevant aviation expertise.

Eligibility for the MSDS Program

To qualify for the MSDS, you must:

Be a South African citizen
Be between 18 and 22 years old (graduates can be up to 26)
Be currently pursuing or have completed the National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
Have no geographical restrictions
Have no criminal record
Preferably be single
Meet the medical fitness standards required for appointment in the SANDF
Be ready to undergo Basic Military Training, Functional Training, and serve in uniform