Requirements to Join the Army in South Africa

On this page, I will guide you on what the requirements to join the South African Army are. First of all, there are specific subjects required to join most of the SA Army. However, when it comes to roles such as Infantry (ground soldiers focused on direct combat), almost anyone who has passed Grade 12, can virtually qualify to join, provided that they meet other very important requirements, such as medical fitness, a clean criminal record, and more.

Below are the more specialised job roles that do requires specific Grade 12 subjects achievements:

• Defence Intelligence (Gr 12 with Bachelor’s pass, with English L4, Mathematics and Physical Science L4, Geography and History L4),
• Engineering (Mathematics and Physical Science L3),
• Signalers, Human Resources, Logistics, Fire & Rescue (Mathematics and Physical Science L5),
• Hospitality, Music, Technical Service (Mathematics and Physical Science L3),
• Military Police, Ammunition (Mathematics and Physical Science L5 or N3 Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, fitting and turning)

Here’s a list of 15 main requirements to join the South African Army’s Military Skills Development System:

1. South African citizen only (no dual citizenship)
2. Age 18-22 years for Grade 12 applicants
3. Age up to 26 years for graduates or those with tertiary qualifications
4. Successfully completed Grade 12
5. Minimum average of 50% in Grade 12 (Math and Science advantageous)
6. APS score of 17 or higher (excluding Life Orientation)
7. Leadership potential
8. Must not be area-bound
9. No criminal record or pending cases
10. Comply with medical fitness requirements
11. Minimum height for females: 148 cm
12. Minimum height for males: 155 cm
13. Minimum weight for females: 48 kg
14. Minimum weight for males: 52 kg
15. Must pass psychometric tests, medical evaluations, and background checks.

Now, let’s say you meet all the requirements above, now what’s next?

How to Join the SA Army?

Before you consider joining the SA Army, you must know which type of military personnel you want to be.

Step 1: Know which military role/job you will be applying for

Below are the different job types in the SA Military:

Combat Mustering:

• Infantry: Ground soldiers focused on direct combat.
• Armour: Operates tanks and armored vehicles.
• Artillery: Manages large weapons like cannons and howitzers.
• Air Defence: Protects against enemy aircraft.
• Intelligence: Gathers and analyses military information.
• Engineers: Constructs, demolishes, and maintains infrastructure.
• Signals: Manages military communication systems.
• Special Forces: Elite units for specialized missions.

Support Mustering:

• HR: Manages personnel and administration.
• Logistics: Oversees supplies and equipment.
• Technical: Maintains and repairs equipment.
• Catering: Prepares and manages food services.
• Fire & Rescue: Handles emergency situations and rescues.
• Music: Performs ceremonial music and morale-building.
• Military Police: Enforces military laws and discipline.
• Ammunition: Manages and stores weaponry and ammunition.

Step 2: Complete the form and submit

Download the SA Army form HERE.

Then, hand deliver your application to the nearest recruitment centre or via post at SA Army Recruitment postal address:

SA Army HQ, Chief Directorate Army Corporate Services

Directorate Army Human Resources, Recruitment Section

Private Bag X981,

Pretoria,

0001