The South African Army
A volunteer and part-time division of the South African National Defense Force is the South African National Defence Force Reserves (SANDF). Our military forces receive advice, support, and expertise from the reserves, and they will intervene in emergencies.
Why You Ought To Enlist In The Reserves
By enlisting in the reserves, you can serve your country while also having the ability to help people in need during natural or man-made disasters. You have the chance to travel internationally while serving as a reserve, and your knowledge can enhance our nation’s defensive requirements. Additionally, you’ll get the chance to advance professionally and pick up additional abilities.
The Function Of Reserves
The Reserves’ duties include:
- Complement the regulars in the Defense Force’s continuous operations and activities.
- Both the standing and surge military force designs include them.
- Give the defense force the flexibility to expand for significant combat operations and crisis management.
- Provide the Defense Force with a few specialized, in-demand capabilities.
- Provide the primary specialized talents for development and reconstruction.
- Bolster connections between the military and the public and private sectors.
A Reserve member may choose to serve in any of the following corps (given that they have the necessary requirements) and support functions:
- Air Defence Artillery
- Armour
- Artillery
- Engineer
- Infantry
- Intelligence
- Signal
- Support functions:
- Personnel
- Logistics
- Finance
- Training
A serving member of the reserves receives all the benefits that are applicable to Regular Force members. These include:
- A salary,
- medical aid, and
- access to SANDF facilities.
How To Be A Soldier In South Africa
Direct recruitment or the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) are the two options for joining the South Africa Reserve Force Division.
Young South Africans who desire to pursue a career in the South African National Defence Force can do so through the Department of Defense’s MSDS program, which acts as an entry-level platform. You will serve a 2-year initial phase of voluntary service if you are chosen to join the South African National Defense Force through the MSDS. After your first two years of duty, you’ll be given the option to join the reserves on a five-year contract that can be extended until the age of 65.
Only those with specialized skills—engineers, IT pros, diesel mechanics, etc.—can be hired directly.
Requirements To Join The Army
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. This age restriction does not apply to applicants with professional or critical skill qualifications required.
- You must have the attributes and qualifications which are required for your training.
- You must be able to perform the service or duties attached to the post for which you apply.
- If you are employed, your employer must be willing to grant special leave for military activities within reasonable demands.
- Have no criminal record.
