APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 ARE OPEN

APPLICATION FOR MILITARY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM (MSDS) - 2025 INTAKE

By Thabo Monamodi · Feb 11, 2024
APPLICATION FOR MILITARY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM (MSDS) - 2025 INTAKE picture

The South African Defense Force offers annual training opportunities through the Military Skills Development Programme, with applications typically opening around February each year. This program comprises four divisions, each offering unique pathways for individuals seeking to join the armed forces.

1. SA Army Military Skills Development System (MSDS)

The SA Army focuses on maintaining combat-ready forces and plays a vital role in the nation's landward defense capability. Aspiring candidates can apply for the SA Army MSDS with the provided application form. 

Background

The South African Army, through its Military Skills Development System (MDS), is offering young South African citizens an opportunity to serve in uniform on a two-year contract. The recruits will receive military training and other tactical training in their first year of service. During the second year of service they will be deployed where needed and given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and develop their skills.

General Requirements:

  • RSA Citizen (No dual citizenship)
  • 18-22 years of age (Gr 12)
  • 18-26 (3 years Tertiary Qualification or N6) when reporting
  • Successfully completed Grade 12
  • Admission Point Score (APS) of 17 and above excluding Life Orientation (LO)
  • Have no criminal record or pending cases
  • Comply with medical fitness requirements for the appointment
  • No Visible tattoos (Legs, lower arm, neck and face)

Other Requirements

  • Minimum height Females 148cm, Males 155cm and Minimum weight Females 48kg, Males 52kg (Females BMI: 18,5-30; Males BMI: 19-30)
  • Applicants will be subjected to drug testing, Psychometric and medical evaluation, verification of Criminal record, pre-screening and verification of qualifications.

Careers within the SA Army and other specifications:

  • Infantry, Armour, Artillery, Air Defence Artillery, Intelligence (height requirement 1,65m), 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)

 

Click here to download the application form.

 

2. SA Air Force Military Skills Development System

The SA Air Force is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment. Candidates selected for the SA Air Force MSDS undergo comprehensive training for two years, equipping them with essential military skills and technical knowledge. There are opportunities for both pilot training and technical trades. 

Background

The South African Air Force, through its Military Skills Development System (MSDS), is offering young South African citizens an opportunity to serve in uniform on a two-year contract. The recruits will receive military training and further functional training in their first year of service. During the second year of service, they will be deployed where needed and given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and develop their skills.

General Requirements:

  • RSA Citizen (No dual citizenship)
  • 18-22 years of age (Gr 12)
  • 18-26 (3 years Tertiary Qualification or N6) when reporting
  • Admission Point Score (APS) 17 and above excluding Life Orientation (LO)
  • Have no criminal record or pending cases
  • Comply with medical fitness requirements for the appointment
  • No Visible tattoos (Legs, lower arm, neck and face)

Select one of the following careers in SUPPORT CAREERS:

  • Communications Operator (Gr 12 with Mathematics essential Level 4 or Maths Literacy Level 5)
  • Fire Fighter (Gr 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science essential Level 3)
  • Human Resources Clerk (Gr 12)
  • Hospitality Services (Gr 12)
  • Material Support Clerk (Gr 12)
  • Radar Reporting Operator (Mathematics Level 4 or higher)
  • Protection Services (Gr 12)
  • Material Support Clerk Admin (Gr 12)
  • Flight Operations Management (Gr 12 with Mathematics Level 4 or Maths Literacy Level 5)
  • Defence Intelligence (Gr 12 with Bachelors pass, English Level 4, Mathematics and Physical Science Level 4, Geography and History Level 4)
  • Military Police (Gr 12)

Click here to download the application Form.

 

3. SA Navy Military Skills Development System

The SA Navy's primary mission is to safeguard South Africa's coastlines and marine resources. Operating from naval bases in Simon's Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth, the SA Navy offers training programs for aspiring sailors. To apply for the SA Navy MSDS and view the requirements.

Background

The South African Navy (SAN), through its Military Skills Development System (MDS), is offering young South African citizens an opportunity to serve in uniform on a two-year contract. The recruits will receive military training and further functional training in their first year of service. During the second year of service they will be deployed where needed and given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and develop their skills.

General Requirements:

  • RSA Citizen (No dual citizenship)
  • 18-22 years of age (successfully completed Gr 12)
  • 18-26 (3 years Tertiary Qualification or N6) when reporting
  • Have no criminal record or pending cases
  • Comply with medical fitness requirements for the appointment
  • No Visible tattoos (Legs, lower arm, neck and face)

Select one of the following fields of interest:

Combat

  • Combat applicants aged between 18-22
  • Must have completed Gr 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science with at least Level 4 for both subjects (NO Mathematical Literacy), excluding Life Orientation

Engineering and/or Technical

  • Engineering and Technical applicants aged between 18-22
  • Must have completed Gr 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science with at least Level 4 for both subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering with N6 and Trade Test

Support

  • Support applicants aged between 18-22
  • Must have completed Gr 12

click here to download the application form.

 

4. SA Military Health Service (SAMHS) Skills Development System

Background

The South African Military Health Service (SAMHS), through its Military Skills Development System (MSDS), is offering young South African citizens an opportunity to serve in uniform on a two-year contract. The Recruits will receive military training and further functional training in their first year of service. During the second year of service they will be deployed where needed and given opportunity to apply their knowledge and develop their skills.

General Requirements:

  • RSA Citizen (No dual citizenship)
  • 18-22 years of age (Gr 12)
  • 18-26 (3 years Tertiary Qualification or N6) when reporting
  • Successfully completed Grade 12
  • Admission Point Score (APS) of 24 and above excluding Life Orientation (LO)
  • Have no criminal record or pending cases
  • Comply with medical fitness requirements for the appointment
  • No Visible tattoos (Legs, lower arm, neck and face)

Select one of the following fields of interest:

  • Patient Administration (Gr 12 with ALL the Subjects: English Level 4, Mathematics/ Literacy (Lit) Level 3, Life Science Level 3 and Geography/Physical Science Level 3)
  • Logistics (Gr 12 with ALL the Subjects: English Level 4, Mathematics/ Literacy (Lit) Level 3, Life Science Level 3 and Geography/Physical Science Level 3)
  • Medical Support Operations (Gr 12 with ALL the Subjects: English Level 4, Mathematics/ Literacy (Lit) Level 3, Life Science Level 3 and Geography/Physical Science Level 3)
  • Dog Handler (Gr 12 with ALL the Subjects: English Level 4, Mathematics/ Literacy (Lit) Level 3, Life Science Level 3 and Geography/Physical Science Level 3)
  • Counter Intelligence (Gr 12 with ALL the Subjects: English Level 4, Mathematics/ Literacy (Lit) Level 3, Life Science Level 3 and Geography/Physical Science Level 3)
  • Corporate Communication (Gr 12 plus a Degree in Communication/Diploma in Public Relations and Joumalism)
  • Human Resource Management (Gr 12 with ALL the Subjects: Mathematics [NO Maths Lit] Level 5, Physical Science (Level 5) and Life Science Level 4)
  • Environmental Health (Pest Control Operator) (Gr 12 with ALL the Subjects: Mathematics [NO Maths Lit] Level 5, Physical Science (Level 5) and Life Science Level 4)
  • Musician
  • Dental Assistant (Gr 12 with ALL Subjects: English Level 4, Mathematics Level 2, Life Science Level 4, or 18-22 with Dental Assistance Certificate and HPCSA registration)
  • Nursing Diploma (Gr 12 with ALL Subjects on Level 4: English, Life Science and Mathematics Literacy)
  • Auxiliary Nursing (Gr 12 with ALL Subjects on Level 3: English, Life Science and Mathematics/Literacy)
  • Emergency Care Assistant (Gr 12 with ALL Subjects: English Level 4, Mathematics Level 3 [NO Maths Lit], Physical Science Level 3 and Life Science Level 4)
  • Emergency Medical Care (Gr 12 with ALL the following Subjects: English Level 5, Mathematics Level 4 [NO Maths Lit], Physical Science Level 4 and Life Science Level 4 APS 26)

click here to download the application form.

 

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