A wide variety of careers are offered in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which consists of the Regular Force, Part-time Force and the Reserves. The operational structure of the SANDF comprises the SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy and the SA Medical Service. Each of these divisions of the service has a specific task to perform. The various staff divisions namely, the Personnel, Intelligence, Operations, Logistics and Finance divisions provide staff-related support to each arm of the service.
What career opportunities does the SANDF offer?
Careers as specialist officers
The SANDF offers the following specialist careers: Medical officer, medical specialist, pharmacist, veterinarian, psychologist, architect, constructor, audio engineer, engineer, quantity surveyor, land surveyor, inspector of works, archivist, military historian, librarian, documentation officer, communications officer, dietician, physical education officer, military law adviser, language officer, ethnologist, director of music, cryptographer, chaplain, anti-corrosion officer, town and regional planner, technical munitions officer, lecturer, public relations officer, organisation and work study officer, anatomist, statistician, optometrist, welfare officer, physiologist and biochemist.
Apprentices and tradesmen
In the SANDF apprentices and qualified artisans in the various trades are given the opportunity to acquire the highest skills in their chosen field. There are approximately 80 different musterings in electronics, mechanical and instrumentation trades.
Special military careers
Some of the many special military careers in various Arms of the Service are:
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
You have to be medically fit and at least 16 years old. You must also be a South African citizen.
What kind of school training do I need?
What further training do I need?
Apart from the basic training offered at all the arms of the service, the SANDF also offers in-service training, which may include academic training at the Military Academy at Saldanha, technikons and technical colleges. Each arm of the service also offers training for specialised work.
The best time to join the SANDF is just after leaving school. The SANDF provides excellent training opportunities, which could qualify one for other careers after a term of service in the military. A good military record is always an asset.
Where can I get further information?