South African Army MSDS 2026: Application Guide and Requirements

Are you ready to serve your country and embark on an exciting career in the military? The South African Army is inviting young, motivated citizens to apply for the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) – 2026 Intake. This two-year program offers a unique opportunity to receive military training, develop valuable skills, and serve South Africa with pride.

Closing Date: 28 March 2025

What is the Military Skills Development System (MSDS)?

The MSDS is a two-year contract program that provides young South Africans with military and functional training. During the first year, recruits undergo military training followed by specialized functional training. In the second year, they are deployed where needed, gaining practical experience while applying their skills.

General Requirements

To apply for the MSDS 2026 intake, you must meet the following requirements:

• RSA Citizenship (No dual citizenship allowed)
• Age:
  • 18 – 22 years (Grade 12 qualification)
  • 18 – 26 years (3-Year Tertiary Qualification or N6) when reporting
• Educational Requirements:
  • Successfully completed Grade 12
  • Admission Point Score (APS) of 17 and above (excluding Life Orientation)
• No Criminal Record or pending cases
• Medical Fitness: Must meet the medical fitness requirements for the appointment
• No Visible Tattoos on legs, lower arms, neck, or face

Additional Requirements

• Minimum Height and Weight:
  • Females: Minimum height 148 cm, minimum weight 48 kg
  • Males: Minimum height 155 cm, minimum weight 52 kg
• Body Mass Index (BMI):
  • Females: BMI 18.5 – 30
  • Males: BMI 19 – 30
• Selection Process: Applicants will undergo:
  • Drug testing
  • Psychometric and medical evaluations
  • Criminal record verification
  • Pre-screening and qualification verification

Available Career Opportunities in the SA Army

The MSDS program provides training and career opportunities in the following fields:

• Infantry
• Armour
• Artillery
• Air Defence Artillery
• Intelligence (Height requirement: 1.65 m)
• Defence Intelligence: (Grade 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 L4)
• Hospitality
• Music
• Technical Services (Mathematics and Physical Science L3)
• Military Police
• Ammunition (Mathematics and Physical Science L5 or N3 in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, fitting and turning)

How to Apply

Hand Deliver or Post Your Application to the Nearest Recruitment Centre:

• SA Army HQ, Chief Directorate Army Corporate Services
• Directorate Army Human Resources, Recruitment Section
• Private Bag X981, Pretoria, 0001

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM

Required Documents

Attach the following documents to your application:

• Proof of Residence and/or Letter from Village Chief
• Your CV
• Certified copies of:
  • ID
  • Matric Certificate (Only the statement of results for 2024 will be accepted)
  • Tertiary Qualifications (if applicable)

Regional Recruitment Offices and Contact Details

• Free State: Army Support Base Bloemfontein, Pappa Brits Street, Tempe, Bloemfontein, 9300 | Enquiries: 051 402 1262
• Western Cape: Castle of Good Hope, Block C, C/O Buiten and Strand Street, Cape Town, 8000 | Enquiries: 021 787 1023/4
• Limpopo: Army Support Base, Gateway Road, Polokwane, 0699 | Enquiries: 015 299 3318
• KwaZulu-Natal: Lords Ground Military Base, 186 Old Ford Road, Durban | Enquiries: 012 339 5042
• Eastern Cape: Army Support Base, Willow Drive, Forest Hill, Port Elizabeth, 6013 | Enquiries: 041 505 1101/1268
• Northern Cape: Army Support Base, Kimberley, General Khan Van Der Spuy Avenue, Diskobolos, Kimberley, 8301 | Enquiries: 053 830 3204
• North West: Army Support Base, Grobler Street (R53) and Eleazer Road, Potchefstroom, 2531 | Enquiries: 018 289 3322
• Gauteng: Recruitment Office, C/O Visagie and Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001 | Enquiries: 012 339 5718/5754/5042
• Mpumalanga:
  • Army Support Base: 8 Spruit Street, Mbombela, 1201 | Enquiries: 013 756 2113/2181
  • 4 South African Infantry Battalion: C/O Dr Beyers Naude and Boncker Street, Middleburg, 1050 | Enquiries: 013 249 3534

Important Dates and Information

• Application Closing Date: 28 March 2025
• If you have not been contacted by 31 December 2025, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.
• Note: The SA National Defence Force DOES NOT have any online application system. Forms can only be obtained from the above-mentioned venues.

Contact Details for Enquiries

• Tel: 012 355 1438 / 2130
• Website: www.army.mil.za

Important Notices

• Application forms are NOT for sale.
• The Department of Defence reserves the right to employment.
• This is a unique opportunity to serve your country and develop valuable skills. If you meet the requirements and have the passion to serve, APPLY NOW!