The SANDF are now recruiting for their Military Skills Development System 2026 2027 version, so if you would like to train and learn new skills, while earning and being a part of the country’s military, this popular opportunity could be for you.
SANDF Application Forms 2026 and 2027
The Military Skills Development System (MSDS) allows South African citizens to serve in the four arms of the military 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 get to practice their speciality at a base somewhere across the country.
General Requirements for the MSDS 2026/2027
- A South African Citizen (No dual citizenship).
- Age between 18 and 22 at the time of joining (Completed Grade 12 or N3 with 6 subjects including two languages) or not more than 26 if in possession of a 3-year tertiary qualification (Degree, National Diploma or N6 with N4 and N5 prescript).
- Preferably single.
- Comply with medical fitness requirements for appointment in the SANDF.
- Currently in Grade 12 or completed Grade 12 or equivalent with subjects specific to a career selection.
- Not be area bound.
- Must not have a criminal record.
- Comply with medical fitness requirements for appointment in the SANDF.
- Comply with all other prescribed requirements for appointment in the SANDF.
- Must be willing to relocate and participate in deployments both in South Africa and abroad if required to do so.
- Be recommended by a selection board.
Military Application Forms 2026 and 2027
Applicants are reminded that forms can be found at all SANDF regional offices as well as on the official SANDF website. SANDF reminds candidates that the application process is free and no amount of money is required to apply.
Members of the public are encouraged to report such actions or persons who demand money with the promise of employment in the SANDF to the nearest police station or SANDF unit and base.
SANDF Application Form 2026 2027 PDF
For this year’s MSDS there is only one application form. In previous years there were separate application forms for each of the different services within the military. This year there is only one form as all recruits complete the same basic training. During the basic training applicants can then apply for the different services.
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