Military Skills Development System (MSDS) Intake for 2026 – South African Army | Apply with Matric

Deadline: 28th March 2025

The South African Army is now accepting applications for the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) intake for 2026. This is an opportunity for young South African citizens to serve on a two-year contract. During this period, recruits will undergo military training and gain hands-on functional training, with deployments to various areas in the second year.

Closing Date: 28 March 2025

Eligibility Criteria

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

• Citizenship: South African citizen (No dual citizenship).
• Age:
  • 18-22 years for Grade 12 candidates.
  • 18-26 years for candidates with a 3-year tertiary qualification or N6.
• Grade 12 Completed with an APS of 17 and above, excluding Life Orientation.
• No criminal record or pending cases.
• Medical Fitness: Must meet the required medical standards.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Minimum height:
    • Females: 148cm
    • Males: 155cm
  • Minimum weight:
    • Females: 48kg
    • Males: 52kg
  • BMI:
    • Females: 18.5-30
    • Males: 19-30

Additional Requirements

• No visible tattoos on legs, lower arms, neck, or face.
• Drug testing, psychometric evaluations, medical checks, and criminal record verification will be conducted.
• Applicants must be from South Africa, with specific height and physical fitness criteria for certain roles.

Career Opportunities Within the SA Army

The MSDS intake covers a wide range of career paths within the Army, including:

• Infantry
• Armour
• Artillery
• Air Defence Artillery
• Engineering (Mathematics and Physical Science required)
• Signalers, Logistics, Fire & Rescue
• Military Police
• Ammunition (Engineering-related)
• Intelligence, Music, Technical Services, Human Resources, and more.

Specific roles may have additional qualifications or subject requirements.

How to Apply

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Documents Required:
   • Your CV
   • Certified Copies of ID and Matric Certificate (Statement of Results for 2023 is accepted)
   • Tertiary Qualifications, if applicable
2. Application Submission:
   • By Post: Send your application to:
     • SA Army HQ, Chief Directorate Army Corporate Services, Directorate Army Human Resources, Recruitment Section, Private Bag 981, Pretoria, 0001
   • In Person: Hand deliver to your nearest recruitment centre or the address above.
3. Enquiries:
   • For more information, you can contact the following numbers:
     • Tel: 012 355 1438 / 2130
     • Website: www.army.mil.za

DOWNLOAD THE SOUTH AFRICAN ARMY APPLICATION FORM HERE

Closing Date

The final date to submit your application is 28 March 2025.

If you haven’t heard back by 31 December 2025, consider your application unsuccessful.