South African Army Application Form for 2026
Are you ready to serve and protect your country? The South African Army Application Form for 2026 is now open for dedicated individuals who want to build a career in the military. Whether you’re interested in combat, engineering, logistics, or medical services, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) offers exciting opportunities for young South Africans to join the army and contribute to national security.
In this guide, we’ll provide all the essential details about the SA Army 2026 recruitment, including:
Eligibility Criteria & Requirements
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Dates & Deadlines
Training, Benefits & Career Growth
The South African Army is looking for physically fit, disciplined, and committed individuals who are ready to undergo intensive military training. If you’re passionate about serving your country and building a stable career, this is your chance!
Other Uniform Recruitment you might be interested to apply
South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) Application Form
South African Navy Application Form
Keep reading to find out how you can successfully apply for the SA Army 2026 intake and take the first step toward a rewarding military career.
Background of South African Army
The South African Army, 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.
Requirements South African Army Application Form for 2026
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 excl 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)
Tertiary Qualifications Required for South African Army Application for 2026 Intake
- N6 3 Year
- Diploma
- Degree
Attach Proof of Residence and/ or Letter from Village Chief, your CV and Copies of: ID, Matric Certificate (only statement of results for 2024 will be accepted) and Tertiary Qualifications
Closing Date for South African Army Application Form for 2026
- MSDS APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 28 March 2025
Click here to download the South African Army Application Form for 2026
Hand deliver your application to the nearest recruitment centre or via post at SA Army Recruitment postal address: SA Army HQ, Chief Directorate Army Corporate Services Directorate Army Human Resources, Recruitment Section Private Bag X981, Pretoria, 0001
If you have not been contacted by 31 December 2025, kindly consider your application to be unsuccessful.
Note: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EMPLOYMENT