On this page, i will guide thoroughly on how to make the right subject choice towards becoming a soldier in South Africa. The subjects explained here will be based on what the South African National Defence Force require from the new recruits in various departments.
In the South African military, there are many job types from various departments that new recruits can apply for, such as: Defence Intelligence, Engineering, Signalers, Human Resources, Logistics, Fire & Rescue, Hospitality, Music, Technical Service, Military Police, and Ammunition.
For all these military divisions, there are specific Grade 12 subject requirements which you should have:
- Defence Intelligence – Requirements are: Grade 12 with Bachelor’s pass, with English L4, Mathematics and Physical Science L4, Geography and History L4,
- Engineering – Requirements are: Grade 12 Bachelor’s pass with Mathematics and Physical Science Level 3,
- Signalers, Human Resources, Logistics, Fire & Rescue – Requirements are: Grade 12 Bachelor’s pass with Mathematics and Physical Science Level 5)
- Hospitality, Music, Technical Service – Requirements are: Grade 12 Bachelor’s pass, with Mathematics and Physical Science Level 3
- Military Police, Ammunition – Requirements are: Grade 12 Bachelor’s pass, with Mathematics and Physical Science Level 5 or N3 Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, fitting and turning.
Now, if you simply want to become a soldier, and do not want to fulfil one of the above roles, you do not need any particular high school subjects. You just need to meet the minimum requirements for new recruits, such as:
- South African citizen only (no dual citizenship)
- Age 18-22 years for Grade 12 applicants
- Age up to 26 years for graduates or those with tertiary qualifications
- Grade 12 Certificate
- Minimum average of 50% in Grade 12 (Math and Science advantageous)
- APS score of 17 or higher (excluding Life Orientation)
- Must not be area-bound
- No criminal record or pending cases
- Comply with medical fitness requirements
- Minimum height for females: 148 cm
- Minimum height for males: 155 cm
- Minimum weight for females: 48 kg
- Minimum weight for males: 52 kg
- Must pass psychometric tests, medical evaluations, and background checks.
For in case you would like to apply, below is the form that you can complete:
