The South African National Defence Force Reserves is a voluntary and part-time directorate of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The reserves provide guidance, assistance and expertise to our armed forces, and they’ll respond to crises that arise.
Requirements to join the reserves
If you would like to join the army reserves, you have to meet the following requirements:
- A South African citizen.
- Medically, mentally and battle fit.
- Between the ages of 18 and 26 years (the required age varies according to the category of training/service) when joining for the first time. This age restriction does not apply to applicants with professional or critical skill qualifications required.
- You must have the attributes and qualifications which are required for your training.
- You must be able to perform the service or duties attached to the post for which you apply.
- If you are employed, your employer must be willing to grant special leave for military activities within reasonable demands.
- Have no criminal record.
Training is provided to new recruits but due to the nature of the system, longer courses are presented in shorter flexible modules.
Other corps may require you to have existing qualifications in that specific field. For example, to join the Air Force Reserves an applicant must have aviation related expertise.
Where can you join?
For more information about joining the reserves you can contact SANDF’s Western Cape regional office at 021 787 1162 defres@telkomsa.net.
Does SA Army allow tattoos?
The army bans having a tattoo on the head, neck, and face. Tattoos above the shirt collar (class A) are not allowed. Tattoos below the wrist bone are allowed. Tattoos that hamper the professional appearance of the military are not allowed.
How long does SA Army training take?
22 weeks, South African Army recruits undergo 22 weeks of basic military training (BMT), up from 14 weeks in 2005. BMT is the first of a series of training periods undertaken at the SA Army Training Depot in Kimberley.