South African Army Foundation Bursary
The South African Army Application form And Training
THE SOUTH AFRICAN ARMY
The SA Army’s mandate centres on the provisioning of combat-ready forces and the leading role it has to play in the development of the Army component of the landward defence capability. The SA Army, its members
one in spirit, has the commanding presence and the power of a pride of lions, forever professional and ready, making a difference in serving South Africa, no matter where and under what circumstances.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN ARMY MILITARY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT (MSD) PROGRAMME
The MSD programme is a two-year voluntary service system with the long-term goal of enhancing the SA National
Defence Force’s deployment capability. Recruits are required to sign up for a period of two years, during which they will receive military training and further functional training in their first year of service. During the second year of service, depending on the duration of their functional orientation, they will be deployed where needed and given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and develop their skills.
This MSD programme serves as an introduction to the military way of life for all members who are joining the SA Army for the first time. Towards the end of the second year, the member will be offered the opportunity for further service in the SA Army or leave the Army. The opportunity for further service will mainly depend on the member’s performance over
the two years and the availability of posts in the relevant functional field and whether or not he or she has been
recommended for further service. Members who are not recommended for, or who are not interested in continuing with their service in the Regular Force, will be required to serve in the Reserve Force after completion of the initial two-year period. This entails 30 days service per annum over a 5 year period.
REQUIREMENTS
South African citizen
Age between 18 and 22 (Graduates up to the age of 26)
Currently in Grade 12 or completed
Not area bound
No record of a criminal offence
Preferably single
Comply with medical fitness requirements for appointment in the SANDF
Be prepared to Basic Military Training, Functional Training and to serve in uniform
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Applications will be divided into three groups: Applicants in possession of a recognized University Degree/ 3 -year Diploma (MSD Graduates)
The nature of the degree will be evaluated against the need of the Army for such skills at the given time. Applicants will be informed as to whether they will be invited for further selection.
These applicants will be earmarked for leadership development and or non-leadergroup training. Leadership potential will be assessed as part of the selection process. Applicants with above average school grades and leadership potential A(MSD Applicants)
These applicants will be earmarked for training that will focus primarily on developing their leadership potential during the first year of training. After successful completion of these training courses, the members can be selected for studies at the Military Academy, or receive further training and fill leadership positions in one of the many functional fields in the Army. Only candidates with Grade 12 exemption can be considered for studies at the Military Academy.
Applicants with Grade 12 (MSD Applicants) Applications will be screened according to a CV, focussing on educational performance, participation in sport and community involvement. Further selection will mainly focus on cognitive ability, motivation and determination to join the SA Army. After successful completion of Basic Military Training, members will be earmarked for further training, the nature of which will mainly depend on the Army’s need for those services at the given time. The member’s preference will also be taken into account where possible. The bulk of the members will receive further training in Combat orientated divisions, although some members will receive training in the support branches such as Personnel, Catering and Ordinance support services, etc.
INFANTRY CORPS
The infantry is the nucleus of any army and as a result it is the largest fighting corps in the SA Army. The infantry is expected to attack the enemy under any conditions; this requires courage, fitness and initiative. In order to attack the enemy with confidence, weapon training and field craft is the most important part of training. An infantry member is usually a foot soldier, although it is not uncommon to fight from infantry combat vehicles. Infantry soldiers can also be transported by helicopter, aircraft, parachute, and a multitude of other methods. Versatility is an important characteristic
of the infantry.
INTELLIGENCE CORPS
The aim of the SAArmy Intelligence Corps is to prepare and provide combat ready intelligence functionaries and user systems for deployment, and to forecast what the enemy is planning, where and how they execute their task, at what time or period and with what strengths they can accomplish this.
Intelligence is the product resulting from the collection, evaluation, analysis, integration and interpretation of all available information regarding the enemy and its environment. The information obtained is immediately or potentially significant for military planning and operations .
The collection of information is mainly conducted by means of battlefield surveillance which is the continued and systematic guarding of the battlefield to gather information timeously for tactical ground actions against the enemy, targets and for the conquering of terrain.
Battlefield surveillance is conducted by well-trained surveillance teams that deploy close to the enemy positions by means of specialist skills.
ARMOUR CORPS
Dedicated well-trained crews in tanks and armoured cars form the Iron Fist of South Africa. Members are trained in a variety of areas such as Mobile Long Range Anti-Tank weapons, Olifant Tank, Rooikat armoured car crew members) as well as truck drivers and administrative personnel.
The main equipment of the armoured corps is the tank. The armoured car is usually used for reconnaissance. Crew members must be technically inclined, display innovative thinking and action as well as fast, yet aggressive reaction. The armoured corps offers various opportunities and challenges to persons with an interest in heavy weaponry and technologically advanced equipment.
DEPENDING ON THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SA ARMY, YOU MAY BE SELECTED FOR FURTHER TRAINING IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
ENGINEER CORPS
Our Motto “Ubique” Latin for Everywhere.Military Engineering is as old as war itself. Throughout centuries sappers, or Military Engineers as they are commonly known, had to make paths, build bridges, erect and breach obstacles during the conduct of war. Engineers help the Army to move, to fight and to survive.
The SAArmy Engineer Corps system consists of the Combat Engineer, Engineer Intelligence (which includes terrain intelligence, surveying, cartography and printing), operational construction as well as engineer logistics components. The corps is responsible for Engineer support to all types of forces during all types of operations and under all circumstances. This corps have various duties. They build bridges, demolish bridges and structures, lay and lift mines , build roads and
airfields, produce maps, etc. Candidates must be in possession of Grade 12 Mathematics. Subjects such as Geography and or Physical Science are preferable.
AIR DEFENCE ARTILLERY CORPS
The aim of the Air Defence Artillery Corps is to provide combat ready Air Defence Artillery forces for the SAArmy, whilst playing the leading role in sustaining credible, cohesive, joint landward defence capability.
The Air Defence Artillery is responsible to protect our troops, supplies and important installations like airports, power plants and dams from attack
by enemy aircraft. Experience the adrenaline rush while firing a 35mm gun at 1050 rounds/m with an effective range of 4000m, while making use of the most advanced radar system in the world, or fire a Starstreak Missile moving at a speed of Mach 3. Candidates who have passed Mathematics and or Physical Science are preferable.
ARTILLERY CORPS
It is the role of the artillery to destroy the enemy, preferably prior to contact with own Infantry and Armour, by means of firepower. Successful candidates will be employed in a digital and technologically advanced environment. Employment in leader and non-leader group posts will give the member access to state of the art training and personal development. Non-leader group members can look forward to be trained as Drivers of Artillery Specialist vehicles, Rocket, Mortar, G5 and G6 gun crew members,
Artillery Surveying Assistants and Artillery Regimental Signalers.
Members selected as leaders can be employed as Rocket, Mortar, G5 and G6 gun commanders, Artillery Surveying Assistants, Artillery Fire Control Officers, Artillery Observation Officers and Instructors of artillery specialized equipment. Members with cognitive as well as physical perseverance may apply for employment. Leader group candidates must have passed Mathematics and or Physical Science in Grade 12.
ORDNANCE SERVICE CORPS (OSC)
The primary role of the OSC is the effective acquisition, receipt, storing, safekeeping, preservation, maintenance, accounting, distribution and disposal of clothing, accommodation, ammunition, vehicles, fuel and spares within the SA Army. The OSC also delivers specialized services to the SA Army, which includes computer services, Air Supply and Nature Conservation.The OSC keeps the forces moving!
TECHNICAL SERVICE CORPS (TSC)
The Technical Service Corps (TSC) provides technical support in the SA Army, that includes integrated technical maintenance, eg mechanical, electrical and electronical repair, as well as the recovery of vehicle casualties to ensure a specified state of combat readiness. The TSC consists of learners, qualified Artisans and Officers, each specialized in a specific mustering. Learners must be at least in possession of a Grade 12/N3 certificate and must have passed Mathematics.
SA AMMUNITION CORPS (SAAMMU C)
The role and function of the SAAmmu C is to ensure that only safe and effective ammunition is supplied to the DOD and other users. Their functions includes participation in research and development, quality assurance, unit inspection, maintenance and disposal of ammunition. Candidates must have a sound psychological profile exhibiting a high degree of intelligence, steadiness and an aptitude or innovative technical thinking. Learners must be in possession of a Grade 12/N3 certificate and must have passed Mathematics and Physical Science.
SACATERING CORPS (SACAT C)
The SA Cat C is there to assist the SANDF operationally regarding hospitality services. They are also responsible to improve the management and control of hospitality functions in the SAArmy. Ahigh standard in the preparation of food is set, with the emphasis on nutrition. Candidates must be medically fit with a basic knowledge of cooking skills as well as a keen interest to work with people on all levels.
PERSONNEL SERVICE CORPS
This corps is primarily concerned with all aspects relating to personnel administration and support. This includes career planning, promotions, transfers, pay, leave etc.