Military Skills Development System (MSDS) 2027 Intake – Department of Defence Careers
| Job Title | Military Skills Development System (MSDS) 2027 Intake |
|---|---|
| Date Posted / Closing Date | Applications open 16 February 2026 – Closing 27 March 2026 |
| Location | South Africa (National Recruitment) |
| Salary | Monthly payment (not disclosed) |
| Company | Department of Defence |
| Employment Type | Two-Year Contract Programme |
| Industry | Military / National Defence |
Introduction
The Military Skills Development System (MSDS) 2027 Intake is a structured two-year programme within the National Defence sector.
The Department of Defence careers programme is designed to equip young South Africans with military training, leadership development, and practical deployment experience.
- Two-year military contract
- Structured training and development
- National recruitment across provinces
- Opportunity to gain defence sector experience
- Exposure to specialised musterings
Applicants searching for Department of Defence vacancies 2027 or SANDF training programme South Africa 2027 should review the official requirements carefully before applying.
About the Role
The Military Skills Development System is a structured entry-level military development programme. Recruits sign a two-year contract with the South African National Defence Force.
The first year focuses on initial military training followed by specialised functional training within allocated services. The second year includes deployment to units where members apply their training and develop practical skills.
- Undergo basic military training
- Complete specialised functional training
- Participate in structured leadership development
- Deployment to units during second year
- Apply operational and practical skills
- Gain exposure to professional military environment
This programme supports structured workforce planning within the defence sector and aligns with national human capital development objectives.
Who Should Apply
- South African citizens with no dual citizenship
- Youth aged 18–22 years with Grade 12
- Candidates aged 18–26 years with a three-year tertiary qualification
- Applicants with APS score of 18 and above (excluding Life Orientation)
- Individuals interested in military careers and national service
- Applicants seeking structured training and discipline
The ideal candidate is physically fit, disciplined, and willing to meet military standards. This opportunity suits individuals committed to service and professional development.
Skills and Requirements
- RSA citizen (no dual citizenship)
- Age 18–22 years (Grade 12 applicants)
- Age 18–26 years (three-year tertiary qualification)
- Admission Point Score (APS) 18 and above (excluding LO)
- Mathematics and Physical Science required for specialised musterings
- No criminal record or pending cases
- Must comply with medical requirements
- Subject to drug testing
- Psychometric evaluation required
- Medical evaluation required
- No visible tattoos when in uniform
Applicants reviewing the requirements for Military Skills Development System must ensure all documentation and eligibility criteria are fully met before submission.
Benefits
- Structured military training
- Leadership development exposure
- Practical deployment experience
- Professional discipline and skills development
- National defence sector experience
- Opportunity to serve within the South African National Defence Force
Although the salary is not disclosed, the programme provides structured training and career growth within the military environment over a fixed two-year contract.
Important Notes
- Applications open: 16 February 2026
- Closing date: 27 March 2026
- Contract type: Two-year Military Skills Development contract
- Applications must include completed MSDS form
- Attach CV and certified copies of ID, Matric Certificate (or 2025 statement of results), and tertiary qualifications
- Department of Defence reserves the right to employment
- If not contacted by 31 December 2027, consider application unsuccessful
- Application form is not for sale
Regional Recruitment Offices
- Free State – Army Support Base Bloemfontein Recruitment Office, Pappa Brits Street, Tempe, Bloemfontein, 9300 – Enquiries: 051 402 1262
- Western Cape – Castle of Good Hope Recruitment Office, Block C, C/O Buitenkant and Darling Street, Cape Town, 8000 – Enquiries: 021 787 1023/1024
- Limpopo – Army Support Recruitment Office Building, 145 Gate Way Road, Polokwane, 0700 – Enquiries: 015 299 3318
- KwaZulu-Natal – Recruitment Office, Lords Ground Military Base, 186 Old Ford Road, Durban, 4000 – Enquiries: 031 451 1722/1704
- Eastern Cape – Army Support Base Recruitment Office, Willow Drive, Forest Hill, Port Elizabeth, 6013 OR de Beer Street, Forest Hill, Gqeberha, 6001 – Enquiries: 041 505 1101/1268
- Northern Cape – Army Support Base Recruitment Office Kimberley, General Khan Van Der Supy Drive, Diskobolos, Kimberley, 8301 – Enquiries: 053 530 3204
- North West – Army Support Base Recruitment, C/O Grobler St (R53) and Eleazer Road, Potchefstroom, 2531 – Enquiries: 018 289 3322
- Gauteng – Recruitment Office, C/O 218 Visagie and Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria Central, 0001 – Enquiries: 012 339 5718/5703
- Mpumalanga – Army Support Base, 8 Spruit Street, Mbombela, 1201 – Enquiries: 013 756 2113/2181 OR 4 South African Battalion, C/O Dr Beyers Naude and Boncker Street, Middelburg, 1050 – Enquiries: 013 249 3534
Enquiries are for information purposes only.
Note: Do not send applications to the enquiry email or contact.
Need Help With the Registration or Application Process?
The application process is handled directly by the Department of Defence. Applicants must complete the official MSDS application form and submit it according to the instructions provided. This website provides job information only and does not process applications.
Closing Thoughts
The Military Skills Development System offers structured entry into the defence environment. It provides discipline, training, and exposure to operational units across South Africa.
- National recruitment opportunity
- Two-year structured contract
- Leadership and practical experience
- Clear eligibility criteria
- Defined application process
Applicants interested in how to apply for MSDS 2027 intake should ensure all documents are correctly prepared before the official closing date.
Closing Date
Closing date: 27 March 2026
How to Apply for Military Skills Development System 2027 Intake
Applicants must complete the official MSDS application form and submit it by hand delivery or via post to the address provided by the Department of Defence.
- Complete the official MSDS application form
- Attach CV
- Attach certified copy of ID
- Attach Matric Certificate (or 2025 statement of results)
- Attach tertiary qualifications if applicable
- Hand deliver to nearest recruitment centre or post to:
- Department of Defence, Human Resource Division
- Chief Directorate HR Management (Directorate HR Acquisition)
- Private Bag X976
- Pretoria
- 0001
How to Apply Safely
Submit applications only through official Department of Defence recruitment centres or postal addresses. Never pay any fee to apply for government jobs. Always verify information directly with the employer before submitting personal documents. The official MSDS application form is not for sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the contract duration?
Two years under the Military Skills Development System. - What is the age requirement?
18–22 years (Grade 12) or 18–26 years (three-year tertiary qualification). - Is salary disclosed?
No. Salary details are not specified. - What is the APS requirement?
APS score of 18 and above, excluding Life Orientation. - What is the closing date for Department of Defence vacancies?
27 March 2026.
