Contents
Requirements of joining South Africa’s Army Special Forces
Salary of South Africa Army Special Forces
Training of South Africa Army Special Forces
Joining the South African Special Forces, or simply the Recces, is not walk in the park. According to multiple online sources, only 6%-8% of the recruits pass this grueling training course to become special forces. Going back to history lane, the special forces (herein referred to as SF) was formed on 1 October 1972 as an elite counter-insurgency and South Africa’s principal special operations. This specialized unit moved from its first home in Oudtshoorn, Cape Province to Durban, Natal three years later. Then, the SF had the following units:
1 Reconnaissance Commando
2 Reconnaissance Commando (Citizen Force)
3 Reconnaissance Commando consited of former Rhodesian Selous Scouts.
4 Reconnaissance Commando specialized in seaborne operations
5 Reconnaissance Commando was established at the Duku-Duku camp in Natal
6 Reconnaissance Commando consisted of former Rhodesian Special Air Service
The South African SF has morphed over the years to become more in tune to the needs of the African Union. This means the soldiers have to be deployed in war torn countries. The forces has 5 arms:
– The Head Office
– The SF school
– The SF Supply Unit
– 4 SF Regiment
– 5 SF Regiment
Requirements To Join South Africa Army Special Forces
For beginners, SF is under the command of the Joint Operations Division of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). To serve as a SF, a recruit must first undergo a two-year voluntary SANDF ‘s Military Skills Development System (MSDS) programme. The candidates undergo training in basic and functional training in the first year and have an opportunity to attend SF Basic Training Manual. After successfully completing the Special Forces Basic Training Manual, the candidates can opt to join the short term contract system of SANDF inorder to serve in the Special Forces.
The requirements to join MSDS programme are as listed below:
A South African citizen
Between 18 and 22 (university graduates 26)
Have Grade 12 or busy with the National Senior Certificate
Not area bound
No record of serious criminal offences
Preferably single
Comply with medical fitness requirements for appointment in the SANDF
Requirements that have to be met before joining the Special Forces:
Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English
Successful completion of the Special Forces Entry Tests and Operational Deployable:
40 push-ups without breaking rhythm
67 sit-ups within two minutes
175-metre fireman’s-lift run within 65 seconds
5-kilometre run within 24 minutes
40 six-metre shuttle-runs within 95 seconds
Water training test
Psychometric test, achieve an above-average score
Personal interview
Special Forces training
Once candidates meet the requirements above, they must take part in the 57-week Special Forces Basic Training Cycle which is described as the ultimate test.
The Special Forces Basic Training Cycle include:
Special Forces Individual Phase 1
Special Forces Selection
Medical Level 1 – 4
Special Forces Individual Phase 2
Special Forces Basic Demolitions
Basic Static Line Parachuting
Special Forces Air Operations
Small Boat Coxswain
Bush craft, tracking and survival
Minor Tactics Rural
Minor Tactics Urban
Advanced Special Forces Training
After completing the Special Forces Basic Training Cycle, a candidate becomes a Specials Forces Operator.
They can then continue with a combination of the following specialists fields:
Demolitions
Sniping
Bush Craft, Tracking and Survival
Urban Reconnaissance
Rural Reconnaissance
Photography
Climbing Techniques
Urban Operations
Operational Emergency Care Practitioner
Parachuting
Heavy Weapons
Seaborne Training
Attack Diving
Salary
According to buzzsouthafrica.com, a Colonel (COL) earns R648,000 while a Lieutenant Colonel (LT) takes home R466,000. The same site puts a Major salary R360,000.
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