OFO No:

What is a Military Pilot?

A Military Pilot flies in the military (air force). Most men and women pilots specialise in one kind of aircraft, for example:

• Bombers
• Flighters
• Transport Planes
• Fuelling Planes
• Test Aircraft
• Helicopters etc

A Military Pilot could fly passengers or cargo or perform aerial tasks for example:

• Border Patrol
• Reconnaissance with high-flying photographic equipment
• Combat

Some of these highly complicated aircraft need an entire crew to fly them, not just one person. 

Military pilots are extremely fit and healthy. Their job is very demanding. 

What does a Military Pilot do? 

Each specialised pilot will have different tasks but these will be the overall basic ones:

• prepares flying missions with regard to goals and requirements
• obtains weather information
• designs flight plans
• briefs the entire crew
• ensures aircraft is ready, safe, loaded and fuelled
• communicates with other pilots and air traffic controllers while in the air
• performs navigation, surveillance or rescue missions
• writes reports and keeps log books

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about flying?
• responsible and reliable?
• emotionally stable?
• intelligent?
• a quick thinker?
• calm in stressful situations?
• dedicated?

How do I become a Military Pilot? 

All training and licencing of pilots is the same in SA.

CLICK HERE to learn about the training. Look under the section: How do I become an Aeroplane Pilot?

Once you have qualified as an Aeroplane Pilot you can then specialise in the military. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Aircraft Electrician or Air Traffic Controller 

Is becoming a Military Pilot the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 34102

What is an Air Observer?

An Air Observer takes photographs from aircraft that can be analysed for military information purposes.

What does an Air Observer do?

• uses specialised photographic equipment
• takes aerial photographs
• instructs pilots where to fly and to position aircraft for good locations to take photos
• positions camera for good compositions
• makes technical adjustments on cameras
• operates computers and photographic software packages

Are you … ?

• a South African citizen?
• patriotic?
• a team player?
• a person with good eye-sight?
• interested in photography?
• interested in working in the airforce?
• technically minded?

How do I become an Air Observer?

• Must be South African
• Must be 18 to 22 years old (currently completing matric or completed matric)
• Must be 26 or younger (graduate with diploma or degree)
• Must not be area bound (happy to move around SA)
• Must have a clean criminal record
• Must be preferably single
• Must be fit and healthy (pass SADF fitness requirement test)

The SA Army’s way of recruiting is through The Military Skills Development Systems (MSDS).

It’s a 2 year contract, voluntary service system with the long-term aim of building the SADF’s capabilities.

During the 2 years you will receive:

• 1st year – military and functional training
• 2nd year – deployed to develop use your training and develop your skills
• At the end of your second year you can decide if you want to continue as a volunteer or join the SADF on a permanent basis. The SADF will only recruit permanent members if you prove yourself.

There are 3 groups of applicants:

Path 1

Applicants with Matric / Grade 12

• Applicants will be chosen on educational performance, participation in sport and community involvement
• After training, the SADF will then consider you for specialisations.

Path 2

Applicants with Matric / Grade 12 with VERY HIGH MARKS + exemption

• Training that will focus on developing your leadership potential during the second year of deployment
• After training, you may be selected for the Core Service System (CSS) studies at the Military Academy. Only candidates with Grade 12 exemption can be considered for studies at the Military Academy.

Path 3

Applicants with a recognised 3 year diploma or degree

• It will depend on our qualification at the time and what the SADF requires. These applicants will be earmarked for leadership development and or non-leader group training

Applications:

• Applications usually take place between 1 Jan and 28 February: CLICK HERE
• It’s up to you to double-check for the closing date.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Photojournalist or Sound Engineer

Is becoming an Air Observer the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 542501

What is an Air Operations Officer?

An Air Operations Officer plans and co-ordinates air operations in the airforce.  These include flight safety, flight plans and communications between the different sectors.

What does an Air Operations Officer do?

• co-ordinates communication between ground staff and those in the air
• advises on safety procedures
• designs flight plans
• manages teams
• monitors all activities
• designs and plans battle plans and other military operations

Are you … ?

• a South African citizen?
• patriotic?
• a team player?
• fit and healthy?
• disciplined?
• technically minded?
• a problem solver?

How do I become an Air Operations Officer?

• Must be South African
• Must be 18 to 22 years old (currently completing matric or completed matric)
• Must be 26 or younger (graduate with diploma or degree)
• Must not be area bound (happy to move around SA)
• Must have a clean criminal record
• Must be preferably single
• Must be fit and healthy (pass SADF fitness requirement test)

The SA Army’s way of recruiting is through The Military Skills Development Systems (MSDS).

It’s a 2 year contract, voluntary service system with the long-term aim of building the SADF’s capabilities.

During the 2 years you will receive:

• 1st year – military and functional training
• 2nd year – deployed to develop use your training and develop your skills
• At the end of your second year you can decide if you want to continue as a volunteer or join the SADF on a permanent basis. The SADF will only recruit permanent members if you prove yourself.

There are 3 groups of applicants:

Path 1

Applicants with Matric / Grade 12

• Applicants will be chosen on educational performance, participation in sport and community involvement
• After training, the SADF will then consider you for specialisations.

Path 2

Applicants with Matric / Grade 12 with VERY HIGH MARKS + exemption

• Training that will focus on developing your leadership potential during the second year of deployment
• After training, you may be selected for the Core Service System (CSS) studies at the Military Academy. Only candidates with Grade 12 exemption can be considered for studies at the Military Academy.

Path 3

Applicants with a recognised 3 year diploma or degree

• It will depend on our qualification at the time and what the SADF requires. These applicants will be earmarked for leadership development and or non-leader group training

Applications:

• Applications usually take place between 1 Jan and 28 February: CLICK HERE
• It’s up to you to double-check for the closing date.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Aeronautical Engineering Technologist or Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic

Is becoming an Air Operations Officer the right career choice for me?

Other names for Air Defence Artillery Soldier:

• Air Defence Artillery Officer

What is an Air Defence Artillery Soldier?

An Air Defence Artillery Soldier works in the SA defence force. They use specialised tactics and techniques during military and peace operations.

What does an Air Defence Artillery Soldier do?

• co-ordinates armour, artillery and air support units
• sends out necessary vehicles, equipment and weapons where required
• scouts for good locations to construct camouflaged defence positions
• manages the communications out in the field
• operates specialised weaponry and military vehicles
• designs and plans battle plans and other military operations

Are you … ?

• a South African citizen?
• patriotic?
• a team player?
• fit and healthy?
• disciplined?
• good with your hands?
• technically minded?
• a problem solver?

How do I become an Air Defence Artillery Soldier?

• Must be South African
• Must be 18 to 22 years old (currently completing matric or completed matric)
• Must be 26 or younger (graduate with diploma or degree)
• Must not be area bound (happy to move around SA)
• Must have a clean criminal record
• Must be preferably single
• Must be fit and healthy (pass SADF fitness requirement test)

The SA Army’s way of recruiting is through The Military Skills Development Systems (MSDS).

It’s a 2 year contract, voluntary service system with the long-term aim of building the SADF’s capabilities.

During the 2 years you will receive:

• 1st year – military and functional training
• 2nd year – deployed to develop use your training and develop your skills
• At the end of your second year you can decide if you want to continue as a volunteer or join the SADF on a permanent basis. The SADF will only recruit permanent members if you prove yourself.

There are 3 groups of applicants:

Path 1

Applicants with Matric / Grade 12

• Applicants will be chosen on educational performance, participation in sport and community involvement
• After training, the SADF will then consider you for specialisations.

Path 2

Applicants with Matric / Grade 12 with VERY HIGH MARKS + exemption

• Training that will focus on developing your leadership potential during the second year of deployment
• After training, you may be selected for the Core Service System (CSS) studies at the Military Academy. Only candidates with Grade 12 exemption can be considered for studies at the Military Academy.

Path 3

Applicants with a recognised 3 year diploma or degree

• It will depend on our qualification at the time and what the SADF requires. These applicants will be earmarked for leadership development and or non-leader group training

Applications:

• Applications usually take place between 1 Jan and 28 February: CLICK HERE
• It’s up to you to double-check for the closing date.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Paramedic or Fire Fighter

Is becoming an Air Defence Artillery Soldier the right career choice for me?