The Reserve Force Division issued a Bulletin in April 2003 in which the aims of Project PHOENIX were explained. The Services and Divisions are compiling plans for the renewal and transformation of the Conventional Reserve as part of Project PHOENIX.

The SA Army plan includes an objective to recruit trained leader group and the Army has already commenced with initiatives to identify and approach such persons with a view to appointing interested candidates in the Reserves.

It appears that word has spread that the Army is recruiting people to join the Reserves and many people have approached the Army Office in this regard. The SA Army would like to thank everyone for the interest they have shown in becoming members of the Army Reserve. However, at this stage, persons who do not have a military background will not be considered.

Since the aim is to fill leader group posts in the Reserves, the criteria for possible appointments are as follows:

a.. Candidates must preferably have a member of the former Non- Statutory forces who integrated into the Regular Force and have since left.

b.. Persons who had the ranks of Lance Corporal up to Lieutenant Colonel will be considered.

c.. Former Non-Statutory Forces members who demobilized will also be considered.

d.. Candidates must be desirous of voluntarily joining the Reserve Force as part-time members and it is stressed that such appointments are not to be seen as full -time employment.

Candidates must be medically fit to undergo military training and for operational deployment if required, and should have a satisfactory military discipline record.

Persons in the above categories who meet the above criteria may apply to join the Reserves to serve the SANDF and their country as part -time volunteers. The number of days of service or training required may vary according to the grouping under which the individuals falls. Under normal conditions, most individuals will not be required to render more than 15 days continuous service per year although individuals who are able to do so may volunteer for additional service or training.

The recruitment team from the Directorate of Army Reserves will do briefings in all nine provinces in due course. These venues and dates will be published prior to the briefings and in good time.

Enquires: Directorate Army Reserves at (012) 355-1495, (012) 355-1150 and (012) 355 1646.