SAAF Recruitment 2023-2024 For Air Space Control

South African Air Force, SAAF Air Space Recruitment 2023-2024… Command and Control general entry requirements, when to apply, how to apply, application form pdf, application deadline, and selection process 2023.

Applications complying with the minimum requirements will be subjected to further screening. Candidates identified will then be invited to partake in a selection process.

The content of this section is for general information purposes only. This website does not actively recruit on behalf of the SAAF / SANDF and all applicants are encouraged to contact the relevant Recruitment office directly.

The South African Air Force (SAAF) offers a number of varied and exciting careers, both in the air and on the ground. What would you like to do?

• Aircrew – Pilot or Navigator – CLICK HERE for application details
• Aircrew – Other – CLICK HERE for application details
• Command and Control – CLICK HERE for application details
• Aviation Maintenance – CLICK HERE for application details
• Engineering / Apprenticeship  – CLICK HERE for application details
• General Maintenance – CLICK HERE for application details
• Support  – CLICK HERE for application details
• Reserve Squadrons – CLICK HERE for application details

So, you’ve decided that you’d like to join the SAAF?

Personnel is the most important resource that the SAAF whose success is largely dependent on the extent to which its members are developed and utilized. The airforce considers it essential to recruit young volunteers who are prepared to serve in the air force for a limited period of time or to remain in a lifelong appointment.

SAAF Air Space Control Recruitment

The following musterings are available:

• Air Space Control Operator
• Air Traffic Controller
• Air Traffic Service Assistant
• Mission Controller
• Radar Operator
• Telecommunications

Requirements

The requirements to be accepted in air traffic control in the SAAF are as follows:

1. Must be a South African citizen
2. Age: Not younger than 18 and not yet 24 when starting Basic Military Training
3. Classified medically fit for duty by the Institute for Aviation Medicine
4. Be recommended by a selection board

The academic requirements are:

1. Completed Grade 12 with English as a passed subject.
2. Mathematics (NSC level 4) and Geography essential.

Training:

18 months training at Air Space Control School at AFB Waterkloof, including Basic Military Training at Air Force Gymnasium.

Air Space Control Operator

Mission Controlers are assisted by Air Space Control Operators who operate the radar, man the operations room and make meteorological observations.

Air Traffic Controller (ATC)

Air traffic controllers regulate the orderly departure and arrival of aircraft at an airfield and ensure that they are seperated by safe distances and heights en-route. When aircraft approach an airfield for landing, they vector them towards the runway in order thet they may continue with a visual approach or intercept the radio beam of the Instrument Landing System (ILS). At some airfields the ATC talks them down by using Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) radar.

Air Traffic Service Assistant

Air traffic control assistants assist the ATC in routine aspects of their tasks and also provide ground control information to aircraft on the ground. Future Air Traffic Controllers are selected from the ATC assistants.

Mission Controller

From the moment a fighter takes off on an interception, it is directed to the target by the mission controller until it picks up the target on its own radar or makes visual contact with the ‘bogey’ (unidentified or hostile aircraft). Mission controllers also play an integral part in compiling an Air Situation Picture. This forms the principle element regarding the SAAF’s in-flight command and control capability during both peace and war time situations. This is done by means of mobile and static radars that are situated around South Africa.

As Mission Controllers are part of the executive of the combat team they too are appointed as officers.

Radar Operator

They are responsible for the production of an accurate and updated air situation picture by means of tracking and identifying all air movements which penetrate the RSA’s airspace. The aircraft recognition process starts as soon as the first blip (a target reflected on the radar screen) appears. Aircraft are identified by means of electroninc media, flight plans and radio messages.

Information Communication Technology Management

The primary objective of Telecommunications is to have a secure and reliable telecommunications infrastructure, which can provide a wide range if Information Communication Technology (ICT) services necessary for efficient command and control of the weapon systems and support of other functions of the SAAF.

The following are provided and managed by the ICT Management section: Static Microwave Networks, Information Technology capability of the SAAF, Tactical/Static ICT capability, Electronic PABX capability (telephone services), Cable Infrastructure in support of all voice and data services.

Communication personnel can further qualify themselves as air operators’ (maritime), Mobile Airborne Operations Team (MOAT) operators as well as jumping MOAT Operators.

Ground Command and Control Management

The Ground Command and Control Management operational role is to serve the SAAF and Joint Operations for tasking, aloocating and controlling all air operations, except for in-flight Command and Control. It consists of Command Post Officers and Command Post Assistants whose primary role is to provide the necessary information for the allocation of own-forces to the various theatres and provide the relevant own-force information necessary for the general planning to conduct air operations.

How to Apply

Click on each of the links to download the application form pdf.

• Pilot / Navigator – Information brochure (PDF 143kb)
• Pilot – Application form (PDF 105kb)
• Navigator – Application form (PDF 105kb)
• Other Careers -Information brochure (PDF 176kb)
• Engineer Careers -Application form (PDF 123kb)
• Technical Careers -Application form (PDF 123kb)
• Other Careers -Application form (PDF 123kb)
• Download the free Adobe
• Acrobat Reader

SAAF Selection Process

The selection process entails the following:

Psychometric evaluation:
The aim is to assess the candidate’s aptitude and potential to develop in the position that was applied for. The nature of these tests will depend on the position applied for.

Selection Board (formal interview):
A Selection Board will be conducted in order to assess the applicants interest in the position applied for, as well as his or her interest in the Defence Force in general. The interview will also focus on self- confidence, leadership potential and communication skills.

Medical Evaluation:
A comprehensive medical evaluation will be conducted by appointed military medical practitioners in order to assess the applicants medical history and current medical status. All applicants must be declared fit for military training before commencement.

Criminal Records:
Fingerprints of applicants will be sent to the Criminal Record Bureau for verification. Records of convictions will be evaluated based on the severity thereof and how recently the offence(s) occurred.

Offer of Employment
Successful applicants will receive an offer of employment. Candidates who are not successful will be informed by correspondence. It is unfortunate that not all applicants who are recommended for training will receive an offer of employment due to the large amount of applications received.

SAAF Contact Details

For more information, please contact the SAAF Recruitment Office: