The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) has announced limited vacancies for Officer Cadets for 2024. This recruitment drive invites Botswana citizens, both male and female, who meet specific criteria to apply and serve their nation.
Below, we provide a detailed overview of the requirements, qualifications, and the recruitment process to guide interested candidates.
- 1 Entry Requirements for Botswana Defence Force Officer Cadets Recruitment
- 2 Minimum Qualification for Botswana Defence Force Officer Cadets Recruitment
- 3 Botswana Defence Force Officer Cadets Recruitment Centers
- 4 Key Skills and Personal Attributes
- 5 Remuneration, Benefits, and Opportunities
- 6 Botswana Defence Force Officer Cadets Recruitment Selection Process
- 7 Mandatory Training and Deployment
- 8 Application Process for Botswana Defence Force Officer Cadets Recruitment
- 9 Important Dates
- 10 Conclusion
Entry Requirements for Botswana Defence Force Officer Cadets Recruitment
To be eligible for the Officer Cadets position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be Botswana citizens.
- Possess a valid National ID card (Omang).
- Age between 18 and 28 years.
- Be physically and mentally fit.
- Have no adverse criminal records.
- Meet the minimum height requirement of 160 cm for males and 155 cm for females.
- Meet the minimum weight requirement of 55 kg for males and 45 kg for females.
- Female candidates must not be pregnant at the time of recruitment and during training.
Minimum Qualification for Botswana Defence Force Officer Cadets Recruitment
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Additionally, they must indicate their preferred career field and corresponding code in their application.
Candidates can only apply for one career field, although the Commander has the authority to assign candidates to other fields if necessary. The career fields and their codes are:
- 001 Combat Operations: Management, Information Systems, Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, and related courses.
- 002 Engineering: Aviation, Computer and Telecommunications, Construction and Building, Mechanical, Auto Electrical, Industrial, and related engineering courses.
- 003 Aviation (Pilots): Bachelor’s degree (preferably with strong grades in sciences, mathematics, and English at BGCSE or equivalent).
- 004 Logistics: Supply Chain, Hospitality, Quality Control, Clothing Design and Textile, and related logistics courses.
- 005 Administration and Management: Finance and Accounting, Law, Criminology, and related administration and management courses.
- 006 Medicine and Health: Medicine, Veterinary, and relevant health-related courses.
- 007 Music: Performing Arts and related music courses.
Professionals with less than three years of work experience and who are registered and licensed to practice may apply. This includes Medical Officers, Dentists, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists, Specialist Nurses, Lawyers, Veterinary Officers, Bio-Medical Engineers, Clinical/Industrial Psychologists, and Chaplains.
Botswana Defence Force Officer Cadets Recruitment Centers
The BDF has established mobile recruitment centers in Gantsi, Kasane, Tsabong, Maun, Francistown, Palapye, and Gaborone (SSKB, Village Garrison, and Glen Valley Barracks). Candidates must indicate their preferred recruitment location in their applications.
Key Skills and Personal Attributes
Candidates should embody the following qualities:
- Disciplined
- Team player
- Loyal
- Trustworthy
- Selfless
- Courageous
Remuneration, Benefits, and Opportunities
The BDF offers a competitive remuneration package, which includes:
- Free accommodation and subsidized utilities.
- Opportunities for professional and academic growth.
- Local and international exposure.
- A 20% BDF allowance (X-factor).
- Free medical care.
Botswana Defence Force Officer Cadets Recruitment Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Physical Fitness Assessment (2.4 km run, push-ups, and sit-ups).
- Comprehensive Medical Examination according to BDF recruitment standards.
- Aptitude Tests, Interviews, and Group Tests.
Mandatory Training and Deployment
Successful candidates will undergo 12 months of Basic Military Training. Upon completion, officers must be prepared to serve in various geographic locations and under different environmental conditions.
Application Process for Botswana Defence Force Officer Cadets Recruitment
Applicants must apply online through the BDF recruitment portal https://online.bdf.org.bw. Those who face challenges using the online portal can send their applications to:
The Commander
Botswana Defence Force
Private Bag X06
Gaborone
Reference: O/CDT: VAC 1/24
Important Dates
The closing date for applications is 09 August 2024. Note that multiple submissions, including online and postal mail submissions or hand deliveries, will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for recruitment and selection.
For more information, you can contact the BDF at 366 2135, 71 373 483, or 74 735 532.
Conclusion
The Officer Cadets Recruitment 2024 at the Botswana Defence Force is a prestigious opportunity for young citizens to serve their country and develop their professional and personal skills. With a thorough selection process and comprehensive training, the BDF ensures that only the most dedicated and capable individuals join their ranks. If you meet the criteria and are passionate about serving Botswana, this could be the career opportunity you’ve been waiting for.