3 000 shortlisted for NDF recruitment

THREE thousand people have been shortlisted for recruitment in the Namibian Defence Force.

In a public announcement issued by the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, spokesperson colonel Petrus Shilumbu called on the shortlisted candidates to report for written and physical fitness tests that will take place at various centres countrywide from 23 August to 16 September.

“Candidates are required to present original identification cards and should bring along medical health passports for medical examination. Candidates are urged to be dressed in sport gear, with running shoes for physical tests,” he said.

He added that the candidates must report to the centres where they are shortlisted.

Only 1500 will make the final cut.

According to the list of the shortlisted candidates, a number of the recruits are earmarked for officer cadet positions.

In addition to the training, a regular commissioning course is planned for 150 cadets, while 50 cadets will also attend a course for professionally qualified officers and 25 members will attend a ceremonial course.

Officer cadet is the starting foundation for leadership position in the defence force and is usually afforded those with university entry marks for them to be able to attend various courses abroad.

Those who are indicated as other ranks will be in the starting foundation for non-commissioned officers.

The successful recruits will receive training at the Okahandja Military School.

The recruitment exercise is intended to fill vacancies left after the retirement, resignation and deployment of many members over the years.

NDF was established at independence and most initial recruits are going on retirement, with up to 400 retiring in a year.