Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Recruitment 2025: Shortlisted Candidates for Officer Cadets and Special Entrant Officer Cadets. You will recall that the Botswana Defence Force opened its application portal for the recruitment of Special Entrant Cadets and officer cadet. The BDF has now released an official invitation for shortlisted candidates for the next stage of the selection process.
This recruitment is part of the BDF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its officer corps by enlisting highly qualified and motivated individuals. Candidates are reminded that failure to report to the designated recruitment centres on the specified dates and times will result in automatic disqualification.
Special Entrant Officer Cadets – VAC.01/2025
Shortlisted candidates for the Special Entrant Officer Cadets intake must report at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) Small Gate on 24 October 2025 at 1000hrs. Special Entrant Officers are recruited for their speciality and experience from the Health, Chaplaincy and Legal professions to enhance capacity of such professions in the Defence Force
Documents to Bring
- Original copies of all relevant certificates and transcripts.
- Omang (National Identity Card) or original registration slip.
- Medical records or health cards (Dikarata tsa botsogo).
Screening and Fitness Assessment
All candidates will undergo:
- Anthropometry screening, which includes height, weight, and BMI checks.
- Physical fitness test: 2.4 km run, push-ups, and sit-ups.
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Officer Cadets – VAC.01/2025
Candidates shortlisted for the Officer Cadets selection are required to report to their respective Mobile Recruitment Centres at the given dates and times.
The Mobile Recruitment Centres are located in:
- Gaborone
- Maun
- Tsabong
- Kasane
- Gantsi
- Francistown
- Palapye
For Gaborone, the recruitment has been divided into three processing stations:
- Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB)
- Village Garrison
- Glen Valley Barracks
Officer Cadets receive training as generalists in leadership and in management, in addition to training relating to their specific military occupational specialty or function in the military. They are the Commisioned Officers Corp in the military.
Candidates must ensure they report to the correct station as indicated on their invitation.
Required Documents
Applicants must bring:
- All original academic certificates and transcripts.
- Omang (Identity Card) or original registration slip.
- Medical records or health cards (Dikarata tsa botsogo).
Assessments
Similar to the Special Entrant Officer Cadets, all candidates will undergo anthropometry screening and a fitness test that includes:
- 2.4 km run
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
Candidates whose names are not on the shortlist are advised to consider themselves unsuccessful.
How to check BDF Shortlisted Candidates
To check the shortlisted names for BDF Recruitment 2025. Visit the official website 0f Botswana Defence Force
Why is this Recruitment Important
The Botswana Defence Force plays a central role in maintaining peace and security within the country and across the region. By recruiting Officer Cadets and Special Entrant Officer Cadets, the BDF seeks to build a disciplined, skilled, and committed officer corps ready to serve Botswana. This opportunity is particularly significant for young Batswana who aspire to leadership roles in the defence sector.
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Please be reminded
- Punctuality is critical. Arrive on time at your recruitment centre to avoid disqualification.
- Fitness is essential. Prepare in advance for the 2.4 km run and strength tests.
- Documentation is mandatory. Without original certificates, Omang, and medical records, you will not be allowed to proceed.
- Health and readiness. Ensure you are physically fit and medically cleared before reporting.
Looking for opportunities? Visit our page dedicated to opportunities in botswana for botswana people. If you are lookiing for funding opportunities, visit our scholarship page or fellowship page