FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Defence Forces FAQ
What is does SPDF stand for?
The Seychelles Peoples Defence Forces
Is an SPDF Career Exciting?
Yes. Life in the SPDF can never be described as dull. You will be performing a valuable job in an organisation that will maximise your development and potential. We will train you in every aspect of Military life to prepare you to carry out the duties required of you, with the best equipment. There is plenty of variety and opportunities available in the SPDF. Foreign Deployments or attachments may also form part of your Career.
Will I need to be very fit to join the SPDF?
No. You are not expected to be very fit when you join. A fitness assessment may be carried out as part of the selection process along with an Interview and Medical Examination. People with low fitness levels will be given every opportunity to reach higher levels of fitness with the assistance of qualified Physical Fitness Instructors during recruit training.
Will I need to be able to Swim in order to join the Coast Guards?
No. You are not required to be able to swim in order to join the SCG. We will put you through a Basic Swimming Course, and a Sea Survival Course in order to improve your confidence in the water and in using the various survival equipment.
What qualifications do I need to apply?
The qualifications required can change from time to time, but you will be advised on application what the current requirements are.
What does Recruit Training involve?
100 days of basic military training. Academic classes and physical fitness classes are included to build a solid foundations of all the basic tools needed to become a soldier.
I am a graduate, can I apply for a Cadet-ship?
Yes, you can after completing your basic recruit training.
Are the conditions of service the same for Graduates?
Graduates who apply for a Cadetship and get higher career profiles as commissioned officers. Graduates also benefit from the housing allowances and educational allowance as per government regulations applicable nationally.
How much time will I spend at sea when I complete my Training?
When you complete your training and are posted to one of the boats/ ships you can expect to spend approximately 180 days at sea in any one year. A routine patrol is no longer than 8 days, after which the ship returns to the Naval Base. Ships, generally, remain alongside at Naval Base for 2 weeks before commencing the next patrol. Foreign deployments can range anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months. Shore based appointments are designed to support the ships at sea in Training, Administrative or Maintenance roles.
Will I receive extra pay for Seagoing duties?
Yes. You can expect to be paid a Patrol Duty Allowance for ever day you spend at sea on patrol. Additional allowances are also paid for personnel performing certain duties, and to those holding certain technical qualifications.
Careers FAQ
What type of exams is given during application?
Aptitude tests or psychometric tests are assessments given which measure individual differences in many areas including personality, motivation, aptitude and abilities.
Emotional intelligence and basic reasoning are tested. Candidates also go through a complete medical test and finally a drug abuse (doping) test.
What circumstances would make a person ineligible for enlistment?
There are a number of situations that would make a person ineligible for enlistment in the Defence Forces. Some examples of these are: –
- A person discharged from the Defence Forces because of misconduct or as a result of being found medically unfit.
- A non-citizen of Seychelles.
- A person convicted by a civil court of a serious offence.
- A person in receipt of a disability pension.
- An asylum seeker.
I have tattoos can I join the Defence Forces?
Some Tattoos which appear above the collar of shirt will prohibit entry to the Defence Forces.
What age do I have to be in order to be enlisted into the Defence Force?
Applicants for SPDF must be not less than 18 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications.
Applicants for Cadetship must be not less than 18 years of age and under 28 years of age on the date deemed by the terms and conditions.
I have a criminal record. Can I join the Defence Forces?
The Defence Forces has a high dependence on trust and looks for individuals who are trustworthy and reliable. For this reason, all applicants undergo Police vetting, and any convictions are assessed on the severity of the offence.
What will my everyday life in the Defence Forces be like?
One of the key things about life in the military is that your job will vary and you’ll be doing many different things. While you are on a base, your job is pretty much like any other 8 to 4 job. But you’ll also spend time away from the base, training either elsewhere in Seychelles or deployed overseas.
I play sport at a competitive level. Can I keep playing while in the Army?
If you are playing top-level sports of any kind, the Defence Forces will ensure, where possible, you get the opportunity to compete. The Defence Forces has sportsmen and women who compete at national and international, as well as fulfilling their regular duties.
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