By Fatima Kpaka
January 19, 2026: The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has announced the opening of applications for recruitment into the Armed Forces, with 1,000 positions available for Sierra Leonean citizens. Applications will be received at the nearest military location starting Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Applicants may apply under the following categories:
- Direct Entry Cadets (Non-Specialists)
- Direct Entry Cadets (Specialists)
- Direct Entry Cadets (Serving Soldiers)
- Direct Entry Recruits (Non-Tradesmen)
- Direct Entry Recruits (Tradesmen)
General Requirements
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a natural-born citizen of Sierra Leone with a valid National Identity Card.
- No Criminal Conviction: Applicants must not have been convicted of serious offences such as treason, mutiny, murder, robbery with aggravation, fraud, or dishonesty. Police clearance is required before the final selection process beginning February 27, 2026.
- Height: Minimum of 5ft 5in for men and 5ft 3in for women.
- Medical & Physical Fitness: Applicants must be medically and physically fit, with tests conducted during the selection process.
- Good Conduct: Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from a recognized community, religious, or traditional leader (for civilians) or from a Unit Commander (for serving soldiers).
Specific Requirements
- Direct Entry Cadets (Non-Specialists): Must hold a first degree from a recognized university; age 18–30.
- Direct Entry Cadets (Specialists): Must hold a first degree in specialized fields such as medicine, engineering, law, education, IT, agriculture, or environmental sciences; age 18–40.
- Direct Entry Cadets (Serving Soldiers): Must hold a first degree; age 18–35.
- Direct Entry Recruits (Non-Tradesmen): Must have attained Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE); age 18–25.
- Direct Entry Recruits (Tradesmen): Must hold a vocational certificate or diploma with at least five years of technical experience; age 18–40.
Application Process
Applications must be addressed to the designated Regional Recruiting Officers at the following centres:
- Eastern Region: 2 Infantry Brigade HQ, Reservation Road, Kenema
- Western Area: 3 Infantry Brigade HQ, Timna Barracks, Murray Town, Freetown
- Northern Region: 4 Infantry Brigade HQ, Teko Barracks, Makeni
- Southern Region: 5 Infantry Brigade HQ, Gondama Barracks, Bo
- North-Western Region: 3 Infantry Battalion HQ, Lungi
Applicants must submit their forms with all required documents and four passport-size photos.
Deadline
The closing date for submission is Wednesday, February 4, 2026.