How to Apply For Nigerian Army DSSC and SSC Recruitment Programs

 

This article aims to provide comprehensive guidance on the application process for the Nigerian Army's Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) recruitment programs. 

Periodically, the Nigerian Army welcomes both men and women of able-bodied status to join their ranks for these specialized commissions. If you're interested in pursuing a career in this branch of the Nigerian military, read on for detailed application instructions.

The Nigerian Army, often abbreviated as NA, constitutes the land-based warfare component of the Nigerian Military responsible for safeguarding Nigeria's territorial integrity. As the largest division of the Nigerian Armed Forces, it operates under the governance of the Nigerian Army Council (NAC) and assumes the crucial role of defending the nation's land borders.

Both the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) courses are accessible to all eligible Nigerians aspiring to join. It's imperative to note that the application process is entirely cost-free, and individuals should be cautious of any fraudulent attempts to solicit payments for downloading application forms from the official Army web portal.

Eligible candidates, whether serving military personnel or civilians, are granted equal opportunities to apply. Successful applicants undergo a standardized process, starting with an aptitude test. Those who pass proceed to screening and interviews, which ultimately determine their suitability for admission.

For existing military personnel, securing explicit approval from their superiors is a prerequisite for application. They must also ensure sponsorship from a branch of the Nigerian Military or a relevant civilian organization to advance in their pursuit of becoming commissioned officers.

Within the framework of the Nigerian Army Direct Short Service Course, personnel receive specialized training tailored to their educational and religious backgrounds, preparing them for various directorates, including:

• The Nigerian Army Medical Corps
• The Directorate of Army Aviation 
• Directorate of Chaplain Services 
• Directorate of Islamic Affairs
• Directorate of Legal Service
• Directorate of Army Public Relations.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR DIRECT SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION (DSSC)

The Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) is a Nigerian Army recruitment program accessible to both civilians and active military personnel. This training is designed for degree holders specializing in specific fields. The Nigerian Army DSSC program spans six months, during which candidates undergo intensive military training. Upon successful completion, candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants.

DSSC and SSC recruitment

To be eligible for the Nigerian Army Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship: All candidates must be Nigerian citizens, in compliance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2. Age: Candidates, both male and female, must be between 22 and 35 years old. Medical consultants should not exceed 40 years of age at the time of application.
3. Physical, Mental, and Medical Fitness: Candidates must be in good physical, mental, and medical condition. They are required to provide evidence of their fitness during the application process, and will be further assessed for physical, mental, and medical fitness.
4. Recommendations: All applicants must be recommended by at least two reputable individuals in society. These recommendations may come from the Chairman or Secretary of the applicant’s Local Government of origin.
5. Recommendations for Non-Residents: Applicants residing far from their State of Origin must visit the Liaison Offices of their States of Origin in their States of Residence for recommendations from their Liaison Officer, which can substitute for the Local Government attestation.
6. Recommendations from Military and Police Personnel: Recommendations may also be provided by military personnel holding the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and above, as well as high-ranking police officers starting from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police. Recommenders must come from the applicant's state of origin and must endorse the applicant’s recommendation form with a signature and stamp.
7. Institution Attestation: All applicants must provide a letter of attestation from the institution of higher learning from which they graduated.
8. Height Requirements: Male applicants must be at least 1.68 meters tall, while female applicants must be at least 1.65 meters tall.
9. Criminal Record: Applicants must not have any criminal record or convictions by any competent court of law.
10. Military Disciplinary Record: Military personnel applying for the program must not have had any disciplinary issues in the military. The Commanding Officer of the military applicant should confirm this.
11. Educational Qualifications: All applicants must have graduated from a recognized university or polytechnic with at least a Second Class Lower degree or Lower Credit.
12. Birth Certificate: A valid birth certificate, endorsed by the National Population Commission, Local Government Council, or a recognized hospital, must be provided.
13. Declaration of Age: Prospective candidates may provide an affidavit from a competent court of law, stating their declaration of age.
14. State of Origin Certificate: All applicants must possess a valid certificate confirming their State of Origin.
15. NYSC Certificate or Exemption Letter: Civilian candidates who have graduated from a university or polytechnic are required to present their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate or a valid exemption letter.
16. Professional Qualifications: Applicants with professional qualifications must provide documents validating their registration with recognized professional bodies in accordance with Nigerian laws.
17. Contact Details: Applicants must furnish accurate and valid contact details, including phone numbers for themselves, as well as those of their parents, guardians, and Next of Kin.
18. Physical Marks or Tattoos: Candidates with cuttings, marks, inscriptions, or tattoos on their bodies will be automatically disqualified.
19. Education Documents: Original copies of education documents, from primary to tertiary institutions, must be provided for verification.

Military Personnel Requirements:

• Valid military identity cards and a letter of recommendation from their Commander or Commanding Officer.
• Valid letters indicating Nigerian Army sponsorship in a recognized tertiary institution.
• Minimum of five years of service in any unit of the Nigerian Army.
• Secret Society Membership: Applicants must not be affiliated with any secret society, as it is strictly prohibited.
• Specialized Corps Departments (for Female Applicants): Female applicants are encouraged to consider commission into specialist corps departments such as medical, legal service, public relations, or supply and transport.

These are the comprehensive entry requirements for the Nigerian Army's Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) program. Meeting these criteria is essential for a successful application.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR SHORT SERVICE COMBATANT COMMISSION (SSC) IN THE NIGERIAN ARMY

The Short Service Commission (SSC) is a Nigerian Army recruitment program open to both civilians and active military personnel. This course provides an opportunity for degree holders aspiring to join the officer ranks of the Nigerian Army as Combatants. The training for this commission typically lasts for nine months, involving rigorous military training. Upon successful completion, candidates are commissioned into the rank of Second Lieutenant.

It's important to note that the application process for both the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) and the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) is the same. However, for SSC, applicants, whether male or female, must be between 23 and 27 years old by January of the following year after application.

HOW TO APPLY FOR NIGERIAN ARMY DSSC AND SSC PROGRAMS TODAY:

As mentioned earlier, all applications for Nigerian Army DSSC and SSC recruitment courses are conducted online and are completely free of charge. You are not required to make any payments to individuals or groups to apply. The Nigerian Army strictly discourages this practice.

To apply, visit the web portal at http://recruitment.army.mil.ng. Upon reaching the webpage, you'll need to create an account to register before proceeding with the application. Take time to review the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet the requirements. Once done, choose your preferred program, either DSSC or SSC, from the home page.

After registration, you'll receive an email containing login details. Use these to log in and complete your application. Provide all the necessary details and upload the required documents to prepare for the exams.

Upon successful application, it's crucial to print out your forms and complete any necessary sections. Make sure to sign them, as you'll be asked to present these printouts in the future. Remember, your photo slip is of utmost importance. Bring it with you to the exam hall to present to your invigilators for admission. This will ensure smooth entry into the exam hall.