The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has announced the recruitment of 1,000 Sierra Leoneans into the Armed Forces, opening opportunities for both civilians and serving soldiers across the country.

According to an official recruitment announcement issued by the RSLAF, applications for the nationwide recruitment exercise will officially open on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Members of the public who meet the required criteria are encouraged to submit their applications at the nearest military location for onward transmission to the appropriate regional recruitment centres.

The Armed Forces stated that recruitment will be conducted under five categories, including Direct Entry Cadets for both specialists and non-specialists, Direct Entry Cadets for serving soldiers, Direct Entry Recruits who are non-tradesmen, and Direct Entry Recruits who are tradesmen.

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The RSLAF emphasized that all applicants, regardless of category, must meet the general eligibility requirements. These include being a natural-born citizen of Sierra Leone, proven by a National Identity Card, and having no criminal record involving serious offences such as treason, murder, robbery with aggravation, fraud or dishonesty. Applicants are required to present a Police Clearance, which may be submitted during the final selection process scheduled to begin on February 27, 2026.

Height and physical standards will also be strictly enforced. The Armed Forces stated that male applicants must be at least 5 feet 5 inches tall, while female applicants must not be less than 5 feet 3 inches. Applicants must also be medically and physically fit, as determined through medical and physical examinations conducted during the selection process.

In addition, applicants are expected to demonstrate good conduct and be regarded as law-abiding citizens within their communities. Civilians are required to submit a letter of recommendation from a recognized religious, traditional, or community leader, while serving soldiers must obtain a recommendation from their unit commanders.

For Direct Entry Cadets who are non-specialists, the RSLAF said applicants must possess a first degree from a recognized college or university and be between 18 and 30 years old. Specialist cadets must also hold a first degree in designated professional fields, including medicine, engineering, agriculture, law, information technology, environmental sciences and related disciplines, with an age limit of 18 to 40 years.

Serving soldiers applying as Direct Entry Cadets are required to hold a first degree and fall within the age range of 18 to 35 years. Meanwhile, Direct Entry Recruits who are non-tradesmen must have attained basic education and be between 18 and 25 years old.

For tradesmen, the Armed Forces stated that applicants must possess recognized technical or vocational qualifications, have at least five years of practical experience in their trade, and be between the ages of 18 and 40.

The RSLAF disclosed that designated recruitment centres have been established in all regions of the country. Applications will be processed through the Eastern, Western Area, Northern, Southern, and North-Western regional recruitment offices, located at various military headquarters and barracks.

Applicants are required to submit their application letters with all relevant supporting documents and four passport-sized photographs. The Armed Forces announced that the deadline for submission of applications is Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

The RSLAF urged interested and qualified Sierra Leoneans to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that the recruitment exercise forms part of efforts to strengthen the country’s Armed Forces. For further information, the public has been advised to visit the Ministry of Defence or Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces Facebook page or contact the provided phone and WhatsApp number, 078 452 876.

The announcement was issued by the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces as part of its official public communication on the 2026 recruitment exercise.