Who is a military officer?
A military officer is a person working in the military for national defense. Military (known collectively as armed forces) is a heavily armed and highly organized force that protects the country from external aggressions, threats and attacks. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the umbrella body for armed forces in Kenya consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The major purpose of KDF military officers is to provide national defense. In so doing, military officers defend Kenya and its territories from external aggressions, threats and attacks.

Other title(s)
Armed forces officer

What is the work environment?
Depending on one’s specialty, military officers’ may work in various environments such as; military bases/ barracks, mission camps among other areas.

Some important skills to have
To work and discharge their duties effectively, military officers should possess some important qualities, attributes and skills such as;

1. The ability to communicate concisely and clearly to colleagues, subordinates and superiors alike, both orally and in written work.
2. Military officers/ members must be physically and mentally fit and ready to participate in missions that may be difficult, dangerous and involving long periods away from family. Other attributes include;
3. Excellent leadership and teamwork skills
4. Determination, self-motivation and discipline.
5. Ability to work calmly in high-pressure situations.
6. A demonstrable commitment to the forces.
7. Among others.

What are some career opportunities?
KDF military or armed forces officers are employed by the Ministry of Defence in the Army, Air Force and Navy.

Becoming a military officer
Joining the military is through recruitment of qualified applicants. To join the military, applicants must meet age, education, physical and character requirements. The requirements may vary for various officers. Interested applicants who want to join the military can explore the following options based on one’s interests and qualifications.

1. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets
2. Specialist Officers
3. Recruits/Service Men/ Women

The recruitment requirements for each of the above listed options are briefly explained below;

1. General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets
Cadets are young/ junior Officers in the KDF. To be recruited as a GSO cadet, applicants must meet the following conditions and education requirements;

Conditions.

1. Be Kenyan citizens with no dual citizenship.
2. Be in possession of a valid Kenyan National Identity Card.
3. Age – between 18 and 26 years old for GSO Cadets.
4. Be physically and medically fit in accordance with the KDF standards.
5. Have no criminal record.
6. Minimum Height: (a) Men 1.60m (5ft 3in).(b) Women 1.52m (5ft)
7. Minimum Weight :(a) Men 54.55 Kg (120 lb).(b) Women 50.00 Kg (110 lb).
8. Female candidates must NOT be pregnant at the time of recruitment and during the entire duration of training.

Minimum Education Qualification
General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets Must hold a minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in KCSE with at least C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics and one Science subject. The initial training period for this category will cover three (3) continuous years leading to a BSc in Military Science and Security Studies on successful completion.

2. Specialist Officers
Specialist officers are experienced university graduates with various academic qualifications such as; engineers, doctors, meteorologists, architects, veterinary doctors, physical training officers among many other fields. To be recruited to KDF as specialist officer, applicants must meet the following conditions and education requirements;

Conditions for specialist officers

1. Be Kenyan citizens with no dual citizenship.
2. Be in possession of a valid Kenyan National Identity Card.
3. Age – not above 30 years.
4. Be physically and medically fit in accordance with the KDF standards.
5. Have no criminal record.
6. Minimum Height: (a) Men 1.60m (5ft 3in).(b) Women 1.52m (5ft)
7. Minimum Weight :(a) Men 54.55 Kg (120 lb).(b) Women 50.00 Kg (110 lb).
8. Female candidates must NOT be pregnant at the time of recruitment and during the entire duration of training.

Minimum Education Qualification
To join KDF as a specialist Officer, applicants must hold a minimum mean grade of B (Plain) in KCSE with at least C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics and one science subject. Must be holder of an undergraduate degree from a recognized University/institution and be registered with statutory body where applicable. The initial training period for Specialist Officers will not be less than three months

3.  Recruits/Service Men/ Women
To join KDF as servicemen/ women, applicants must meet the following conditions and education qualifications.

1. Must be Kenyan citizens.
2. Age – Between 18 and 26 years old.
3. Education – A minimum of mean grade D (Plain) in KCSE.
4. Be medically fit.
5. Have no criminal record.
6. Minimum Height – 5 ft 3 in. (5’3”).
7. Minimum Weight: (a) Men – 54.55 Kg (120 lb), (b) Women – 50 Kg (110 lb).
8. Women candidates must NOT be pregnant.

Recruitment dates
Through the mass media (print and electronic), KDF advertises for recruitment of various officers. Be on the lookout for these advertisements.

Military training
Upon successful recruitment to KDF, the recruits join the Kenya Military Academy (KMA) to be equipped with foundational military officer training, education and inspiration to attain professional military excellence with a goal of preparing them for the military working environment and serving the country in their respective fields.

Other opportunities to work/ serve in the military.
Kenyans who do not meet the above KDF recruitment requirements and interested in working with KDF can explore the following opportunities.

4.  Tradesmen/Women/Trades Members.
Tradesmen/ women are skilled artisans and technicians in various vocational and technical fields such as; plumbing, electrical installation, vehicle mechanics, vehicle electrical, general fitters, building construction, among many other fields. Candidates who wish to join the Kenya Defence Forces as tradesmen/women must apply through responding to advertisements placed in the mass media (print and electronic). The candidates must observe the following;

Education Requirements.

1. Technicians: A minimum of mean grade C (Plain) in KCSE, a relevant diploma from a recognized Institution and be registered with the relevant statutory bodies, where applicable.
2. Artisans: A minimum of mean grade D+ (Plus) in KCSE and either a relevant certificate with Government Trade Test Grade II or Craft II from a recognized Institution.