Military cadets are officer trainees in the Kenya Defence Forces, undergoing intensive training to become commissioned officers.
What is a typical day as a Military Cadet?
– Cadets are trained on three main pillars: professional skills (soldiering), academic development (leadership & knowledge) and character development (discipline, duty and service).
– Physical training to maintain peak fitness and test endurance is a key aspect of all training.
What else might they be expected to do?
– Classwork.
– Field Training in harsh environmental conditions.
– Parade drills.
What is required for this career path?
– A minimum of B plain in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or equivalent, with C+ (Plus) in English, Mathematics and one Science subject.
– Must possess a Kenya National Identity Card and between the ages of 18 -26 years.
– Physical requirements: Height 5ft 3in (male) 5ft (female) and Weight of +54.55kg (male) and +50kg (female).
– Medically fit as per KDF standards, healthy skin devoid of deep scars and tattoos.
– Candidates straight from High School will undertake 3 years training leading to BSc degree in Military Science and Security Studies.
– Candidates with Undergraduate Degrees will undertake 11 months training.
What kind of personality is needed to excel in this career path?
– Military officers tend to have interests that offer activities that are realistic (hands-on), persuasive (leadership and influence) and organizing (processes and structure).
– When it comes to the Big 5 personalities, military officers tend to score high in conscientiousness for reliability, organization and duty.
– They also score low in neuroticism such that they are able to handle high stress, and low in openness which supports the military values of routine, tradition and authority.
– Both extroverts and introverts can thrive in this career path. .
What challenges can I expect to face if I pursue this career path?
– Managing the physical and mental demands of training.
– Working under high-pressure scenarios requiring split-second decisions.
What are the job prospects for this path in Kenya and Africa? What about International prospects for a Kenyan citizen?
– Kenya: Military recruitments are held periodically and a highly competitive especially for those straight out of high school.
– International: The UK, may consider Kenyan nationals, through commonwealth membership, into their service after rigorous vetting and recruitment. However, for most other countries, you will need to be a permanent resident of that country.
What should I focus on if I choose to pursue this career?
– Build physical fitness and practice healthy habits. Avoid tattoos.
– Test your physical endurance with exercise regimens
– Start living in line with your aspirations in terms of discipline, service to others, leadership and integrity.
Which other careers or job roles can I progress to?
– Kenya Air Force Specialist Officer
– Kenya Navy Specialist Officer
– Kenya Army Specialist Officer
– Security / Defense Consultant (outside of Military)