Exploring factors contributing to voluntarily withdrawal by candidates during South African operational forces selection

Abstract

The South African Operational Forces or “recces” as they are known, have a reputation for excellence. Before the 1994 democracy in South Africa and to this day, this group of elite soldiers have been associated with high standards that make them “urban legends” in the eyes of young men, dreaming of an adventurous career in which they can prove their manliness. The process of becoming a South African Operational Forces soldier is marked with challenges and adversity that most individuals will not be able to overcome. Only a very small percentage of those that take the decision to attempt Operational Forces Selection, qualify. It is of concern that Operational Forces recruit attrition within the first 12 weeks of training remains consistently above 50%. Un-effective selection methods that lead to the training of recruits that voluntarily withdraw have a significant impact on already limited military budgets and resources in South Africa, but apart from that, little is known about the personal experiences of those who take the decision to withdraw.