Question NW1866 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

Reply:

(1) The average age of the permanent infantry force of the SA National Defence Force is 38 years.

(a) South African Infantry Corp (SAIC) members are deemed to be members from the rank of Rifleman (Rfn) up to Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col). Members above the rank of Lt Col are part of the SA Staff Corps (SA St C), and no longer part of the SAIC, although their original mustering may have been in the SAIC.

(b) Average ages of members of the SAIC by rank group are as follows:

1. Rifleman - 34 years.
2. Lance Corporal - 44 years.
3. Corporal - 46 years.
4. Sergeant - 48 years.
5. Staff Sergeant - 51 years.
6. Warrant Officer (Class 2) - 53 years
7. Warrant Officer (Class 1) - 55 years
8. Second Lieutenant - 33 years
9. Lieutenant - 36 years
10. Captain - 41 years
11. Major - 46 years
12. Lieutenant Colonel - 50 years