List of Military Schools in Namibia
What is a Military School?
A military academy or service academy is an educational institution which prepares candidates for service in the officer corps.
It normally provides education in a military environment, the exact definition depending on the country concerned.
Overview of Military Academy in Namibia
The Namibian Military School is a training unit of the Namibian Defence Force. As per international norm the School is a military unit of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) and It is housed in the School of Military Science of the University of Namibia.
It is the premier training institution of the Namibian military and offers a variety of training ranging from basic military training to undergraduate as well as postgraduate academic qualification. It provides servicemen of all the arms of service an opportunity to earn a military science oriented qualification.
The Namibia Military School
Departments
- Aeronautical Science
- Military Science, Military History and Military Law
- Nautical Science
- Security and Strategic Studies
Why Study Military Science?
The rationale for the Military Academic Programmes is an attempt to bridge the skills-shortage gap and ensure sufficient numbers of well trained personnel in Namibia and the SADC region.
In addition, the academic programmes will equip selected officers of the Namibian Defence Force, officials from other Office/Ministries/Agencies (O/M/As) and SADC region within the security sector and young Namibians aspiring to become military officers with the knowledge, skill and attitudes to manage the utilization of technology in contemporary warfare, security, socio-political and organizational environment.
A well rounded and comprehensive set of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes will enable them to function successfully in the Namibian Defence Force or other institutions as managers. This is in line with the national development agenda and Vision 2030 aspirations.
Namibian Military School Courses Offered
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
Military Science (Aeronautical)Bachelor of Science (Honours)Military Science (Army)Bachelor of Science (Honours)Military Science (Nautical – Electronics)Bachelor of Science (Honours)Military Science (Nautical – Mechanics)Bachelor of Science (Honours)Military Science (Nautical – Weapon Systems)Bachelor of Science (Honours)
POSTGRADUATE COURSES
Security and Strategic Studies
Postgraduate Diploma
Security and Strategic Studies
Master of Arts
Training offered
- Basic training
As the primary training institution, basic training for all NDF recruits is undertaken at the Osona military base outside Okahandja. An extension of the school is also located at the Ondangwa Military Base where Basic training for recruits can also take place. Basic training for recruits is six months long, and is offered in two phases, Basic Military Training and Platoon Weapons.
Some of the military aspects covered include drills, field craft, skill at arms, minor tactics, coin ops, military hygiene, military law, military aspects, first aid, map reading, law of armed conflict and conventional warfare.
- Officer Cadet course
A cadet officers’ course is run at the military school.
- Undergraduate offerings
- Bachelor of Military Science (Honours)
As of 2013, the University of Namibia and the military school jointly began offering the undergraduate Bachelor of Military Science (Honours) degree with three specialization areas, Aeronautical, Army and Nautical. The Nautical specialization is sub-divided into an additional three fields: Nautical-Electronics, Nautical-Mechanical and Nautical-Weapon Systems.
- Postgraduate offerings
- Postgraduate diploma in Security and Strategic Studies
- Master of Arts in Security and Strategic Studies (MA-SSS)
The MA-SSS programme was the first implemented as a joint curriculum between UNAM and the Ministry of Defence in 2007. It is a master’s level degree. It mainly enrolls senior officers of the Namibian military.
In 2012 the postgraduate diploma in Security and Strategic Studies was also initiated by the Ministry of Defence and UNAM as a “bridging” course to help students prepare for the tougher Master of Arts in Security and Strategic Studies degree course.
Namibian Military School Entry Requirements
Undergraduate Requirements:
- Candidates must be approved by the Ministry of Defence.
- All BSc Military Science (Aeronautical, Army and Nautical) candidates must hold a valid Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) (ordinary or higher) or a recognized equivalent qualification.
- English is a compulsory subject and should normally have been obtained as a Second Language at NSSC (O-level) with a C-symbol as minimum requirement, or English as a First Language at NSSC (O-level) with a D-symbol as a minimum.
- Students require at least a symbol C on NSSC or equivalent qualification in Mathematics.
- The admission can also be considered for persons who qualify through the Mature Age Entry Scheme upon successful completion of the relevant examinations as set out in the General Information and Regulations of the University of Namibia.
- A candidate should obtain a minimum of 25 points on the University of Namibia’s Evaluation Point Scale in his/her five (5) best subject (of which Mathematics and English must be included) to be admitted to undergraduate studies. Refer to the General Admission Criteria for Undergraduate Programmes in the General Information and Regulations Yearbook.
- All fourth years are required to do research projects: AER3810, ARM3810 and NAV3810(prerequisite for this course the student should have passed all third year courses).
Postgraduate Requirements
Security and Strategic Studies Requirements:
Master of Arts
Students may be admitted to this programme if they meet the General Admission Requirements of the University of
Namibia and comply with additional requirements below:
- A student must have a good Bachelor Honours degree with at least a C-grade average, from the University of
Namibia or equivalent. - A student must have a good Postgraduate Diploma in Security and Strategic Studies from the University of Namibia
or a comparable level 8 diploma.
A prospective student may be interviewed and assessed before recommending his/her application to the relevant UNAM structures.
Security and Strategic Studies
Postgraduate Diploma
Requirements:
- Prospective students must be in possession of a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree from the
University of Namibia or any other recognized institution of higher learning. - Students who do not comply with (1) above, but possess senior military qualifications such as Senior Staff and Command Courses and Ten (10) years of experience, in a senior management/command position may also be considered for admission.
- Prospective students will be required to write a one page submission to articulate the goals of their undertaking the Postgraduate studies, and the Faculty reserves the right to interview applicants.
- Submission of an application for admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Security and Strategic Studies programme does guarentee admission to the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are frequently asked questions related to military academy in Namibia
How is it like in military school?
In a military school, all students are expected to seek opportunities for leadership and excellence in performance.
There won’t be the jocks and geeks type of social organization found in non-military schools.
Students will be expected to learn self-control, time management, and discipline.
Can I send my kid to military school?
Yes, parents can force minor children to attend military school.
Are phones allowed in military school?
Historically, standard Army basic training rules allowed for well-performing platoons to be rewarded with phone calls home on Sundays.
Recruits in many Army basic training platoons are now allowed to use personal cell phones to call friends and families, send text messages, and update their social media status.
What age can I send my child to military school?
You can attend military school at as young as 6 years old, but the average age is 14 years old.
How strict is military school?
Military schools for teens are a cross between boot camps and boarding schools. The discipline is strict and controlled, and a strong emphasis is placed on education.
Students, also called cadets, are put through military exercises and rigorous military training.
Is military school good?
Yes, military schools can help your child develop good habits of discipline and structure. Just about anything worth doing well requires lots of discipline.
Is there any military school for girls?
Young women go through the same academic activities in military schools for girls as do the males, as well as the same physical trials.
Are drill sergeants allowed to hit you?
Drill Instructors/Drill Sergeants don’t physically touch recruits. They don’t hit or physically assault recruits, ever.
They come close, but they never physically hurt or even touch recruits.