Over 4000 matric graduates are set to join the military, the SA National Defence Force said.

"4,463 fit and deserving young South Africans from all nine provinces of the country who were successful in their quest to join the SANDF, have started to report at various SANDF Military Bases to commence with training," the military said in a statement.

The 4000 recruits will "swell the ranks" of the aging SANDF through a 2003 programme called the Military Skills Development System.

The programme will “enhance the SANDF's mission readiness through the systematic rejuvenation of its human resource composition through annual intakes of young and fit members who are fully committed to defend the country," the SANDF said.

"The system also provides the country's youth with opportunities to acquire scarce skills."

After completing the programme the graduates will be able to choose a specialisation.