According to a report by Business Insider, Pakistan has the 13th largest military force in the world. There are four main service branches that include Army, Navy, Air Force and paramilitary forces. The Chain of command of the military is organised by the Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff Committee (JCSC) along with chiefs of staff for the army, navy, and air force.
Ever since the independence, the Pakistan armed forces have played a significant role in the defence of the country. They are always on the forefront to defend the honor of the country. According to an estimate, there are approximately 654,000 active personnel in the armed forces excluding those in the Strategic Plans Division Forces and paramilitary forces. That makes it the 6th largest armed force in the world and 1st in the Muslim world.
How to Apply in Armed Forces
Let us assume that you’ve seen the latest ad for induction in the armed force. Afterwards, you go to Pak Army, Air force or Navy website and complete the online registration process. Check the eligibility criteria first and then apply for the course you are interested in. Provide all your educational and personal details in the form. After submission of your online application, you will receive an email informing you of the initial and medical tests along with the details such as Roll Number, Test date and Centre.
Initial Test
In the initial test, the aptitude of the candidate regarding subjects like Maths, English, Pakistan Studies and General Knowledge is assessed. If you are able to pass the test, you will then appear in the medical examination.
Initial Medical
In the initial medical, the candidate’s vital medical information is collected to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements of ISSB.
The candidates who passed the initial test and medical will be called in for ISSB.
What is ISSB?
The Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) is a committee that selects commissioned officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force. It is a four day selection test where candidate’s ability, aptitude and personality is tested. There are four ISSB centres in the country, namely, Kohat, Gujranwala, Quetta and Malir. After passing the ISSB, the candidates have to undergo officer training at military academies. The Pakistan Military Academy is located in Kakul, the Pakistan Air Force Academy in Risalpur and the Pakistan Naval Academy in Manora.
The ISSB test consists of three major parts:
1. Psychological Test
2. Outdoor Activities
3. Interviews
Psychological Test
There are three parts of psychological test
Intelligence Test (Both Verbal and Non-Verbal)
Personality Test (Written Analytical and Projective Test)
Mechanical Aptitude Test
Outdoor Activities
The outdoor activities are as follows:
Group Test
Individual Obstacles (assessment of candidate ability to overcome the individual obstacles)
In the group test, the candidates are divided into several groups and are engaged in various activities to assess different qualities such as personality traits, team work, leadership and intelligence. The group test consist of following activities:
1. Group Discussion (Discussion on a given topic or subject)
2. Planning (Group has to plan a solution of a problem)
3. Tasks (There are different activities in it such lifting weights, tackling an issue etc.)
4. Command Tasks (One candidate is appointed as a commander to assess the leadership qualities of the individual)
The interview is the last step in the ISSB. In this step, the candidates are asked about the personal life, academic career, life goals and their opinions regarding different aspects.
The candidates who are able to pass the ISSB test, are called in for a final medical examination. Afterwards, the qualified candidates are sent to the respective military academies to undergo formal training.
Different Induction Courses of Armed forces
The candidates who wish to join the armed forces can apply in the induction courses. These induction courses are advertised in the newspapers at different times of the year. So, if you are willing to apply for these courses, then you need to regularly follow the newspapers or you can look at the armed forces websites.
How to Join the Armed Forces of Pakistan | Army Induction Courses
There are three ways to join Pakistan Army which are as follows
1. Regular Commissioned Officer
2. Short Service Commission
3. Joining Pak Army as a Soldier
There are different categories in these induction courses that are as follows:
Regular Commissioned Officer
1. PMA Long Course
2. Technical Cadet Course
3. Army Medical Cadet Course
4. Armed Forces Nursing Services
Regular Short Service Commission
1. General Duty Medical Officer (GDMOs)
2. Classified Specialists
Direct Short Service Commission
1. Army Education Corps
2. Lady Cadet Course
3. Psychologist
4. Signals – ICTOS