Previously we wrote an article about how to join the Nigerian Army with BSC or HND where we talked about the Nigerian Army DSSC and SSC. Now many people has been asking questions about the difference between DSSC and SSC in the Nigerian Army.
Please note that the terms DSSC and SSC is only applicable in the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Navy and Air force have only DSSC.
The Difference Between DSSC And SSC is what we will be discussing in this article. DSSC (Direct Short Service Commission) And SSC (Short Service Combatant Commission) are types of commission in the Nigerian Army. However, below are some of the differences
Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) is a short term training organized by the Nigerian Army for graduates from different institution (university or polytechnic) in the country. The training takes a period of 6 Months at Nigerian Defence Academy.
While Short Service Commission (SSC) Is also a short period of training organized for graduates from different institution in the country and it also takes a period of 9 Months at NDA Kaduna.
Most times, where people gets confused is the difference between both of them is because they usually come out together and they are both meant for graduates. Now let me explain the difference between both.
The Difference between DSSC and SSC In the Nigerian Army
The main Difference DSSC and SSC is that
- Firstly, there is Salary Difference. The DSSC ranks starts from Lieutenant and SSC Starts from Second Lieutenant, the DSSC are to be paid higher than the SSC Immediately the become an officer in the Nigerian Army until they are of the same rank.
- Another difference is that the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Is mainly for those who already have a career that they want to continue in the military. If you have a career and wants to join the Nigerian Army as a graduate, it’s better you go for Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC).What i mean by career is if you are already practicing what you studied in the university or polytechnic. Example is Doctors, Lawyers Accountants Education and many others.
- While Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Is mainly for those that wants to be Combatant in the army. They are mainly deployed in the Infantry, Artillery. They are trained for action in the field just like Regular Cadets. They are always in competition with the regular Officers who spend 5 years during their training. So when you want to join the Army as a graduate and wants to be Combatant, it’s better you join through SSC.
- Secondly, Those in the DSSC are always passing out with higher grade because of their career they entered with. The DSSC passes out as a full Lieutenant or captain or even major depending on the course or profession they entered with.
- SSC Always Pass out with the rank of Second Lieutenant and stays at least two years before they are promoted to the rank of full lieutenant.
- Another difference is that of Age. Those in the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) are likely to be older than the SSC. even when applying for both, you will see the difference Also Stated.
Note Those in the DSSC have less years to serve in the army due to the age factor. Most of the DSSC Candidates are mostly old.
In conclusion, To join the Nigerian Army DSSC and SSC one thing is certain, Which is you need to be a graduate with BSC or HND from any recognised institution in the country and outside.
To know more about the DSSC and SSC ,visit the Nigerian army official website https://army.mil.ng
