NATIONAL SERVICEMEN TO ENJOY MORE PERKS AND GREATER CONVENIENCE WITH RECORD V INITIATIVES

Come October 2009, some 27,000 Full-time National Servicemen (NSF) specialists, as well as Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) warrant officers, junior commanders and specialists, are expected to enjoy higher rank allowances.

Among them is Third Sergeant (3SG) Sreedharan, an NSF ammunition technician from the Singapore Armed Forces Ammunition Command. He will receive an extra $110, a substantial increment of about 17 per cent from his current rank allowance.

"This will definitely come in handy during the six months after my ORD and before beginning my university studies. It will help me to be less financially dependent on my parents, and to put more money away into my savings," said the 20-year-old.

Starting next month, NSmen in combat vocations will also see an additional $100 increase in their monthly combat allowance.

Other cash perks include faster and larger rank allowance increments for NSmen, ranging from 5 to 10 percent for every year they are called up for In-Camp Training (ICT). This initiative will be implemented in April next year.

In recognition of their heavier responsibilities, NS command appointment holders will also be given a 20 per cent add-on allowance on top of their command appointment allowances.

These are just some of the benefits that National Servicemen can soon look forward to. During a visit to the Infantry Training Institute (ITI) at Jurong Camp II on 11 Sep, Deputy Prime Minister and Minster for Defence Teo Chee Hean announced that the Singapore Government has approved all 18 recommendations made by the Fifth Committee to Recognise the Contributions of Operationally Ready National Servicemen to Total Defence or RECORD V.

Commending National Servicemen for remaining "steadfast in their commitment to our defence" despite the many competing demands in their lives, as well as the strong support from their families and employers, Mr Teo said: "National Service is a sacrifice... and we want to recognise and thank all of them for their contributions."

Besides receiving financial benefits, NSmen will be allowed to bring in and use their work devices, such as laptops, Blackberries and Personal Digital Assistants, within the business centres at three pilot sites in Sungei Gedong Camp, Jurong Camp II and Kranji Camp II.

To be implemented by the end of this year, this initiative will also upgrade the business centres with wireless Internet access and other facilities such as photocopiers, facsimile and Skype. A review will be conducted by the middle of next year to assess if the initiative should be extended SAF-wide.

Commanding Officer of the 696th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (696 SIR), Major (MAJ) (NS) Ridzuan, welcomed this move as a great way to help NSmen cope with their work demands.

"Although we want to be focused on our training during ICT, in some instances, we may have to deal with urgent issues that crop up, especially given the current economic climate and the competitive nature of our businesses," he said.

"This year, in particular, is quite challenging for me, because I'm currently doing a company-sponsored MBA programme, but at the same time, my unit is undergoing their Army Training Evaluation Centre (ATEC) evaluation."

"I need to juggle my work and study commitments, as well as my NS obligations, so this initiative will be especially useful because it allows me to access my course modules and assignments, and I won't have to worry so much about being behind in my studies," he added.

The RECORD V recommendations also addressed another key concern for NSmen returning for ICT - physical fitness. To encourage them to stay fit, SAFRA will kick-start a programme that will enhance existing fitness corners in housing estates to help NSmen train for their Individual Proficiency Physical Training (IPPT), such as chin-up stations and a demarcated 2.4km running route.

Said Lieutenant (LTA) Jason Chen, Officer Commanding of 696 SIR: "It's good that we're bringing better access to IPPT training for the community."

"Since starting work four months ago, I've had to resort to waking up at 6am or wait till after work at 11pm to go for runs just to keep fit, so having such facilities in the neighbourhood would definitely be very convenient."

The RECORD committee, which convenes once every few years, was set up to recommend ways to recognise and enhance the contributions of NSmen as well as their families and employers to total defence. Formed in March this year, RECORD V conducted focus group discussions and also gathered ideas and suggestions from NSmen, their wives and employers through a unit visit and an email survey.

Check out some examples of how National Servicemen will benefit from the allowance increases recommended by RECORD V:

27 Aug 09 - NSmen have reason to rejoice with new recommendations

27 Aug 09 - RECORD V Unveils Recommendations to Recognise NSmen's Contributions to Singapore's Defence

11 Sep 09 - DPM Teo accepts RECORD V Recommendations