NSMEN VOLUNTEER TO CONTRIBUTE CIVILIAN EXPERTISE AS MILITARY EXPERTS

The Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) operational capabilities are set to receive a boost with the pioneer batch of Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) volunteers who have graduated as senior Military Experts (MEs).

Twenty-two NSmen from the first cohort of the new Expertise Conversion Scheme (ECS) have successfully completed their initial phase of training, and attained the rank of ME4 (Apprentice) (NS), or ME4 (A) (NS).

The ECS allows NSmen, who have completed their National Service (NS) cycles and with the appropriate expertise, to volunteer in areas such as law, medicine, psychology, engineering, info-communications and ship operations. They can continue to contribute to the SAF and take on roles such as legal advisers as well as nursing, dental and radiography officers.

The pioneer batch comprises 14 senior MEs from the Republic of Singapore Navy and eight from the Singapore Army.

The graduation ceremony, held at Temasek Club on 18 Jul, marked the completion of their first two training components, which provided them with specialisation training and military leadership education.

The newly-appointed Senior MEs will go for at least two years of On-Job-Training for their final training component. Upon completion, they will be given the rank of ME4 (NS).

At the ceremony, Brigadier General (BG) (NS) Tung Yui Fai, Director for National Service Affairs, commended the graduands for their commitment and dedication.

"Tonight, I am convinced that I am amongst a group of 22 committed NSmen who had continued to volunteer your service because you believe strongly in the purpose and importance of National Service for the defence and security of Singapore."

BG Tung added that the ECS would allow the SAF to tap into its "diverse NS talent pool" to enhance the operational readiness and capability of the SAF.

One of the recommendations by the Committee to Strengthen NS that were recently accepted by the Singapore Government, the scheme is primarily open to Warrant Officers, Specialists and Enlistees (WOSEs) with relevant qualifications who have completed their NS cycles. NSmen with existing Operationally Ready NS commitments may be considered for conversion on a case-by-case basis.

NSmen converting under the ECS will see their NS statutory age raised to 50 years. They need to serve in their new rank and roles for at least three years, and are liable for call up for up to 40 days per year.

Interested applicants can register their interest with the NS Relations Officers in their formation or division headquarters.