RECORD V PROGRESS REPORT: 5 TICKS OFF THE LIST

As RECORD V's to-do list is being worked on, PIONEER checks out five recommendations that have been put in place so far in recognising the contributions of national servicemen to the defence of Singapore.

The ability to strike a balance between career and family commitments and National Service obligations is something that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) realises is of great importance to servicemen. And the fifth committee to Recognise the Contributions of Operationally Ready National Servicemen to Total Defence, or RECORD V, is just one of the channels through which the SAF helps them to achieve this balance.

To appreciate these efforts of servicemen and those of their families and employers, the committee made 18 recommendations, which were accepted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean last September.

In coming up with the recommendations, RECORD V, which was formed in March last year, conducted surveys, focus group discussions and gathered suggestions from Operationally-ready National Servicemen (NSmen), their wives and employers. Said RECORD V chairman, Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee: "Our recommendations are not meant to fully compensate the sacrifices made by our NSmen. Rather, the recommendations are meant as a simple and tangible means of expressing our nation's gratitude to them."

With about half the initiatives implemented to date, the others - which include the awards, vouchers, and greater convenience for servicemen - will be rolled out in phases.

1. Combat allowance increment

Since 1 Oct 09, NSmen combatants have received a $100 increase in their monthly combat allowance as part of their service pay. This increase is in recognition of the physical demands of combat vocations, and it ensures that the allowance premium given to combatants remains substantial throughout ORNS (Operationally Ready National Service).

One who welcomed this initiative was Corporal (CPL) (NS) Aw Leong Yee, who remarked: "The increase in our combat allowance is really a motivating factor when we go back for ICT (In-Camp Training). Considering that the ICT for combatants is really very tough and physically demanding, I think it's very fair that the committee tries to compensate us for the effort we put in."

2. Enhanced rank allowance

In a move to better reflect the expanded roles and responsibilities of Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and NSmen Warrant Officers and Specialists, their rank allowances have been increased by up to 35 percent since 1 Oct 09.

Said NSF 3rd Sergeant Muhammad Khairul Bin Azmi, a section commander in the 5th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, who had his rank allowance increased from $630 to $740: "I feel it's a decent increment. Not only does it show that the SAF recognises our efforts, it also reflects the increased responsibilities we have as commanders."

3. Online social networking platform

To enable servicemen to build closer bonds during their NS journey, an online network platform, "NS Connect", has been made available to them since January this year. This online service allows users to create a personal online profile, and add friends to their networks. They can also share photos and stories of NS with friends, and participate in discussion forums, surveys and polls to keep in touch with fellow servicemen.

4. Appreciation letter upon statutory age

From October 2009, to thank NSmen for their contributions towards NS, appreciation letters were sent to NSmen who had reached the statutory age of 40 for non-officers, and 50 for officers, and completed their ORNS training cycle.

5. Review of eMART credits

Since January, greater flexibility has been given to NSmen when it comes to using their eMART credits to buy personal equipment. They can now take an advance from the next allocation of credits should they need more for the purchase of new equipment.

Enhanced connectivity during ICT

Fretting over work matters while at In-Camp Training (ICT)? Soon, training institutes will be equipped with business centres for NSmen to connect to their workplace through office-configured laptops, personal digital assistants and Blackberries. Fax and photocopy facilities will also be made available at the business centres. From April, the business centres of the Infantry Training Institute in Jurong Camp II, the Armour Training Institute in Sungei Gedong Camp and the Army Logistics Training Institute in Kranji Camp III will be set up.

IPPT-in-your-community

To help NSmen better prepare for their annual Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), outdoor physical fitness equipment at existing fitness corners in public housing estates will be enhanced to help NSmen train muscles specific to the requirements of IPPT. In addition, 2.4km running routes will be clearly demarcated.

SAFRA has identified 10 sites in Tampines, Bishan, Toa Payoh and Tanjong Pagar where the first phase of the initiative will be launched.

New SAFRA clubhouse in Punggol

Envied the "Westerners" when SAFRA Jurong was built? Well, get ready for a thrilling good time when the SAFRA clubhouse hits Punggol! To be located next to the Punggol River, the proposed club will have a water-related theme and facilities. It will be built when Punggol becomes more populated (expected around 2015).

Fourth FCC in Kranji

Good news for those who live in the North-west! To cater to NSmen who work or live there, the fourth Fitness Conditioning Centre (FCC) will be built in Kranji Camp II, making it more convenient for them to take their IPPT, IPPT Preparatory Training and RT. Construction is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2011.