STRENGTHENING NS: WHAT THESE CHANGES MEAN TO YOU

After a year-long public engagement exercise, during which more than 40,000 members of the public weighed in on NS, the Committee revealed their recommendations to improve the system and strengthen Singapore's defence in May.

The measures are set to shape the face of NS in the years to come as they target National Servicemen through the various stages of their lives. They also aim to give servicemen and others more opportunities to contribute to the defence of Singapore.

At the CSNS press conference on 22 May, Minister for Defence and Chairman of the CSNS Steering Committee, Dr Ng Eng Hen, said: "The CSNS recommendations are a comprehensive package of significant measures to strengthen NS for future generations and provide Singapore with a strong defence."

A sign of how seriously the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) took this exercise, the CSNS commissioned an independent study, conducted numerous focus group discussions, organised a town hall session and even held a Web-chat to gather feedback from Singaporeans. The Committee's recommendations were accepted by the Government on 10 Jun.

Read on to find out how they affect you!

NSFs

Those who have gone through NS know the drill: after Basic Military Training (BMT) you either get posted to one of the command schools to become Specialists or Officers, or you head to any of the SAF units for further vocational training. You have no say in where you will end up.

For Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), the recommendations called for a more robust training system, better matching of skills to vocations and a shorter waiting time before enlistment, among others.

Better fit, accredited skills

Soldiers will be asked for their choice of vocations, and the SAF will take into consideration an individual's skills, experience and vocation preference when deciding what vocation the serviceman is posted to.

It's a move welcomed by CPT (Dr) Mok. "It would make NSFs work more efficiently because they know their stuff... and the two years of NS will be more meaningful because they get to apply the skills they have."

That's not all. Some skills picked up in NS will also be accredited at the national level and recognised by employers. Vocations which could benefit from this move include signal operators, soldiers who serve as transport operators and those in the medical field, such as SAF combat medics.

While most view these moves as a step in the right direction, CPT (Dr) Mok cautioned against overdoing it: "We need to look at what skills are really transferable. No point forcing certain things or the certification loses credibility and becomes redundant."

Enhancing training

It used to be that each NS batch would train the successive batch. To strengthen the training system, the CSNS called for the ratio of Regular trainers to be increased across the SAF and the Home Team.

The SAF plans to hire an additional 1,100 trainers while the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force are looking at another 230 trainers.

This increase in the proportion and number of trainers will mean more trainers who are well-versed in the latest training methods and techniques.

Having such a pool of Regular trainers will also make training safety guidelines better emphasised and enforced.

"Personally, I can't see a downside to this. As NSF trainers, we are just doing this for a couple of years at most," said 2nd Sergeant (2SG) Syaifullah Adli Abdullah, a 22-year-old NSF trainer at the Basic Military Training Centre on Pulau Tekong.

"Regulars generally have more experience. We go to them for advice. Having more (Regular trainers) will lead to a better training environment - there will be more people in the know whom we can turn to."

The NSF loved his job so much, he delayed his Operationally Ready Date (ORD) to continue training recruits till March next year. "ORD is just a date, it's over-rated. I enjoy my role here.

"I might just sign on (as a trainer). Who knows?" laughed 2SG Syaifullah.

Shorter wait

Older Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) might remember that it could take up to eight months after leaving school before they enlisted. Under the recommendation which aims to shorten this waiting time, each NS cohort can expect to enlist in under six months.

Once implemented, the recommendation will see 90 percent of each NS cohort enlisted within four months of leaving school. Under the current system, 45 percent of each NS cohort enlists within four months. "This is a big administrative recommendation but the Committee felt that four months was a reasonable period and that the maximum wait for anyone about to do NS should not be more than six months," said Dr Ng at the press conference.

This move is already drawing fans. Said 2SG Syaifullah: "While you're waiting (to enlist), it feels like your life is on hold."

For those looking to work after their ORD, a shorter waiting period before enlistment reaps dividends two years down the road. "Enlisting earlier is also better for your future career - the faster you enlist, the faster you can enter the workforce," said 2SG Syaifullah.

NSmen

For NSmen, the recommendations focus on easing the challenges Singapore's citizen-soldiers face in juggling NS, family and career.

They will have a year to meet their Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) requirements and should they fail, another year to complete the required Remedial Training sessions. Those who opt for the IPPT Preparatory Training will have a full year to clear all the sessions too. NSmen will also receive $150,000 of insurance coverage while serving NS.

Other initiatives are targeted at supporting NSmen at the different stages of their NS. The NS Recognition Awards (NSRA) will be restructured to help servicemen meet their housing, education and health-care needs.

The revamped version will be called the NS HOME (HOusing, Medical and Education) Awards. Besides the $9,000 received under the NSRA (the award for NS commanders is slightly higher at $10,500), NSmen can look forward to receiving an additional $6,000 in their Medisave over three NS milestones.

Supporting NSmen

The NS HOME Awards would come in useful for NSmen like CPL (NS) Mohammad Azfar bin Hashim. He said: "With cost of living... predicted to rise further in the future, getting some support for housing and health-care is great.

"It lifts some of the burden off the NSmen's shoulders, particularly in education, as it allows NSmen to upgrade themselves, which should equate to a better future." CPL (NS) Azfar served NS as a close combat instructor with the Army Fitness Centre.

For some NSmen, it's also a good morale boost. When asked how the NS HOME Awards would help NSmen, Lieutenant (LTA) (NS) Tan Yishu said: "The awards will help to alleviate a little of the burden (in defraying housing costs). Of course, it would be more helpful if the award amount was higher.

"But in this case, it's the thought that counts. Here, the thought of recognising and rewarding NSmen matters more than the actual amount." He serves in an infantry brigade.

Rewards for fitness

IPPT incentives will also get a boost with a $100 increase across the board for all award categories. For meeting their IPPT requirements and beyond, NSmen can now receive between $200 (Pass with incentive) and $500 (Gold).

Said CPL (NS) Kheng: "I can see why these measures would be useful for people who hold office jobs. It's hard to maintain your fitness when you work long hours at a desk.

"I have friends who only have time to exercise between 5 and 6am before they go to work. So it's really up to the person (to train hard for his own fitness)."

Easing NS admin

No longer having to notify MINDEF of overseas trips lasting 14 days or fewer, instead of the previous 24 hours limit, was another recommendation that was well received by NSmen.

As a performing musician and artiste, CPL (NS) Kheng had already experienced being issued a warning letter for not notifying his unit before a trip. "That makes sense - I fly to nearby countries for work quite regularly - it will be nice not to have to drop by the NS website to notify each time I go away (for short trips)!" he laughed.

Journalist CPL (NS) Azfar also welcomed the move: "Typical press trips overseas take up to a week, and sometimes in our rush, we forget to notify."

Community

For the broader community, the CSNS recommendations aim to deepen engagement and make it easier for those willing and able to contribute to Singapore's security.

One of these recommendations was to set up an SAF Volunteer Corps that would allow first-generation Permanent Residents (PRs), new citizens and women to contribute.

Those who sign up to be volunteers will be sorted into two tracks - the Specialist track (who have specialised professional skills needed in the SAF) and the Operations track (who will be trained to serve in operational capacities such as the protection of key installations).

Commitment needed

Would-be volunteers are expected to attend a four-week training programme and commit up to two weeks each year for call-ups. "The idea of volunteerism is that you volunteer your time and you commit to the structure that is given to you, not one that is convenient," said Ms Chia-Richmond.

She would know a thing or two about volunteering, having served as Creative Director for National Day Parade (NDP) 2011. Speaking of the experience, she noted: "It (serving in NDP) impacted my family life, but I committed to the time, so no complaints.

"All our weekends were burnt and we worked on Sundays too, even though it was supposed to be a rest day. Because of the demands of that job, you just have to."

One of those who intend to volunteer is 38-year-old Ng Chek Hock. He said that volunteering in the SAF should be a mutually beneficial experience. "While serving, I think I can gain a better insight into the SAF so I can impart the knowledge to my children," said the helicopter structural design engineer who works for Airbus.

The Malaysia-born PR also said that allowing people to volunteer in the SAF was a good idea. "You are asking people who want to do it. The motivation level is different," said Mr Ng, who hopes to put his knowledge of aviation to good use.

"It has to be worth it if I volunteer, which is why I would like to be placed somewhere in a vocation which suits my skills and expertise and where I can contribute, rather than filling a gap or vacancy," he added.

Women in the SAF

For Ms Teng Wenli, her desire to volunteer comes from a sense of duty. "I think everyone should do something to contribute to society in their own way."

The 17-year-old junior college student elaborated: "For me, that 'something' is serving as a volunteer in the SAF." She added that she was willing to take up any task assigned to her. "Especially if it frees up other servicemen or women to do other tasks that require greater commitment or higher levels of skills."

A keen student of history and the humanities subjects, Ms Teng said history taught her that small states - like Singapore - are especially vulnerable to threats. "That's why I have followed the CSNS developments closely to find out what I can do."

Deeper engagement, more benefits

To enhance outreach, the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) will be up-sized and restructured into three groups - the Employers and Business Council, the Family and Community Council and the Educational Institutions Council. The three new councils will actively reach out to their respective sectors of the community.

More NSmen who perform well during In-Camp Training will also stand to receive Family Recognition Vouchers (FRVs) which can be used to exchange for goods and services across SAFRA clubhouses and affiliated retail outlets.

Under the recommendations, the top 30 percent of NSmen (three times the previous percentage) will be presented with FRVs, with the top 10 percent receiving $200 worth of FRVs - up from the previous $100.

With so many initiatives afoot, there is really no better time to be an NSman than now.

Take part in our CSNS contest at www.mindef.gov.sg/pnr/contest to win one of 30 pairs of movie vouchers!

The buzz on CSNS

Read this list of the 30 recommendations for a complete picture.

A Strong NS Training System
 

• Strengthen the NS training system by employing an additional 1,100 Regulars in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), and 230 Regulars in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), to improve training and inculcate values more effectively.

More Opportunities for National Servicemen to Contribute
 

• Increase leadership opportunities for our servicemen by raising the proportion of officers and specialists from 30 percent to 40 percent, to meet new operational needs.
   
• Increase deployment flexibility for Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) by taking into account skills and preferences when deploying servicemen.
   
• Provide more leadership opportunities and deployment options for servicemen in service vocations (i.e. non-combat vocations) to enable them to contribute more.
   
• Enhance the value proposition of NS by accrediting skills that NSFs gain during NS, and enhancing the Certificate of Service to highlight the competencies and skills gained during full-time NS.
   
• Provide opportunities for NSFs to contribute as SAF, SPF and SCDF Regulars on short contracts after they have completed their full-time NS.
   
• Provide scholarships to develop talents in engineering and science who will be able to contribute to the 3rd Generation SAF.
   
• Expand opportunities for NSmen with relevant civilian expertise to contribute to national defence and security in their areas of expertise.
   

The SAF Volunteer Corps
 

• Establish an SAF Volunteer Corps to enable the broader community, especially women, first-generation Permanent Residents and new citizens, to contribute to defence and strengthen support for NS.
   

Recognition and Benefits for National Servicemen
 

• Revamp the NS Recognition Award into the NS HOME (HOusing, Medical and Education) Awards to support servicemen in housing, health care and education with an additional $6,000 Medisave component.
   
• Provide $150,000 life and personal accident insurance coverage for our servicemen, to cover incidents during their full-time NS and the period of their Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) call-ups.
   

Expand Community Support for National Servicemen
 

• Increase recognition for the families of servicemen, such as through an extension of the Family Recognition Voucher (FRV) scheme. The number of NSmen who are awarded FRVs could be increased from the top 10 percent to the top 30 percent of In-Camp Training (ICT) performers. The quantum for the top 10 percent could also be increased.
   
• Introduce small gifts to servicemen at significant milestones of their lives, such as marriage or the birth of their child.
   
• Restructure the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence to comprise (i) an Educational Institutions Council; (ii) an Employer and Business Council; and (iii) a Family and Community Council, to deepen stakeholder engagement.
   
• Enhance awards for employers with pro-NS policies and human resource practices, as well as individuals supportive of NS.
   
• Strengthen National Education efforts through the SAF Veterans' League and Home Team Veterans, to impart core national values to the younger generation and boost community support for defence and security.
   
• Expand SAFRA and HomeTeam NS recreational facilities for our servicemen and their families.
   
• Improve community recognition by supporting community-led initiatives that recognise servicemen and raise public awareness of NS.
   
• Facilitate NSFs' transition to employment and further studies after they complete full-time NS by expanding the range of companies and institutes of higher learning at career fairs.