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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/saf-review-pes-system-deployed-more-roles-servicemen-14305586 SAF to review PES medical classification system, paving the way for servicemen to be deployed in more roles SAF national servicemen maintenance work Full-time national servicemen carrying out maintenance work on Bionix parts. (Photo: Jeremy Long) By Aqil Haziq Mahmud 01 Mar 2021 01:33PM (Updated: 01 Mar 2021 01:40PM) Bookmark SINGAPORE: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will review the use of the medical classification system and physical employment standards (PES) system so it can better deploy servicemen in more roles according to their abilities. Currently, servicemen are assigned a PES status based on their medical condition and this is one factor in determining their vocation during National Service (NS). For instance, servicemen with the highest status of PES A and B1 are suitable for combat vocations, while those with PES B2, B3 and B4 are suitable for some combat vocations and all combat support vocations. “The review will focus on the operational effectiveness of each individual, instead of the binary classification of whether one is combat-fit or non-combat-fit,” the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said in a factsheet on Monday (Mar 1). “Medical exclusions that used to limit deployments may no longer be relevant in today’s operating context or with the use of technology.” Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Monday that this "old system is outdated and retrogressive" for many roles in the next generation of the SAF. "Moving forward, the SAF will use an updated and refreshed medical classification system, which together with its PES system, will better match vocations and deployment of national servicemen," he added in his ministry's Committee of Supply speech. "The new system will also take into account their civilian jobs and skillsets." READ: As SAF vocations go high-tech, over 600 servicemen get deployed in previously ineligible roles With that in mind, MINDEF said the SAF will explore the use of functional assessments to determine servicemen’s deployability in specific vocations, such as for the selection of transport operators - a combat service support vocation. “The assessment replicates the physical demands required for daily operations, enabling the SAF to better match servicemen’s functional abilities to the role’s actual demands,” MINDEF said. If the trial is successful, Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How said on Monday it could be extended to other vocations like tank operators. The review comes amid falling national birth rates and a shrinking pool of national servicemen, with the SAF announcing as early as 2017 that it was reviewing vocation deployment criteria to tackle manpower challenges. In 2018, then-Second Minister for Defence Ong Ye Kung revealed that the SAF had deployed more than 600 servicemen in vocations they were previously ineligible for, in areas like maintenance where the role of an automotive technician has evolved with technology. “The SAF is leveraging technology and redesigning jobs to be able to deploy servicemen of varying physical abilities in a wider range of operational roles,” MINDEF said on Monday. “This would enable a greater pool of national servicemen to be able to contribute in roles that they would not have been eligible for previously, maximising their contributions in NS without compromising operational effectiveness or safety.” PREP4NS TO BE EXTENDED TO MORE GYMS MINDEF also said on Monday that it is working with Sport Singapore to extend the Pre-Enlistees Exercise Programme for National Service (PREP4NS) to 24 ActiveSG gyms around Singapore, making it more convenient for pre-enlistees to improve their fitness. READ: NS pre-enlistees to get free SAFRA gym membership in November trial PREP4NS, which was launched in 2019 as a trial by MINDEF and SAFRA, provides eligible pre-enlistees with a complimentary one-year SAFRA Energy One gym membership. It aims to encourage pre-enlistees to improve their fitness ahead of their individual physical proficiency test (IPPT) and the physical demands of NS. About 5,000 pre-enlistees have been granted the PREP4NS membership since the launch of the trial, with more than 80 per cent having visited SAFRA gyms since mid-June last year, when Singapore moved into Phase 2 of reopening. “Almost all pre-enlistees who had provided feedback found the initiative useful in helping them meet their IPPT goals. Many also reported improvements in their IPPT scores,” MINDEF said. “It was observed that 33 per cent more pre-enlistees attained a gold after receiving their PREP4NS membership.” Registration for the ActiveSG gym membership will be announced later this year. EXPERTISE DEPLOYMENT OF NSMEN Moving on to operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen), MINDEF said that it would increase the areas that NSmen with specialised civilian expertise can be deployed to. MINDEF will also set up a dedicated deployment centre within the SAF to oversee the expansion of this expertise deployment. READ: Improving NS experience: New NS Hub brings together pre-enlistment medical, IPPT, e-Mart It had announced in 2019 that NSmen with specialised civilian expertise can be deployed to new roles that require such skills under the Expertise Conversion Scheme. Previously, NSmen had to complete the full 10-year training cycle before converting to a role that allows them to use their civilian expertise. “MINDEF/SAF will continue to build on this scheme and systematically expand opportunities to deploy NSmen with relevant civilian expertise,” it said on Monday. “This will serve to maximise the contributions of NSmen and support the SAF’s operational requirements.” (Infographic: MINDEF) MINDEF also announced that it is making it easier for eligible NSmen to attend the Health Screening Programme (HSP), which ensures they are healthy enough to safely participate in strenuous activities during in-camp training. The HSP is for NSmen aged 35 and above who are IPPT-eligible, and previously had to be completed over two visits to a medical centre in camp. Since October 2020, MINDEF said it has streamlined the HSP such that most NSmen can complete it in a single session instead of two. It will also set up a HSP centre in the Military Medicine Institute at Kent Ridge by mid-2021 to provide NSmen with an alternate and more central location. “NSmen can also expect shorter booking and waiting times for their HSP appointments,” it said. Moving forward, MINDEF said the SAF is exploring additional ways to provide NSmen with more convenience and flexibility for NS fitness activities, to motivate them to keep an active lifestyle and ensure that they remain operationally ready. “More details on these initiatives will be announced in due course,” it added. Source: CNA/hz(ta)

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has announced a new training programme for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) operationally-ready national servicemen (NSmen) who cannot pass their individual physical proficiency test (IPPT). The new programme is called NS Fitness Improvement Training (FIT). Launching in April 2021 NS FIT will launch in April 2021 and replace the IPPT preparatory training (IPT) and remedial training (RT) programmes. Instead of attending IPT or RT, NSmen will now need to either pass IPPT, or complete the 10-session NS FIT programme (inclusive of one IPPT attempt). According to MINDEF, NS FIT is introduced in collaboration with the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and Sport Singapore (SportSG). It will allow NSMen to incorporate fitness and regular exercise into their lifestyles, and also streamline the criteria for NSmen to complete their annual fitness requirements. NSmen will be able to register for NS FIT sessions through the NS portal from March 25 onwards, said MINDEF. Conducted at 42 sites NS FIT will be conducted at 42 sites. Beyond that, it will be conducted at three ActiveSG gyms in the future, said MINDEF. With more locations around Singapore, MINDEF explained that NS FIT will offer more convenience and flexibility for NSmen to stay active. 10 sessions lasting 65 to 75 minutes each NS FIT will comprise 10 sessions, including one IPPT session. Each session will last approximately 65 to 75 minutes. Here are the different programmes under NS FIT: The high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a new training that will be conducted at 29 locations. The HIIT sessions are a form of metabolic circuit training that features short bursts of high-intensity exercises that build strength, endurance and aerobic fitness over time, said MINDEF. Home Team to adopt NSMen from June 2021 According to MINDEF, the Home Team will adopt NS Fit for its NSmen from June 2021. Home Team NSmen can look forward to using FIT training facilities at Home Team premises, HomeTeamNS Clubhouses and ActiveSG Gyms.

was at SAFRA Toa Payoh couple of days ago and looking at the old photos on the wall. Chanced upon this photo that i realised the old NSmen actually had pirorities for HDB flats.... Then why this privilege was taken away for the later (present) generation? I rem in one of the suggestions posted by angry citizens calling for NSmen to be given pirorty for HDB flat selection. This is nothing new!! They did had this scheme before in 1974, and taken away for whatever reason!!!!

Wah. If I pass means I'm outstanding sibo? http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/7-10-nsmen-their-30s-fail-annual-ippt-training-expert 7 in 10 NSmen in their 30s fail annual IPPT: Training expert Operationally Ready National Servicemen taking the Individual Physical Proficiency Test. Photo: MINDEF By Leong Wai Kit Published: 8:50 PM, July 21, 2014 SINGAPORE — Seven in 10 National Servicemen in their 30s fail their annual Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), and this failure rate rises as the NSmen age. This is based on the experience of a former head of physical training in the army, Mr Edwin Ong, who spoke to Channel NewsAsia following the news that the IPPT will be made simpler. It is unclear what changes will be announced, and when they will be announced. Currently, said Mr Ong, IPPT problem areas for NSmen are chin-ups, the standing broad jump, and the 2.4km stations. There are specific reasons the current IPPT stations are part of a serviceman’s training regime. The 2.4km run, for example, tests one’s cardiovascular fitness, said Mr Ong. “It tests how fit you are in terms of stamina, because your heart really needs to cope with the stress — and so it is a very good gauge of your overall fitness level.” This station is reportedly a problem for around seven in 10 servicemen. The shuttle run is a station where the aim is to sprint a total of 40m in two loops, bending and touching the ground (or picking up a block) at each turning point. “The reason is we’re simulating a fire movement,” said Mr Ong, ex-Head of Physical Training, School of Physical Training. “So when you get into a position of cover, you need to really place one hand in front and get yourself down, and prone yourself down to get yourself in a firing position.” Sit-ups, meanwhile, focus on another aspect. “It is important for NSmen because when we put on our uniform and our SBO (Skeletal Battle Order) or now the load-bearing vest, this will help us keep everything in hold,” said Mr Ong. As for chin-ups, National Serviceman Mohd Azfar feels they are still relevant because “when you have to do FIBUA (fighting in built-up areas) exercises, you will have to scale walls, which requires upper body strength. So I feel there’s no need to tweak this station, as it is very relevant”. One of the toughest stations is the standing broad jump station — fitness experts say about six in 10 NSmen have problems passing this station. “There are a lot of people who can’t really jump,” said Mr Ong. “One is that they do not have the strength and the power, and the second issue is their jumping technique.” Indeed, while it takes only about an hour to go through all the current stations, it takes about six weeks to get ready for the IPPT as it stands now. CHANNEL NEWSASIA

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/proposed-more-monetary/1116040.html SINGAPORE: National Servicemen could receive more monetary rewards as part of a new NS HOME (Housing, Medical and Education) Awards, should proposals raised by the Committee to Strengthen National Service be accepted by the Government. The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) recommended disbursing S$2,000 extra, in Medisave grants, at each of the three “milestones” an NSmen reaches, under the proposed NS HOME Awards, which will replace the existing National Service Recognition Award (NSRA). Currently, the NSRA pays S$3,000 each, when one completes fulltime NS, is at the mid-point of the Operationally-Ready NS Training Cycle, and upon completion of his NS obligations. With the exception of the first payout, which goes into an NSman’s Post-Secondary Education Account, the other two disbursements are split among the Ordinary, Medisave and Special accounts. Under the proposed new award, the first tranche of S$3,000 will still go into an NSman's Post-Secondary Education Account. The S$3,000 at the second and third milestones will go only into the Ordinary Account, while the extra S$2,000 for each milestone will go into the Medisave Account. This is one of a raft of recommendations the CSNS has submitted for the Government’s consideration on Thursday. The timeline for the various proposed changes to kick in depends on when they get accepted by the Government. The recommendations were made after an extensive public consultation exercise lasting about a year. It engaged more than 40,000 people who are stakeholders of National Service (NS). Apart from NSmen, employers, new citizens, women and pre-enlistees were also consulted. Providing an overview of the recommendations at a press conference, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, the chairman of the Committee, noted: "The benefits must never become a monetary transaction for services rendered." IPPT AND RT Among the other proposals, NSmen who fail their Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) will have a longer period to complete their 20 remedial training (RT) sessions – increased from the current three months to one year. The Committee also proposed increasing the incentives by S$100 for achieving an IPPT pass with incentive, silver or gold to S$200, S$300 and S$500 respectively. Another recommendation was to scrap the rule that requires NSmen to notify Mindef on overseas trips unless they are more than two weeks in duration. NSmen will still have to inform the ministry if the overseas trip is more than six months. The current rules state that any NSman out of the country for 24 hours or more has to notify the ministry. MORE REGULARS Separately, the committee proposed the hiring of 1,100 more regulars for the Singapore Armed Forces and 230 for the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), with an aim to improve training and inculcate values more effectively. Raising the proportion of officers and specialists from 30 to 40 per cent was also recommended to increase leadership opportunities for full-time National Servicemen (NSFs). Skills picked up by full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) could also be accredited to highlight their competencies and skills gained during NS, the CSNS said. VOLUNTEER CORPS The CSNS’ recommendations also revealed more details of the proposed SAF Volunteer Corps. In their proposal, women, new citizens and first-generation Permanent Residents (PRs) who volunteer in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) could be given a four-week training course, followed by one to two weeks of annual commitment for a minimum of three years. Said Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing, who chaired the working group on support for NS: "They are doing it because they want to... It's an added statement on the commitment of our people beyond the NS pool we have." SHORTER GAP BETWEEN SCHOOL, NS The enlistment wait-time for pre-enlistees could also be shortened to four to six months after completion of post-secondary education, said the Committee, which suggests that 90 per cent of pre-enlistees should be enlisted within four months after post-secondary studies, up from 45 per cent now. The authorities are also looking to work with tertiary institutions to reduce transition time after NS. The Committee, comprising several ministers, top military brass, is chaired by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen. The recommendations are meant at create more opportunities for NSmen to contribute to national defence, establish a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Volunteer Corps, and strengthen recognition and benefits for NSmen. It also strives to expand community support for servicemen, and create a positive NS experience through the easing of administrative restrictions, and strengthen the NS training system. more incentive for you guys to pass ippt. if pass, get more monetary rewards. if fail, longer RT.

really look like 古惑仔 movie [sweatdrop]

Out-pro date crash with business trip departure date. Can speak to OC and get OC speak to CO for early release? Do they need any form of verification on my trip before they can release me? And, anyone encounter did a medical review one month before ICT? I was told by unit's medical center that my actual Pes Status (temp Pes E now) will be known after 3 months after my medical (July). I questioned back to the person from medical center what will be my Pes status then (from august to November) during in-camp training they cannot give me an answer. Seriously, the f--king SAF is a major screw up. My medical review was actually on March this year but due to their system fault and all slot's taken up, i had to wait for an SAF100 for medical review to be sent to me which scheduled this July instead which causes SO f--king many problems with my Pes Status, My business trip crashes with out-pro date etc. I am so pissed off right now. :angry:

Ang Bao for all NSmen! Govt giving $80 / 100 voucher and free 1 year safra membership. Just login to Safra website and register and they will post to u. www.ns45safra.sg Pls spread the MSG Eligibility Criteria Who are eligible for the NS45 SAFRA Benefits? All servicemen from the SAF will be eligible for the NS45 SAFRA Benefits, based on their NS status as at 22 Oct 2012. Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) $50 worth of SAFRA vouchers Past statutory age and have not completed ORNS training cycle $80 worth of SAFRA vouchers Currently serving ORNS $80 worth of SAFRA vouchers and a year's free* Completed ORNS training cycle $100 worth of SAFRA vouchers and a year's free* * The free membership will commence from 1 Apr 2013 and last till 31 Mar 2014, regardless of the application date. Are Permanent Residents (PRs) eligible for these Benefits? Yes, PRs are eligible for these Benefits, as long as they have served or are serving NS. The above eligibility criteria will also apply to these PRs.

Well that's an interesting idea.... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...iority-20121129 Recognise NSmen with HDB priority Published on Nov 29, 2012 WHEN Singapore's first-generation leaders adopted the Israeli model of a citizen army in 1966, they ensured that every Singaporean family had access to affordable public housing in the form of Housing Board (HDB) flats. The rationale then was to give every conscript soldier greater motivation to defend our young country by giving him a home and country to protect. In the light of the recent debate over public housing, I would like to suggest that the relevant government ministries such as the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Defence work together to adopt a back-to-basics approach to address this public property crunch. Singaporean citizens, especially those who have at least one family member who has served or is currently doing National Service should be given first priority to buy new and resale HDB flats. This way, not only are the needs of affordable public housing for Singaporeans met, it will also ensure that every Singaporean soldier has both a home and a country to defend. Some second-generation permanent residents who have served NS but opted not to take up Singaporean citizenship should also be allowed to buy new and resale HDB flats to recognise their contributions to the defence of our nation. New citizens with male children also should not be left out. Those who have sons eligible for NS soon should be allowed to buy new and resale HDB flats surplus to market requirements. This will ensure that the public housing needs and defence requirements of Singapore are met at one go. Hong Chou Hui

From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1232813/1/.html S$100m hongbao for NSmen By S Ramesh/Dylan Loh | Posted: 22 October 2012 1942 hrs SINGAPORE: More than 900,000 national servicemen (NSmen) will benefit from a S$100m "hongbao" from the Singapore government to commemorate the 45th anniversary of National Service in the country. Speaking at the celebrations at The Float @ the Marina Bay, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said all NSmen will receive vouchers to enjoy a movie or meal with their family and friends. In addition, Operationally Ready NSmen who are currently serving out their cycles, as well as those who have completed their cycles, will also receive a year's free membership to SAFRA or HomeTeamNS. Mr Lee said the "hongbao" will cost the government S$100 million. But he said the gestures will never fully compensate for their personal sacrifices. Prime Minister Lee said that the commitment of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Home Team in protecting Singapore has won the country 45 years of peace and stability. He said fortunately, Singapore has not had to fight a war but added this was not a matter of luck. He said the SAF, by its very existence and capabilities, has contributed to the stable and peaceful security environment in the region, and helped Singapore maintain friendly relations with its neighbours. He added the Home Team has protected the country against unconventional threats like extremist terrorism and put would-be perpetrators away before they could do the nation harm. Mr Lee said looking ahead, he is cautiously optimistic that the region will remain peaceful. "One key factor is relations between the US and China. We must expect problems, frictions and tensions to arise from time to time between the two countries," he said. "But both Chinese and American leaders recognise how inter-dependent they have become, and I believe they will strive hard to manage relations and avoid jeopardising their major shared interests." Mr Lee went on to say: "In Asia, countries are trading, investing, and interacting more and more with one another. But there are also tensions in the region. "Some ASEAN members have exchanged fire over territorial disputes. Tensions are brewing in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, also because of territorial disputes. "North Korea remains a potential security flashpoint. In addition, we must always be prepared for emerging and unconventional threats, especially extremist terrorism, which remains a real danger. "We therefore cannot take our present peace and stability for granted. We must continue to build and maintain a committed, competent and vigilant SAF and Home Team. "We must upgrade our capabilities steadily year by year, in a sustainable and affordable way. We must help younger generations of Singaporeans who have grown up in a more stable and affluent environment understand these strategic realities, and prepare them for their part in defending Singapore. "We must also strengthen Total Defence. Every Singaporean must be committed to the defence of Singapore, whether in the military, civil, economic, social or psychological domains." Prime Minister Lee added that National Service is ultimately about safeguarding Singapore's homes, their loved ones and the country's freedom to determine its own way of life. And it is a personal duty which generations of NSmen have fulfilled and which every new generation must take up. So, as Singapore celebrates the first 45 years of National Service, Mr Lee urged Singaporeans to reaffirm their commitment to National Service and a strong SAF and Home Team. - CNA/ir

Aussie expat scolds Singapore NSmen: You are MORONS!!! A seemingly innocuous discussion on rising

what is our worth as NSmen? recently I received my Good Service Medal (5 years). However what saddened me was that, i received the medal through postage mailing. I was thinking what could have been happened that resulted in postage mailing? Is it because an NSF screwed up the job or was it the norm? So do I conclude that our worth is only as good as postage mailed medal?

Burger King

From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1160642/1/.html Equal treatment for all full-time NSmen: Ng Eng Hen By S Ramesh | Posted: 20 October 2011 1618 hrs SINGAPORE: Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said his ministry is acutely aware that all full-time NSmen must be treated equally, regardless of their background. Dr Ng said the equal treatment for National Service (NS) has been and must remain a cardinal principle because without strict adherence to this fundamental tenet, the commitment to NS will be severely eroded and the institution of NS weakened. Replying to questions in Parliament on the disruption of NS by Dr Patrick Tan, the son of President Tony Tan Keng Yam, Dr Ng said the disruption was in accordance with prevailing policies to obtain his medical degree. In addition, a longer period was granted to those admitted to US medical schools. He assured Singaporeans that neither Dr Patrick Tan, nor any other individual who has disrupted their NS, was given any preferential treatment because of their "connections". Some allegations that Dr Patrick Tan had received preferential treatment were made during the Presidential Election campaign in August. Dr Ng said the policy to allow full-time national servicemen (NSFs) to disrupt for medical studies in Singapore dates back to 1973. Then, Singapore needed military doctors to serve in the Singapore Armed Forces, a policy which continues today for local medical graduates. From 1981, this policy was extended to allow NSFs to study medicine overseas because the number of local graduates was insufficient. From 1981 to 1986, 38 NSFs were disrupted to go overseas. This was further tightened in 1986 to take into account basic military training and their physical employment standards. Dr Ng said 86 applicants were disrupted under this scheme. Among them was Dr Patrick Tan, who went to the United States to study medicine in 1988. Then, he had completed his Basic Military Training and was halfway through Officer Cadet School. However, he added that from 1992, disruption for overseas medical studies was no longer allowed as the number of local medical graduates had met SAF's needs. Dr Ng explained that in the US, the medical course is a graduate programme, where students need a pre-medical degree. Thus, Dr Patrick Tan deferred his NS for a total of 12 years, for his premedical course from 1988 to 1992 and later for his combined medical degree and PhD in Stanford University's medical scientist training programme. He re-enlisted in 2000 after having obtained both his medical degree and PhD, and was deployed to the Defence Medical Research Institute (DMRI) in view of his training. Dr Ng also noted that other full-time NS men have been posted to DMRI before Dr Patrick Tan's posting. Dr Ng said: "There was no preferential treatment given to Patrick Tan, or any other individual who has disrupted, because of their 'connections'. Let me emphasise to all, including commanders on the ground, that no NS man should be accorded preferential treatment. "I would like to further assure Singaporeans that Mindef implements a policy of selective disruption for university studies fairly and openly, in accordance with existing criteria. "Mindef shall henceforth publish the list of all those disrupted for university (education) annually on a routine basis for public scrutiny." -CNA/ac

I think that upon ORD, NSmen should be allowed to take their guns home along with a container of sealed ammo. If a crisis really happens, everyone can come out shooting. Of course there needs to be some checks and protocols in place. For example, people cannot carry a rifle in public with a magazine inserted. Some people will worry that the rifles will be used to commit crimes. But if somebody is really intent on commiting a crime, even a kitchen knife will do. In fact a knife is even better than a rifle because it is easier to conceal. SAFRA can also have a rifle range so NSmen can practise their marksmanship. No, I do not need to take medication and if I am not wrong, IDF people can bring their guns home.

can kind bros explain what this meant to me if single - how if married without chidren - how if 40 -50 years old or more than 50 years - how the news very woolly thanks for your kind help

Guys, I am going for overseas training next Monday. Last week, I went for my ICT refresher course. SAF had paid the service pay and make up pay. Am I allow to claim my service pay on my end? SAF pay department told me that, so long it is within the working time, company can claim MUP and Service Pay. Is it right? I can only receive my Service Pay when I go for RT and IPPT, and there's SMS notification to me. On the other hand, my friend told me, service pay is myself only which include rank allowance. Does LCP have rank allowance? I am confuse about this and hope to clarify with you guys. Right now, I do not know whether company can claim my Service Pay or not.

If the flu situation get worse, whats mindef stand for Nsmen? How would they monitor or reduce the spread of h1n1 from nsmen coming back for ICT, IPPT, RT and IPT? I think they sld give nsmen a break..cancel all activities. what do you think?

http://www.peacebella.com/2009/04/05/singapore-ns-man/ Quote: Singapore NS Man By Peace | April 5, 2009 It is useless and bad to talk about this, but it is a fact. I simply do not understand what MAN learned in NS or National Service. You go BMT, Basic Military Training for three months, and then what you do for the rest of the years? You built up your physical strength perhaps, but what about other aspect of life? Do you come home to become the commando hero and once out of school your learning stop? Outcome of National Service We saw in the newspaper, MAN abusing maid, NS MAN, in their uniform some more. What has MAN learn in their NS really! We saw in the news also, Man bully man, and poor NS man died in the process

Bros, Does anyone know what ICT National Service Award mean? I was checking my NS record and realised they gave me a NS award this year under the award section. I have served 7 high and 2 low key for my ICT so far. Question is : Does this NS award equal to posting to Mindef reserve (MR) list soon? I got this from NS website on completion of NS liability : --------------------------------- Completion of NS Training Cycle Upon completion of your NS training cycle, you will be posted to the MINDEF Reserve (MR) List and be presented with a Certificate of Appreciation. Those who satisfy the criteria for the SAF NS medal will also receive a personalised watch in recognition of their service to the SAF and the nation. While in MR, you may still be called up for national service, as you remain liable for national service up to the age of 50 for Officers and 40 for WOSEs. You are to disregard your previous unit's mobilisation codewords as you are not required to report for mobilisation activation for your previous units. Should there be a need to mobilise you while you are in MR, you will be informed of your codewords accordingly. You are however, still required to abide by the existing exit controls up to your statutory age limit. ---------------------------------- Cos i had friends who served 7 high and 2 low who got their letter & i understand normally if serve 7 then consider finish liao. The NS clerk in my unit is of no use when i called up to ask. Cause me more confusion instead. Can't wait to finish my liability as the RT thingy is really irriating and affecting my work and family life. tks for any advise

hi bros, just came back from reservist. And got a marksman, didn't waste my ICT this year . So my question is when is the marksman $200 gonna be in my acc?

Hi, Just wondering has anyone ever heard of any NSMen who got mobilized on a weekday? So far my experience is that it's alway on a weekend. Think weekday too disruptive and too "expensive". So wondering whether there are any cases where anyone actually got mobilized on a weekday...

The next WeeShuMin saga http://youngpapblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/a...pore-and-i.html and got flamed instead...