Q1. What are the factors that have prompted MINDEF to reduce full-time National Service duration now?
The reduction is possible now because of a confluence of two factors.
The key driver is the transformation of the SAF over the next decade into a 3rd Generation SAF, a force that makes greater use of superior technology in areas such as comprehensive surveillance, battle-field awareness, precision strike and network-centric warfare. The 3rd Generation SAF will rely less on large numbers of soldiers, and more on the higher education levels and capability of our NS soldiers.
The transformation has already begun to bear fruit. A good example of this is the Apache Longbow helicopter. These helicopters come equipped with radar, guided missiles and data links between helicopters, which will increase their lethality.
The second factor is a 15% to 20% increase in annual intake of full-time National Servicemen over the next ten years starting from 2006. This surge in NS intake will allow us to maintain our operational readiness and standing force requirements even as we move to a 24-month full-time NS system and carry out the transformation towards the leaner 3rd Generation SAF of the future.
The SAF's training and operational standards will be maintained even with the 6 month reduction. Over the years, the SAF has significantly improved its training effectiveness through the introduction of new systems and technologies. The use of simulators, wargaming systems and Computer Aided Instruction has enhanced training effectiveness while saving time.
Q2. When will the revised 24-month full-time National Service duration be implemented?
The revised full-time National Service duration will be implemented for all servicemen enlisted from December 2004 onwards.
Q3. Will in-service full-time National Servicemen currently serving 2½ years also be eligible for a reduction in service duration?
Full-time National Servicemen who are currently serving their 2½ years of service will get up to a 2-month reduction in service duration. However, the earliest date that the ORD can be brought forward to will be 30 June 2004, to allow time for administrative out-processing arrangements.
Those who are enlisted between June and November this year for 2½ years of full-time NS will get a 4-month reduction in full-time NS duration.
Full-time National Servicemen returning from disruption to serve out the balance of their 2½ years of full-time NS will also be given a corresponding cut in their full-time NS duration based on the cohort in which they were enlisted.
The current 8-week reduction in full-time NS duration given to National Servicemen who have attained at least a Silver in the National Physical Fitness Award (NAPFA) test prior to enlistment will remain.
Q4. Will the revised full-time National Service duration apply to servicemen in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF)?
Yes, the Ministry of Home Affairs will be implementing the corresponding changes for full-time National Servicemen currently serving in or who will be enlisted into the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
Q5. Only those who are required to serve 2½ years of full-time National Service duration benefit from the 6-month cut. Why is a reduction not possible for those who are required to serve 2 years of full-time National Service?
The length of full-time National Service is determined by how long it takes to train our soldiers and commanders to be operationally proficient in their duties, and how large a standing force we need to meet our defence and contingency needs during peacetime. Our units require a national service duration of 24 months to allow for up to 12 months of training and at least another 12 months for the unit to be deployed for operational duties. A reduction will result in a drop in the size of our standing force and adversely affect the ability of the SAF to meet operational requirements.
Q6. Will the intake schedules of our local universities be adjusted to minimise the waiting time to enter university now that the duration of NS has been reduced by 6 months?
MINDEF will be working with our local universities to better align the university intake patterns from 2007 when the first batch of full-time National Servicemen under the new full-time NS duration completes their service.
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