Written Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Data on Assignment of Vocation for Pre-enlistees Entering National Service

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Defence (a) since 2017, how many pre-enlistees entering national service are granted their first and second choice of vocation respectively; (b) how does the Ministry balance the need to be universal and fair when assigning vocations while ensuring the best match of skill sets; and (c) how does the Ministry work on improving the appeal of less popular vocations.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen:

Based on available data, more than 70% of our full-time national servicemen (NSFs) deployed between 2018 and 2021 have been assigned to a vocation among those that they indicated interest in. They are not required to rank their choices when indicating their interest in vocations.

While the NSF's choice, ability and suitability to perform the tasks required of different vocations are taken into account, the operational requirements of the SAF remain as the primary consideration in the deployment of NSFs.

In addition, efforts have been made to help pre-enlistees appreciate the nature of all vocations and their importance to the SAF, especially for less popular choices. This is done through videos on various vocations that are available on the Central Manpower Base's website.