Statement by Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee

IntroductionOn behalf of the RECORD V committee, I would like to thank DPM Teo Chee Hean and the government for accepting all the recommendations from the RECORD V Committee. As I have mentioned in my earlier press conference, these proposals are not intended to fully compensate for all the contributions made by our National Servicemen. They are simple and tangible ways of expressing the nation's gratitude to them. However, what we find gratifying is that the government has been generous in implementing the substance of the recommendations put forward by RECORD V. Key RecommendationsLet me now highlight the details of some of these items.

Addressing the Rising Aspiration of National Servicemen:Larger and Faster Rank Allowance Increments and Increased Combat or Operational AllowanceFor Operationally Ready National Servicemen (or NSmen), one of the key recommendations of RECORD V was to give them larger and faster rank allowance increments. The Government has accepted this recommendation.

Currently, NSmen are given a rank allowance increment of 5% for every 40 days of Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) served. Moving ahead, NSmen will be able to get a rank allowance increment of 5% to 10% each time they clock an active work year, that is, after they perform at least one high-key or low-key training during the work year.

For example, an infantry NSmen who is holding the rank of CPL(NS) currently gets a monthly rank allowance of $490. If he performs a Low-Key ICT this work year, he will be able to get a 5% increase in the next work year i.e. his monthly rank allowance will be $515 in work year 2010. Over a typical 10-year training cycle, he will be receiving a monthly rank allowance of $865 which is more than 75% increase over the sum that he was receiving at the beginning of his Operationally Ready National Service (or ORNS).The Government has also decided to accept RECORD V's recommendation for an increase in combat allowance. Starting next month, the monthly combat allowance of SAF NSmen and operational allowance of SPF and SCDF NSmen will be increased by $100. For instance, an Infantry combatant will get $250 per month instead of the current $150. This quantum increase reinforces our recognition for the National Servicemen who undertake the more demanding combat or operational vocations in ORNS.

Recognising the Importance of Leadership:Increased Rank Allowance for Warrant Officers and Specialists and Introduction of Command Add-on AllowanceIn the area of recognising the importance of leadership, RECORD V has proposed to enhance the allowances for National Servicemen in leadership positions. The Government is fully supportive of this recommendation. From next quarter onwards, most Full-Time National Servicemen (or NSFs) and NSmen warrant officers and specialists will see a 5% to 35% increase in their rank allowances. For example, an NSman who holds a 3SG(NS) rank today will see his rank allowance increase by 17% from $630 per month to $740 per month.

Another recommendation which the Government has accepted is the introduction of a command add-on allowance. Key command appointment holders in our NS units can now look forward to a new command add-on allowance, over and above their existing key appointment allowance. This command add-on allowance will be pegged at 20% of their key appointment allowance. Take for instance, an Officer Commanding (or OC) in an NS unit who holds the rank of a LTA(NS) can get a $280 yearly command add-on allowance, on top of his current key appointment allowance of $1,380 a year.

Balancing NS Responsibilities with Increased Work Demands:Enhanced Connectivity during In-Camp Training (ICT)RECORD V has recommended that NSmen be allowed to bring and use work-related computing or mobile devices such as Blackberries, PDAs and laptops during the non-training times of their in-camp training.

MINDEF has considered and agreed that the recommendation would help to minimise work disruptions for the NSmen as well as their employers. Hence, enhancements will be made to the Internet access points in existing camps and NSmen can bring their mobile or computing devices and utilise wireless Internet access at these enhanced business centres during non-training hours. Besides wireless Internet access, NSmen can also look forward to other facilities such as photocopiers, facsimile and skype facilities. To safeguard the camp security , there will be certain security rules on usage within the camps.

MINDEF has plans to set up three pilot sites at Sungei Gedong Camp, Jurong Camp II and Kranji Camp III by end of this year. If these pilot sites prove to be useful, MINDEF will look into extending the arrangement to all training camps for NSmen.

Encouraging Fitness among NSmen:"IPPT-In-Your-Community" ProgrammeOn RECORD V's recommendation of improving access to IPPT training facilities in the community, MINDEF has agreed and has asked SAFRA to take the lead and work with the various agencies to drive the project. SAFRA will focus on enhancing fitness corners in housing estates with relevant static stations for chin-ups, standing broad jumps, shuttle runs and sit-ups as well as a demarcated 2.4km route. New facilities can be built if the need arises. For a start, SAFRA will carry out a few pilot projects within the next few months.

Recognising Contribution from Families:Family Recognition Vouchers for NSmenThe introduction of the "Family Recognition Voucher" is another RECORD V recommendation which the Government is supportive of. A "Family Recognition Voucher" worth $100 will be awarded to NSmen who perform well during their ICT or in courses. For example, those who are in the top 10% of their cohort in ICT will receive these vouchers which they can use to spend time with their families in attractions such as Singapore Discovery Centre or SAF and HomeTeamNS chalets.

Conclusion

These recommendations which has been accepted by the Government serve to recognise not only the contributions and sacrifices of National Servicemen but also the strong support given by their families and employers. You can refer to the handouts given by MINDEF for more details on the implementation of the proposals.