Fact Sheet: Update on Implementation of RECORD V Initiatives

 1

INCREASED COMBAT ALLOWANCE FOR NSMEN

To recognise the demanding nature of combat vocations, the combat allowance across all SAF combat vocations will be increased by S$100.

Oct 09

 Implemented

 2

REVISED RANK ALLOWANCE
FOR NSMEN WARRANT OFFICERS AND SPECIALISTS, AND NSF SPECIALISTS

To better reflect the greater roles and responsibilities of our NS commanders, most warrant officers and specialists will receive an increment of about 5% to 35% in their rank allowances. This will significantly increase the rank allowance of warrant officers and specialists relative to enlistees.

Oct 09

 Implemented

 3

ENHANCED LETTER UPON
STATUTORY AGE

To recognise the contributions of NSmen, all NSmen who have reached statutory age and completed their ORNS training cycle will receive an appreciation letter to thank them for their contributions to NS.

 Oct 09

 Implemented

 4

SUPPORT LETTERS TO
UNIVERSITIES FOR NSF
COMMANDERS

To better recognise NSF commanders for their broader responsibilities and higher levels of contributions, NSF commanders or NSFs undergoing commander training and applying for university places may request letters of support for their applications.

 Dec 09

 Implemented

 5

ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING PLATFORM

An online network platform NS
Connect will be launched to strengthen the camaraderie and bonds built-up among NSmen during In-Camp Training (ICT).

 Jan 10

Implemented. NSmen can access NS Connect through the NS portal (www.ns.sg) through their User ID and password, or by using their SingPass account.

 6

ENCHANCEMENT TO EMART CREDITS

To enable NSmen to better equip themselves for training and operations, the enhanced eMart credit allocation system allows NSmen to take an advance from the next allocation of credits should they need more for the purchase of new equipment.

 Feb 10

 Implemented

 7

ENHANCED RANK ALLOWANCE INCREMENTS FOR NSMEN

To better recognise the contributions of our NSmen, an increment will be given to NSmen for every active workyear they are called up for ICT, subject to the satisfactory completion of the NSman’s ICT in that year. NSmen who perform high-key ICTs will be given a larger increment at the end of that workyear.

 Apr 10

 Implemented

 8

CONCESSIONARY RATES FOR SAFRA FAMILY-BASED
PROGRAMMES

To recognise the importance of family support in ensuring that our NSmen remain committed to defence and NS training, SAFRA will provide concessionary rates for family-based programmes such as the National Runway Cycling and Skating, and special discounted family movie screenings.

 Apr 10

 Implemented

 9

COMMAND APPOINTMENT ADD-ON ALLOWANCE

In recognition of the broader
responsibilities and higher levels of contributions by NSmen holding command appointments, they will receive a command appointment add-on allowance set at 20% of the current Key Appointment Holder (NS) or Responsibility (NS) Allowance.

 May 10

 Implemented

 10

ORD MEMENTO

To better recognise NSFs for their contributions, NSFs who have completed their full-time NS will be given a commemorative plaque.

 May 10

Implemented 

 11

FAMILY RECOGNITION
VOUCHERS

To recognise the importance of family support in ensuring that our NSmen remain committed to defence and NS training, NSmen with outstanding performance during ICT will be awarded S$100 worth of vouchers to defence and national education related attractions.

 Jun 10

 Implemented

 12

ENHANCED SAF NSMEN OF THE YEAR AWARD AND NEW NSF OF THE YEAR AWARD

To better recognise the contributions of outstanding NSmen junior commanders and enlistees, as well as NSFs who have made significant contributions beyond their call of duty, the criteria for the SAF NSmen of the Year Award will be refined, and a new NSF of the Year award will be introduced.

 Jul 10

Implemented. The awards were first given out on 1 Jul 10, in conjunction with the SAF Day.

 13

NS EMPLOYER WEBSITE

To give employers a one-stop reference point for NS matters, the NS Employer website will be enhanced to include new transactional applications such as make-up pay claims, employee call-up notification and information on key SAF events.

 Jul 10

Implemented

 14

ADDITIONAL ALLOTMENT IN
GROWTH DIVIDEND SCHEMES

To recognise National Servicemen for their contributions to Total Defence, the Government will continue to give additional allotment in growth dividend schemes, where appropriate.

 Feb 11

This initiative was put into place when the Minister for Finance announced in his Budget Speech this year that all NSFs, NSmen and ex-NSmen will receive extra growth dividends of S$100.

 15

ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY TO WORKPLACE DURING ICT

To help NSmen better balance their military training and work demands during ICT, business centres with wireless internet access and basic facilities will be set up in selected camps. This will enable NSmen to access their office network outside of training hours. NSmen will also be allowed to bring in and use their work devices, such as laptops, PDAs and Blackberries, within these business centres.

Phase I:
  Apr 10

Phase II:
Jun 12

 The pilot trial at three business centres located at the Infantry Training Institute, Army Logistics Training Institute and Armour Training Institute was completed in Apr 10. NSmen have been using these facilities since. Another 20 business centres are expected to be enhanced from Apr 11 onwards with target completion in Jun 12.

  16

IPPT-IN-YOUR-COMMUNITY

To encourage NSmen to keep fit and train for their IPPT, IPPT training facilities will be incorporated into fitness corners in public housing estates. The IPPT training facilities include static stations for chin-ups, standing broad jumps, shuttle runs and sit ups. In addition, running routes will be clearly demarcated for the 2.4 km run.

Phase I:
Jun 10

Phase II:
Dec 11 

SAFRA completed 10 pilot sites in Tampines, Bishan-Toa Payoh, West Coast, Yishun and Tanjong Pagar under Phase 1 of the project in Jun 10. Under the second phase, SAFRA will complete 50 more sites. As at Feb 11, 20 sites have been completed. 30 more will be enhanced by
Dec 11.

 17

CONSTRUCTION OF 4TH FITNESS CONDITIONING CENTRE (FCC)

To provide added convenience to NSmen living in the north-west, a fourth FCC will be built at Kranji Camp II for NSmen to take their IPPT, IPPT Preparatory Test (IPT) and Remedial Training (RT).

Sep 11

 The construction for the 4th FCC is ongoing. Phase I will be completed by end May 11, allowing for the start of IPT and RT training. Phase II will be completed by end Sep 11 to facilitate the conduct of IPPT.

 18

NEW CLUBHOUSES

To better cater to NSmen and their families, SAFRA  and HomeTeamNS will be building new clubhouses in the north-eastern and eastern parts of Singapore respectively.

Estimated
2015

Planning for the construction of the new clubhouses has begun. SAFRA plans to build a new clubhouse in Punggol when there is a critical mass in the area, approximately in 2015. HomeTeamNS is also in the midst of identifying a site and implementation date for its new clubhouse.