Written Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on OCS Cadets

Mrs Lina Chiam: To ask the Minister for Defence (a) what is the current breakdown of the number of graduates and non-graduates who are commissioned as officers at the point of their commissioning; and (b) whether junior college Basic Military Training (BMT) batches have more officer placements than non-Junior College BMT batches.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) are selected for leadership positions based on the operational and manpower requirements of the Singapore Armed Forces, as well as the suitability of the individual based on his expressed interest, medical fitness, aptitude and performance during Basic Military Training (BMT).

The majority of officers are selected and commissioned from among NSFs with A-levels or Polytechnic diplomas prior to their university education. Of those with A-levels and who are combat fit, about 11-13% were commissioned as officers in the last three years. Of those with Polytechnic diplomas, the corresponding figure over the same period is 10-14%.