Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) who are currently not required to serve national service (NS) will now have a greater opportunity to play a part upholding Singapore's security.
On 13 Oct, the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), a uniformed volunteer scheme for non NS-liable Singaporeans and PRs - such as women, first-generation PRs and new citizens - opened its doors to applicants.
The SAFVC was set up following recommendations by the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS). During a press conference on 22 May, Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen noted that through the year-long process of engaging the public and listening to their ideas and feedback, committee members "met with many, who do not have NS obligations, but wanted to contribute to national defence".
Thus, the SAFVC was established to enable a greater number of Singaporeans and PRs to contribute to national defence, show support for NS, and deepen their understanding and ownership of national defence.
Since the announcement of the CSNS recommendations, the SAFVC has made some notable improvements to the scheme. First, the SAFVC will now offer a single track instead of two (the operations and specialist tracks). This is to allow for greater flexibility, should volunteers choose to "re-role" along the course of their service. At the same time, the singular track will strengthen the identity of the SAFVC.
Second, there is no minimum term of service (previously pegged at three years). The SAFVC hopes that the removal of the limitation will encourage more Singaporeans and PRs to come forward to volunteer their time and service.
At a media event in Maju Camp - home of Headquarters SAFVC - to launch the SAFVC's recruitment efforts, Colonel (COL) Mike Tan, Commander SAFVC, encouraged all interested individuals to "come forward and volunteer because you have put down roots...and you want to (give back) to Singapore".
The SAFVC plans to recruit three batches of volunteers in 2015, training a total of 100 to 150 volunteers.
Application process
Applicants must be 18 to 45 years old, and will be eligible to serve from the ages of 18 to 50. They can download the application forms from the SAFVC website (www.mindef.gov.sg/SAFVC) and email them to safvc@defence.gov.sg, or submit a hardcopy form from the Army Recruitment Centre.
Applicants will be assessed based on a face-to-face interview, medical screening, as well as whether they meet the pre-requisites for the roles for which they applied.
Training
The first batch of volunteers will commence training on 23 Mar 2015. Training will take place in three modules - Basic Training, Qualification Training and Advanced Training.
Basic Training is a common module for all volunteers and will provide them with a fundamental appreciation of the military and an understanding of defence matters. Volunteers will be required to stay in camp for two weeks to complete this module, which includes Singapore Assault Rifle 21 live firing and a field camp.
Qualifications Training is a week-long module that will prepare volunteers for their specific roles. For example, nurse trainer volunteers will train in the SAF Medical Training Institute as well as on the job.
Advanced Training will prepare volunteers for roles that require additional training. Auxillary Security Trooper volunteers, for instance, will undergo Military Police Close Combat Training and judgmental live firing. This is also a week-long module.
The SAFVC is looking into providing volunteers with the option of completing the courses over a series of weekends rather than continuously over the respective one or two weeks.
Rank structure
Volunteers will receive the rank of SV (SAF Volunteer) and will progress from SV (Trainee) to SV1, SV2, SV3 and SV4 (see image). Upon completion of the Qualification Training module, they will be promoted to SV1. Subsequent promotions will be based on a volunteer's years of service, subject to satisfactory conduct and performance.
Roles
Volunteers can choose from 17 roles across 10 categories.
Roles include Airbase Civil Engineer and Naval Safety Engineer under the Engineering category; Doctor, Nurse and Medical Technologist under the Medical Trainers category; and Auxiliary Security Trooper under the Security category. More roles may be added in the future depending on operational and training needs.
Commitment and benefits
Volunteers will receive their call-ups via the SAF 100V and will be required to serve typically seven days annually.
During call-ups, they will receive meal and transports claims, SAF Group Term Life Insurance coverage, as well as medical and dental treatment at SAF medical and dental centres. They will also be allocated 50 e-Mart credits per year of completed service and be eligible for associate membership at SAFRA and the National Service Resort and Country Club.