RSAF Sign On with Diploma?
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Well to start I was enlisted on the 10th of April. I am a diploma in mechatronics graduate thrown in with the A level batch. During BMT, I went for an AEO interview and I was one of the 4 who were selected of of hundred of A lvl applicants for the post. At the final interview, they offered all 4 of us LSAs and I happily (then) signed on the dotted line. My performance was fine, Gold for IPPT and I passed every component well enough. Everything was supposed to go smoothly, or I thought so.
Posting order came out, and I was posted to sispec instead of ocs, of course I was stunned. Though I knew the contract stated that I need to make it to OCS, I don't see why I didn't make it. I called up air force, and they told me my BMT results couldn't make it. They said they had a leeway of picking you up from the top 30% instead of the usual 10%, and they said my name even wasn't in the top 30%. Well, it couldn't be possible that I screwed my SIT test and peer appraisal THAT bad. I personally felt the only guy from my section who was posted to OCS was just "average", IPPT silver and stuff, not very vocal blah blah (no offense to him). I'm sure the factor was that it was because he had 5 As in his A levels, and since I'm a diploma holder, no matter what my GPA is, they would'nt bother. Despite having a GPA of 3.86 and a place in NUS Mechanical Engineering, they passed on picking me? Well at least RSAF did give me a chance, but what was CPC doing seriously?
So...now I'm already into my last week in BSLC, I'm no longer hoping for a crossover because I don't want to give myself false hope again.
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It can't be security clearance, my das himself was a man in the air force, my uncle was a spec. in the air force. I have clean records, no troubles with the law.
MAMPAS test...possible. But I didn't spam my answers , I just took my time doing it.
Is it because of my academic qualifications?
Is it a cock up?What do you guys think?
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There are better opportunities than in SAF.
Do you really want to endure all the sh it for years to come?
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Very good GPA results and I'm happy for you. But sad to say, because you are not an A level holder nor a scholar. Most people in OCS are scholars and studied in JC.
I guess by now, you should know how the garmen works. There is always a bias in the system.
You signed on for how many years and do you get to go to Uni first before serving?
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to think that during the defense talk at NYP, they mentioned that there's no favoring of A level students rather than Diploma holders when choosing candidates to get into OCS.. i wonder what's the statistics of A level students and Diploma holders inside OCS..
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Originally posted by Eat your vitamins17:
Well to start I was enlisted on the 10th of April. I am a diploma in mechatronics graduate thrown in with the A level batch. During BMT, I went for an AEO interview and I was one of the 4 who were selected of of hundred of A lvl applicants for the post. At the final interview, they offered all 4 of us LSAs and I happily (then) signed on the dotted line. My performance was fine, Gold for IPPT and I passed every component well enough. Everything was supposed to go smoothly, or I thought so.
Posting order came out, and I was posted to sispec instead of ocs, of course I was stunned. Though I knew the contract stated that I need to make it to OCS, I don't see why I didn't make it. I called up air force, and they told me my BMT results couldn't make it. They said they had a leeway of picking you up from the top 30% instead of the usual 10%, and they said my name even wasn't in the top 30%. Well, it couldn't be possible that I screwed my SIT test and peer appraisal THAT bad. I personally felt the only guy from my section who was posted to OCS was just "average", IPPT silver and stuff, not very vocal blah blah (no offense to him). I'm sure the factor was that it was because he had 5 As in his A levels, and since I'm a diploma holder, no matter what my GPA is, they would'nt bother. Despite having a GPA of 3.86 and a place in NUS Mechanical Engineering, they passed on picking me? Well at least RSAF did give me a chance, but what was CPC doing seriously?
So...now I'm already into my last week in BSLC, I'm no longer hoping for a crossover because I don't want to give myself false hope again.
You are legally bonded to accomplish all that you have signed for. But SAF is not legally bonded to keep to their side of the agreement.Welcome to the world. And good luck. BTW, I was an ex-regular.
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I thought the air force would be a good career opportunity based on the following reasons :
1) I took the aerospace elective in my final year, and am planning to do the same for the course in Uni. (cross fingers and hope I'll dow ell enough). So at least I wouldn't lose out to the A lvl grads.
2) To me, this acts as a "bridge" between my poly and uni. education. Since air force is very academic, and what I'm be doing in air force is at least related in a way to what I'm going to study in Uni., better than let my brains rot while digging fire trenches and shell scrapes.
3) To be honest, $_$ face? If I'm not wrong, the LSA is already one of the lower end scholarships SAF offers. But full sponsorship of studies, plus getting paid $2k a month while I study, and the 5 figure sum i get at the end of the course, is very enticing in return for 4 years of my time.
4) My family isn't exactly very well to do, so I hope by signing on, it can relief my family's "financial burden".
5) I have my own personal pride. Everyone does. Would anyone like to be a garbage collector or toilet cleaner? With educational qualifications aside, I bet no one does. I feel that way too. (you get what I mean?)
6) I don't need to worry and get into the hassle of job hunting when I'm done with my studies.
But 1 thing, round of applause for the people RSAF for even at the least recognising my potential and putting me up for the interview. At least some people have their eyes open.
KrU : Lol good question. 17 weeks through and I'm already beginning to see the dark side of things, and to think that I was so enthu before coming into army. Being one of the 1st from my poly batch to go into army, I would always convince my friends that it would be a different yet fulfilling and enriching experience, and that the SAF would push people to their fullest potential. But now, I just keep telling them : Oops, my bad.
Evangel : Supposedly, I have to finish serving my 2 years 1st, then break for studies in 2010, and then go back after studies to serve another 4 years. But the contract stated 4 yrs and 5 mths after some calculations here and there.
Ah yes, the system. I actually did get the opportunity to speak with the CO and OC about this off-hand. they were telling me the system chooses the individuals based on merit, like blah blah blah blah...and that the system is flawless.
Well, until now, I still don't know exactly why I ended up where I am right now. All they can tell me is "Your BMT results cannot make it". I want to know exactly which part, but they wouldn't disclose to me. So maybe its the SIT Test or peer appraisal that did me in.
mamamamama : I think another thing is the batch I went in with. If I went with a poly batch, I would've stood a better chance of getting into OCS. Just heng-suay only lor.
But don't be discouraged, there ARE and WILL BE diploma holders in OCS, because I have talked to officers who are, so i don't think the 3.86 matters or not LOL.
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Originally posted by Eat your vitamins17:
I thought the air force would be a good career opportunity based on the following reasons :
1) I took the aerospace elective in my final year, and am planning to do the same for the course in Uni. (cross fingers and hope I'll dow ell enough). So at least I wouldn't lose out to the A lvl grads.
2) To me, this acts as a "bridge" between my poly and uni. education. Since air force is very academic, and what I'm be doing in air force is at least related in a way to what I'm going to study in Uni., better than let my brains rot while digging fire trenches and shell scrapes.
3) To be honest, $_$ face? If I'm not wrong, the LSA is already one of the lower end scholarships SAF offers. But full sponsorship of studies, plus getting paid $2k a month while I study, and the 5 figure sum i get at the end of the course, is very enticing in return for 4 years of my time.
4) My family isn't exactly very well to do, so I hope by signing on, it can relief my family's "financial burden".
5) I have my own personal pride. Everyone does. Would anyone like to be a garbage collector or toilet cleaner? With educational qualifications aside, I bet no one does. I feel that way too. (you get what I mean?)
6) I don't need to worry and get into the hassle of job hunting when I'm done with my studies.
But 1 thing, round of applause for the people RSAF for even at the least recognising my potential and putting me up for the interview. At least some people have their eyes open.
KrU : Lol good question. 17 weeks through and I'm already beginning to see the dark side of things, and to think that I was so enthu before coming into army. Being one of the 1st from my poly batch to go into army, I would always convince my friends that it would be a different yet fulfilling and enriching experience, and that the SAF would push people to their fullest potential. But now, I just keep telling them : Oops, my bad.
Evangel : Supposedly, I have to finish serving my 2 years 1st, then break for studies in 2010, and then go back after studies to serve another 4 years. But the contract stated 4 yrs and 5 mths after some calculations here and there.
Ah yes, the system. I actually did get the opportunity to speak with the CO and OC about this off-hand. they were telling me the system chooses the individuals based on merit, like blah blah blah blah...and that the system is flawless.
Well, until now, I still don't know exactly why I ended up where I am right now. All they can tell me is "Your BMT results cannot make it". I want to know exactly which part, but they wouldn't disclose to me. So maybe its the SIT Test or peer appraisal that did me in.
mamamamama : I think another thing is the batch I went in with. If I went with a poly batch, I would've stood a better chance of getting into OCS. Just heng-suay only lor.
But don't be discouraged, there ARE and WILL BE diploma holders in OCS, because I have talked to officers who are, so i don't think the 3.86 matters or not LOL.
Broaden your horizons. If you're looking for a job to work for in short term and gain some experiences, the SAF technical and logistics are great places. Not the combat side. Serve a reasonably short contract eg. 6 years and then you must leave while you're still in your 20s. Do not even think of staying as a career.
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Originally posted by Eat your vitamins17:
I thought the air force would be a good career opportunity based on the following reasons :
1) I took the aerospace elective in my final year, and am planning to do the same for the course in Uni. (cross fingers and hope I'll dow ell enough). So at least I wouldn't lose out to the A lvl grads.
2) To me, this acts as a "bridge" between my poly and uni. education. Since air force is very academic, and what I'm be doing in air force is at least related in a way to what I'm going to study in Uni., better than let my brains rot while digging fire trenches and shell scrapes.
3) To be honest, $_$ face? If I'm not wrong, the LSA is already one of the lower end scholarships SAF offers. But full sponsorship of studies, plus getting paid $2k a month while I study, and the 5 figure sum i get at the end of the course, is very enticing in return for 4 years of my time.
4) My family isn't exactly very well to do, so I hope by signing on, it can relief my family's "financial burden".
5) I have my own personal pride. Everyone does. Would anyone like to be a garbage collector or toilet cleaner? With educational qualifications aside, I bet no one does. I feel that way too. (you get what I mean?)
6) I don't need to worry and get into the hassle of job hunting when I'm done with my studies.
But 1 thing, round of applause for the people RSAF for even at the least recognising my potential and putting me up for the interview. At least some people have their eyes open.
KrU : Lol good question. 17 weeks through and I'm already beginning to see the dark side of things, and to think that I was so enthu before coming into army. Being one of the 1st from my poly batch to go into army, I would always convince my friends that it would be a different yet fulfilling and enriching experience, and that the SAF would push people to their fullest potential. But now, I just keep telling them : Oops, my bad.
Evangel : Supposedly, I have to finish serving my 2 years 1st, then break for studies in 2010, and then go back after studies to serve another 4 years. But the contract stated 4 yrs and 5 mths after some calculations here and there.
Ah yes, the system. I actually did get the opportunity to speak with the CO and OC about this off-hand. they were telling me the system chooses the individuals based on merit, like blah blah blah blah...and that the system is flawless.
Well, until now, I still don't know exactly why I ended up where I am right now. All they can tell me is "Your BMT results cannot make it". I want to know exactly which part, but they wouldn't disclose to me. So maybe its the SIT Test or peer appraisal that did me in.
mamamamama : I think another thing is the batch I went in with. If I went with a poly batch, I would've stood a better chance of getting into OCS. Just heng-suay only lor.
But don't be discouraged, there ARE and WILL BE diploma holders in OCS, because I have talked to officers who are, so i don't think the 3.86 matters or not LOL.
i rather u join SIA as an aircraft engineering officer, after ur uni studies... they like pple with good grades and preferably with honours. -
Exactly your point. I wanted the post of an AEO to keep up with my technical skills in the aerospace field and use it as a footstool for my Uni. studies + a possible career. I was thinking of leaving for SIA or somewhere after the 6 years.
At least i don't have to bother about that now =P
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Eat your vitamins17, hey bro anyway best of luck with your plan.
Do update us on your progress.
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haha thanks so much for hearing me out, I've been through 7 weeks of darkness in BSLC and thought whether SAF likes it or not, I can't keep this in any longer. I just have a 28km route march and the posting that will determine my fate to look forward to.
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Originally posted by Eat your vitamins17:
Well to start I was enlisted on the 10th of April. I am a diploma in mechatronics graduate thrown in with the A level batch. During BMT, I went for an AEO interview and I was one of the 4 who were selected of of hundred of A lvl applicants for the post. At the final interview, they offered all 4 of us LSAs and I happily (then) signed on the dotted line. My performance was fine, Gold for IPPT and I passed every component well enough. Everything was supposed to go smoothly, or I thought so.
Posting order came out, and I was posted to sispec instead of ocs, of course I was stunned. Though I knew the contract stated that I need to make it to OCS, I don't see why I didn't make it. I called up air force, and they told me my BMT results couldn't make it. They said they had a leeway of picking you up from the top 30% instead of the usual 10%, and they said my name even wasn't in the top 30%. Well, it couldn't be possible that I screwed my SIT test and peer appraisal THAT bad. I personally felt the only guy from my section who was posted to OCS was just "average", IPPT silver and stuff, not very vocal blah blah (no offense to him). I'm sure the factor was that it was because he had 5 As in his A levels, and since I'm a diploma holder, no matter what my GPA is, they would'nt bother. Despite having a GPA of 3.86 and a place in NUS Mechanical Engineering, they passed on picking me? Well at least RSAF did give me a chance, but what was CPC doing seriously?
So...now I'm already into my last week in BSLC, I'm no longer hoping for a crossover because I don't want to give myself false hope again.
Maybe ur SIT test is juz not as gd as them?
Unfortunately u cant ask them to disclose ur SIT test results to u, unless its ur grandfather's army.
Not veri vocal does not mean that they are not gd leaders. Some BMT commanders might find vocal pple veri wayang and kaopeh?
Peer apprisal plays a part too. Perhaps they are more well-liked than u?
There's a lot of factors in place here.
But most pple's reaction to rejection is denial.
"Look, its not my fault here. Im juz as gd as them. Its juz that the system favours them, not me"
Okay lah, enough of my crap. Serious, (A-level) results plays a hugh part, i believe
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yes I admit I am still pretty sore about what has happened. I would rather they not let me sign, than let me sign and now give me this crap? And if they didn't want me, they should've just dropped me the bomb after the interview instead of letting the posting screw it up? What they can only tell me is to "do well for BSLC and crossover, can still sign".
Even if (touch wood) I get posted to OCS after BSLC, I don't know whether I should sign or not. After all that has happened, where do you think I should place my trust in the army now?
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good thing u never joined because the AEO post is bullcrap.
you just attend meetings, reply emails and approve leave.
ok lah, u have to sign ADD and other stuff, you'll never get hands on if u choose not to
u want aviation, go join a proper aviation company
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i can bet that 70-80% of AEOs can't even lockwire properly to save their lives.
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Originally posted by Eat your vitamins17:
yes I admit I am still pretty sore about what has happened. I would rather they not let me sign, than let me sign and now give me this crap? And if they didn't want me, they should've just dropped me the bomb after the interview instead of letting the posting screw it up? What they can only tell me is to "do well for BSLC and crossover, can still sign".
Even if (touch wood) I get posted to OCS after BSLC, I don't know whether I should sign or not. After all that has happened, where do you think I should place my trust in the army now?
If you are really passionate about the army, den fight for your dream. Be the cream of BSLC and cross over. You have another chance after ASLC too.
But from your response, I can feel that you are unsure. If you are truly passionate, what is a small setback to you? Pick yourself up and fight.
It's a open secret that it is not advisable to sign on with a poly diploma. But since you are going on university and gunning for a LSA, why not?
But you wont be able to rise thru the ranks as fast as the scholars, but u should be able to retire as a LTC at least (can someone confirm?)
I think most pple here would advise you to enter unit first and see for yourself what SAF is really like.
After your 2 years, and another 4 years of studies, you can still sign on your AEO. (except that no scholarship and free school fees lor)
Most of my peers who signed on regretted it. They could have earned much more outside.
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if u really really really really have potential and die die wanna be in aviation?
go to a commercial company.
don't rely on the RSAF
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how many batches of intake does OCS have every year? when are the intakes?
cos June-onwards BMT supposed to be poly batch right? i think they share an equal chance of entering OCS as their JC peers from Jan and Apr batch. I had come across NSF officers who were poly grads. I think it just depends on whether the recruit's batch is JC or Poly batch...
TS's just unlucky i guess...are you staying in RSAF after your BSLC? Or are you continuing ASLC to join an army unit? Sorry i not from command sch, so i unsure whether RSAF trains thier own 3SGs...
TS still a regular in this case?
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Originally posted by Eat your vitamins17:
yes I admit I am still pretty sore about what has happened. I would rather they not let me sign, than let me sign and now give me this crap? And if they didn't want me, they should've just dropped me the bomb after the interview instead of letting the posting screw it up? What they can only tell me is to "do well for BSLC and crossover, can still sign".
Even if (touch wood) I get posted to OCS after BSLC, I don't know whether I should sign or not. After all that has happened, where do you think I should place my trust in the army now?
The sad fact is SAF needs more Men than officers. Since you signed on the dotted line already, there is no turning back. A lot of people I know in the army are given empty promises of being an officer if they performed well enough. They signed on with that promise not knowing what is their posting result (OCS or SISPEC?). Not a very wise move. I guess they didnt meet the 'standard'.
Take it as another life lesson. Promises that havent materalise are just empty promises.
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I can see that you're a well-articulated guy. You definitely deserve better than slugging it out in SAF.
I have several friends who were in polytechnics and they went on to become officers. I guess there are many unknown reasons to selecting people into OCS.
If you have the chance to crossover to OCS after BSLC, i'll say go for it.
Not many people have the chance to be officers. It will do you good in your life even if you decide not to sign on.
Lastly, I still believe DON'T SIGN ON unless necessary.
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Originally posted by Eat your vitamins17:
yes I admit I am still pretty sore about what has happened. I would rather they not let me sign, than let me sign and now give me this crap? And if they didn't want me, they should've just dropped me the bomb after the interview instead of letting the posting screw it up? What they can only tell me is to "do well for BSLC and crossover, can still sign".
Even if (touch wood) I get posted to OCS after BSLC, I don't know whether I should sign or not. After all that has happened, where do you think I should place my trust in the army now?
so now even u had already signed the contract, but not in OCS, that means u r still a NSF, because the contract is null and void, right? -
kajagugu : Agreed. It IS fair to some extent, and unlucky on my part where I got thrown in with the JC batch?
Nope I don't think I will be going anywhere out of a green uniform anytime soon. Official posting results are next friday when 48th BSLC passes out, but I can genuinely make my guess : ASLC =( (Unless the MAMPAS test proves otherwise?)\
Expect the unexpected.
Evangel : Very true! Happens in the corporate world anyways. Maybe this one hit me bad because it seemed huge, a scholarship and a potential career in 1 interview in front of 4 sirs, and of course happy on the part where I was 1 of the 4 selected to sign. (poly pride +1!!)
KrU : Thanks for the compliment and advice! But I doubt I can keep it up, the degradation of the english language has begun to set for me in since I entered NS. Thinking about it now, I would feel better if I DID'NT crossover into OCS, have to go through another headache on whether to sign or not LOL
eac : Absolutely right. I can only sign again if I get into OCS.
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Sometimes, the rank doesn't matter, it who the person is that counts.
Well, wish you all the best for a favourable posting!
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Well thats that...I just finished my 28km route march earlier today, and I'm finally free from the bonds of sispec!
Of all places to get posted to..
It wasn't OCS for sure..
Neither was it ASLC (Thankfully)...
It's CBRE =.=
So I guess thats just it, dreams crumble away just like this. Maybe it was a sign that I shouldn't sign on with army, fate perhaps sealed the deal for me.