SAF Volunteer Corps: Opens Door on Oct 2014 to PRs & Girls!

• eac

  12 Oct 14, 22:56

  The new SAF Volunteer Corps - a unit under the Singapore Armed Forces - is for those not required to do National Service but are willing to contribute to the country's national defence.
  

  Those keen to volunteer in the army can start applying from Monday (Oct 13, 2014). The new SAF Volunteer Corps - a unit under the Singapore Armed Forces - is aiming to recruit 100 to 150 people in its first year, with the first batch to be drafted in next March. It is for those not required to do National Service but are willing to contribute to the country's national defence.

  The scheme is open to female Singaporeans, first generation permanent residents, and new citizens - between 18 and 45 years old. Applicants will undergo a medical screening and interview to assess if they have the right attitude for military service.

  Colonel Mike Tan, Commander of SAF Volunteer Corps, said: "National Service remains the cornerstone of Singapore's national defence and everyone has a part to play to support this. The SAFVC is an important commitment for individuals who are willing to take a step forward to be trained in roles that support the SAF and do their part for national defence."

  The Volunteer Corps was one of 30 recommendations made by the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) earlier this year.

  Applicants can indicate the roles they want to serve in, from medical to engineering and naval operations. But some roles have certain requirements. For example, those applying as field psychologists must have at least three years of professional work experience. And they can switch roles at a later stage.

  Colonel Mike Tan said: "'Re-roling' is possible. Somebody wishing to be a security trooper at first may find later that he or she is more suited to be in the business of information. We have facilitated this (role switching) as part of the SAFVC scheme."

  SINGLE-TRACK SCHEME FOR VOLUNTEERS

  Volunteers will be placed on a single-track scheme to establish an identity for the Corps. Previously, a two-track - operations or specialist scheme - was floated.

  Colonel Mike Tan said: "It is very important for identity purposes that we have one track. Everybody that comes in is trained during the basic training in a same way so that they establish a certain identity for the Volunteer Corps. The other thing is that as we worked along the feasibility of having a two-track system versus a one-track system, we found that the one-track system is easier to administer and allows for greater flexibility for people to want to re-role."

  Volunteers will serve seven days each year, and be deployed alongside NSmen and regulars doing the same role. Under a ranking structure, volunteers will start off as an SV Trainee, and can be promoted based on their performance and length of service. The highest rank they can attain is SV 4.

  UP TO THREE TRAINING CYCLES FOR VOLUNTEERS

  They also have to undergo at least three training cycles:

  1. A two-week basic training for an understanding of national defence. Key features include a field camp and hand-grenade live throw. Volunteers can choose to either stay in camp for two weeks while undergoing this basic training or take up modular courses over a series of weekends.

  2. A week-long qualification training, tailored for specific roles. For instance, volunteer nurses will train in the SAF Medical Training Institute and undergo on-the-job training.

  3. The advanced course will be for roles requiring additional training, like close combat and equipment training for security troopers.

  For both the qualification and advanced training, volunteers can opt for a one-week in-camp training or take modular courses over a series of weekends.

  VOLUNTEERS TO GET SERVICE BENEFITS

  Volunteers will also get service benefits like meal and transport claims, and treatment at SAF medical and dental centres during call-ups. Career professionals will also get make-up pay for their service. Other benefits include being placed under the SAF Group Term Life Insurance coverage during call-ups. 

  But volunteers will not receive allowance increment even if they are promoted. Volunteers also have to seek deferment from the SAF Volunteer Affairs Department if they are unable to serve their call-ups. And should they decide to leave the Corps, they have to give three months' advance notice. While under the Corps, they will also be subjected to the disciplinary framework based on military law.

  ASPIRING VOLUNTEERS KEEN TO SIGN UP

  Some had planned to sign up as volunteers, even before applications opened. Singaporean Kweh Ting Ting had expressed her interest to Mindef through an email. The 27-year-old, who works as a coordinator for a company selling biomedical laboratory equipment, said she is able to contribute in the administrative and logistics department.

  "This is something that I wanted to do and try since young. For females, we don't go through National Service. So this lets us open up and lets us see different vocations," she said.

  Another hopeful is Calven Bland, a PR who has lived in Singapore for nine years. The 42-year-old business development manager, who is married to a Singaporean, said he sees volunteering in the army as a way of giving back to the community and a continuation of his military background.

  He said: "I come from a military background. My family back in New Zealand have all served in the military. I used to serve, and I see this as a continuation of that tradition within my family. Secondly, if we have children, my son will have to serve National Service and I think it's important that as a father, I have some kind of an affinity with the Singapore Armed Forces to pass on to any children I have."

  The scheme has raised questions about PRs using it to fast-track their citizenship process, but some like Mr Bland said that is not the intention.

  He said: "I am a PR now and I don't intend to go for citizenship yet. I am a New Zealander and my wife is a Singaporean. So, I think we have quite a good balance. I'm not looking at this as a platform for fast-tracking any citizenship application."

  Colonel Mike Tan said it is important to send a clear message to potential volunteers that they should come forward to volunteer because they want to serve and also in appreciation of the security that they have benefited. "So, motivation is a very important thing for us," he added.

  APPLY ONLINE

  Three recruitment drives will be held after applications open on 13 October 2014. The Volunteer Corps will be based in Maju Camp. Those keen to volunteer can apply online at the SAFVC website or get a hardcopy form from the Central Manpower Base (CMPB). 

  - CNA/ir

• eac

  12 Oct 14, 23:04

  

  

  By Jermyn Chow
  
  SINGAPORE - Those who sign up for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Volunteer Corps from Monday will have more leeway to decide how they want to serve their stint and contribute to the country's defence.
  
  The military corps, which will enlist its first batch of volunteers in March next year, has been made flexible, in an effort to make it easier for people to step forward and match their skills and expertise to their volunteer roles.
  
  Trainees can choose to stay in camp and undergo a four-week course that will familiarise them with the military's modus operandi or spread out their training sessions over a few weekends.
  
  In a turnaround from an earlier proposal to make military volunteers serve up to 14 days for at least three years, the SAF has shortened the annual call-up period to seven days. Volunteers, who at anytime feel they no longer want to serve, will be allowed to drop out. They will need to inform commanders three months before they leave the corps.
  
  These details were announced by Colonel Mike Tan, who has been appointed the commander of the SAF Volunteer Corps.
  
  He said doing away with a compulsory three-year stint in the volunteer corps does not "take away the seriousness of the commitment".
  
  "If volunteer is not able to keep pace with training and found to be unable to follow the training, then maybe its in everybody's interest to allow the volunteer to leave...you are not likely to give your best if you feel you are being tied down," he said at a media briefing on Oct 10.
  
  For a start, they will get to choose from 17 vocations including defence psychologists, airbase civil engineers and security troopers. They may even get the chance to work onboard the Republic of Navy's ships and sail out to sea.
  
  These volunteers will get the flexibility of switching among volunteer roles.
  
  Women, first-generation permanent residents and new citizens, aged between 18 and 45 and are not liable for NS, are being targeted by the SAF Volunteer Corps. About 100 to 150 volunteers are expected to be enlisted in three batches next year.
  
  Employers will have to let them serve and they will be given an allowance or make-up pay during their in-camp stints.

   

   

• eac

  15 Oct 14, 23:27

  After hanging up his army boots a decade ago, Mr Calven Bland is thirsting for another spell in the military.
  
  The New Zealand-born Singapore permanent resident (PR), who was a logistician with the New Zealand Army for 12 years before coming to Singapore in 2005, plans to sign up with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Volunteer Corps as a security trooper.
  
  The 42-year-old, and others who are interested in getting a "stint" in the military, can sign up as military volunteers today.
  
  Mr Bland, who is married to a Singaporean, said he is stepping up to be a volunteer as he admires the common bond that Singaporean males share as national servicemen.
  
  "I get a little jealous when they have something common to talk about... after 10 years in Singapore, I would want to be part of the brotherhood," said the business development manager in a marine construction firm.
  
  The father-to-be added: "If I expect my son to serve, as his father, I have to do something that is similar in nature... it's as close as I'm going to get to defending the country."
  
  Vietnam-born PR Dao Tuan Son, 30, who has also been in Singapore for 10 years, said he wanted to go beyond the day-to-day acts of volunteerism to serve the country that has groomed him into what he is today.
  
  The commercial analyst at General Electric Oil and Gas, who is also keen to sign up as a security trooper, said: "Everybody can donate but not everyone can be an SAF volunteer... it's a challenge that is well worth it."
  
  While people like Mr Bland and Mr Son are stepping forward as volunteers to fulfil their personal aspirations, the SAF also benefits from the sharing of their expertise.
  
  Major Alvin Phua, who heads the Air Force National Servicemen Branch in the Air Manpower Department, said volunteers with engineering expertise can act as consultants and share their industries' best practices to "improve work processes" in the air force.
  
  Pharmacist and part-time polytechnic lecturer Jeremy Wong Weng Joon, 29, a Malaysia-born PR, said he is keen to sign up as a medical trainer.
  
  Although he has yet to inform his employer about his intentions, he is confident that he will get the go-ahead. "If they support NSmen, why not volunteers?"
  
  
  This article was first published on Oct 13, 2014.

• eac

  15 Oct 14, 23:37

  

  

  

  

  

  

• eac

  15 Oct 14, 23:40

  Source: mindef.gov.sg/safvc

  Q1. How did the idea of an SAFVC come about?

  • The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) engaged more than 40,000 people from all walks of life through extensive conversation on NS. One feedback that arose from these discussions is how more Singaporeans want to be involved in national defence. A survey by the Institute of Policy Studies found that 8 in 10 respondents supported creating opportunities for women, new citizens and first generation PRs to contribute to defence.  We took these feedback and have taken steps to establish the SAF Volunteer Corps, to include the wider Singapore community in contributing to our national defence.

   

  Q2. Who will manage the SAFVC?

  • An SAF Volunteer Affairs Department (SVAD) has been set up to manage the SAFVC. It will be responsible for personnel administration, training, deployment and engagement of the SAFVC Volunteers.

   

  Q3. When can we expect the first Volunteer to be deployed?

  • SAFVC Volunteers can be deployed upon completion of their training. The SVAD will work with SAFVC Volunteers to arrange for their deployments. The first intake of Volunteers will begin their training in Mar 15. We can expect the first Volunteers to be deployed as early as the second half of 2015.

   

  Q4. What can a Volunteer expect in his/her Volunteer journey?

  • SAFVC Volunteers will undergo the requisite training to be proficient in their respective roles and be familiarised with service in the SAF. Over the years, SAFVC Volunteers will deepen their skills and knowledge, and eventually have the opportunity to coach and mentor other SAFVC Volunteers.

  • We have a general development plan for our Volunteers. The development plan for SAFVC Volunteers is based on the SAFVC Volunteers’ length of service and rank progression in the Corps. As the SAFVC Volunteer becomes more experienced and familiar with the SAF, he or she will be given the training to take on greater responsibilities. Flexibility, however, will also be given to SAFVC Volunteers to progress at their own pace.

  Selection criteria and application

  Q1. How long does the application process take?

  • Upon receiving the hardcopy/softcopy application, the application will be immediate processed. Depending on the volume of applications, an applicant may receive a letter from Recruitment Centre to schedule for an interview in about four weeks. Applicants will also be required to bring certain documents and fill in some forms for the purpose of the interview.

  • Upon passing the interview and submitting the completed set of required documents, the applicants should expect to wait up to four weeks before being called up for a medical screening. The duration for medical screening may vary from individual to individual depending on the individual’s health status.

   

  Q2. Who is eligible to join the SAFVC?

  •  The SAFVC is open to all individuals who are not required to serve NS. These include Women, 1^st generation PRs and new citizens. We welcome all Singaporeans and PRs who desire to contribute and are aged 18-45 years old to sign up.  Applicants will undergo medical screenings and interviews to determine if they are suitable to serve as Volunteers. Find out more by visiting www.mindef.gov.sg/SAFVC.

  • [For NSmen in the SAF] Those with NS training are strongly encouraged to contribute in their NS capacity. NSmen who have completed their NS liability can apply to volunteer through their former NS units. NSmen who wish to contribute their civilian expertise can contact [email protected] to find out more about the Expertise Conversion Scheme.  

  • [For NSmen serving in the SPF/SCDF] If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can join the SAFVC. However, service in the SAFVC does not replace your NS obligations in the SPF and the SCDF. If there is a conflict in call-up schedule, your obligations in the SPF/ SCDF will take precedence over that of the SAFVC.

  • [For NSFs] NSFs serving in the SAF, SPF and SCDF will not be considered for the SAFVC.

   

  Q3.  What are the minimum requirements for the Roles?

  • SAFVC Volunteers will need to meet the pre-requisite qualifications, and fulfil the relevant training requirements so that they can contribute in their roles safely and effectively. The minimum requirements vary for roles to roles. Some of these requirements are relevant work experience, physical fitness level and assessed overall aptitude.

  Training

  Q1. Who will train the Volunteers?

  • SAFVC Volunteers will undergo Basic Training conducted in SAFVC. The training cadre comprises staff from the SAFVC, augmented by a cadre of experienced regular trainers from BMTC.  The Qualification and Advance training to qualify SAFVC Volunteers for deployments are similarly conducted by experienced SAF trainers from the respective domain expertise. Training is designed to ensure SAFVC Volunteers are adequately trained and ready to fulfil the roles that they have volunteered to perform.

   

  Q2. Will training be safe?

  • The SAF takes a serious view of safety. Safety is an imperative. Sufficient resources will be committed to ensure the safety of training. Furthermore, SAFVC Volunteers will be trained by experienced Regular trainers from BMTC. All SAFVC Volunteers will also undergo medical check-ups to determine their suitability to participate in training and be deployed to their roles.

  Roles

  Q1. What are the minimum requirements for the Roles?

  • SAFVC Volunteers will need to meet the pre-requisite qualifications, and fulfil the relevant training requirements so that they can contribute in their roles safely and effectively. The minimum requirements vary for roles to roles. Some of these requirements are relevant work experience, physical fitness level and assessed overall aptitude.
    

  Deployment and service obligations

  Q1. Do SAFVC Volunteers have to serve a minimum number of days a year to remain in the SAFVC?

  • SAFVC Volunteers will typically be called up for 7 days each year. During their service, those who are unable to fulfil this duration of service (e.g., due to relocation or injury) can request to be placed on a holding list. They can request to resume their volunteer service subsequently. 

   

  Q2. Are there restrictions to how many times a Volunteer can apply for deferment?

  • The SVAD will provide early notice when issuing call ups to the SAFVC Volunteers so that they can make the necessary arrangements to be excused from their other commitments and hence minimise the number of deferments.

   

  Q3. Are there any restrictions on SAFVC Volunteers joining other Volunteer corps or associations [e.g., the Voluntary Special Constabulary (VSC)]?

  • As with any member of the SAF, a volunteer in the SAFVC can join other volunteer corps or associations.

  Law and statutory protection

  Q1. Am I subject to military law if I join the SAFVC?

  • All SAFVC enlistees are members of the SAF, just like our NSFs and NSmen. During their service, they will be subject to a disciplinary framework based on military law.

   

  Q2. Are volunteers subject to exit controls (e.g., MINDEF Notification Centre and exit permit)?

  • No. Unlike NSmen who play a critical part in our national defence, SAFVC Volunteers do not hold mission critical appointments and are therefore not required to notify MINDEF nor apply for exit permit if they are travelling overseas.
• eac

  20 Oct 14, 20:47

  More than 200 people have applied to join the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) a week after recruitment began — a response Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said was encouraging.

  Giving this update in a Facebook post Sunday (Oct 19), Dr Ng said 40 per cent of the applicants are permanent residents and 60 per cent are citizens. A quarter of the applicants are women.

  Among the reasons cited for wanting to volunteer were to “give back to Singapore”, “lead by example for my son” and offer their “talent and service”, he said, adding that he was “happy with the encouraging response so far”.

  The SAFVC was among the recommendations of the Committee to Strengthen National Service and is aimed at giving more people a chance to contribute to Singapore’s defence. The SAF plans to recruit 100 to 150 such volunteers a year over three recruitment drives.

  Applications opened last Monday. Depending on the number of applications received, an applicant may be informed via a letter to schedule an interview in about four weeks.

  After passing the interview and submitting the required documents, an applicant may wait up to four weeks before being called up for a medical screening.

  “The SAF will screen applicants carefully to find those with suitable aptitudes and skills to be pioneer batches of the SAFVC that can strengthen our national defence,” Dr Ng said.

  Volunteers can choose to serve in wide-ranging fields, from operational deployments to professional roles such as legal specialist staff and doctors — alongside regular soldiers in active units.

  They can switch roles during their stint and there is no minimum period of service. They are expected to be called up seven days a year.

  Training is expected to begin in March next year and volunteers could be deployed as early as the second half of next year. Applications are still open.

• Mingen2011

  25 Oct 14, 22:03

  Application to join the SAFVC opens from Mon, 13 Oct 14.

  Click here to download the SAFVC Application Form. Send the completed form to [email protected]

  Application forms may also be found at the Army Recruitment Centre, 3 Depot Road, #01-66, Singapore 109680.

   

  Download SAFVC Infographic here.

• eac

  25 Oct 14, 23:11

  Application to join the SAFVC opens from Mon, 13 Oct 14.

  Click here to download the SAFVC Application Form. Send the completed form to [email protected]

  Application forms may also be found at the Army Recruitment Centre, 3 Depot Road, #01-66, Singapore 109680.

   

  Download SAFVC Infographic here.

• Mingen2011

  26 Oct 14, 07:08

  Response to ST Forum Letters on SAF Volunteer Corps

   

  SAF Volunteer Corps Allows More to Contribute to National Defence

  We refer to the forum letters "Initial success depends on applicants" by Mr Kwan Jin Yao and "Issues with volunteer soldiers" by Mr Lee Yong Se (both dated 20 Oct 14), as well as "Transform Volunteer Corps into Military Reserve Force" by Mr Chew Kok Liang (dated 22 Oct 14).

  The Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) is the first uniformed service scheme that will provide more Singaporeans and Permanent Residents the opportunity to contribute to national defence, show support for National Service (NS) and deepen their understanding and ownership of national defence. Other existing volunteer schemes within the SAF allow national servicemen to continue serving beyond their NS obligations, as well as for Singaporeans who are experts from the private and public sectors to serve on MINDEF's boards and committees.

  The success of the SAFVC will depend on the commitment of Volunteers to give their best while serving in their respective roles. Volunteers will be carefully selected, taking into account their motivation, aptitude and experience, to determine if they are suitable for military service. Volunteers will also undergo medical and security screening processes similar to our national servicemen.

  The SAF takes the contributions and proficiency of Volunteers seriously. Volunteers will be trained to standards before they are deployed. This emphasis will ensure that Volunteers continuously improve their skills, in order for them to contribute meaningfully to our country's defence and security.

  In evaluating the SAFVC, the context of Singapore's defence must be taken into consideration. NS is the cornerstone of Singapore's defence, and every national serviceman is an essential part of the SAF. The training that our national servicemen undertake ensures that the SAF is operationally ready to deal with a range of security threats and challenges. The roles and expectations of Volunteers are different as they will be trained and deployed in roles that support the duties of our national servicemen.

  We welcome feedback from the public, and look forward to engaging our future Volunteers.

  Commander, SAF Volunteer Corps
  

   

  MINDEF's reply was published as "Volunteer corps allows more to play a part in national defence", The Straits Times, 27 Oct 2014

   

• eac

  26 Oct 14, 23:11

  Contact Us
  
  
  If you have any feedback or encounter any problems, please contact our 24-hour customer service centre:
  
  Email: [email protected]
  Telephone: 1800-3676767 (1800-eNSNSNS) [if you are calling from Singapore]
                      : +65-65676767 [if you are calling from overseas]
  
  
  Central Manpower Base (CMPB)  
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  Operating hours : Mondays to Fridays 0900 hours to 1700 hours  
  Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

• Jefrence

  3 Nov 14, 17:23

  Contact Us
  
  
  If you have any feedback or encounter any problems, please contact our 24-hour customer service centre:
  
  Email: [email protected]
  Telephone: 1800-3676767 (1800-eNSNSNS) [if you are calling from Singapore]
                      : +65-65676767 [if you are calling from overseas]
  
  
  Central Manpower Base (CMPB)  
  3 Depot Road Singapore 109680  
     
  Operating hours : Mondays to Fridays 0900 hours to 1700 hours  
  Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

• Jefrence

  3 Nov 14, 17:58

  Contact Us
  
  
  If you have any feedback or encounter any problems, please contact our 24-hour customer service centre:
  
  Email: [email protected]
  Telephone: 1800-3676767 (1800-eNSNSNS) [if you are calling from Singapore]
                      : +65-65676767 [if you are calling from overseas]
  
  
  Central Manpower Base (CMPB)  
  3 Depot Road Singapore 109680  
     
  Operating hours : Mondays to Fridays 0900 hours to 1700 hours  
  Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

• Scott.robinsons

  3 Nov 14, 18:58

  Contact Us
  
  
  If you have any feedback or encounter any problems, please contact our 24-hour customer service centre:
  
  Email: [email protected]
  Telephone: 1800-3676767 (1800-eNSNSNS) [if you are calling from Singapore]
                      : +65-65676767 [if you are calling from overseas]
  
  
  Central Manpower Base (CMPB)  
  3 Depot Road Singapore 109680  
     
  Operating hours : Mondays to Fridays 0900 hours to 1700 hours  
  Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

• eac

  5 Dec 14, 12:53

  A new way to serve

  Story Benita Teo

  The SAF is opening its doors to the broader community who are not National Service (NS)-liable but have a strong desire to contribute to national defence.

  
  

  Have you always wanted to trade in your school blouse and skirt for military fatigues and join Dad for his In-Camp Training (ICT)?

  Perhaps you often find yourself listening with envy as your male colleagues share stories about their NS days, and wish you could be one of them.

  Or maybe you recently made Singapore your home, and would like to do your part in keeping it safe for your family and friends.
  
  You'll now have the chance to fulfil these wishes.
  
  Come 2015, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will welcome more people into its family of Regulars, Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and
Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs).
  
  With the establishment of the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), non NS-liable Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) - such as women, first-generation PR sand new citizens - will now be able to contribute to national defence, show support for NS, and deepen their understanding and ownership of national defence.

  During his Committee to Strengthen NS 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, a uniformed volunteer scheme, was set up following the committee's recommendation.

  
  

  

  The SAFVC logo (top) and its predecessor the SVC logo (above).

  New look, old traditions

  
  The SAFVC was officially set up in end-September, and is helmed by Commander SAFVC, Colonel (COL) Mike Tan.

  Headquarters (HQ) SAFVC is located in Maju Camp, where training will also be held.

  The SAFVC may be new, but it follows in the footsteps of a long and distinguished tradition of volunteerism for national defence.

  Beginning with the Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps (a private organisation established in 1854 to combat lawlessness), the corps of volunteers evolved over the next 48 years into the Singapore Volunteer Corps (SVC), the SAFVC's predecessor.

  The SVC played an important role forming the Singapore Military Forces in 1953 together with Regulars and part-time national servicemen.

  The volunteer units were then subsumed into the People's Defence Force (PDF) in 1965.

  With the subsequent growth of NS and the SAF, the number of volunteers declined, and the last Volunteer battalion, 101 PDF, held its final parade in 1984.

  As homage to the illustrious 160-year history of Volunteer Military Service in Singapore, the SAFVC logo incorporates elements from the original SVC coat of arms, such as the circular shield, banner and laurel.

  Finding the right fit

  
  Applications to the SAFVC began on 13 Oct and within a week, more than 200 Singaporeans and PRs had dropped off their forms at the Army Recruitment Centre (ARC) or signed up online. Dr Ng revealed this on his Facebook page, adding that he was "happy with the encouraging response so far".

  COL Tan echoed Dr Ng's comments, remarking that the growing numbers were indeed encouraging. The SAFVC plans to recruit three batches of volunteers in the first year, with 30 to 50 enlistees in the inaugural batch commencing training on 23 Mar 2015.

  After being shortlisted, applicants will have to undergo an interview as well as a medical screening before they are accepted into the SAFVC. COL Tan plans to oversee the interview process, and recognised that it would be an onerous task.

  "Certainly, the SAFVC is not for everybody; (for instance) if you are not the outdoorsy type, you may find that it is not your cup of tea. There are other MINDEF (Ministry of Defence) volunteer schemes (available).

  "That's why the interview is so important - I want to make sure that the volunteers we select really want to be here, and will also fit in with us." He added that motivation and aptitude are crucial factors in determining the applicants' suitability.

  COL Tan also noted that although there is no minimum commitment period for volunteers, those who indicate that they are prepared to commit for the long term will be considered more favourably.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Welcome to the uniformed life

   

  Upon successful application, volunteers will receive their letters of enlistment and embark on a three-phase training programme, designed to give them a taste of Basic Military Training (BMT) and equip them with the skills necessary for their respective roles.

  The SAFVC Volunteers (or SVs, as the enlistees are known) will undergo a two-week Basic Training (BT), followed by a one-week Qualification Training (QT). Some will be required to attend another week-long Advanced Training (AT) to further prepare them for their vocations.

  The two-week stay-in BT is a module common to all SVs.

  It aims to develop in the SVs a basic appreciation of the SAF and understanding of national defence.

  The SVs will have the opportunity to try their hands at firing a Singapore Assault Rifle 21, throw a live hand grenade, and even go through a field camp.

  Training will be supervised by COL Tan, and led by a Head of Training and a company commander. They will be assisted by a team of experienced trainers from BMT Centre and parts of the Infantry.

  COL Tan emphasised that "the idea is not to train someone from a civilian to a soldier; that will take nine weeks (the length of BMT). However, the two weeks is sufficient for them to have an introduction to NS and learn about the military ethos and what it means to wear a uniform".

  Currently, there are plans to offer the modular option of completing the BT over a series of weekend days instead of the continuous fortnight stay-in. This option would be helpful for volunteers with heavy school, work or family commitments.

  Although the curricula for both the continuous and modular options are similar and will equip the SVs with the necessary knowledge and skills, COL Tan encouraged those who could afford the time to choose the stay-in option for "the most complete experience", as it includes the field camp component.

  
  

  
  

   

  A unique rank structure was created for the SAFVC Volunteers (SVs). As their contribution are different from those of Regulars and NSmen, there is no comparison between the SV rank and others in the SAF. It also differentiates them from SAF Volunteers, former NSmen who continue to service past the statutory age.

  New enlistees begin as SV (Trainees), and will be promoted to SV1 upon completion of their Qualification Training. Subsequent promotions are dependent on years of service, as well as conduct and performance.

  
  

  In-depth training

   

  After BT, SVs then move on to QT, where they will train under the respective domain experts to prepare for their specific roles. One of the trainers they might meet is Military Expert (ME) 5-1 See Yen Ling, a Nursing Officer at the SAF Medical Training Institute. ME5-1 See trains doctors and medics when they return for their annual ICT, and will train SVs who sign up as medical trainers.

  Elaborating on the second phase of training for medical trainers, ME5-1 See said: "As medical professionals in hospitals, the types of cases they see are different from those in the military.

  During QT, they will be introduced to the Medical Corps and become familiar with our work environment, such as the equipment, simulation labs and outfield environments.

  "Upon completion of the QT phase, SVs will be considered full-fledged SAFVC Volunteers and can begin to be deployed to SAF units. However, some roles, such as the Auxiliary Security Trooper (AST), will require the AT.

  While AST trainees will gain proficiency in rifle handling and learn when to make use of their weapons during the QT, an additional week at the AT is necessary for them to acquire the required knowledge and learn the application of their skills - such as apprehending and securing targets.

  Service Benefits

  • Meal & transport claims
  • 50 e-Mart credits per year of completed service
  • SAF Group Term Life Insurance coverage during call-ups
  • Medical and dental treatment at SAF medical and dental centres during call-ups
  • Eligibility for associate membership at SAFRA and NS Resort & Country Club

  
  

  Part of the family

   

  SVs can choose from 17 roles in nine categories. They will typically be called up to serve seven days annually, alongside servicemen and women from the Army, Navy and Air Force, donning the SAFVC formation patch on their respective green, grey or blue uniforms. Some roles, such as those in engineering, medicine or law, require prior work experience, while others like the AST, InfoMedia Staff and Bridge Watchkeeper are open to all.

  Working with SVs will be a new experience for Regulars, NSmen and NSFs alike. However, COL Tan believes the experience will be beneficial to all.

  ME5-1 See agreed: "I look forward to working alongside the SVs, because they will be able to share their experience in their respective fields with us. This will, in turn, enrich our training as well."

  During call-ups, the SVs will report directly to the various SAF units which they are attached to. They will receive instructions from their Regular and national servicemen commanders.

  "The section or mission commander is expected to take charge of the mission and guide the SV in becoming an effective member of the team. This is because he has undergone two years of NS and several ICTs and is therefore better trained and more experienced (in fulfilling missions)," COL Tan explained.

  He added: "This is why NS will always be the cornerstone of national defence and will not be replaced by the SAFVC. They are trained much more rigorously."

  Nonetheless, "We hope the NSmen will come to respect and appreciate the SVs because, while they may not be as intensively trained, they come with life and career experience," said COL Tan. "They will also bring another set of eyes and perspectives to situations that have become commonplace to us."

  Interested volunteers may obtain their hardcopy forms from ARC, or download the electronic forms from the SAFVC website (www.mindef.gov.sg/safvc) and email them to [email protected]. Applicants must be 18 to 45 years old, and will be eligible to serve from the ages of 18 to 50.

• Justica

  10 Dec 14, 18:14

  Can a 16 year old girl sign on the SAF before she enters polytechnic?

• minxzhu

  19 Dec 14, 12:42

  sounds interesting