[ORD] If ORNS NSman AWOL In-Camp Reservist, Fine $/ DB? How?
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If ORNS NSman AWOL In-Camp Reservist, Fine $/ DB? How?
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What is Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS)?
After reaching your Operationally Ready Date (ORD), you will transition from full-time National Serviceman (NSF) to Operationally Ready National Serviceman (NSman). ORNS refers to the NS training phase that NSmen undergo with their NS unit. It is typically a 10 year training cycle which comprises 3 main phases:
To complete an ORNS year, you need to participate in an ORNS activity within your work-year, which starts on 1 April and ends on 31 March of the following year. For this period, you may be called up for not more than 40 days of ORNS activities annually. It is your responsibility to inform your employer in advance of any ORNS activities you need to attend.
Throughout your ORNS, you must update MINDEF on your contact details via Update My Profile on the NS Portal.
Note: Any changes to your contact details will take up to 3 working days to be reflected in the system.
What are the ORNS activities I may be called up for?
As part of your ORNS, you could be called up to fulfil the training requirements for the following ORNS activities:
Participate in In-Camp Training (ICT)
In a work-year, you may be called for:- High Key (HK) ICT, which lasts at least 7 days
- Low Key (LK) ICT, which lasts 6 days or less
You will be notified of your ICT via MINDEF notification channels which you are required to acknowledge. Furthermore, you will receive a softcopy of the official notice, i.e. SAF100, via Manage Call-Ups & Manning on the NS Portal. Your SAF100 will have your ICT details, like the reporting date, time, venue, attire and instructions for your call-up. If you are unable to attend, you must apply for deferment via Manage Call-Ups & Manning on the NS Portal.
Note: Being absent from your ICT without approved deferment may subject you to disciplinary action.
To prepare for your ICT, you can replace and replenish your personal equipment at the SAF eMarts or via Shop At eMart on the NS Portal. Credits will be allocated to you once every 2 years.
Be Ready for Manning
You could be placed on Manning, and must be ready at any time to report to your Mobilisation Centre upon mobilisation. Notification can occur through 2 ways:- Open Mobilisation: You will be notified through broadcast of codewords representing your unit in mass media like TV and radio, and through your personal contact numbers– home, office or mobile phone
- Silent Mobilisation: You will be notified through your personal contact numbers – home, office or mobile phone
Pass Your Annual Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT)
You need to attempt and pass your annual IPPT, with a score of at least 51 points out of 100, with a minimum of 1 point in every IPPT station. This has to be done within your IPPT Window – a 12-month period. The first window starts on your birthday after your ORD and ends a day before your next birthday.As IPPT requirements are gazetted under the Enlistment Act, you will not receive notification via SAF100 to attend any IPPT activities. It is your responsibility as an NSman to track and fulfil your IPPT requirements within your annual IPPT Window. To assist you, an SMS notification could be sent upon the commencement of your IPPT Window.
You can also fulfil your IPPT requirements by completing 10 sessions of IPPT Preparatory Training (IPT) with at least 1 IPPT attempt within your IPPT Window.
You will be required to take up to 20 sessions of Remedial Training (RT) in your next IPPT Window if you have any of the following statuses by the end of your IPPT Window:
- Did not attempt your IPPT
- Failed IPPT (for those who did not opt for IPT)
- Did not complete your IPT
What if I travel overseas during my ORNS?
For overseas travel that is more than 14 days and less than 6 months, you need to inform the MINDEF Notification Centre (MNC) prior to your trip. But if you are travelling for 6 months or longer, you will need to apply for an Exit Permit (EP). All these can be done via the eService– Manage Overseas Trips on the NS Portal.
Note: Informing MNC of your intention to travel within your Manning period does not excuse you from mobilisation. You will still need to seek approval from your unit's Commanding Officer on the travelling details. If you do not, you may be called back for investigation and be subjected to disciplinary action.
Will I be paid for the ORNS activities I attend?
You will receive NS Pay for the duration of any ORNS activities you attend. This is to ensure that you will not suffer a loss of income as a result of attending these activities while employed. Your NS Pay is typically made up of your Service Pay and Make-Up Pay.
What awards and recognition will I receive during my ORNS?
Different schemes have been designed to recognise your contributions throughout your ORNS. You will receive this in the form of annual tax relief of $1,500, MINDEF/SAF Group Insurance coverage during your ORNS training, and Celebratory Gifts to commemorate your special occasions.
You can also receive awards when you reach the different milestones in your ORNS, like the National Service HOusing, Medical and Education (NS HOME) Awards and Service Medals. NSmen with exemplary performances may also be eligible for other forms of awards and recognition, like the NS Excellence Award (NSEA).
When do I complete my ORNS?
You will be deemed to have completed your ORNS training cycle and be phased into the MINDEF Reserve (MR) when you have fulfilled 10 ORNS years of which 7 are HK ICTs.
Note: For Key Appointment holders, you have to fulfil 13 ORNS years of which 8 are HK ICTs.
What happens after I phase into MR?
Upon phasing into MR, you will not have to:
- Take your IPPT
- Be called up for ORNS activities
- Notify MNC for overseas travel
However, you will still need to apply for an EP if you are travelling overseas for 6 months or longer. You should also maintain your personal equipment as you may still be activated for operational service up to your statutory age – 50 and 40 years old for Officers and WOSEs respectively.
What happens when I reach my statutory age?
Upon reaching your statutory age, you will be considered an Ex-NSman. You have fulfilled your NS duty. You are no longer required to participate in any ORNS activities and notify MINDEF on your overseas travel.
You may dispose your personal equipment by returning it to any SAF eMart outlet or the Army Logistics Base. You may also dispose of it on your own, as long as it does not result in the unauthorised usage of your equipment by other persons.
For example, you should cut your SAF uniforms and SAF helmet liner suspension assemblies and retention straps into small pieces, and remove all tags with the label "Property of SAF"€� before discarding them into the waste bin.
Note: Non-compliance with these instructions may amount to a criminal offence, and result in criminal charges against you.
Can I serve beyond my ORNS or statutory age?
The Reservist on Voluntary Extended Reserve Service (ROVERS) and NS Volunteer schemesoffer opportunities for you to do so. However, these are subject to approval. If you have civilian expertise in operationally relevant niche areas, like law, medicine, engineering, and psychology, you may also be recommended to join the Expertise Conversion Scheme (ECS).
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Yes, the Military Police (MP) will look for you at your home and workplace, and you will be charged for Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL).
Source: www.ns.sg
Military Justice System in the SAF
1. Overview
The military justice system in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is expected to treat every service personnel fairly and equally, regardless of race, rank or vocation.
2. Multi-levelled ApproachThe military justice system is based on the SAF Act, which was implemented in 1972. All servicemen are subjected to the SAF Act, SAF Regulations, and orders of whatever form issued pursuant to them.
While discipline is paramount in the military, not all offences committed by SAF servicemen are dealt with by formal investigations and charges. Essentially, offenders can be dealt with either by way of informal or formal punishment systems.
3. Informal Punishment System
Commanders are empowered to mete out informal punishments like push-ups and weekend confinement to servicemen who have committed disciplinary breaches, like being late, sluggish, or improperly dressed.4. Formal Punishment System
If the offence that a serviceman committed is of a more serious nature, he may be formally dealt with by his disciplinary officer by way of a summary trial, or brought before a subordinate military court (more commonly known as the General Court Martial or GCM).(a) Summary Trial
The offences that can be dealt with by summary trial are essentially military offences, such as absence without leave (AWOL), non-compliance with lawful orders or insubordination.
Depending on the rank of the serviceman in question, and the type of the disciplinary body hearing the case, the possible sentences that may be imposed can vary, and these can include fines or detention.
The summary trial is carried out in accordance with relevant SAF regulations, and the records of the summary trial are sent to the office of the Director, Legal Services of the SAF.
(b) General Court Martial
The General Court Martial exists as a separate forum from that of the summary trial. Unlike the summary trial, the GCM can deal with a wider range of offences, and can impose a wider range of punishments including imprisonment and discharge, on top of sentences like detention and fines. The GCM is also a more public and open forum, and its proceedings are conducted using similar legal rules and procedures as those used in a civil criminal court.
Generally, only serious offences investigated by the Military Police Command, and which are referred to the office of the Director of Legal Services, will result in the accused serviceman being charged in a GCM. In such a case, a military prosecutor will draw up a formal charge sheet and present it before the GCM.
General Courts Martial can be further sub-divided into two categories, namely the Panel Courts Martial - consisting of a President and usually two other members, and Judge Courts Martial - consisting of a single President only.
Currently, the practice is for military offences to be heard by Panel Courts Martial, while civil offences like misuse of drugs and penal code offences may be dealt with by a Judge Court Martial.
The current policy is also for an NSman, who is or was a District Judge in the Subordinate Courts, to preside in a GCM. There are currently 10 NSmen who have been appointed by the Armed Forces Council to perform duty as President of a court martial. They are rostered by the Registrar of the Subordinate Military Court to hear cases during their in-camp training. In the case of a Panel Court Martial, the other two members are rostered from among some 155 military officers appointed by the Chief of Defence Force.
5. Ways to Seek RedressThere are numerous safeguards and avenues set out in the military justice system for an SAF serviceman to seek redress if he is unhappy about the punishment imposed on him.
Generally, a serviceman who is dissatisfied with an informal punishment meted out to him may request a higher level commander to review the punishment, or request for formal disciplinary dealing.
In the case of a summary trial, a serviceman brought before the disciplinary officer may elect instead to be tried by a court martial. Alternatively, an aggrieved serviceman may request that his conviction or punishment imposed at the summary trial be reviewed by MINDEF's Director Manpower (a delegated authority of the Armed Forces Council).
In the case of a GCM, a serviceman may choose to be represented by a lawyer or an SAF defending officer if his case will be heard by a court martial. The SAF has about 200 trained defending officers. While an SAF defending officer comes free to the serviceman, he has to bear the cost of engaging a lawyer. At the end of the trial, a serviceman who is dissatisfied with the decision of the court martial may petition the Reviewing Authority (the AFC or a committee of its members) for a review of his case. The serviceman can also appeal to the Military Court of Appeal (MCA) for a reconsideration of his conviction, or his sentence, or both.
The MCA, when convened to hear an appeal, sits as a panel of five members. Heading the MCA is a President, who is appointed by the Chief Justice. By law, he must be a person qualified to be a Judge of the Supreme Court. The current President of the MCA is Justice Choo Han Teck. Four other members - two civilian members who are qualified legal practitioners with at least five years experience each, and two senior military officers - make up the rest of the MCA. The MCA is the highest court in the military justice system.
6. Impartial Hearings
It is important to recognise that the GCM and the MCA are tribunals headed by presidents who are outside the SAF chain of command.Being an "outsider", the president of these forums will hear the case impartially like any other civil criminal case. The proceedings in the GCM and the MCA are also heard in a public forum, and these military courts adopt many of the same legal procedures and safeguards as that used in the civil criminal courts. All servicemen formally charged with an offence can bring their case to these forums.
Singapore Armed Forces Military Police Command
(SAFMPC/ æ–°åŠ å�¡æ¦è£…部队宪兵å�¸ä»¤éƒ¨)The formation is headed by the Command Headquarters which oversees its daily operations, and supported by four units specialising in the various specific operational responsibilities of the SAF MPC.
The four units are:
Military Police Enforcement Unit (MPEU): The unit consists of the Law Enforcement and Ceremonial Company (LECC), the Security Operation Unit (SOU) and the Special Security and Protection (SSP) Branch. It is the active wing of the SAF MPC and executes most of the operational and ceremonial duties and roles carried out by the SAF MPC.
The LECC was formed by combining the former Active Provost Company (APC) and the former Zone Provost Company (ZPC). Its duties include most of the important ceremonial duties required within the SAF as previously handled by the APC, and a traffic platoon which ensures the compliance of traffic regulations by military personnel on the road as well as performing escort duties. It also performs regular raids for contraband and/or miscreants on various camps of the SAF as was conducted by the ZPC. Enforcement Platoon (also known as Platoon 2) performs regular operations in residential areas, workplaces, and many public places such as shopping centres, clubs and eating outlets to apprehend deserters, AWOL offenders, drug addicts and other military criminals. They work closely with the Singapore Police Force and are often in very dangerous situations and are extremely well trained for handling the varied scenarios that they find themselves in. This is also the platoon that enforces the public image of the SAF by booking offenders who smoke in uniform and commit other offences in uniform while in the eye of the public. It is worth noting that they perform undercover security operations for high-key events like the National Day Parade and the Youth Olympic Games. The security of Mowbray Station is overseen by a platoon who is also in charge of registering and detaining suspects and offenders of military crimes in holding cells. The station is similar to a civilian police station and it is usually the first stop for detainees before their transfer to the detention barracks after conviction in military courts, or a temporary holding cell for servicemen placed under Closed Arrest. The investigative branch for the SAF, the Special Investigation Branch (SIB) investigates higher-order military crimes that requires specialised handling. Since 31 December 8, MPEU has heralded the inclusion of a new branch within its ranks. The Security Support and Protection (SSP) Branch is involved in sensitive operations so no further information is available.
SAF Detention Barracks (SAFDB): Headed by a commandant, DB consists of MPs in charge of supervision of detainees of the SAF who have been convicted in military courts.
Military Police Training School (MPTS): Formerly known as the School of Provost, MPTS is in charge of equipping trainees with necessary and fundamental military policing skills as well as instilling in them a high standard of discipline through the vocational courses and specialised courses such as the Silent Precision Drill Courses. MPTS also legislation courses for senior commanders all over the SAF. In addition, the SAF Military Working Dog Unit is a wing under MPTS and it is in charge of all dog training and doctrine matters of the SAF.
SAF MP Command Head Quarters (HQ): The Head Quarters of the Command comprises various branches, namely the Human Resource (HR), Intelligences and Security Branch (ISB), General Staff Branch (GS), the Special Investigation Branch (SIB) and Logistic Branch. Each branch is headed by a branch head who serves concurrently as the Command's Manpower, Intelligence, Ops and Training and Logistics Officer.
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FAQs
SAF Detention Barracks
1. Are the detainees being medically taken care of?
Primary health care of detainees is of utmost importance to us. All detainees will be given adequate medical care during their incarceration. Our medical services are also supported by the Tengah Airbase Medical Centre, NUH and also Changi General Hospital if the need arises.
2. Can I write a letter to a detainee?
Yes.
3. I have just received a Visit Notification Letter, but the schedule visit date stated therein has already lapsed. How can I visit the detainee?
You can contact the Records Office at 6424 6666 to arrange for another appointment date.
4. Can anyone besides the parent unit of the detainees pick up the detainee on the day of their release?
At no time shall the detainee/military prisoner be released from the detention barracks/military prison as the case may be, to his family or any other party.
5.. Can the detainee write letters while serving detention in Detention Barracks?
Every detainee and military prisoner shall be allowed to write one letter per week.
6. What are the visiting days and what is the duration of the visit?
Visiting days are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and the first appointment starts from 1.30pm and ends at 3.00pm. Visitors are allowed to visit the detainee for 30 minutes.
7. How many visits is the serviceman entitled to?
Each serviceman is entitled to one visit per week.
8. What happens if the family members can't turn up on the date specified for their first visit?
The family members can call Records Office of SAF Detention Barracks at 6424 6666 and arrange for another date and time.
9. What is the dress code of the family members when they come for parent visit?
The family must wear appropriately when they come for parent visit. SAF Detention Barracks will send a slip indicating the dress code together with the parent-visiting letter. -
If you did not attend the main ICT activities planned, you may be marked as "ICT Performance Not Satisfactory" and can be called up again for Make-Up Training (MUT) as replacement ICT.
During each ICT, your Unit Commander will stipulate a set of performance standards to be achieved. You are encouraged therefore, to train yourself up physically and be mentally prepared for the tough training.
Note that if you fail to meet the required performance standards, you will be subjected to corrective training. That is, your Unit Commander may decide to serve you additional NS call-up for Make-Up Training (MUT). -
Apply for Deferment from In-Camp Training
All applications for deferment from Operationally Ready NS training should be addressed to the respective units/NSSC and must be supported by the necessary documentary proof. NSmen should submit their deferment application at least 10 weeks before the commencement of the ICT. NSmen may be deferred if their applications meet the required guidelines.
An appeal against a rejected deferment application should be addressed to the unit/NSSC for re-consideration. Where the unit/NSSC does not support the appeal for deferment, the appeal could be submitted to the higher HQ for review, thereby ensuring that the appeal is being considered by a higher authority.
An NSman who is granted deferment will have to undergo make-up training for the deferred period within the same work year. MINDEF & MHA do not encourage deferment as it affects the unit's training as well as the unit's cohesiveness. NSmen are given 6 to 12 months notice for their ICT. The advance notice is to give them sufficient time to make the necessary adjustments to their work commitments so that they could attend to their NS duties as scheduled.FAQs:
Q1. What is the procedure for asking for a deferment?
You may submit your application online via MyDeferment in the NS Portal at www.ns.sg. You can login to NS Portal website using your NS Portal User ID and password to submit an application.
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Q2. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is taking Full-Time Studies in Private Institutions?
For NSman on full-time studies in private institutions, only those courses of study meet the following definition of full-time studies may be considered for deferment/disruption.
a. Definition of Full-Time Studies
(1) The institute of study must be registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE). For institutes not registered with MOE, assessment would be based on knowledge of the institutions themselves or their affiliation to recognised organisations
(2) Lessons must be classroom type and not on-the-job training. In cases where the curriculum includes some practical lessons, the course could be deemed as classroom type if the practical lessons constitute less than 50% of the course curriculum and are conducted within the premises of the institution
(3) Lessons must be held at least 5 days per week during office hours (8 am to 5 pm)
(4) There must be a total of 20 hours of lessons per week, i.e. an average of 4 hours per day.
Those pursuing full-time "A" level and below courses at private institutions may be disrupted from national service if their course duration is 1 year or longer. They may be deferred if their course duration is less than 1 year and if they are deferred, their units are to schedule them for make-up training after the completion of their courses.
Those pursuing full-time tertiary courses (i.e. Diploma and above) at private institutions are not disrupted from national service. They are posted to the IHL Holding Lists for the duration of their studies, where they may be called up for national service.
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Q3. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is taking Full-Time Courses in Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) and Singapore Institute of Commerce (SIC)?
NSmen pursuing courses at the SIM and the SIC are subjected to the guidelines for full-time studies in private institutions.
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Q4. Can NSman apply for deferment if it is non-academic courses?
For NSman taking non-academic courses in institutions not registered with MOE, their applications are to be forwarded to NSSC. They will be processed in consultation with the PMCs on a case-by-case basis.
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Q5. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is taking full-time studies overseas?
NSman who is on full-time studies overseas may be disrupted for the full duration of his course. He must provide documentary proof of his studies overseas, such as letter of admission from the overseas institute.
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Q6. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is a pupilage?
Deferment may be granted to NSman who is a law graduate required to undergo the 5-month Post Graduate Practical Law Course, which is a full-time course conducted by the Board of Legal Education, and the 6-month compulsory pupilage with a law firm.
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Q7. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is taking nursing courses?
NSman undergoing the Diploma in Nursing which is a 3-year course or the 2-year Pupil Assistant Nurse Training Course may be disrupted. NSmen attending the post basic nursing courses (1 year or less) conducted by Nanyang Polytechnic or the School of Nursing may be deferred for the duration of the course.
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Q8. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is taking part-time studies?
No deferment or disruption is to be granted to NSman on part-time studies. However, he can be deferred if his examinations occur during his national service call-up or are scheduled to take place within 2 weeks after the end of the call-up. Only one such deferment is allowed per workyear for the taking of examinations.
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Q9. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is taking Part-Time Postgraduate Diploma/Master Degree Programmes in National University of Singapore (NUS)/Nanyang Technological University (NTU)?
No deferment or disruption is to be granted to NSman taking any part-time postgraduate Diploma/Master Degree programmes at the local universities.
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Q10. Can NSman apply for deferment if he taking Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD)?
Generally, NSmen pursuing PhD programmes in local institutes are not granted deferment or disruption from national service
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Q11. Can NSman apply for deferment if his employer requires him to undergo sponsored training?
Deferment may be granted for employer-sponsored training if the training is on a full-time basis, excluding on-the-job training, and is of less than 1-year duration. Disruption may be granted if the duration of the training is 1 year or longer. There must be documentary proof of the employer's sponsorship.
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Q12. Can NSman apply for deferment if he undergoing in-centre training?
NSman undergoing in-centre training conducted by any of the following institutes may be disrupted if the duration of training is 1 year or longer or deferred if the duration of training is less than 1 year. The centres are
a. Institute of Technical Education (ITE).
b. Economic Development Board (EDB) Training Institutes.
c. ITE/EDB-approved training centres.
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Q13. What is deferment and how can I defer from my scheduled NS training?
NSmen are required to report for Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) training, as scheduled by their NS Unit. However, under certain circumstances, deferment from National Service may be granted. Deferment from NS allows NSman to postpone his NS call-up to a later date within the same workyear (1st April of the current year to 31st March of the following year), and may be considered under exceptional circumstances such as
a. On compassionate grounds, for example marriage & honeymoon, wife's delivery, next-of-kin is seriously ill, etc
b. National Representation at recognised regional and International games
c. New employment
d. Newly established business
e. Examination for part-time studies
f. Simultaneous call-up of 2 or more NSmen within the same department and who are employed in the same job capacity.
NSmen should submit their deferment application to NSSC before the commencement of the ICT with the following details
a. Rank & Name / NRIC,
b. Unit Duration and type of ICT (i.e. Upgrading course, BCTC)
c. Reasons for deferment application (with supporting documents) and Contact details.
NSmen may be deferred if their reasons for applications are within MINDEF guidelines.
a. Applications, which meet guidelines, will usually be informed of the decision within 14 working days.
b. An appeal against a rejected deferment application should be submitted for re-consideration.
c. Where the unit CO does not support the appeal for deferment, the appeal will be submitted to the higher HQ for review, thereby ensuring that a higher authority is considering the appeal.
d. NSman who is granted deferment will have to undergo make-up training for the deferred period within the same work year.
MINDEF does not encourage deferment as it affects the unit's operational requirements.
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Q14. What if I am applying for deferment on grounds other than those stated above i.e. work/business commitments?
Applications for deferment on grounds not specified in MINDEF guidelines will be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on past performance, attendance records and likelihood to complete the NS training cycle.
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Q15. My application for deferment was rejected. How do I make an appeal against the decision?
You may make an appeal against an unsuccessful deferment application. You will need to submit your appeal to NSSC. Your appeal will be reviewed by your Division/Formation HQ to ensure that a second opinion by a higher authority has been sought.
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Q16. Can NSman ask someone to apply for deferment on his behalf?
To align the process towards e deferment, the NSman should make application for deferment by himself. Transaction ID will only be sent to NSmen. Employers seeking deferment for NSmen on grounds of work commitment will be taken as documentary evidence only.
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Q17. When will I be informed of my deferment application?
You can expect to receive a reply within 14 working days from the date of receipt of your application along with relevant supporting documents submitted.
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Q18. If I have notified MNC of my overseas trip which coincides with my ICT, do I still need to apply for deferment?
Yes. Notifying MINDEF Notification Centre does not give you deferment. You still have to obtain approval for deferment, prior to your overseas trip.
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Q19. My employer wishes to postpone my ICT to a later date. What do I do?
Deferment from in-camp training due to work commitment is discouraged as it affects unit cohesiveness. NSmen are given at least 6-12 months' advance notice of their high-key call-ups so that employer can adjust your workplans to attend the scheduled ICT. However, if there are exceptional circumstances, you should apply for deferment via MyDeferment in www.ns.sg along with any relevant supporting documents, as early as possible.
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Q20. The ICT call-up period for my colleague and I overlaps. What should we do?
If there are 2 or more NSmen of the same employer (employed in the same capacity within the same department) are called up for national service at the same time, it would be considered simultaneous call-up. You can submit your request for deferment on grounds of simultaneous call-up to NSSC for processing.
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Q21. Can NSman requests for a deferment due to marriage/honeymoon?
NSman whose marriage, be it registration or customary, falls during the national service call-up or is taking place within 1 week after his call-up can be deferred. However, only one such deferment for marriage purpose is allowed. Deferment can also be granted for honeymoon if it follows the marriage.
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Q22. Can NSman requests for a deferment due to wife delivery?
NSman whose wife is expecting to give birth during or within 4 weeks before or after his local/overseas ICT can be deferred.
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Q23. Can NSman under rehabilitation or in residential care be deferred from ICT?
NSman under rehabilitation or in residential care can be deferred if the custodial period is less than 1 year. He can be disrupted if the custodial period is 1 year or longer.
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Q24. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is newly employed?
NSman may be deferred from ICT if he satisfies all the following guidelines:
a. He has started on a new job less than 3 months before his national service call-up
b. His employer requests for the deferment
c. His national service call-up is more than 7 days' duration.
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Q25. Can NSman apply for deferment if he has a newly established business?
NSman may be deferred from ICT if he satisfies the following guidelines
a. Local Business -An NSman who has newly established a business locally can be granted deferment provided there is documentary evidence from the Registrar of Companies and Businesses (RCB/ACRA) that his business has been set up within the following time-frame.
b. For Partnership -The partnership has been set up less than 3 months before his national service call-up
c. For Sole Proprietorship -The sole proprietorship has been set up less than 6 months before his national service call-up.
d. Overseas Business -An NSman who has newly established a business overseas can be granted deferment provided there is documentary evidence from a proper authority (e.g. Registrar of Businesses or Income Tax Returns) of the foreign country certifying ownership and management of the business within the following time-frame:
(1) For Partnership -The partnership has been set up less than 6 months before his national service call-up.
(2) For Sole Proprietorship -The sole proprietorship has been set up less than 9 months before his national service call-up.
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Q26. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is seeking for a job?
NSman whose job was terminated (i.e. retrenched/sacked) may be granted deferment from ICT on a case-by-case basis, subject to the following conditions
a. Documentary Proof - Documentary proof must be provided to show that attendance of ICT will adversely affect the financial situation of the NSman and his family, or will interfere with his job search.
b. Make-Up-Training (MUT) - NSmen scheduled for MUT cannot be granted deferment if they were earlier deferred from ICT on the grounds of work commitment/new employment.
c. Employment Record - NSmen should have been with their previous employer for at least a year to ensure that they are not habitual job-hoppers or poor performers.
d. Time Frame - They had become jobless involuntarily (i.e. due to retrenchment/sacking) within the last 3 months.
e. Break in Job Search - The NSman has not taken a break of more than 2 weeks from his job hunt (e.g. went for a vacation for 2 weeks).
f. Exigencies of Service - Deferment should be subject to the exigencies of service, as first decided by the NSman's unit CO, and secondly the PMC, bearing in mind the serviceman's appointment and role in the unit (i.e. his deferment will not adversely affect the unit's operational readiness)
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Q27. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is employed overseas?
NSman who is working and living outside Singapore for 1year or longer may be disrupted from national service for the duration of the overseas stint, or up to a maximum of 3 years at a time, whichever is shorter. This policy applies to all NSmen regardless of whether the company they are working for is registered in Singapore or overseas. NSman working outside Singapore for less than a year or who continues to reside in Singapore will not be granted disruption. For disruption for overseas employment, NSman must submit documentary proof specifying the period of his overseas employment/posting and where he is residing. He can also apply for extension of his disruption, if required, and the application must be substantiated by the necessary documentary proof.
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Q28. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is school bus driver?
NSman who is a school bus driver may be deferred for ICT if his national service call-up coincides with the opening of the school term in January.
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Q29. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is a seafarer?
NSman who is a seafarer working on board a registered sea-going ship may be disrupted from national service for a period of 1 year. Request for extension of disruption should be accompanied by the necessary documentary proof.
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Q30. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is committed to work matters outside NS?
The training schedule, NSman's ICT record and manpower requirements of the training are being considered when assessing the NSman's application for disruption/deferment. In assessing the NSman's ICT record, the following conditions will be taken into account:
a. For Deferment From ICTs Conducted Locally
(1) Applicants must have served the last 3 ICTs consecutively
(2) Within this group, priority is to be given to those who are able to complete the 10-year training cycle before the statutory age limit of NS liability (i.e. 50 for officers and 40 for WOSEs).
b. For Deferment From ICTs Conducted Overseas
(1) Applicants must have served the last 3 ICTs consecutively and have attended at least 1 overseas ICT
(2) Within this group, priority is to be given to those who are able to complete their 10-year training cycle before the statutory age limit of NS liability (i.e. 50 for officers and 40 for WOSEs).
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Q31. Can NSman apply for deferment if he in regular service in the Approved Uniformed Services (AUS) and Other Services?
NSman who has joined regular service in the other Approved Uniformed Services (AUS) i.e., Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Police Force, is disrupted from national service in the SAF for as long as he remains in that AUS. NSmen who join the Prison Service and the Central Narcotics Bureau are also disrupted from national service in the SAF as long as they remain in-service.
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Q32. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is to study Full-Time Studies in Local Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL)?
NSmen who are studying in local IHL are generally not disrupted from national service and may be called up for ICT during their vacation periods. Those whose industrial attachment (IA)/in-house practical training (IHPT)/professional attachment (PA) clashes with their ICT may apply to their unit for deferment. NSmen may be deferred from NS activities with the exception of mobilisation, IPPT and activities which are 2 days and shorter in duration.
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Q33. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is taking "A" Level and below Courses in Government and Government-Aided Schools?
NSmen taking "A" level and below courses in government or government-aided schools are disrupted from national service for the duration of their courses.
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Q34. Can NSman apply for deferment if he taking National Certificate in Construction Supervision (NCCS)?
NSmen pursuing the full-time NCCS offered by the Construction Industry Training Institute (CITI) may be disrupted from national service for the duration of the course.
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Q35. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is pursing religious studies?
NSman pursuing religious studies in a school that has been exempted from registration by MOE may be deferred if the course duration is less than 1 year. He may be disrupted if the course duration is 1 year or longer. The religious studies must be on a full-time basis, satisfying the following conditions
a. Lessons must be classroom type
b. Lessons must be held at least 5 days per week during office hours (8 am to5 pm)
c. There must be a total of 20 hours of lessons per week. (This would work out to an average of 4 hours per day).
No deferment or disruption will be granted if the religious studies is conducted in any of these schools
d. Catholic or Protestant religious schools (the latter even though they may be members of the National Council of Churches in Singapore (NCCS)) that have not applied for exemption from registration by MOE
e. Religious schools registered with the Registrar of Societies
f. Religious schools registered with the Registrar of Companies and Businesses (RCB).
Q36. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is taking medical leave?
NSman whose medical leave period, based on a single medical certificate (MC), exceeds 25% of the duration of his national service training (excluding courses) may be deferred. Those whose MCs do not exceed the 25% cut-off are to report for the training on the day after the expiry of their MCs. Units are to arrange medical reviews for NSmen who have been deferred on grounds of medical unfitness on 3 consecutive occasions. For courses, the decision to take NSman out of the course on medical grounds is dependent on whether his prolonged absence will result in him missing a substantial portion of the course, which cannot be made up. The CO of the training school will decide on such cases.
Q37. Can NSman apply for deferment if he is given temporary Pes E grading?
NSman given temporary Pes E grading can be deferred from ICT. However, he is not excused from mobilisation exercises and is to report at the Mobilisation Centres when activated. Upon reporting, he should not be involved in activities that are not commensurate with his PES Grading.
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Q38. Can NSman apply for deferment if his Next-of-Kin (NOK) is in serious illness?
NSman whose next-of-kin (NOK) is seriously ill in hospital may be deferred for ICT. Recuperating in hospital after surgery or hospitalisation for medication is not considered as being seriously ill.
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Q39. Can NSman apply for deferment if his spouse is on overseas studies/posting/training?
NSman who is accompanying his spouse on her overseas studies/posting/training may be deferred if the overseas trip is less than 1 year. He may be disrupted on a yearly basis if the overseas trip is 1 year or longer. This is subject to provision of documentary proof of his spouse's overseas studies/posting/training. He can also apply for extension of his disruption, if required, and the application must be substantiated by the necessary documentary proof.
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Q40. Can NSman apply for deferment if he obtain permanent residency in another country?
NSman who has obtained permanent residency in another country and is residing in that country can be disrupted on a yearly basis.
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Q41. Can NSman apply for deferment if he participating in regional/international games?
NSman who is representing Singapore at recognised regional or international functions, such as games or cultural events, may be deferred if his national service call-up clashes with his centralized training starting within 14 days of the regional/international games.
Centralised training refers to formal training conducted on an intensive level for all members of the team at a centralised location. NSmen selected for international competition, for e.g. the SEA games final squad may be granted deferment upon request if the ICT falls within 6 months before the competition. They must attend MUT after the competition.
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Q42. I need to have some time-off on certain days/evenings during my ICT, but I do not wish to be deferred from the entire training. Is there any way to accommodate my request?
Time-off during training would depend on the unit's training schedule e.g. whether there is night training or regimental duties. You could submit your request for time-off to NSSC. The authority to approve your request lies with the NS commander, and the decision will be made according to the training programme for the ICT.
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Q43. I am taking a full/part-time course and my exams are very close to my ICT call-up date. Can I be deferred from my ICT?
You can be deferred if your examinations occur during your national service call-up or are scheduled to take place within 2 weeks after the end of the call-up. Only one such deferment is allowed per workyear for the taking of examinations.
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Q44. I am currently staying with my mother and I have to take care of her as she is critically ill. What is the procedure of applying for deferment of ICT?
NSman whose next-of-kin (NOK) is seriously ill in hospital can be deferred. Recuperating in hospital after surgery or hospitalisation for medication is not considered as being seriously ill. You may submit your request online via MyDeferment or fax to NSSC for consideration. For urgent cases, call at 1800-eNSNSNS (1800-3676767) for assistance.
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Q45. My current employer is unable to release me for 3 weeks of ICT (e.g. Clerk-of-Works engaged by a sub-contractor for a drainage construction project). Can I request for my training to be cut short to 1 - 2 weeks in different periods (e.g. 1 week in Dec and 1 week in Mar)
On a case to case basis, and decision made will be dependent on organisation requirements.
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Q46. Who can I call with regards to deferment?
To check on the status of your application, you should logon to the NS Portal at www.ns.sg. You will be able to view the status in the MyDeferment system. For further assistance, you may call the 24-hour NS eServices Centre at 1800-eNSNSNS (1800-3676767) for general enquiries.
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Q47. What is MyDeferment eService?
MyDeferment is a new eServices accessible through NS Portal to allow eligible NSman to apply for deferment online.
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Q48. What is the purpose of this new MyDeferment eService?
This new eServices will allow NSMan to apply for their Deferment at their convenience via the internet. It also allows the NSMan to also check for their application status online.
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Q49. How can the NSMan submit his supporting documents to NSSC?
NSMan can submit their supporting document together with their MyDeferment Acknowledgement Cover page to NSSC at 6373 1697.
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Q50. What if NSMan does not have printer or fax machine?
If NSMan does not have a printer, he can fax his supporting documents to NSSC indicating the Transaction ID on every page of the document. NSSC will then match them against the NSman's online application.
If NSMan does not have a fax machine, he can email his supporting documents to NSSC at [email protected] with reference to his application Transaction ID.
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Q51. Can NSMan still submit hardcopy deferment application to NSSC?
Yes. NSSC will follow-up these cases with NSMan by helping them to create an application in MyDeferment eService.
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Q52. After the NSMan sent in his deferment application to NSSC, how will he know if his application has been received? Any form of acknowledgement?
Upon successful submission, the MyDeferment eService will display the confirmation of the application. An unique acknowledgement transaction ID will be provided.
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Q53. Should NSMan resent his application if he did not receive any acknowledgement after the stipulated time frame?
No. NSMan should check the status online via the NS Portal MyDeferment eService.
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Q54. After NSMan sent in application, what is the stipulated waiting time before allowing NSMan to resend his application again?
The NSMan can expect an update within 14 working days from the date of receipt of his application along with all the relevant supporting documents.
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Q55. How about NSMan who did not have an email or a handphone?
Every NSMan will be provided with a NS Portal email account, NSMan can use the NS Portal email account for their deferment application. However he will be required to update the email address in eSelf-Update system.
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Q56. Does MyDeferment system applies to other type of Non-Deferrable event? E.g. IPPT / RT, Mob briefing, FFI etc.
No, MyDeferment does not support Non Deferrable events. However NSman can fax the application to NSSC, stating the event date, deferment reasons with the relevant supporting documents. -
So, even if a civilian NSman reservist really is to AWOL, he will get charged, shave botak, wash backside to go DB squat?
Yes.