SAF Volunteer Corps: Applications open Monday 13 Oct 2014

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Those keen to volunteer in the army can start applying from Monday (Oct 13). 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.

Applicants can indicate the roles they want to serve in, from medical to engineering and naval operations. But some roles have certain requirements.

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 OR VIA HARDCOPY FORM

Three recruitment drives will be held after applications open on 13 October. 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).