SAF: Stingy And
Fumbling?
Objective:
To
provide NSmen a more equitable remuneration/ allowance package as
the current package is outdated, antiquated and thus plain unfair
to unemployed NSmen.
Background:
According to 'http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/nsmen/admin/PayMatters.html
',
“As an Operationally Ready NSman, you will receive Service Pay for
the entire period of NS activity that you attend. An NSman who
suffers a loss in his civilian income as a result of having to
attend NS activities can claim make-up pay (MUP) (i.e. the
difference between employment income and service pay) from
MINDEF.”
However, I believe that this policy is flawed
in that it excessively penalizes certain groups of NSmen such
as:
'NSman who is employed and on leave/no pay
leave during NS training.'
'NSman who is unemployed or is a
student.'
SAF's argument being:
“NSman is not eligible to claim make-up pay,
as he does not suffer any loss in civilian income during the period
of his NS training. He will be paid service pay.”
The
Flaw:
It
is a flawed argument that NSmen service pay should equal NSF
service pay.
The flaw being the omitted consideration that
reservist activities are by nature interruptive, restrictive and
demanding both physically and mentally, and the fact that private
employment income is often a flawed estimate of the NSman's
national service contribution.
Many thus end up underpaid/ overpaid simply
by virtue of their life circumstance. This is plain unfair given
the fact that all NSmen need comply to the same, exacting physical
and mental requirements.
Evidence of the NSmen's demoralization,
dissatisfaction with the current system is plain to see on the
internet. Public forums that reflect popular mentality towards
seeking medical excuse towards 'earning' vocation and deployment
downgrades remain an embarrassment.
'Medical FAQs', http://www.sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/79306 ,
with over 1,800 posts since 2004 exists to help the poor,
uninformed NSman navigate his way the ever onerous and demanding
'National Service Training System (NSTS)':
National Service Training
System http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/nsmen/opsready/NSTS.html:
“Before each ICT, you should train yourself up
physically and be mentally prepared for the tough training that you
are to undergo. If you fail to meet the required performance
standards, you will be subjected to corrective training e.g. Your
Unit Commander may decide to serve you additional NS call-up for
Make-up Training (MUT).... ”
-
Need I say more?
'In
Defense of Defense' http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=16842.1: details a citizen soldier's experiences and
observations. (Jan09)
On
national service : http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=12474.1
– reflections upon completion of one's NS training cycle.
(Nov08)
'What the Gahmen owes you for
NS' : http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=16842.1
a tongue in cheek description of 'list of NSF jobs and their real
world equivalent'. (Nov08)
My
Suggestion:
The Service pay of NSmen should equal what
regulars of similar rank , vocation and appointment should earn
(pro-rata) as the rigors of reservist training equal or exceed that
which a regular soldier in such vocation faces. One might argue for
MUP to be reduced for high income earners to balance costs but
rumor I last heard was that SAF tries not to recall high income
NSmen anyway.
Conclusions:
Sure, defense budget may go up, but our gov
has never been one to stint on it any way; maybe the way out is for
regular officers to improve their leadership and communication
abilities, so reservist's training can be more effectively
run.
Perhaps more a carrot then a stick approach
should be used now that NSmen and their families are more aware of
their rights and responsibilities as a recent parliamentary debates
and court rulings show (below); fair reimbursement shouldn't only
apply to dead or injured servicemen.
At
least, such a peg method for 'service pay' will motivate more low
education holders to strive during their NSF period, knowing that
they won't be prejudiced against when called up during their later
study/ work periods. It might in fact mean more work and more pay
for their 2 weeks reservist stint, a welcome break to celebrate
one's citizenry responsibilities. (**Failure to perform to
standard would entail MUT paid at NSF service pay
rates**).
Reply by Minister Teo Chee Hean on
Compensation for Dead and Injured Servicemen:
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2007/jul/17jul07_nr.html
: “For the additional lump sum compensation, MINDEF uses the
principles applied by civil courts to determine compensation
amounts. This is a fair system based on prevailing practices and
awards. ”
Parents: It was our last resort
(TNP:23.2.09):
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20090223-123888.html,
'Many
people have told us that we're very brave to sue the Government,'
Madam Hor, a bank teller, said in Mandarin, 'especially when we're
not rich. But I believe anyone in our position would have done the
same.
Have a nice
day :).
Adapted
from http://www.youngpap.org.sg/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=24863
, Feedback here, Thanks :).
And your point is?
