SAF: Beacon of progress or
definition of excess?
I suggest that SAF peg its reservist pay to the higher of 1/2 to
2/3 of regular svc man salary for rank/ vocation OR svc man's
regular civilian salary (whichever
higher).
Currently:
(see NS portal: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/nsmen/admin/PayMatters.html
for details)
“The following categories of NSmen are
NOT eligible to claim make-up pay:
NSman who is employed and on leave/no pay leave during NS
training
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.
NSman who
is unemployed or is a student
NSman is not eligible to claim make-up pay,
as he does not suffer any loss in civilian income during his period
of NS training. He will be paid service pay.
This policy improvement is crucial
to raise the overall profile of SAF as a formidable force through
fair and progressive human resource practises.
Greater soldier loyalty and morale
of NS men can only be attained through soldier perception of SAF as
a fair and committed 'employer'.
Such equitable policy changes would
also result in costs savings through better soldier performance due
to their respect and faith in the improved organizational
practises.
An urgent boost to the morale of our
NS men during these difficult economic times is crucial to the
continued credibility of our fighting forces, to this end, the
perception of organizational fairness , leadership and integrity is
integral.
NS men who are retrenched,
unemployed, a student or engaging in relatively lesser paid jobs
would certainly feel disgruntled by low NS pay considering that
they are already already fully trained and completed their 2-2.5 yr
NSF liability. The feeling of being exploited by virtue of their
unfortunate circumstance is stressful. The reservist training
period deprives one the opportunity of better employment, study and
personal time by virtue of it's committed and restrictive
nature.
Disgruntled soldiers can only be a
detriment to the organization considering the insidious damage
caused. Failing morale, lack of attentiveness to safety and detail,
unfair human resources practises and personal interest would surely
lead to the downfall of the Singapore armed forces.
In this day and age of change,
strength lies not just in numbers.
May not just a dead soldier enjoy a
regular soldier's privileges.
http://www.getformesingapore.com/previous2007/220707_compensationfordeadandinjuredsafservicemen.htm
- Minister Teo:
I thank Mr Siew Kum Hong for his questions on
compensation as it allows MINDEF to clarify our compensation
framework. MINDEF
applies similar principles and practices used by the civil courts
or the Workmen's Compensation Act (WCA) to determine compensation
for deaths and injuries due to service. Based on
these principles, MINDEF's compensation framework for death
consists of up to three components. The first
…
… . The second component is a lump sum death
gratuity. For NSFs and NSmen, MINDEF treats them like regulars and
gives a minimum of one year's basic pay for a regular of the same
rank. …
...
May the policy change :).
May comment at: http://consumer-protection1.blogspot.com/2009/02/saf-beacon-of-progress-or-definition-of.html