Source: https://www.cmpb.gov.sg/
The Central Manpower Base (CMPB) is the first touch point to
National Service (NS).
Today, our core activities include managing the pre-enlistment
process, medical screening of pre-enlistees and administrative
matters for release from full-time National Service (NS) upon
servicemen reaching their Operationally Ready Date.
Our functions include:
Full-time National Service (NS) is an essential part of our
nationhood and a rite of passage for every Singaporean and
Permanent Resident (PR) male. While some may find it demanding, it
is absolutely critical for maintaining our sovereignty. To
understand why, it may be worth spending some time to read through
the following information and acquaint yourself with the history
and facts of NS.
NS is a mandatory conscription and duty that every male citizen
and PR must undertake upon attaining the age of 18. NS can be
served in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore
Civil Defence Force (SCDF) or Singapore
Police Force.
NS has been the cornerstone of Singapore’s defence and security
since independence. Our national servicemen form the backbone of
these three uniformed Services that keep Singapore safe and
secure.
To date, more than 900,000 male Singaporeans have served NS and
journeyed through this rite of passage. For many, this defining
experience bonds servicemen from different backgrounds and across
generations.
You will be in the active service as a full-time National
Serviceman (NSF) for two years.
After your full-time NS, you will become an Operationally Ready
National Serviceman (NSman). Your NSman obligation will end at the
age of 50 if you are an Officer or have special skills. Otherwise,
you will serve until the age of 40.
The need for NS became clear when Singapore gained independence
in 1965. It would not have been possible to raise a regular force
of a sufficient size to protect this island state given our small
population. For over 50 years, NS has evolved into a national
institution that is well accepted and a part of our way of
life.
Our servicemen’s roles have also expanded. Beyond protecting
Singapore from armed conflicts, our servicemen are now involved in
countering terrorism, dealing with the aftermath of natural
disasters and tackling health epidemics. In 1975, the first intake
of Police full-time National Servicemen was enlisted and deployed
for peacetime and emergency functions. The SCDF enlisted its first
intake of NSFs in 1981 to provide emergency services to the nation
during peacetime and crises. Today, the changing roles of our
servicemen reflect the need for NS to evolve and keep pace with the
changes in our society as well as our threat environment.
NS, as the bedrock of our fighting force and national security,
remains critical for Singapore’s continued survival and success. A
strong defence underpins the peace and prosperity we enjoy by
safeguarding Singapore’s independence and sovereignty.
Our website has detailed information on the key milestones in
the entire pre-enlistment process.
Find out interesting facts about the SAF since its
founding post-independence and learn about the history of Singapore's military.
Our roots go back to 1854 when the Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps
was formed under colonial rule!
Read about real-life NS experiences and the camaraderie
experienced by those who came before you.