Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) are presently
required to complete a 10-year training cycle (13 years for Key
Appointment Holders). There are instances where the NSmen are keen
to continue to serve NS after completing their training cycle, or
where the SAF may still require the services of the NSmen after
their cycle. The Reservist On Voluntary Extended Reserve Service
(ROVERS) scheme was introduced in 1980 to cater for the extension
of the training of such NSmen.
In the Army, the ROVERS scheme is managed by the National Service
Personnel Centre (NSPC). At the point when the NSmen have completed
10 years of their In-Camp Training cycle, NSPC will identify those
who are eligible for the ROVERS scheme. These selected NSmen will
be asked if they wish to volunteer to continue their National
Service training. If the NSmen agree to extend their service, NSPC
will post them to the ROVERS scheme. The posting will be for an
initial period of three years.
NSmen serving under the ROVERS scheme are called up for In-Camp
Training like any other NSmen. They are eligible for the allowances
peculiar to their appointments, and they can be nominated for the
award of the SAF NS medal if they perform well. They can only
continue in the scheme to the age of 50 for Officers, and 40 for
Warrant Officers. If they wish to continue beyond the age limits,
they can be enlisted in the SAF Volunteers scheme.