Might Gives Future NSFs Choices to Choose Their Vocations?

FireIce SG

SINGAPORE: The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) is looking into giving national servicemen a chance to pick their vocation.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said this on Tuesday, days after his visit to Finland and Switzerland.

He had led a delegate comprising CSNS members last week to the two countries to study their conscription systems.

Dr Ng said both countries are similar to Singapore in terms of population size and the number of men who enlist into NS each year.

The two countries also give servicemen a choice in their vocations to optimise their contributions, and this is something that could be explored in Singapore.

This could mean allowing servicemen some freedom to choose specific units, based on their skills and interests. This would be an expansion of the current system where servicemen are given the chance to express their preference to attend command school or not after their Basic Military Training.

Dr Ng also noted the strong support for national service from employers in Finland and Switzerland, even without incentives.

He said that's because they see the value in the qualities and skills servicemen pick up from their stints.

So apart from better engaging employers in Singapore, there is also the option of certifying skills and values such as leadership. Dr Ng said this could be in the form of a collaboration with the Workforce Development Agency.

Dr Ng also said that women have a role to play in the Singapore Armed Forces, even though the country will not move towards full-time NS for women.

And, he said the current volunteer scheme could be expanded.
The scheme currently allows women, new citizens and first-generation permanent residents to contribute.

But they do not undergo Basic Military Training, and contribute in more skills-related roles such as nurses and radiographers.

NSmen who have completed their reservist cycles can also opt to continue as a volunteer.

Another area that is being looked into is that of facilitating smoother transition between studies before and after National Service. This comes as servicemen enlist at different points based on the different education paths they take and having to wait to enrol in universities after completing their National Service.

The CSNS recommendations are in line with the results of a survey on national service conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies recently.

- CNA/ir

eac SG

URL: www.StrengthenNS.sg

National Servicemen can expect new measures to better motivate, support, and recognise them, as well to help them balance their NS commitments with their family and career commitments.

These aims were revealed by the Committee to Strengthen National Service on Wednesday, after it held its first meeting at the Basic Military Training Centre on Pulau Tekong. Over the next six months, the committee will gather ideas from servicemen and the public through focus group discussions and town hall sessions.

The public may also air their views on a new website www.strengthenNS.sg or through e-mail at [email protected].

The 20-member committee is chaired by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, and includes Members of Parliament, senior military personnel, employers, and NSmen. It was set up during this year's Committee of Supply Debate in March, which saw robust debate over how to better recognise National Servicemen in light of continued immigration and the need to preserve a Singapore core. In recent months, members of the public have responded to the news by calling for greater monetary incentives, including subsidies for transport, education and health, and time-off to rest after reservist in-camp training.

Over the next six months, Singaporeans will be asked for feedback on how to beef up National Service.

The Committee to Strengthen National Service, announced in March, will lead focus group discussions and town hall sessions while also conducting online consultation sessions via a new website, www.strengthenNS.sg

The Committee meeting for the first time today, expects its work to be done within a year.

Made up of 20 members, including Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, Members of Parliament,military top brass and private sector employers, the committee will use the feedback gathered to recommend measures to enhance National Service as a critical institution for Singapore's continued survival and success.

The measures are meant to motivate servicemen to give their best in serving, help them balance their duties with family and work commitments, enhance support from families, companies, new citizens and the broader community, and promote recognition of servicemen's efforts.

Participate Now! @ www.StrengthenNS.sg

eac SG

At the Committee of Supply Debates on 12 March 2013, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen announced that he would chair a Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS). In order to capture a a broad spectrum of views and perspectives on NS, the CSNS comprises a Steering Committee of 20 members from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

The CSNS will recommend measures to strengthen NS as the critical institution for Singapore’s continued survival and success. A strong defence and security protects our sovereignty and way of life. The measures should further:

a. Motivate National Servicemen to give of their fullest in performing their duties;

b. Help National Serviceman balance these duties with family, career and personal commitments;

c. Strengthen support for NS from families, employers, schools, permanent residents, new citizens and the broader community; and

d. Promote recognition and appreciation of the contributions of National Servicemen.

The Steering Committee (SC) will be supported by two Working Groups (WGs), with Second Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing chairing one, and Minister of State for Defence Dr Maliki Osman, the other.

The "Support for NS" Work Group will explore how to better allow National Servicemen to maximise their contributions and abilities to serve NS. The WG will look at how servicemen can be deployed in a more meaningful way, and how to help them fulfill their duties while balancing commitments and aspirations. The WG will also look into strengthen support from various groups, such as families, employers, permanent residents and new citizens.

The "Recognition and Benefits for National Service" Work Group will explore ways to promote the recognition and appreciation of National Servicemen's contributions.

Over the next 6 months, the Steering Committee and WGs will engage Singaporeans through conversations on NS via focus groups, town hall sessions and this website. Committee members will also be participating in these activities, and surfacing the views of National Servicemen and other stakeholders on how NS can be strengthened.

Participate Now! @ www.StrengthenNS.sg

ditzy SG

I can see the bulk veering towards logistics.

eddiecheng SG

all stay out vocations will be fully filled definitely if they can choose.

storywolf SG

I can see the bulk veering towards logistics.

I want to be chief of SAF !!!!

^Acid^ aka s|aO^eH~ SG

I dunno much abt this but the current govt has a trend... ... ...

"Gives u a choice, but still make choice for you"

M the name SG

I predict majority of NSF will try to apply to be in medic if possible. *:)) laughing