Volunteer for VA of Commando/Naval Diver: Call 1800-3676767?

Rako-shi SG

Hey guys would like to ask a few qns about PTP and other stuff. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Im 18 this year and im going to take my A lvls this year. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to get a Silver for NAPFA because I got an E for my SBJ but I did fine for the others(AABCC), trained so hard and yet for some reason still fail. I’ve always had a strong interest in a military career(esp. joining commandos/SOF) but sadly, I wear specs( >100 for both eyes).

One question is that is there any chance they would at least invite me for a selection test for CDO in my current state? (going for medical checkup in June, most prolly PES B/A as I certainly have no health problems(I passed a previous medical checkup for SYFC, if not wrong, was a fighter pilot medical checkup) other than being myopic)

Do they only accept people with AAAAAA for NAPFA? Im the youngest boy in the family and im really interested in being a cdo/sof as a career.

Now another question regarding PTP, would joining a PTP platoon greatly lower ur chance of joining OCS? Would they still stereotype u as being weak even though after the PTP training u become equally or more fit than the Enhanced BMT ppl? I really hope not or I would be greatly disappointed on how they select.

Once again, any help would be deeply appreciated. Thank You! =)

eac SG

Prepare for PTP/BMT: http://iprep.ns.sg/

Secrets to Pass IPPT: http://lifestyle.www.ns.sg/features/fitnessxchange

Source: www.ns.sg , www.army.gov.sg , www.mindef.gov.sg

Source: http://iprep.ns.sg/

Are you physically fit? If you have been found to be fit for full Basic Military Training (BMT) i.e. PES A or B1, you may want to take the NAPFA test.

Should you attain a NAPFA Gold or Silver award at least 2 weeks prior to your Physical Training Phase (PTP) enlistment date, you will attend a 9-week Basic Military Training (BMT) and enjoy a 2-month reduction in your full-time National Service. Those who fail to attain the required fitness level will have to undergo a 8-week Physical Training Phase (PTP) before attending the 9-week BMT.

The NAPFA test is conducted at the Toa Payoh Stadium (map to Toa Payoh Stadium) every Wednesday (except public holidays). You are required to book an appointment for the test via the NAPFA test booking system prior to the test date and you are only allowed to make one valid booking at any one time.

Please note that the NAPFA result is valid for 1 year from the date of test. You are advised to report for the test in acceptable attire and punctually. All the six test items must be completed in one single sessions. A maximum of 2 to 5 minutes rest period is permitted between any two tests (for the first test items); a 15 to 30 minutes rest period is permitted before the sixth test item.

NAPFA tests at Toa Payoh Stadium are conducted strictly on appointment only. Therefore, advance booking via NS Portal must be made latest by Tuesday before 12 noon in order to take the NAPFA test at Toa Payoh Stadium the following day.

Do note that pre-enlistees who do not book their NAPFA date via the system would not be allowed to take their test at the Toa Payoh Stadium.

If you wish to know more about the NAPFA test, you may want to read through the FAQ before you make your booking.

1. Can I take the test after I failed the NAPFA test the last time?

Yes. You are allowed to retake it until you pass. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test.

2. When is the last date I should take the NAPFA test?

You should attempt the test as soon as you are ready and you are advised to take it at least 2 weeks before the date of enlistment.

3. Can I retake only the test items I have failed in my last attempt?

No. All 6 items must be completed in one single session.

4. Can I amend my booking after I have booked?

Yes, you are allowed to amend your booking before 12 pm on the day before the test date.

5. Can I make a few booking together?

No, you are only allowed to make 1 booking at any one time. You can make your next booking after the test date you have booked.

eac SG

FitnessXchange has all the information you need to excel in your daily exercise regimes and IPPT/NAPFA. Get tips from the training guides to boost any aspect that you may be weak in and keep your BMI in check. You can also look up the timetables of FCC and SAFRA gyms if you plan to start an exercise routine. Step up on that healthy lifestyle with FitnessXchange!

eac SG

Refer:

1. http://www.ns.sg/nsp/web/esvcs/mindef/nsreg/enq-enlist-status

2. http://iprep.ns.sg/enlistment-schedule.html

3. http://iprep.ns.sg/notices-and-timeline.html

4. Call 24/7 toll-free NS hotline at 1800-3676767 to speak to a customer service officer.

You will receive notices from the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) at different times before enlistment.

There are 2 important notices you'll receive from CMPB, these are listed below:

Registration notice: you'll get this notice when you reach 17½ years old. It will inform you to do your NS registration.

Enlistment notice: this notice will be sent to you about 2 months before the Date of Enlistment (DOE).

eac SG

Source:
www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/army/About_BMT.html

Types of Basic Military Training

PES A/B1 BMT
This 9-week programme trains combat-fit recruits in the basic military skills to prepare them for advanced vocational training. The programme includes weapon training with the SAR 21 rifle which will teach recruits technical handling and marksmanship skills; a Battle Inoculation Course that simulates a real battlefield; a Field Camp which develops basic survival skills; progressive training to complete a 24-km route march which builds combat fitness and endurance; and hand grenade training.
For those who fail to achieve the NAPFA test silver award, they are required to undergo an 8-week Physical Training Phase (PTP) prior to the PES A/B1 BMT.

PES BP BMT
As evidence has shown that obese recruits are able to achieve optimum fitness levels and weight loss in about 19 weeks, the new BMT programme for recruits with Body Mass Index (BMI) scores exceeding 27.0 will be 19 weeks. This BMT programme is designed to help obese recruits improve their physical fitness progressively while equipping them with basic soldiering skills and knowledge.

PES B2 BMT
Enlistees who were PES C1 previously underwent a 7-week BMT programme. The new 9-week PES B2 BMT programme will be conducted for recruits who are medically fit for deployment in selected combat and combat support vocations, such as signal operators, combat medics and naval system operators. These recruits will be given a new medical classification of PES B2, in place of the existing PES C1 classification. This is to ensure that the medical classification of our soldiers is consistent with their deployment. The new 9-week programme will include customised physical training, as well as basic combat training to prepare them for their combat and combat support roles.

PES C BMT
The 9-week BMT programme will be conducted for PES C recruits. This programme will include light physical training and vocational training to prepare them for combat service support vocations, such as service medic, and those related to logistics and administration.

PES E BMT
The 4-week BMT programme will be conducted for PES E recruits. This programme will focus on, vocational training as well as National Education, SAF core values, regimentation and discipline to prepare recruits for combat service support vocations.

eac SG

Post-BMT Training

After completing their BMT, servicemen who have performed well and are assessed to possess leadership qualitites will be sent to either Officer Cadet School (OCS) or Specialist Cadet School (SCS) to be trained as commanders.

Find out more:
Officer Cadet School (OCS)
Specialist Cadet School (SCS)

eac SG

The only way is to express interest to volunteer for Commando (CDO)/ Naval Diving Unit (NDU) is to call the 24/7 NS hotline at 1800-3676767 to request a customer service officer to insert your name into the shortlisted candidates to be called up for selection vocational assessment.

[J]ASON [L]EE SG

Wearing spectacles will not affect you from selection/ shortlist to join the commandos. I have a friend who is in 1CDO BN also wearing glasses, so it is fine.

If you are PES A/ B1L1 and shortlisted for VA, you should receive an invitation notice to attend the VA interview and trial physical test to gauge you on some static IPPT stations to test your reflexes. If you really want to join the commandos, then in the interview, tell the interviewers there to express your interest to join the close-knit family. But no guarantee, some here have vented their frustations to tell us that they aced the physical test and express interest in the interview, yet they didn't get in due to the interviewers are looking for the right attitude, personality and character to join them. They even appealed to CMPB to be re-considered/ 2nd chance, but they are still posted to Tekong BMT, abeit in the Enhanced Leadership batch which is eligible for a shot to OCS/ SCS to be officers and sergeants though.

To dispel the PTP rumours/ myth/ fiction, the truth is PTP just means more physical trainings to make a fitter you. PTP is full 24 months of NS than the 22 months of NS to those who gotten their NAPFA 'fitness cut' incentive for staying fit and healthy before NS enlistment.

Hope this helps.

BEARZAIS SG

Really?

To dispel rumours and urban myths, doing PTP in Tekong is just and fair on equal footings with recruits with NAPFA silver/ gold. Nothing bias.

By the way, during my time, almost half of my PTP platoon section mates made it to command schools to be officers and sergeants where 2 out of 15 made it to OCS.

Anyway, CDO recruits are screened for prior military security clearance even before you are shortlisted for VA interview, whether you failed or did not turn up for the interview or not.

If you are not selected for CDO BMT eventually, you will either get posted to a direct intake NS unit/ Tekong BMT. In my case, I am in Recon/ Reece platoon. Nearly half of us had been called up for the VA interview. Most of them either turned it down/ not selected even if passed, but ended up in Scout platoon.

Rako-shi SG

Im glad to hear this good news from you guys! May I ask eac, the moderator, whether do I call the hotline after my medical check up or can I do so now? Roughly how long after my medical check up would I know I have been shortlisted for VA. Is it immediately after my check up? I would like to know the estimated waiting time so that I would know im not shortlisted and can call the customer service to insert my name.

Thank you so much for the replies guys, I appreciate it very much!

eac SG

On the Medical Checkup day at CMPB itself, simply proceed to the Customer Service counter to tell a customer service officer that you want to volunteer to attend the VA.

Rako-shi SG

Hey eac, ive recently just got my PES, im a B1. But when I called the CMPB enlistment number to volunteer for CDO VA, they say cannot leh, can only be chosen by them. Are u sure u can volunteer? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

eac SG

During my time, it is available and discretionary.

Perhaps you have got to make a trip down to CMPB personally on the spot at the customer service counter.

If customer service officer can't help, ask to speak to the supervisor then.

Rako-shi SG

Oh I see, sorry but may I know how long was that ago? I did approach the customer service counter after my checkup about a month ago to check whether it was possible to volunteer for the CDO VA and the lady said yes. She gave me the CMPB enlistment number to call too. Maybe it was just the telephone operator. I’ll try calling again another time. Ill probably wont be heading down to CMPB anytime soon as I live pretty far away. Thanks anyway for your help! =)