As a NSman, you form the backbone and frontline of our military
defence system. Your dedication and commitment represent your will
to stand up for the nation, your family, friends and
employers.
Within 6 months after your ORD, you will be notified of your
deployment and NS unit. Your deployment will be based on
considerations of your educational qualifications, medical fitness
and the operational and manpower requirements of the SAF.
To empower you to be an operationally ready NSman, MINDEF has put
in place a series of world-class training schemes. This is to
ensure your physical potential is fully optimised and that you are
provided with full support and valued as a soldier.
Support for NSmen
As a soldier, a father, son, husband, brother or employee, you play
an indispensable role in the defence of our nation. As assets
of our country, your health, welfare and well-being are vital to
MINDEF.
To ensure full support of your welfare, MINDEF has designed
services, training and welfare facilities, benefits and
compensation schemes to provide for you as an NSman and
employee.
To facilitate you and your employer’s understanding of ORNS, a
list of commonly used terms has been compiled for your
reference.
National Servicemen (NSmen)
What was previously known as ‘Reservists’, have since been renamed
as National Servicemen (NSmen). These are primarily male
Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PR) who have completed their
full-time National Service and transited to the Operationally Ready
National Service (ORNS) cycle.
Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS)
This refers to the NS training phase that NSmen undergo within
their NS unit training cycle. NSmen can be called up to perform 40
days of NS every work year.
NS Unit Training Cycle
Most NS units follow a training cycle that typically spans 10
years, including at least 7 high-key (HK) training. This is to
ensure that NS training is conducted effectively and
efficiently.
Training
High-Key (HK) Training – refers to NS training
of 7 days and longer.
Low-Key (LK) Training – refers to NS training of
less than 7 days.
National Service (NS) Year
This is aligned to the work year, i.e. 1 Apr to 31 March of the
following year. During each NS year, the NSman will undergo NS
training in accordance to his NS unit’s training tempo and clock
either a HK or a LK training.
Call-Up
This refers to the notification informing the NSman to report for
NS activities. E.g. In-Camp training (ICT), briefing, courses,
etc.
SAF100
This is a legally binding document, which obliges the NSman to
report for an NS activity. The NSman is required to acknowledge the
SAF100 and inform his employer, if any of the forthcoming NS
activity. Failing to comply will subject the NSman to disciplinary
action.
Deferment
This refers to a request by an NSman to postpone his scheduled
call-up to a later date, usually within the same work year.
Disruption
This is a request by an NSman to postpone his NS call-up for a
period of one year or longer, usually for the purpose of overseas
studies or postings.
MINDEF Reserve (MR)
MINDEF Reserve consists of NSmen who have completed their NS
training cycle but have yet to reach the statutory age. They are no
longer called back for In-Camp Training (ICT) but are still liable
for NS.
Ex-National Service (Ex-NS)
These are NSmen who have reached the statutory age, i.e. 40 for
non-officers and 50 for officers and have completed their NS
liability.
Awards
Your performance as a soldier may earn you recognition in the form
of individual or shared awards.
(A) National Service Recognition Award (NSRA) for
Singapore Citizens
The NSRA seeks to provide sustained recognition for Singapore
Citizens who service National Service. If eligible, the award will
be disbursed equally at 3 significant milestones during your
full-time NS and ORNS.
What benefits will I receive?
The NSRA is a monetary award of a total of between $9,000 and
$10,500 for each NSman, depending on your rank and vocation.
NSmen will receive $3,000 at each of the milestones. If you are a
Commander (ranking 3G and above), you will receive an additional
$500 at each milestone in recognition of your substantially heavier
responsibilities.
When will I receive the award?
1. NSFs who attain the 1st milestone (completion
of full-time NS) will receive the award through their
Post-Secondary Education Account.
2. NSmen who attain the 2nd milestone (mid-point
of their ORNS training) and 3rd milestone (completion of ORNS
training cycle) will receive the award through their Central
Provident Fund (CPF) account.
(B) ORNS Completion Award
The ORNS Completion Award is to recognise and commend you on your
service and completion of ORNS and 10 years of NS training.
With effect from 29 August, 2010, all Singapore Permanent Resident
who have completed ORNS training cycle and phased into MINDEF
Reserved will also be eligible for this award. For Singapore
citizens, the ORNS Completion Award will be replaced by the 3rd
milestone of the National Service Recognition Award.
What benefits will I receive?
i. Monetary Reward
You will receive a monetary reward
of $300, which will be paid into your Central Provident Fund (CPF)
account.
ii. Gift Watch
You may receive a gift watch either
upon completion of 10 years ORNS or completion of your ORNS
training cycle, whichever is earlier.
Medals
To recognise your achievement you get during your training, you may
be awarded medals at different stages of your ORNS training
cycle.
Some of the medals include: the Good Service Medal, NS Medal/Clasp,
20 year-year Long Service and Good Conduct Medal/Clasp.
For you to qualify for these awards, it depends on:
Your NS performance;
Number of High Key (HK) ICT you have attended;
and
ORNS training years you have completed.
Promotions
Your performance is observed during your ICT and if you show
potential for higher appointments and responsibilities, you may be
considered for promotion.
To qualify a promotion, you are measured by:
Your NS performance;
Number of High Key (HK) ICT you have attended;
and
ORNS training years you have completed.
Family Recognition Voucher
To recognise the importance of family support in maintaining
NSmen's commitment to defence and NS training, NSmen who are
recipients of Awards/Letters of Commendation or who have performed
outstandingly during In-Camp Training (ICT) or courses, will be
presented with $100 worth of vouchers so that they could spend with
their families. These vouchers could be used on a range of
rewarding experiences.
Since Aug 12, the initiative has been enhanced to allow NSmen to
select their rewards packages on-line. The list of rewards packages
has also been expanded. Eligible NSmen will be presented with a
congratulation letter by their Commanders at the point of
eligibility ie at the end of their ICT/course or Award ceremony. 3
weeks from the notification, they would be able to select their
choice rewards package on-line via NS Portal. NSmen are required to
choose and utilise their rewards package within 13 months from
being awarded.
New rewards packages that have been added include beach breaks at
local and overseas resort, family fun activities (Singapore Zoo,
Night Safari, Universal Studios, SAFRA etc), gourmet experience
(Imperial Cheng Ho cruise, Singapore Flyer etc), spa and wellness
activities and travel services. A preview of the reward packages is
available at www.ns.sg/benefits/frv.
Service Pay
What is Service Pay?
Service Pay is equivalent to the NS allowance, and is dependent on
your rank and the vocation you are holding. This reflects the
different responsibilities each NSman shoulders. If you are holding
a combat vocation, your service pay will include a combat
allowance.
Service pay will be given to you each day of your NS training
including weekends and public holidays. It will be pro-rated based
on the duration of your NS training. A minimum half-day service pay
will be credited to you for NS activities of 4 hours or less.
While service pay may not be an accurate measure of compensation
for your commitments towards the defence of Singapore, it serves as
recognition of your contribution to NS each day.
How is service pay calculated?
Example:
Monthly service pay of an Infantry 3SG
$990.00
(A) Period of NS training
Service Pay
5 Apr 2010 (0800hrs) to 11 Apr 2010
(1159hrs)
7/30 days x $990.00 = $231.00
(B) Period of NS training
Service Pay
5 Apr 2010 (0800hrs) to 5 Apr 2010
(1200hrs)
0.5/30 days x $990.00 = $16.50
*Note that from 1 April 2010, you will receive an annual increment
dependent on the satisfactory completion of your NS activity in the
preceding work year (1 April to 31 March).
Make-Up Pay
What is Make-Up Pay (MUP)?
MUP is a reimbursement for any civilian income loss you suffered as
a result of having to attend your NS training. Any NSman who is
gainfully employed or self-employed is eligible to claim MUP.
Please note that MUP is claimable only if there is an overlap
between your civilian working hours and the NS training. Any loss
of income suffered outside the duration of NS training will not be
compensated by MINDEF.
NSmen’s attention is drawn to:
a. Regulation 9 of the Enlistment (Loss of
Salaries and Wages – Reimbursement) Regulation, 1978:
- Authorised personnel from MINDEF may conduct
visits to companies to verify the make-up pay claims.
Employers/NSmen are requested to give access to the required
documents related to the claim.
b. Regulation 10(2) of the Enlistment (Loss of
Salaries and Wages – Reimbursement) Regulation, 1978:
- If there is any dispute on the decision given
on MUP claim, the NSman must notify MINDEF in writing, stating the
grounds of the dispute and supported by the necessary documentary
evidence, not later than 3 weeks from the date on which the
decision on the claim is given.
c. Regulation 11 of the Enlistment (Loss of
Salaries and Wages – Reimbursement) Regulation, 1978:
- Any person who gives false or misleading
information in respect of MUP claims shall be guilty of an offence
and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$2,000
or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to
both.
How is my MUP calculated?
Example:
Monthly service pay of an Infantry 3SG
$990.00
Period of NS training
5 Apr 2010 (0800hrs) to 11 Apr 2010 (1159hrs)
Service Pay
7/30 days x $990.00 = $231.00
Civilian Income Loss
5 days of civilian pay = $500.0
Net Financial Loss
Civilian pay loss – Service pay
= $500.00 - $231.00= $269.00
Make Up Pay
$269.00
When you attend the NS activity, your employer deducts 5 days of
your civilian pay from your income for April amounting to $500.00.
You will then lose a net finance of $269.00 ($500.00 - $231.00)
after considering the deduction by your employer and your service
pay for the training.
How do I claim MUP?
You can claim your MUP through online submission at NS Portal
(www.ns.sg) or download the hardcopy claim forms from NS Portal and
follow the instructions.
What are my claim options?
(A) NSmen who are civil servants:
If you are a public servant working in Ministries and Statutory
Boards, note that your employer will continue to pay your full
salary for the duration of your call-up. You will then not be paid
service pay and make-up pay. However, you will only be paid service
pay if your call-ups are conducted entirely outside of working
hours.
(B) NSmen who are employed:
Option 1:
Direct Reimbursement to Employers of Claims for NS Training Scheme
(DIRECT) [Optional Scheme for Employers]
Your employer continues to pay you as per your normal pay schedule
and reimbursement from MINDEF will be made to your employer. In
this instance, you are not required to file a claim.
*Note that this is an optional scheme for your employers, i.e. you
would need to inform your employers to opt into this scheme by
registering online at NS Portal (www.ns.sg)!
Option 2:
Payment to the NSman
You will be reimbursed directly by MINDEF once your employer
certify and submit your MUP claim to MINDEF.
(C) NSmen who are self-employed:
You can choose from the option that suits you best. Note that once
an option is chosen for a particular training, it is
irrevocable.
Option 1: Income Tax Option
Your monthly income will be calculated based on your average
monthly trade (self-employment) income as shown in your Income Tax
Notice of Assessment (NA) for the year of NS Training.
As your trade income for the year will not be available at the time
of your claim submission, a provisional payment will be made based
on your latest available trade income. Thereafter, an adjustment
will be made when the trade income of the year of training is
available.
In the event is there is an underpayment, arrears will be paid to
you. If there should be any overpaid amount, it will be recovered
from you. Overpayments may also be recovered from your subsequent
MUP claims.
Your trade income for provisional payment and the final adjusted
amount will be obtained directly from IRAS.
Option 2: Average Income Option
Your monthly income will be calculated based on your average income
earned in the 6 months before the NS training.
For example, if you are a doctor or a transport driver, you can
claim replacement fees incurred when you engage a replacement staff
to fulfill your duties during your absence.
What is the deadline for MUP claim submission?
All your MUP claims should be submitted 2 weeks prior to your
training commencement to ensure prompt payment. If your claim is
submitted after your NS training, you will only be paid your
service pay first. MUP will be paid to you after your claim is
approved.
Please note that your MUP claim must be submitted within 3 months
from your payment of service pay. All supporting documents can be
submitted later but still within the 3 months from the payment of
service pay. Thereafter, it will not be accepted.
How will I be paid?
All payments will be credited into your bank account number
provided by you during your full-time NS or regular service. It is
therefore important for you to ensure that your personal
information is updated. You can update any changes on eSelf-Update
at NS Portal (www.ns.sg).
If your employer is on the DIRECT Schemes and wish to change their
bank account, please ensure that they log in to eServices at NS
Portal (www.ns.sg) to update the company’s particulars.
Please note that if there is an overpayment of MUP due to whatever
reason, MINDEF reserves the right to offset the excess quantum from
your future NS payments, which may be in the form of service
pay.
Payment Queries
If you have any queries on payment, you can get assistance from the
following:
Online: NS Portal (www.ns.sg)
Email: [email protected]
Hotline: 1800-367 6767 (1800-eNSNSNS)
Fax: 6373 1464 (For employed claims)
6373 1499 (For
self-employed claims)
Awards & Allowances
To recognise your potential and help you reach your optimal
performance in your NS training, MINDEF has initiated various
incentives:
(A) Awards
National Service Recognition Award ($3,000 and
up)
ORNS Completion Award ($300)
IPPT Award ($100/$200/$400)
Marksmanship Award ($200)
For more details on Awards, read more at: Recognition
(B) Allowances
Aircrew Allowance
Commando Jump Bounty
Diving Allowance
Flying Allowance
Key Appointment Holder – KAH(NS) Allowance
- You will be paid over and
above your make-up pay (MUP) with Key Appointment Holder (NS) and
Responsibility (NS) allowance, if you are a NS key command or a
staff appointment holder.
Responsibility (NS) Allowance
Command Appointment Add-On Allowance (with
effect from 1 May 2010)
SAF Group Insurance Scheme
Your safety is of utmost importance during your NS training. All NS
activities require adherence to strict safety regulations. As such,
we have specially arranged for you the SAF Group Insurance Scheme.
This is underwritten by Aviva Ltd and provides for you 24 hours
worldwide coverage and it is comprehensive and kept at a minimal
cost.
All NSmen aged 55 and below are eligible to apply. Your dependent
male children are also eligible for coverage from age 14 days to
their 18th year birthday; and female children from age 14 days to
25. Under this scheme, you and your spouse can continue to enjoy
this insurance scheme up to age 70. This insurance pays for all
forms of death (except suicide within one year from the date of
commencement of insurance), total and permanent disablement and
permanent partial dismemberment arising from personal
accident.
Details of Scheme
(A) Fees and Sum Insured
Under the SAF Group Insurance Scheme, you have the option of
selecting the sum assured in multiples of $10,000, from a minimum
of $20,000 to a maximum of $600,000. For each insured sum of
$10,000, you only have to pay a monthly premium of $1.28 and $1.00
for your dependents.
(B) Rebates
When you participate in this scheme, you can expect to receive
rebates for your annual premiums in a “good year” (i.e. a year in
which claims paid out to policyholders are lesser than the total
premiums received).
The rebates paid out in the last 3 policy years averaged at about
34% of total premium paid by policyholders. Based on the revised
rate of $1.28 and $1.00 for you and your dependents respectively,
this in effect means that policyholders pay a monthly premium of
only $0.85 and $0.66 per $10,000 coverage for you and your
dependants.
(C) Payment Method
Premiums for the sum insured will be deducted monthly through
GIRO.
For more information of the scheme, please contact:
Aviva Ltd Customer Service
Hotline: 6827 8000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm (excluding
Public Holidays)
Email: [email protected]
Tax Relief
All eligible NSmen will get a base tax relief quantum of $1,500 per
year. If you have performed NS activities in the previous work year
(i.e. from 1 Apr to 31 Mar), you will receive an additional $1,500,
i.e. a net total of $3,000.
If you are a NS key command or a staff appointment holder, you will
be given an additional quantum of $2,000 in recognition of your
substantial contribution.
If you are an ex-NSmen or NS-liable ex-regular servicemen above
statutory age, you will be given a base quantum of $1,500.
Your parents and spouse (who must be Singapore Citizens) will also
receive a tax relief of $750 per year.
Only NSmen who have not committed any disciplinary or criminal
offences in the preceding work year are eligible for tax
relief.
e-Prep Scheme
This is a MINDEF initiative to recognise our full-time NSF’s
contribution to Singapore’s defence and continued stability. In
return, we offer an online preparatory and refresher courses to
them while they are in service to facilitate from full-time NS to
either join the workforce or further their studies. There are no
restrictions to the number of courses that each NSF can sign up.
All e-Prep courses are priced at an affordable rate, which are
significantly lower than the market rate.
Who is eligible?
All NSFs are eligible for e-Prep during their last 12 months of
service and continues to be eligible for this benefit within 1 year
after their ORD. They will be notified by post individually when
they are eligible.
Details of e-Prep
Every NSF will be allocated $350 worth of credits to subsidise for
the courses that he subscribes. As a guide, MINDEF will
subsidise up to 90% of the course fee, subject to the maximum
subsidy given or the credit balance of the NSF, whichever is
higher. For example, for a $100 course, the NSF will pay $10 and
MINDEF will bear the remainder $90. Note that any subsidies that
are not consumed within 1 year after the NSF’s ORD will be
forfeited.
Category of Courses
There are now 12 participating training providers, which includes
local Institutes of Higher Learning, and e-learning vendors. These
vendors offer more than 1,500 course titles in 3 broad
categories:
Academic Courses:
These courses aim to help the NSFs refresh and
update their academic knowledge from previous learning and to
facilitate transitions into further studies. Such courses are
usually provided by Institutions of Higher Learning. Having
completed selected courses, NSFs would get a head start in their
educational pursuits after their fulltime service.
Professional Certification and Technical
Courses:
These are predominantly technical courses like,
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, which will add value to a
non-technical certification course to enhance the NSF’s
employability.
Enabling Skills (“Soft Soft Skills”)
Courses:
These courses aim to provide the NSFs with
generic knowledge, skills and attitudes to succeed in the workplace
or further studies.
How to Participate?
Participation to this scheme is strictly voluntary.
All available e-Prep courses are published on the internet and for
convenience, NSFs can e-learn from the comfort of their own homes
or in their camps as long as there are internet facilities.
Military training and duties will take precedence over the
participation in this scheme.
NSFs can refer to NS Portal (www.ns.sg) for more information on
this scheme. They may also view their credit allocation and
balance, records of their past attended courses and the available
range of courses.
All course applications can be done online and once the 10%
co-payment is made to the course provider, the NSF will be granted
access to the course material.
For assistance or clarifications on this scheme, the NSF can
contact:
NS Call Centre: 1800-eNSNSNS (1800-3676767)
Email: [email protected]
SMS: eNSNS (36767)
SAFRA National Service Association
SAFRA is a network of clubs that seeks to provide quality social,
recreational, sports and educational facilities that will benefit
you and your families.
As a SAFRA member, you can enjoy discounts, privileges and
services. The offerings include:
Access to facilities at all SAFRA clubs
Discounts at over 650 popular dining and retail
outlets
Rewards programme that offers redeemable
products and services through SAFRAPOINTS
Discounted movie tickets at Golden Village
cinemas
Attractive travel packages
Attractive low premium insurance schemes
Special rates for local chalets at Costa Sands
and Bintan Villas
Educational sponsorship and benefits for
selected courses from UniSIM, SMa School of Management, SAA, MIS,
Kaplan Financial, TMC and more
Free legal information service
SAFRA Cohesion Building Programme (CBP)
The SAFRA Cohesion Building Programme (CBP) was formed to increase
esprit de corps amongst you and your unit. CBP provides subsidy
scheme that helps to defray the cost of organising unit cohesion
activities depending on the participating number strength on a per
head basis and the type of activity.
For more information on SAFRA packages or programme, please
contact:
Website: www.safra.sg
Membership Enquiries: [email protected]
Cohesion Building Prrogramme Enquiries: [email protected]
General Enquiries: [email protected]
Medical Services
(A) Medical Treatment
You may seek medical attention to any SAF medical centre during
your ICT. The medical officer may refer you to a restructured
hospital for further treatment if the facilities or recourses are
unavailable at the medical centre; or if there is a need for
follow-up after your ICT. Note that MINDEF will only subsidise
medical expenses incurred by you that fall within the prevailing
guidelines.
(B) Dental Treatment
You may only seek urgent dental treatment at SAF Dental Centres for
emergency dental conditions that arise during your ICT. (E.g. acute
toothache, acute gum swelling, etc.)
(C) Medical Review – New/Existing Medical
Conditions
It is crucial that you update your NS HRCs if you develop a new
medical condition or if an existing medical condition has worsened,
which may affect your ICT performance. This is so that arrangements
will be made for you to attend a medical review at the SAF medical
centre to assess your fitness condition for NS.
You MUST bring along all your investigation results and memorandums
from your external physician or specialist during your medical
review. You may be given a medical certificate for ICT deferment,
be scheduled for a medical board to downgrade you if your medical
condition is significant, or be referred to a restructured hospital
for further examination depending on the outcome of your medical
review.
If your medical condition is deemed suited for ICT participation by
the medical officer, you will then be allowed to attend ICT.
Welfare Services
You and your families’ welfare is important, as such, the SAF
Personnel Services Centre (PSC) is here to manage and administer
your welfare benefits.
For more information or assistance on the available welfare
services, please contact your unit’s admin.
NSmen Asset Enhancement Schemes
Preferential rebates may be given to NSmen whenever the Government
introduces any asset enhancement schemes. Examples of NSmen Asset
Enhancement Schemes are the additional allotment of Growth
Dividends and GST Credits.
Compensation
(A) Service Injuries
If you sustained an injury during your NS training, it may be
considered as attributable to service only when service is the
cause of injury. If you sustained an injury during ICT, you are
required to report immediately to your unit’s Medical Officer and
unit S1. This is so that your unit can arrange to attend to your
injury, and document your injury sustained in your medical
docket.
Before MINDEF determines that an injury is attributable to service,
you are responsible for bearing all medical expenses. Treatment for
your injury must be sought at government or restructured hospitals
at your eligible ward and referred to by a government or SAF
Medical Officer.
In the case of permanent disablement due to service injury, a
medical board will be convened. Eligibility for disability
compensation will be based on the degree of residual permanent
disability as endorsed by the SAF Medical Board.
If your service injury requires continuous medical or
hospitalisation leave beyond your ICT period, you are eligible for
a stepped-down compensation as a form of ex-gratia payment.
Compensation will be based on your civilian pay or an equivalent
regular serviceman’s pay (whichever is higher) if you do not
receive any income from your employers. This ex-gratia payment is
compensation for your loss of income during this period. Payment
will cease when you are no longer on medical/hospitalisation leave
or when disability compensation is paid, whichever is
earlier.
(B) Non-Service Injuries
i. Satisfactory Completion of NS Training
If you are given medical leave for non-service injuries but are
able to complete your NS training satisfactorily, your medical
leave will be considered as part of NS training. You will be
eligible for service pay and MUP for the completed NS training
duration, inclusive of all periods of medical leave.
ii. Disruption from NS Training
If you are given medical leave for non-service injuries and your
unit has disrupted you from NS training, you are eligible for
service pay and MUP till the end of your medical leave or original
NS training, whichever is earlier. The payment of service pay and
MUP from the date of disruption is made on an ex-gratia basis and
is restricted to the first medical certificate you submit.
iii. Deferment from NS Training
If you report sick on the first day of NS training and are granted
deferment on the same day, you will not be eligible for service pay
and MUP for any period of medical leave. You will, however, be
eligible for service pay and MUP for the time spent at the unit to
seek consultation with your unit’s Medical Officer or to get your
medical certificate endorsed.