Sign On RSAF: MDES ME4. Worth It? Wise? Opinion? How's Life?

MountainTortise SG

Does anyone here knows how is the life as an Airforce Engineer (AFE) ME4? What do they do at work?

Questions:

1. The longest duration for overseas training?

2. Salary for a 3rd class honours?

3. Is there commissioning parade? Social night and comms ball night?

metastate SG

1. No overseas training for ME4. Longest deployment would be two years at US.

2. Third class honors would be a graduate with merit if i am not wrong. Salary is about 3.6-3.8 for an officer cadet.

3. Social night only, which is right after you finish your two months course in OCS before being posted for further specialisation. No commissioning parade and comms ball for ME4

MountainTortise SG

Is the two years at US a compulsory?

And how do you know there is no commissioning parade for ME4?

Delirious_prince SG

Hi MountainTortise,

Yes there is no commissioning parade for ME4. Instead you have a Senior Military Experts Appointment Ceremony during which you receive your ceremonial sword from the Minister and your epulattes put on your uniform by your family members.

wakaka00 SG

advisable to sign RSAF with a degree and be AFE or sign as other AFE like flight enginner with diploma then go uni study and they will promote you once you got a degree to ME4 .??

i think no 100% promote though

Delirious_prince SG

Hi wakaka00,

There are two paths:

1. Get a degree first and then sign on as an ME4. (It can also work in the way that you apply when you already have a place in the U... can apply for other cool stuff like MDES Study Award etc..)

2. Get a diploma and sign on as an ME1. After getting a university placing, it is not guaranteed that SAF will sponsor your studies and it is also not guaranteed that you will be emplaced to ME4 once you have gotten your degree. You have to go through a process in order to qualify for emplacement.

Compare the two and decide which one is better for you...

Nobode SG

The 2 years oversea detachment is on rotational basis. I believe they will base on your performance and capability before sending you for the deployment.

The starting pay for ME4 is 3.7 to 3.9 but due to the MDES scheme which delays your promotion,the next jump might take 7 years. It might not be beneficial to join the SaF as compared to years back. My advise to you is look outside first before getting your self bonded. Since SAF comes up with this MDS scheme they are open to recruitment any time if u r below 40.

getsby SG

I got NTU degree mechanical engineering, 2nd lower

4 years exp from STaero, dealing with aircraft maintenance /modification..

If I join AFE, what will be my pay as a trainee ME4(T)...and how much if I pass out from the MDEC course

I do know that navy engineer trainee 1st class, ME4(T) getting $4760 already, so I assume AFE ME4(T) for 1st class also getting $4760 as trainee. They pass out will get 5k??

Shawnlee3010 SG

Hi everyone,

I am graduating soon with an NTU Aerospace Engineering degree. Am looking at ST Aero Operations Engineer with a starting of 3.5k and AFE with a starting of 4.8k.

My main concerns here would be:

1. Is the employability of an AFE after 4 years comparable to those of similar years of experience in the private sector, specifically ST Aero.

2. If break the 4 year bond halfway, how much are the liquidated damages we have to pay?

Hope someone here will be able to help with some info and advice. Very much appreciated!

Cheers!

cout << user SG

The 2 years oversea detachment is on rotational basis. I believe they will base on your performance and capability before sending you for the deployment.

Wa lao. Why the next jump in 7 years/ so long? How about those in combat side?

alize SG

Wa lao. Why the next jump in 7 years/ so long? How about those in combat side?

I think it's because govt pay is never great.

3.9 as starting pay is already very good by govt standard. The govt will try to make back in later years.

getsby SG

<<Hi everyone,

I am graduating soon with an NTU Aerospace Engineering degree. Am looking at ST Aero Operations Engineer with a starting of 3.5k and AFE with a starting of 4.8k.>>