SPF and SCDF don't follow such a ruling though with regards to
signing on for "officer" positions.
Yup, you're right, SPF and SCDF do not follow this rule. Do note
that it's common knowledge since SAF and SPF were conceived in the
late 1960s that SPF is the dumping ground of SAF. Back in those
days until now, people who fail to make it as an officer in the SAF
sign on to SPF as an officer. As you rightly say, SPF does not
follow this rule, so obviously it's logical and plausible that the
lack of this rule has caused this dumping to occur since time
immemorial.
SCDF is even worse than SPF.
in general, a number of components in NS life do translate to
identical terms and circumstances of career uniformed personnel.
For NSFs, certain people are deemed unfit for various reasons to be
in SAF even as men, in certain formations, appointments and certain
vocations are completely prohibited to them, we all know they are
channelled to SPF and SCDF for NS, an indication of the kind of
work and business and budget and arms and influence and importance
of the three forces. This is already a clear and obvious indication
to anyone with half a brain that for regulars, SPF and even worse,
SCDF are dumping ground of SAF, unfortunately. Its been ongoing
since your father's time in the 70s and common knowledge till this
day save for some very blur people still in the mist, ask any of
the older folks or go to oldmen forums like sammyboy and they will
tell you.
Someone once said that SCDF is for people deemed to be so inapt
that they can't be trusted with a rifle, and can only be trusted
with a hose. Harsh but true. The person went on to say that by
order of goodness the uniformed groups in SG are Boy Scouts, Girl
Guides, SAF, SPF and SCDF.