As I'm approaching the end of my Poly education, my results are
sufficient enough to enter some government uni courses.
Just wondering, as a poly student, what are the chances of
getting into OCS? And if I have secured a place in uni, and signed
on. Do they pay for my school fees even though its a arts
degree?
And hows the pay structure like?
Other than that, I'm wearing specs, both eyes less than 400. Any
possibilities to join the airforce?
Thanks!
Most people will tell you that it is not worth it to sign on. I
will tell you that to each his own. One man's meat is another man's
poison. However, if a lot of people tell you that it is not worth
it, you might want to explore why the majority says so.
I won't bluff you, I signed on that dotted line before but I got
out due to a special reason. Still, you might want to get yourself
a clearer look at the culture and organisation before you sign on
the dotted line. That is because the organisation and culture is
not what most people can tolerate. You need to have an, I will say
unconventional, mindset to stay on.
I won't discourage nor encourage you to sign on. It's your
decision. Do keep in mind that it's the recruitment's job to sell
you the good stuff and not tell you the bad stuff. After all, no
sane salesman will tell what's wrong with his product. You need to
be clear as to whether you want to stay till 50 or you might opt
for a career switch at around 28 to 30?
Now onto your questions proper:
"Just wondering, as a poly student, what are the chances of
getting into OCS?"
It depends on your BMT performance. The chances of you getting
into OCS as a regular is higher than that of an NSF.
"And if I have secured a place in uni, and signed on. Do
they pay for my school fees even though its a arts
degree?"
Yes, if you sign on as an officer, you will most likely be given
Local Study Award which pays for your tuition fees + some
allowances during the course of your study. You can't, however, opt
to study for certain courses. Check here for the list. Most arts degree will
be okay for you. Also, since you mentioned arts degree, I guess
engineering jobs are out for you.
"And hows the pay structure like?"
Ok this is supposed to be classified. However, since you asked,
I shall use my example. That time I signed on as an A level
graduate as a WSO in the RSAF (since you asked about the RSAF I
assume you are interested in it). My starting monthly pay is $1970
including 15% CPF contribution as an officer cadet. That's the
lowest starting pay among the officer pay structure. There are 3
pay schemes: Scheme A, B and C. Scheme A is for A level and Poly
graduates. Of course, poly graduates get a bit more than A level
graduates. Scheme B is for degree graduates. Scheme C is for the
high flyers and they must be in Scheme B before they can qualify
for Scheme C through a selection process. Also, some Scheme A
people can crossover to Scheme B if they do not hold the necessary
qualifications but they are very good in their performances. Of
course, there are the scholars whose payscales are calculated
differently but will it be fair for me to say that you are most
likely not a 4.0 GPA and thus your chance of landing a Merit
Scholarship is not that high? Sorry if I sound a bit offensive but
I have got to present you the truth. Ok, as a guide, for a Scheme B
CPT (aka degree qualification), it's around $3000+ starting.
"Other than that, I'm wearing specs, both eyes less than 400.
Any possibilities to join the airforce?"
Now looking at this link, you can even be a pilot even though
both your eyes have 500 deg each. Most importantly, in the RSAF,
you can't be colour blind. That's because red and green are
important colours in aviation and aircraft recognition. As such,
you can be a pilot or a WSO PROVIDED you pass the medical, COMPASS
test (a test of your ability to do what your vocation requires of
you) and training. I will discount Air Engineering Officer because
you mentioned that you are going for an arts degree in
university.
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to ask
questions about RSAF in these threads: http://www.sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/324100?page=10
or http://www.sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/308047?page=17
And oh, someone by the nick of Gloater/Gloaterback will probably
reply here or PM you to warn against taking my advice because: " I
am not one of your peers in school (NUS) with questionable IQ. I
was warning the unsuspecting and innocent forummers about taking
what you say wholesale and not with a pinch of salt. Your
credibility is doubtful because you have the proven tendency to
believe things you have no basis in believing. Such as the results
of your internet adversaries, amongst other farmer
assumptions."
I believe I must include contrary opinions about me to make it
more balanced. Your choice as to whether you want to take my advice
as true or not.
Remember, in the end, it's your life. You have one chance, live
it and love it.