MINDEF sponsor up to 60 deserving WO/Spec for degree

BillGates SG

Commissioning of Specialist and Warrant Officer Institute at Pasir Laba
Posted: 26 Mar 2007, 1500 hours (Time is GMT +8 hours)

Commander of the Specialist and Warrant Officers Institute, COL Kuek Joo Leng providing a brief on the Specialist and Warrant Officers Institute.
Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean announced that MINDEF will sponsor up to 60 deserving Warrant Officers and Specialists every year to pursue full-time university degrees at approved institutions. This initiative reflects the increased professional and technical expertise required by the 3rd Generation SAF and enhances the attractiveness of a career in the Warrant Officer and Specialist corps. Minister Teo was speaking at the commissioning of the new Specialist and Warrant Officer Institute (SWI) at Pasir Laba Camp today.

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Wow... Now there's sponsorship for specs too!

sir sickolot II SG

a move in the right direction, but too little, too late.

With the increased recognition of the WOSPEC Corps, it is hoped more people will stay on in PP2 and not leave after their initial bond.

Even if they get a degree, will they have the necessary skills and experience to work outside the military? Perhaps the logistics and mechanics have an added advantage, but for the majority... it is still very much an uphill battle, especially if one is catching up on age.

Just my views. cheers.

casshern SG

i cant help but agree. the pay outside is attractive with no regimentations. wat is happening now is WOSPECs are signing on to buy time. meaning they attend class outside to earn their degree while working with the SAF. after the minimum terms of engagement, must of them leave the force and get a well deserved job in the private sector.

sir sickolot II SG

Regimentation - many people can live with that.

I guess armed with a degree and maybe only 27 years old ( assume sign on 21, bond 6 years) it should still be relatively easy to get a job. esp if you're doing technical degree like engineering or what not.

Whilst there are many who subscribe to the above route, there are people who remain in the force, perhaps out of interest and at the end of it all... if they were to get kicked... what can they do? In the Army, esp for WOSPEC one must be a high flyer to stay on long till retirement at 55, to enjoy the salary and subsequent pay out.

Like i've discussed it previous threads, with the 'in' thing of buying time in the SAF... are the people being recruited as regulars, be it Officers or Specs less committed and dedicated? Are we perhaps seeing fundamental cracks in the middle management of the force?