Sign On: JPSDS Bond, Wise?

iSpeak SG

The JPSDS is a scheme for poly diploma holders to sign on as specialists.

My question is when you have applied for this scheme, is there a way, judging by your performance in BMT as well as your chances for further education at higher tertiary levels, to crossover into becoming an officer? Or is the scenario such that you will be stuck a specialist even if you are OCS potential and have a university degree.

Just a curious question folks. Smile

kwlee SG

u signed on as a specialist means you become a specialist. Very Happy

iSpeak SG

Nothing shameful about being a specialist I guess.

Obersturmfuhrer SG

No, its not true that you'll be stuck as a specialist for the rest of your contract. But in order to cross over to OCS, you must have performed either exceptionally well or shown great leadership qualities during SISPEC or during your unit tour. But the terms of your contract would be changed and you'll be converted to the SAVER scheme once you commissioned as an officer. I've had specialist friends (JPSDS scheme regulars) who were sent into the Pro term of my OCC and most of them were very good performers. Take heart from that. Cool

Arena SG

however, talking abt a career in saf...
a poly diploma holder will be a farmer...
ROA slower than a degree holder...

Thru' Thick N Thin SG

yup. i haf a fren who was under the JPSDS and went over.
Two Cons:

1. He lost the lump sum that was entitled to him if he remained as a specialist until contract over.

2. His promotion is at least 3-4 yrs behind Degree Holders.

lim li hao matthew SG

loser

twists SG

y not?

one of my officer in my unit sign on as spec in his poly days, he was ask by the PS to go and "try" OCS.

thoreldan SG

unless you’re going to get a degree…no point to sign on as an officer

eac SG

u guys shld read an article section abt SAF from "ROAR OF THE LION CITY" by an Amercian Military Strategy Studies editor on Asia-Pacific Military. terms for regular officers in his idea of the traditional caste system of farmers, middle class and scholar.

BenBenDeZhu SG

its possible to crossover, just need to go for some interview. think they conduct once a yr my fren keep going then always rejected Very Happy

wuming78 SG

where to find the article?

HyuugaNeji SG

Last time i heard “company best soldier” (better than platoon best) can have a go at OCS if he has the academic qualification.

eac SG

http://afs.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/33/2/265

The Roar of the Lion City - Ethnicity, Gender, and Culture in the Singapore Armed Forces

Abstract:

Although the Singapore Armed Forces is one of the most technologically advanced militaries in Southeast Asia, it suffers from a number of institutional weaknesses. Singapore's multiethnic but Chinese-dominated society and unique geographical and political characteristics result in challenges in both the recruitment and retention of high-quality personnel into the armed forces as well as in developing the proper role in the military for Singapore's Malay minority (whom the government historically has seen as a security risk but who also have a strong cultural inclination toward military service). This article contends that in meeting these challenges, Singapore has reduced the effectiveness and professionalism of its military significantly by unwisely preventing Malay participation systematically in key areas of the armed forces, by limiting the positions women can hold in the military, and by using a promotion system that is based more on education and scholarships than on proven competence.

Key Words: Singapore ethnicity professionalism civil-military relations

By Sean P. Walsh

wuming78 SG

hm.. need to pay...

kwlee SG

officers are well-paid eh ? Laughing

eac SG

If u have access to the SAF Intranet in camp, go to the eforum in there, the article in full is in the thread called something like “Will you defend Singapore if there is a need to?” in the Military Issues and NSF Stuff subcategory. I had read the article from there.

ldffollower76 SG

Hi! First to introduce myself. I'm IDFFollower76 and new to the forum. Saw your thread and can't help but tell myself that i have to share my two cents worth.

I was a JPSDS receipent, enlisted in may 1995. Be RODing in July 2007.

There has been cases where servicemen/women who performed well under the scheme can cross over to the officer corps but i seriously believe that it will be to your disadvantage. There are certain factors to take note and please do not take signing your dobby mark on the dotted line with the SAF lightly. With the current trend of restructuring in the SAF, i strongly advocate spending more time and effort to ask oneself before signing. It helps if you know friends who are in and can ask them for advice.

To make it big in the MES formation as a JPSDS technician, you not only need to be technically competent, you must also be a people person(which i'm not).
Also to moake yourself visible, you will have to proof your worth by doing tonnes of WITS and volunteer for overseas missions/exercises.

I was awarded a couple of GOLD Awards for my WITs at the national level and also took part in numerous missions and exercises but due to injury, i guess it's time for me to move on to greener pastures out there. Sad

Nowaadays, ALLgovernmental organisation actually demeand more from you for the amount of money that they pay you. So if your motivation is becasue of money then my advice is to stay clear of the SAF. But if yu seriously love the lifestyle of being a soldier and that you love the country, then by all means carry on.

I seriously hope and pray that my contribution is not too late.

Whoever you are, please seriously consider and reconsider a career with the SAF.

My two cents worth.

Cheers!! Smile

iSpeak SG

Thankfully, I have reconsidered and have refrained from signing a contract that will seal my life for the next decade to come, at the very least.

But some of my friends have fallen into the trap of money the SAF dangles in front of them. Some truly need the scheme, with the cost of education being quite high and with a gross household income of less than 2k. Others just fall into the temptation of receiving a thousand dollars monthly just for studying under the JPSDS - extra pocket money to go pak-tor-ing, shopping etc. And how can we forget those who sign up for it simply because they do not know yet their goal in life and well, hey, at least they are committed to something (the Army).

There are undoubtedly, people out there who sign on for the scheme purely out of a young man's passion for soldiering, and I salute this people. They are rare, and our Army truly needs their enthusiasm and garangness.

Smile

norm SG

To rise fast, aim for SAF scholarship or President Scholarship. The Chief of Air Force is a President Scholar and SAF Scholar.