Cutting travel red tape also part of 'thank you' package for
them
By David Boey
Nov 15, 2005
The Straits Times
SINGAPORE'S national servicemen can look forward to a new year cash
incentive as a 'thank you' gift from the Government.
Details of the incentives, which will apply to operationally ready
national servicemen (NSmen) in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF),
police and civil defence, are expected to be sewn up early next
year.
The proposed award has been timed to coincide with the SAF's 40th
anniversary next year to give 'more to those who have built up the
SAF to recognise their contributions'.
It will be part of a package of recommendations designed to make
NSmen feel 'recognised', said Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Manpower
and Second Minister for Defence, yesterday. These include:
Ways to reduce red tape when NSmen travel
overseas for work or study;
New facilities for Safra, a club for NSmen and their families, to
make it more accessible; and
Strengthening support for national service by allowing employers
and NSmen's families to see training first-hand.
If approved by the Government, it will be the first time money has
been given to NSmen as a perk for performing in-camp
training.
It will complement existing incentives, under which NSmen get
income tax breaks unavailable to those who have not served,
monetary incentives of as much as $400 when they perform well in
their annual fitness test, and a greater allocation of Economic
Restructuring Shares.
Dr Ng explained that NSmen who serve in leadership positions will
be eligible for larger cash payments, because they will be asked to
shoulder greater responsibility as the SAF transforms itself into a
high-tech 'third generation' (3G) fighting force.
'The 3G SAF will leverage off new technology, but basically you
need leaders who can explain to the men, lead the men and help them
use the technology,' he said.
'So it requires a change in leadership thinking and a change in
management style, so more will be expected from the key appointment
holders because each individual soldier will be asked to deliver
more.'
Dr Ng heads the fourth Record committee, or Recognise the
Contribution of Operationally Ready NSmen to Total Defence, which
gets its feedback from NSmen, their employers and family
members.
The first Record committee was created in 1990 to find ways to
ensure NSmen's contributions to national defence were recognised.
Since then, its members have been periodically changed. It now
comprises 18 people, including MPs, NSmen, their spouses and
employers.
Aerospace engineer Mike Yeo, 29, welcomed the proposed award: 'Any
money is of course good. We're sacrificing our work and family life
during national service, so the incentive will definitely be
welcome.'