i was not empolyed but i started a business on 1 Dec which is
very near to my reservist date.
Originally posted by moca:
If you are in SG and didn't show up for reservist, sure
DB.
But being overses with a valid visa is a good first step for
leniency. You will not escape being charged, just try to avoid
DB.
You have to first plead guilty, but must prepare some kind of
document to prove you are employed during the time that you were
called up. And then say that your family members can't understand
English, didn't open your mail or something...
I don't know your situation, but does this help?
I was charged for AWOL and fined when I first left the country to
work overseas 10 years ago.
When I reported back to MINDEF to face charges, there was at first
an interview. The officer was firm but very polite and I was given
a chance to explain the reasons:
...when I first left the country, my battalion HQ clerk told me no
need to apply for Exit permit from MINDEF, just write a letter to
the Bn S1 or something, which I was dumb enough to believe
him.
I also handed over my documents proving my employment status
overseas.
After that, they had a conference amongst themselves.
Later, I was loudly marched in and formally charged and fined
SGD400 after pleading guilty to AWOL and not contesting the charge.
If you contest the charge and the punishment (fine), you can go for
higher court martial. If you lose that one, MP will "love you long
time" in DB. 
I believe there are many reasons I was not thrown into DB:
* Firstly, I made contact with my unit and MINDEF [b]while still
overseas to explain that I screwed up by not applying for
Exit Permit etc.
* They gave me a date to report for charges and I showed up on time
- very important.
* I had the necessary documents to prove my story and they believed
it.
* My passport stamps proved I was away all the while even before
they sent out the ICT call-up letter.
* Excellent service record throughout also helped. If you had ever
been in trouble with army law, then bad news for you.
Oh, when you report, dress smartly in No 4, kiwi your boots and
remember to address NCO's by their rank and officers as
"sir".
Good Luck [/b]
