Budget crunch!

Johnston SG

There is way too much speculation riding around.

Frankly, im not joking when i say the SAF is feeling a budget crunch.

This is info that has filtered down even to the NSFs.

Their literally ordering the NSFs to put up as many suggestions as possible, and save wherever possible.

i used to work in a arty unit, and got on well with people.
I chatted here and there, and the general state is bad.
Officers are not being promoted or accepted into regular service as much as they used to be. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

We believe if we bought the best equipment, we'd have the best army around. Yes, theoretically. But where does the money come from?

The people in MINDEF have clearer heads than us, that's why they can plan these things. If they believe that the SPH and upcoming projects are enough, it's enough.

What we believe is right for the SAF, is not what they believe. And what they believe goes.

Smile

Slee981 SG

Well... Refering to this Budget Crunch Issues, last heard from some senior commanders that our Military Expenses has never being reduced. However due to the 9-11 incident, a portion of the "pie" had been cut and used to fund those Anti-terroism activities and research.

However, one thing that I cannot tolerate is the way the senior management used the money. One very good example is the SAF Meals Caterer, SFI. Imagine that SAF actually have to pay up to $5 a day for a meal which I can get in the canteen in less than $3 (some more the canteen food taste better.)

gary1910 SG

Yup,quite right abt that, $5 per meal!!!!
Since it is a quarantee biz, their profit margin should actually go down lower. Maybe this is one way the govt is subsidising ST!!!

And abt the 911, nowaday units are recall back for POI duty, the govt are employing some very expensive "security guards".

Some of these are degree holder or biz men which make them the world most expensive guards !!!!!

But I believe the main reason why we are tightnening our belts is becos we are at moment getting some of the most expensive acquistion since the early years of SAF in this decade alone.

For next few years, we are getting abt 20 F16 a/c, 12 Apaches, 6 Delta frigates, more Primus SPH, maybe 10-20 NGF a/c, new batch of Helo including naval version to replace our aging UH-1H, & maybe even the the new light tanks.

Quite a lot of big tickets acquistion.
That is only some known acquisition, perhap many unknown ones.

And we are also talking abt revolutionising our entire army into a truly network outfits.

As the matter of fact, the budget did not reduce for this FY year due to economical situation but actually increase as told by Teo Chee Hean, therefore belt tightening is more due to above rather than just current economical situation.

NathanG5 SG

the food issue is very worrying indeed..in my unit food are wasted by tons at least..
ive been going back for POI duty for every ICT..think abt it..im doing it since im in NSF days.. Mr. Green
some of the laojiao reservist kena call back are either big boss or earning big bucks..expensive RPs man..

rancour5 SG

ya..and that's where there is a lot of discontent among university undergrads as to why we must sacifice our holidays to go back for ICT. especially since we are realli cheap labour and we realli have quite a lot of stuff in the holidays too like attachments and stuff. Sad

i remember, before sept11, some seniors told me they didnt have to go back..