MINDEF’s addendum to President’s address: Ministry to expand efforts for volunteer corps

SINGAPORE — Since completing their training in June last year, some of the 226 members of the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps’ (SAFVC) inaugural cohort have been deployed as Auxiliary Security Troopers and Bridge Watchkeepers for navigational duties on board Landing Ship Tanks.

Sharing this in the Ministry of Defence’s Addendum to the President’s address, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said: “We are heartened by the positive response and will expand our efforts for the SAFVC.”

Other roles that volunteers can take on in the SAVC include InfoMedia staff, legal specialist staff and defence psychologist. Earlier media reports showed that there were more than 200 applicants within the first week when applications opened.

Other CSNS recommendations that will be implemented this year include gifts for active National Servicemen to mark milestones in their lives such as getting married or the birth of their child, said Dr Ng. In addition to providing basic life and personal accident insurance coverage, more national servicemen who perform well during their NS training will also receive gift vouchers.
A new accreditation scheme called the “NS Mark” will also be launched to encourage employers and businesses to step-up support for their NSmen employees. The scheme will recognise companies with supportive human practices, announced Dr Ng,

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of NS next year, a series of “NS50” activities are also in the works to show appreciation and recognise the contributions of NSmen past and present, as well as the wider community.

“Singaporean’s continued support for NS in instrumental to ensure the peace and security for our country for the next 50 years and beyond,” said Dr Ng.