While National Service (NS) is part and parcel of every Singaporean Son’s life, there’s no doubt that the system can sometimes be a little inflexible.
Like when you’re finally able to get a long break after doing two years of NS and can’t wait to go overseas for a year after snagging a cool job overseas, but you realise that you forgot to apply for your exit pass…
So you have no choice but to stay at home and look at the opportunity pass by you.
However, here’s the good news: If you’re entering NS from now onwards, you won’t ever have to experience the nightmare I described above.
According to an announcement by Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How today (27 February) during the Committee of Supply debate on the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), three new initiatives will be introduced into the NS system.
According to him, the National Service Review Committee (NSRC) came up with these initiatives after conducting a review in 2022.
And one of these initiatives is that Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) won’t need to notify the government if they go overseas anymore if they’ll only be overseas for less than 12 months.
So you can finally go for all your long overseas trips without worrying about having to apply for your exit permit.
Here’s everything else you need to know.
Only Need to Apply for Exit Permit for Overseas Trips Lasting a Year or Longer
Firstly, Mr Heng mentioned that the exit controls for NSmen will be modified to become less strict.
As mentioned earlier, NSmen will not need to apply for exit permits when leaving the country for less than a year.
Previously, NSmen were required to apply for exit permits if they were going to be out of the country for six months or more.
Based on Mr Heng’s speech, this regime will be in place from April 2023 onwards and was put in place as it “reflects the growing mobility of Singaporeans, with many of our NSmen staying or working overseas for [a] longer duration”.
As for how this might affect the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Mr Heng reassured members of the public that this would not impact SAF’s operational readiness as MINDEF inspected the change “very carefully” before choosing to relax the exit controls for NSmen.
Prior to this change, MINDEF also relaxed the exit controls for NSmen back in March 2019.
Back then, the requirements were changed so that NSmen would only need to apply for exit permits if they were leaving Singapore for more than six months instead of more than 14 days.
Establishment of Social and Recreational Hub at NSRCC
Apart from that, here’s some good news for the NSmen among us who love to chill out at facilities dedicated to those who serve the country.
Soon, a social and recreational club will be set up at the National Service Resort and Country Club (NSRCC) in Changi.
According to Mr Heng, the hub will feature chalets, sports facilities and other amenities for NSmen and their families to enjoy.
Regarding the hub, Mr Heng explained, “We hope that this effort to build [the hub] and enhance our services to NSmen will cater even better to the leisure needs of a younger generation of NSmen.”
More details regarding the hub will be disclosed in the future.
Introduction of Work-Learn Scheme for NSFs
Last but not least, Mr Heng also revealed that MINDEF recently began a Work-Learn Scheme (WLS) for certain full-time National Servicemen (NSFs).
Through the scheme, which was apparently carried out around two months ago, these NSFs have been given the opportunity to pursue a part-time diploma in Engineering (Mechanical Technology) from Singapore Polytechnic.
As part of the latest WLS for Naval Warfare System Specialists (Marine Systems / Electrical and Control Systems), these NSFs will take on the role of naval warfare system specialists.
In his speech, Mr Heng added that a total of 450 NSFs have signed up for WLSes as of now.
From 2025, MINDEF is expecting 500 WLS enrolments per year.
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NSMen’s Reactions
As for what current NSmen have to say about this, it’s no secret that these new initiatives are music to many NSmen and NSFs’ ears.
In the comments section of a Reddit post in r/NationalServiceSG, many NSmen welcomed the change as well.
NS exit permit requirement to be relaxed, new Changi recreation hub for NSmen
by u/logthelogan in NationalServiceSG
In particular, many commented that the relaxed exit controls would make it much more convenient for NSmen to travel overseas.
Others expressed that they are excited to see what the new social and recreational hub at NSRCC has to offer.
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