Mindef looking to widen roles for volunteer soldiers

SINGAPORE — More than two years after it was first rolled out, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) is looking into the possibility of increasing the pool of volunteer soldiers under the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC). This will be done by widening the range of areas in which they can be deployed.

Since the inaugural intake in March 2015, 500 Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs) - or about 300 men and 200 women - have gone through basic training under the SAFVC scheme.

Of these, more than half have served in over 30 deployments as AS auxiliary security troopers, naval bridge watchkeepers, medical and legal specialists, as well as personnel in the infomedia team, among others.

The ongoing review will explore adjustments to the scheme in order to allow more people to volunteer while balancing their family and social commitments, Mindef told TODAY.

The ministry did not go into details whether the training programme or format may be tweaked, stressing that the review is still in its infancy.

Currently, prospective volunteers have to undergo an interview and medical screening to assess their fitness and aptitude. Upon graduating from basic training, all volunteers will undergo qualification training, which aims to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their respective roles. Those who are trained and ready to be deployed serve at least seven days a year.

From the third to the fifth year in service, volunteers will deepen their skills and knowledge, before developing their leadership skills for the next four years. After a decade of service, a volunteer can contribute as a trainer or mentor for the later batches.

The scheme is open to Singaporean women, first-generation permanent residents and new citizens who are between 18 and 45 years old.

On Saturday (June 24), the first batch of 20 SAFVC soldiers were promoted to SAFVC Volunteer (SV) 2, the second of four ranks which volunteers can attain. Eligibility for promotion is based on length of service, conduct and performance.

The promoted volunteers had enlisted in 2015 and had "gone the extra mile" to complete their qualification and advance training early, so that they could be deployed in the same year, said SAFVC commander Colonel Ong Kok Wui at the ceremony held at Maju Camp, where another

69 trainees also received their formation patch after graduating from two weeks of basic training.

The SAFVC has a role to play in "unlocking the potential" of the military in keeping Singapore safe, said Col Ong.

He added: "The world we live in has become more complex and uncertain. We must remain vigilant to guard against the threats to our ways of life ... To withstand and bounce back from any threats which may arise."

He noted that the SAFVC is arguably the most diverse formation in the SAF, with "strong representation from both genders, as well as a wide range of backgrounds and expertise".

About six in 10 of the current pool of volunteer soldiers are Singaporeans, while the rest are PRs.

The dominant age group is between 30 and 40 years old, with half of the volunteers onboard falling within that range.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant- Colonel Ting Chi Yon, who had Auxiliary Security Troopers deployed with his unit as they oversaw the security and access control duties during this year's Army Open House at the F1 Pit, said they complemented the servicemen well.

"The SVs were extremely professional ...

"Given their maturity and life experience, the SV Auxiliary Security Troopers assisted us effectively in handling a variety of situations such as managing and interacting with the public," he said.