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Recommendations ‘strengthen NS for future generations’

SINGAPORE — The recommendations from the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) — which were accepted by the Government yesterday — will “strengthen NS (National Service) for future generations and ensure the defence, safety and security of Singapore”, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

xhcsns0611 Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, viewing a SAF Readiness Exercise  at Pulau Sudong. The exercise involves NSmen from 702 Guards, with support elements from the Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) on 24 April 2014.  Photo. Ernest Chua.

xhcsns0611 Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, viewing a SAF Readiness Exercise at Pulau Sudong. The exercise involves NSmen from 702 Guards, with support elements from the Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) on 24 April 2014. Photo. Ernest Chua.

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SINGAPORE — The recommendations from the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) — which were accepted by the Government yesterday — will “strengthen NS (National Service) for future generations and ensure the defence, safety and security of Singapore”, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

In a letter to Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen officially accepting the 30 recommendations, Mr Lee wrote: “NS is essential for Singapore’s progress and prosperity. It protects us from external threats, keeps our homes and families safe, and builds lifelong memories and friendships.”

The work of the CSNS, he said, has contributed to keeping NS strong and relevant in the future. The committee, which was set up last March, announced its recommendations last month, after gathering feedback and suggestions from more than 40,000 people.

Some of the recommendations include a longer timeframe for national servicemen to take their Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), S$6,000 more in benefits in the form of Medisave grants, and reduced enlistment wait-time.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Defence said two recommendations that would be implemented first are changing exit control policies next month such that only NSmen who travel overseas for more than 14 days and less than six months are required to notify the Government, and rolling out the additional Medisave grants known as NS HOME (Housing, Medical and Education) Awards later this year.

The recommendations are expected to cost the Government S$4.5 billion over the next decade. National servicemen TODAY spoke to largely applauded the recommendations, but some raised doubts as to whether they support the intended objectives. Project manager Vincent Tay, 32, was pleased with the HOME Awards, but questioned if monetary incentives will improve interest in NS.

Mr Foo Chee Chang, 28, said the additional S$100 incentive for those who pass their IPPT shows “the Government is approaching this from an end-point perspective rather than trying to tackle the cause of why we have lot of unfit NSmen”. He thinks NSmen should be provided with discounts to gyms and sports memberships instead.

NSF Xie Tian Ci, 23, thought introducing earlier enlistment would help those who plan on further tertiary education, but NSF Adli Jumat, 21, felt it meant “less freedom” for those waiting to enlist and added that the scheme benefits only those who have a university placement.

Meanwhile, Minister of State (Defence) Maliki Osman said yesterday after a dialogue session with NSmen at Jurong Camp 2 that the participants had found the recommendations meaningful and appreciated them. The accepted recommendations, he said, mean “a stronger NS system and a stronger SAF for the next generation that gives us the confidence and assurance that we have a secure future”.

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