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17-11-2013, 11:10 AM
An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is exploring the option of splitting its new volunteer corps initiative into two tracks -- one for operational support roles, and a specialist track for those with specific skills.
PHOTOSVIDEOS
File photo of NSmen (TODAY)
ENLARGECAPTION
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is exploring the option of splitting its new volunteer corps initiative into two tracks.
The scheme, which allows those not liable for National Service to serve, may have a main track for operational support roles, and a specialist track for those with specific skills.
A public engagement session was held Saturday to consult Singaporeans for their views on realising the initiative.
From military men to civilian women, participants of the public engagement session floated ideas to make the SAF's Volunteer Corps scheme work.
The scheme may see those with knowledge and skills in medicine, law, communications and psychology contribute via a specialist track.
Other volunteers may support the military's operations through a main track.
Second Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing said: "We will have probably a few different avenues for people to volunteer. And it won't be just one-size-fits-all because we must recognise that the volunteers come with different skill-sets.
“They will also come with different abilities to contribute and the onus is on us to design a system that is flexible enough to harness their energies without strait-jacketing them into only one particular scheme."
However, many stakeholders felt there should be a basic training route for all to take, no matter what track they opt for.
Some feel that volunteers should be rewarded financially. A number of participants at the session suggested that a basic allowance be given to those who give their time in volunteering, to recognise their contributions to Singapore's defence.
Others feel that volunteering should come from the heart.
The Ministry of Defence is not ruling out allowances, but is treading carefully when it comes to recognition.
Another challenge is getting women to volunteer.
Dr Luisa Lee, who volunteered with the Medical Corps in the SAF, said: "There are already women who are interested to know more and we would probably need to have some form of information and education programme to raise awareness."
On leadership development, the proportion of military commanders may be expanded to allow more soldiers to step up.
- CNA/ec
Click here to view the whole thread at www.sammyboy.com (http://www.sammyboy.com/showthread.php?168470-Good-news-to-those-who-likes-serving-SAF-for-free&goto=newpost).
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is exploring the option of splitting its new volunteer corps initiative into two tracks -- one for operational support roles, and a specialist track for those with specific skills.
PHOTOSVIDEOS
File photo of NSmen (TODAY)
ENLARGECAPTION
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is exploring the option of splitting its new volunteer corps initiative into two tracks.
The scheme, which allows those not liable for National Service to serve, may have a main track for operational support roles, and a specialist track for those with specific skills.
A public engagement session was held Saturday to consult Singaporeans for their views on realising the initiative.
From military men to civilian women, participants of the public engagement session floated ideas to make the SAF's Volunteer Corps scheme work.
The scheme may see those with knowledge and skills in medicine, law, communications and psychology contribute via a specialist track.
Other volunteers may support the military's operations through a main track.
Second Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing said: "We will have probably a few different avenues for people to volunteer. And it won't be just one-size-fits-all because we must recognise that the volunteers come with different skill-sets.
“They will also come with different abilities to contribute and the onus is on us to design a system that is flexible enough to harness their energies without strait-jacketing them into only one particular scheme."
However, many stakeholders felt there should be a basic training route for all to take, no matter what track they opt for.
Some feel that volunteers should be rewarded financially. A number of participants at the session suggested that a basic allowance be given to those who give their time in volunteering, to recognise their contributions to Singapore's defence.
Others feel that volunteering should come from the heart.
The Ministry of Defence is not ruling out allowances, but is treading carefully when it comes to recognition.
Another challenge is getting women to volunteer.
Dr Luisa Lee, who volunteered with the Medical Corps in the SAF, said: "There are already women who are interested to know more and we would probably need to have some form of information and education programme to raise awareness."
On leadership development, the proportion of military commanders may be expanded to allow more soldiers to step up.
- CNA/ec
Click here to view the whole thread at www.sammyboy.com (http://www.sammyboy.com/showthread.php?168470-Good-news-to-those-who-likes-serving-SAF-for-free&goto=newpost).