“The SAF will screen through applicants carefully to find those with suitable aptitudes and skills to be pioneer batches of the SAFVC that can strengthen our national defence.” – Dr Ng Eng Hen, Defence Minister
To be an SAFVC Volunteer, you’ll first have to be a Singaporean or Permanent Resident between the ages of 18 and 45.
SAFVC Volunteers will need to meet the SAF’s requirements so that they can contribute in their roles safely and effectively. The requirements vary. Some of these include relevant work experience, physical fitness levels and aptitude. For example, requirements for the Field Psychologist role include a degree in Psychology and at least three years of professional work experience.
Like our active personnel and NSmen, SAFVC volunteers will also undergo the necessary screening to ensure their suitability for the various roles.
The SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) opened its doors to applicants on 13 Oct. Some have asked why a new set of ranks had to be designed for the SAFVC.
Well, that’s because the SAFVC ranks are NOT pegged to existing SAF rank structures. SAFVC Volunteers have a distinct identity, and the relationship between these volunteers and our SAF servicemen (Regulars and NSmen) will be based on appointment, not rank. For example, the SAFVC Volunteer will be subordinate to the commander placed directly in charge of him or her.
The SAFVC rank structure will give volunteers a sense of progression, and recognise long-term, committed service. They will be promoted based on training completed and years of service.
This is PTE Faris Nabil, a Fast Craft Seaman from 191 Squadron. It is his very first participation in the National Day Parade, and he is excited and nervous about being in the parade marching contingent.
“We have been rehearsing almost every Saturday since April. Some of the rehearsals took place during Ramadan, during which I have to fast. It wasn’t easy during that period of time, but my friends and trainers’ support helped me through it. There are also many uncles and aunties in the marching contingent who were also fasting. Seeing how they persevered through the practices was a motivation for me to perform well too.”
TAHUN lalu, Leftenan Muda (2Lt) Muhammad Iqbal Abdul Rahim dengan berat hati melepaskan peluang bermain bagi kelab ragbi di Jepun kerana sudah dipanggil menjalani Perkhidmatan Negara (NS).
Beliau menjalani Latihan Asas Ketenteraan (BMT) seperti anggota NS lain, namun hatinya tetap pada sukan yang diceburinya dari menengah satu lagi. Anak ketiga dalam keluarga empat beradik itu telah lama menanam cita-cita menjadi pemain ragbi profesional apabila dewasa kelak.
Namun, kini 2Lt Muhammad Iqbal, 21 tahun, tidak pasti adakah impian itu masih ingin dicapainya.
Ini kerana selepas beberapa bulan menjalani NS, beliau mula menimbangkan kemungkinan meneruskan khidmat sebagai pegawai sepenuh masa bersama Angkatan Bersenjata Singapura (SAF).
Anugerah Pedang Merit (Bayonet Perak) yang diterimanya semalam kerana muncul sebagai kadet kedua terbaik dalam kohort infantrinya seakan-akan mendorong anak muda ini memilih kerjaya bersama SAF seperti yang digalakkan ibu bapanya. 2Lt Muhammad Iqbal antara 553 kadet pegawai yang ditauliahkan sebagai pegawai SAF dalam upacara pentauliahan di Institut Tentera Safti (Safti MI) itu.
Seramai 456 daripadanya dari divisyen tentera darat, 50 daripada Angkatan Udara Republik Singapura (RSAF) dan 47 daripada Angkatan Laut Republik Singapura (RSN). Menurut 2Lt Muhammad Iqbal, sebelum menjalani NS, beliau banyak memberi perhatian pada “kerjayanya” sebagai pemain dan kapten pasukan Bawah 20 Tahun Singapura.
“Tiga bulan sebelum saya memulakan NS, saya diberi kontrak profesional untuk bermain bersama kelab Toyota Verblitz di Jepun selama setahun. Saya ke sana untuk menjalani percubaan namun apabila mendapat tahu tentang NS dan kecederaan buku lali yang saya alami pada waktu itu, mereka tidak menerima saya bermain,” kata lulusan Politeknik Republic itu.
Beliau berasa agak hampa kerana terpaksa melepaskan peluang yang akan menjadikannya pemain ragbi Singapura pertama diberi kontrak profesional bermain dengan kelab luar negara. Namun, selepas memasuki OCS, 2Lt Muhammad Iqbal, yang mendapat tawaran mewakili Singapura dalam Sukan SEA tahun depan, mula berminat menceburi kerjaya bersama SAF.
“Saya melihatnya sebagai satu kerjaya yang memuaskan. Saya mahu membantu mereka yang tidak bersemangat menjalani NS agar mempunyai perspektif berbeza terhadap latihan, pertahanan negara dan kehidupan mereka,” katanya yang akan meneruskan perkhidmatan di Rejimen Infantri Singapura Ketiga (3SIR) di Kem Selarang.
Dalam ucapannya, tetamu terhormat, Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Encik Tharman Shanmugaratnam, berkata landskap keselamatan Singapura semakin rumit sejak beberapa tahun lalu disebabkan ketegangan di rantau dan cabaran keselamatan transnasional seperti keganasan, bencana alam, wabak biologi dan ancaman siber.
“Sebagai penjamin muktamad keselamatan Singapura, SAF harus kekal sebagai angkatan yang kuat dan boleh dipercayai menentang semua ancaman keselamatan, demi memberi Singapura dan warga Singapura keyakinan menghadapi dunia yang tidak menentu dan bergelora,” kata Encik Tharman.
https://www.facebook.com/abubakar.mohdnorAbu Bakar Mohd Nor
SLTC (NS) Abu Bakar (Centre) shares his thoughts on his promotion, “ I am very grateful with the recognition given to me, it’s not only about me, as this promotion is to recognise the efforts of people who had supported me. My wife, my family, my employers and those who have served alongside me. Such efforts made this promotion more meaningful.”
