Advertisement
Singapore markets close in 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Straits Times Index

    3,176.91
    +4.98 (+0.16%)
     
  • Nikkei

    39,871.27
    +130.87 (+0.33%)
     
  • Hang Seng

    16,547.87
    -189.23 (-1.13%)
     
  • FTSE 100

    7,722.55
    -4.87 (-0.06%)
     
  • Bitcoin USD

    65,178.10
    -3,121.73 (-4.57%)
     
  • CMC Crypto 200

    885.54
    0.00 (0.00%)
     
  • S&P 500

    5,149.42
    +32.33 (+0.63%)
     
  • Dow

    38,790.43
    +75.63 (+0.20%)
     
  • Nasdaq

    16,103.45
    +130.25 (+0.82%)
     
  • Gold

    2,162.30
    -2.00 (-0.09%)
     
  • Crude Oil

    82.57
    -0.15 (-0.18%)
     
  • 10-Yr Bond

    4.3400
    0.0000 (0.00%)
     
  • FTSE Bursa Malaysia

    1,550.00
    -3.64 (-0.23%)
     
  • Jakarta Composite Index

    7,344.13
    +41.68 (+0.57%)
     
  • PSE Index

    6,895.64
    +42.35 (+0.62%)
     

How Much Of Your NS Allowance Can You Save During National Service?

NS Pay, Salary, benefits for singaporeans
NS Pay, Salary, benefits for singaporeans

While not everyone enjoys serving National Service, it is a statutory requirement for all male Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PR) to do so.

Throwing aside less well-thought-out comments on how National Serviceman’s service should not be measured in monetary value, we understand that the sacrificing of income can be a very huge sacrifice for some.

As the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

life gives you lemonade make lemons
Source: giphy

In this article, we look at how much money one can potentially save throughout his time serving National Service.


You Can Save Up To $10,000 During National Service (NS)

NS Pay, Salary, benefits for singaporeans
NS Pay, Salary, benefits for singaporeans

The National Service (NS) Journey – Ah Boys to Men

Depending on one’s Physical Employment Standards (PES) and the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) results before enlistment, one will be enlisted into either the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) or the Singapore Police force (SPF).

The NS Journey for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)

The NS Journey for someone who got enlisted into the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) kicks off with Basic Military Training (BMT).

Factors determining BMT's duration

Duration of BMT

PES A/B1
(Pass IPPT)

9 weeks

PES A/B1
(Fails IPPT)

17 weeks

PES BP
(Obese with BMI about 27.0)

19 weeks

PES B, C and E

9 weeks

  • The duration of Basic Military Training (BMT) depends on your PES status.

ADVERTISEMENT

After BMT, one will then be assigned to either the command school to receive leadership training or to a suitable vocation where they learn specialised skills applicable to their vocation.

Assignment after BMT

Training duration

What happens after

Officer Cadet School
(OCS)

38 weeks

Assign to unit/ schools to assume position till completing National Service.

Specialist Cadet School
(SCS)

29 weeks

Vocation Training

Depends on vocation

  • For those selected to be an Officer in OCS after BMT, he will undergo a 38 weeks Officer Cadet Course to be trained as an Officer for SAF.

  • Those chosen to be a Specialist will undergo a 29 weeks training at Specialist Cadet School (SCS).

  • Those who are chosen to specialise in a certain role in a vocation will go on to receive specialised training on it.

After which, they will all be sent to a school or unit, where they continue their NS journey.

The NS Journey for Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

The NS Journey for someone who got enlisted into the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) kicks off with Basic Rescue Training (BRT).

Factors determining BRT's duration

Duration of BRT

PES A/B1
(Pass IPPT)

4 weeks

PES A/B1
(Fails IPPT)

12 weeks

PES BP
(Obese with BMI about 27.0)

12 weeks

PES B2 and C and E

4 weeks

  • The duration of Basic Military Training (BRT) depends on your PES status.

After BRT, one will then be assigned to either the command school to receive leadership training or to a suitable vocation where they learn specialised skills applicable to their vocation.

Assignment after BMT

Training duration

What happens after

Rota Commander Course
(RCC)

28 weeks

Assign to unit/ schools to assume position till completing National Service.

Specialist Cadet School
(SCS)

23 weeks

Vocation Training

Depends on vocation

  • For those selected to be an Officer in RCC after BRT, he will undergo a 28 weeks Rota Commander Course to be trained as a command position within SCDF

  • Those chosen to be a Specialist will undergo a 23 weeks training at Section Commander Course (SCC).

  • Those who are chosen to specialise in a certain role in a vocation will go on to receive specialised training on it.

After which, they will all be sent to a school or unit, where they continue their NS journey.

The NS Journey for Singapore Police Force (SPF)

The NS Journey for someone who got enlisted into the Singapore Police Force (SPF) kicks off with Police Officers Basic Course (POBC).

Factors determining BRT's duration

Duration of POBC

PES A/B1
(Pass IPPT)

14 weeks

PES A/B1
(Fails IPPT)

22 weeks

PES BP
(Obese with BMI about 27.0)

22 weeks

PES B2 and C

8-14 weeks

  • The duration of Police Officers Basic Course (POBC) depends on your PES status.

After POBC, one will then be assigned to either the Police National Service Officer Cadet Course (PNS OCC) to receive leadership training or to a suitable vocation where they learn specialised skills applicable to their vocation.

Assignment after BMT

Training duration

What happens after

Police National Service Officer Cadet Course (PNS OCC)

29 weeks

Assign to unit/ schools to assume position till completing National Service.

Vocation Training

Depends on vocation

  • For those selected to be an Officer in Police National Service Officer Cadet Course (PNS OCC) after POBC, he will undergo a 29 weeks Rota Commander Course to be trained as a National Service Probationary Inspector and be posted to various departments or specialist units.

  • Those who are chosen to specialise in a certain role in a vocation will go on to receive specialised training on it.

After which, they will all be sent to a school or unit, where they continue their NS journey.


What Is The Monthly Allowance In National Service?

Before we go ahead with the calculation of how much one can actually save during their NS days, we take a look at the monthly rank allowance.

Monthly rank and combat allowance for NS men in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)

The monthly total allowance of an NS man in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) consists of their rank allowance and monthly combat allowance.

The rank allowance is as shown below:

Rank

Rank Allowance

Enlistees

Recruit or Private
(PTE)

S$560

Lance Corporal

S$580

Corporal

S$630

Corporal First Class

S$670

Specialists

Specialist Cadet

S$650

Third Sergeant
(3SGT)

S$880

Second Sergeant

S$980

First Sergeant

S$1050

Officers

Officer Cadet

S$840

Second Lieutenant
(2LT)

S$1080

Lieutenant

S$1260

On top of rank allowance, NS men are given combat allowance every month, according to the vocation they are in. The combat allowance is as such:

Category/ Vocation

Combat Pay Allowance

Commando
Naval Diver
Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defence
Explosive Ordinance Disposal

S$300

Aircrew
Armour
Guards
Infantry
Combat Medics & Officers
Specialist in Medical Response Force
Seagoing

S$150

The rest of the combatants

S$100

Hence, the total amount which an NS man receives every month is the sum of his rank pay and his combat pay.

Monthly rank and risk allowance for NS men in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

The monthly total allowance of an NS man in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) consists of their rank allowance and monthly risk allowance.

The rank allowance is as shown below:

Rank

Rank Allowance

Recruit or Private
(PTE)

S$560

Lance Corporal

S$580

Corporal

S$630

Specialist Cadet

S$650

Sergeant 1

S$880

Sergeant 2

S$980

Officer Cadet

S$840

Second Lieutenant
(2LT)

S$1080

Lieutenant

S$1260

On top of the monthly rank allowance, selected NSFs will also be eligible to receive operational allowance ranging from S$100 to S$300. The allowance is based on the vocation and unit they are deployed in.

Hence, the total amount which an NS man receives every month is the sum of his rank pay and his risk pay.

Monthly rank and vocation allowance for NS men in the Singapore Police Force (SPF)

The monthly total allowance of an NS man in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) consists of their rank allowance and monthly vocation allowance.

The rank allowance is as shown below:

Rank

Rank Allowance

Trainee

S$560

Special Constable 1 or Vigilante Corps 1

S$560

Special Constable 2 or Vigilante Corps 2

S$580

Corporal

S$630

Sergeant

S$980

Officer Cadet

S$840

Probationary Inspector

S$1080

Inspector

S$1260

On top of rank allowance, NS men are given vocation allowance every month, according to the vocation they are in. The vocation allowance is as such:

Category/ Vocation

Combat Pay Allowance

Airport Patrol Officer
Assistant Navigation Officer
Neighbourhood Police Centre Officer
Persons-In-Custody Officer
Police Coast Guard Officer
Police Tactical Trooper
Public Transport Security Command (TransCom) Officer
TransCom Deputy Team Leader

S$150

Assistant Operations Officers
CCTV Operator
Division Security Officer
Dog Handler
Events Security Team Leader
Guard Commander
Medic
Operations Support Officer
Station Security Officer

S$100

There is also meal allowance provided for the NS men in the Singapore Police Force. The rates are:

  • S$100 for non-shift work

  • S$142 for shift work lesser than 12 hours

Hence, the total amount which an NS man receives every month is the sum of his rank pay, his meal allowance and his vocation pay.


Medical Benefits That NSFs Are Entitled To

Well, taking away all the Chao Keng cases, we look at the medical benefits which NSFs are entitled to!

NSF Chao Keng Starter Pack
Source: me.me

Here’s where an NSF can seek medical benefits during their NS life and how much they need to pay.

Where To Seek Medical Attention

How Much Does It Cost?

Medical Centres in camps

Free of charge

Polyclinics

Full subsidy

Public hospitals

Full subsidy

Unless hospitalised, cost will be at a subsidised cost, depending on your medical benefits scheme

Private hospitals and private clinics

Maximum reimbursement of $20 per visit.

(Subject to a limit of $350 per calendar year)

If an NSF is hospitalised, the class of ward they are eligible for is as per below:

Rank

All other restructured hospitals

National University Hospital
(NUH)

Recruit to Lance Corporal

Class C

Class C

Corporal to First Sergeant

Class B2

6-bed

Officer Cadet to Lieutenant

Class B1 and B2+

4-bed

Should one wish to upgrade their ward, only the amount equivalent to the ward which one is eligible for will be subsidised. 80% of the ward charges for you (50% for your dependant), based on the rates at your correct ward eligibility.

Dental Benefits That NSFs Are Entitled To

On top of the medical benefits, an NSF will be able to receive dental treatment free of charge at SAF dental clinics. Should he be referred to a hospital for follow-up treatment, he will be subsidised accordingly.

Under the SAF Dental Subsidy Scheme, an NSF is entitled to 85% reimbursement of expenses from dental treatment. This is provided that the dental treatment is done at a restructured hospital, polyclinic or private dental clinic.

There is, however, a $120 subsidy cap for each calendar year.


How much money can one save during his NS days? – A typical Example

Before we go on with the calculation of the money that one can save, here are some assumptions:

  • Assuming an NS man follows the 50/30/20 rule when allocating his NS allowance.

    Seedly 50 30 20 Rule Budget Allocation
    Seedly 50 30 20 Rule Budget Allocation
  • As the NS man might have little knowledge about investing, he ends up saving 50% of his allowance, a total of wealth and savings combined.

  • We break down monthly allowance into weekly instead, for easier calculation.

With that in mind, we went on to set a few scenarios and calculate how much can an NS man save during his NS days.

How much can an NS man in the SAF save over his NS days?

Assuming:

  • PES A/B1 NS man, hence serving 1 year 10 months

  • Serves his national service in the Singapore Armed Forces

 

Early part of NS
(BMT)

After BMT

Unit/ School

Total Allowance

Training Duration

Allowance

Training Duration

Allowance

Duration till ORD

Allowance

If he went to OCS

9 weeks of training

S$1,260

38 weeks of training

S$7,980

37 weeks: Rank 2LT
8 weeks: Rank LTA

S$13,635
(with S$100 combat pay)

S$14,197.50
(with S$150 combat pay)

S$15,885
(with S$300 combat pay)

S$22,875
(With S$100 combat pay)

S$23,437.50
(with S$150 combat pay)

S$25,125
(with S$300 combat pay)

If he goes to SCS

29 weeks of training

S$4,712.50

54 weeks: 3SGT

S$13,150
( with S$100 combat pay)

S$13,905
(with S$150 combat pay)

S$15,930
( with S$300 combat pay)

S$19,122.50
( with S$100 combat pay)

S$19,877.50
(with S$150 combat pay)

S$21,902.50
( with S$300 combat pay)

If he continue in his vocation

83 weeks: LCP

S$14,110
(with S$100 combat pay)

S$15,147.50
(with S$150 combat pay)

S$18,260
(with S$300 combat pay)

S$15,370
(with S$100 combat pay)

S$16,407.50
(with S$150 combat pay)

S$19,520
(with S$300 combat pay)

75 weeks: LCP
8 weeks: CPL

S$14,210
(with S$100 combat pay)

S$15,247.50
(with S$150 combat pay)

S$18,360
(with S$300 combat pay)

S$15,470
(with S$100 combat pay)

S$16,507.50
(with S$150 combat pay)

S$19,620
(with S$300 combat pay)

Depending on his combat allowance, if one:

  • Went to OCS and became an officer, his total NS allowance ranges from S$22,875 – S$25,125

  • Went to SCS and became a sergeant, his total NS allowance ranges from S$19,122.50 – S$21,902.50

  • Went to a unit, his total NS allowance ranges from S$15,470 – S$19,620

This means that should he save 50% of his NS allowance, he would have saved:

  • S$11,437.50 – S$12,562.50 if he goes to OCS

  • S$9,561.25 – S$10,951.25 if he goes to SCS

  • S$7,870 – S$9,810 if he goes straight to a unit.


Looking to invest during your NS days?

If you would like to hear what your peers have experienced and done in their situation, we have an open community for you to hear from different perspectives. To better help you with your journey, do read up on the personal finance guide for NSF.

The post How Much Of Your NS Allowance Can You Save During National Service? appeared first on Seedly - Get Rich Or Die Tryin'