SAF Volunteer Corps

Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC)

Crest of the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC)
Active October, 2014  present
Country  Singapore
Branch Singapore Army
Republic of Singapore Navy
Republic of Singapore Air Force
Type Volunteer Corps
Role

Primary tasks:

  • Serving in assigned roles alongside SAF NSFs, NSmen and Regulars
  • Enhancing the peace and security of Singapore
Size ~200-300[1]
Part of Singapore Armed Forces
Garrison/HQ Maju Camp
Motto "Steadfast & Vigilant"
Commanders
Current
commander
COL Mike Tan Cheow Khai

The SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) is a uniformed volunteer scheme that was established in October 2014[2] to encourage Singaporean women, first generation Permanent Residents and new immigrant/naturalised-citizens to do their part and provide the opportunity to participate towards Singapore's defence by strengthening support for national service and sharing the burden with the national servicemen. Not to be confused with SAF Volunteers or the Rovers (Reservist On Voluntary Extended Reserve Service) scheme that are made up of former NSmen who continue to service past the statutory age.[3]

Background

History

Tracing back its roots at the beginning with the Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps (a private organisation established in 1854 to combat lawlessness), the corps of volunteers evolved over the next 48 years after undergoing several reorganisations and was known by various names through its history into the Singapore Volunteer Corps (SVC), the SAFVC's predecessor. The SVC played an important role forming the Singapore Military Forces in 1953 and together with Regulars and part-time national servicemen in 1965 to form the Singapore Armed Forces as we know today.

Timeline of Singapore Military Volunteerism

Vision

To be reliable, respected and resilient volunteers who are competent, confident and committed, ready to serve to enhance the peace and security of Singapore.

Mission

The mission of SAFVC Volunteers (SV) is to serve in assigned roles alongside SAF NSFs, NSmen and regulars to enhance the security of Singapore.[15]

Motto & Logo

"Steadfast & Vigilant"

As homage to the illustrious 160-year history of Volunteer Military Service in Singapore, the SAFVC logo incorporates elements from the original SVC coat of arms, such as the circular shield, banner and laurel which together with the lion, portray power and courage. Its statant posture with its head facing forward and tail curved over its back, symbolises the steadfastness and vigilance.

The outline of Singapore above the lion is a fitting reminder that the country is now a proud and independent state that relies on her people for defence.

The gold of the logo, being the colour of the brass ammunition, signifies the martial nature of the SAFVC. This, together with the deep blue background, symbolises the common foundation of the SAFVC and the SAF.

Eligibility, Selection and Training

Requirements & Eligibility

Selection

The first cohort of volunteers for its infancy year (2015) saw over a thousand applicants and since then, the SAFVC has interviewed applicants and conducted checks to assess their suitability. Among the applications received, 85 per cent were eligible and initially only some 150 volunteers was targeted for the 2015 cohort[16] however due to overwhelming response the 2015 cohort had 226 volunteers graduating for the year.[17] Due to it being in its infancy stage and also the issue of national security being a concern, acceptance is extremely stringent. Among the female volunteers, a notable number of them are of young age even some still pursuing further tertiary studies. Across all three intakes of the pioneering batch, slightly more than half (51 per cent) are Singapore citizens, while PRs make up the rest. Four in 10 are women and those aged between 30 to 40 make up a slight majority. One in three are aged below 30, and one in 10 volunteers are above 40.[18] The selection process involves an interview by SAF panel members followed by medical examination.

Training

The SAFVC volunteers (SV) will undergo a four-week basic military induction course to be educated on basic military skills and values which is part of a four phase progressive training program in the SAFVC. Each phase is designed to develop the SVs, maintain their competencies, and deploy them in meaningful roles throughout their service.

SVs will complete their Basic Training (Continuous-2weeks stay in camp or Modular-weekends for 10 weeks), Qualification Training (One week), and where applicable, Advanced Training (One week). The Basic Training encompass Aerobic & Strength Training, marching/foot drills, regimental discipline, Technical Handling of SAR 21, Individual Marksmanship Training (IMT), live firing / Basic Trainfire Package (BTP), First Aid Training (CPR & AED), Individual Field Craft (IFC), Urban Ops (UO) / Close Quarter Battle (CQB), route march, Standard Obstacle Course (SOC), Battle Inoculation Course (BIC), Individual Physical Proficiency Familiarisation. After completion of training, SVs will be adequately prepared for their various roles and will be deployed to perform basic tasks under the close supervision of experienced commanders. This will build basic job proficiencies.[19] New enlistees begin as SV (Trainees), and will be promoted to SV1 as well as being issued a dark blue beret just like other combat support units upon completion of their Qualification Training together. Subsequent promotions are dependent on years of service, as well as conduct and performance.[20]

SVs may be deployed to perform more challenging roles, with less supervision. Currency and skills training will keep SVs engaged, as well as improve their skills.

Leadership modules will be introduced to equip selected SVs with the skills to take on leadership roles within SAFVC.

Senior SVs, with more than 10 years of experience, may take up mentor or trainer roles within the SAFVC.

Roles & Service

Roles, such as those in engineering, medicine or law, require prior work experience, while others like the AST, InfoMedia Staff and Bridge Watchkeeper are open to all.

67 per cent, of the volunteers in the first intake will be trained as security troopers, guarding key installations across Singapore alongside active servicemen and reservists. The rest will serve in specialised roles. Volunteers serving as information and media staff make up the second-largest group (13 per cent), while a handful of volunteers will become medical trainers, maritime trainers, defence psychologists, bridge watchkeepers and deck operators. A small group, or 2 per cent, will serve as experts of command, control, communications and computers (C4).[21]

Volunteers typically be called up to serve seven days annually, alongside servicemen and women from the Army, Navy and Air Force, donning the SAFVC formation patch on their respective green, grey or blue uniforms.[22]

Ranks

A unique rank structure was created for the SAFVC Volunteers (SVs). As their contribution are different from those of Regulars and NSmen, there is no comparison between the SV rank and others in the SAF. It also differentiates them from SAF Volunteers, former NSmen who continue to service past the statutory age.[23] The SAFVC ranks comprise five tiers, enumerated by winged chevrons. SV (Trainee), SV1, SV2, SV3 and SV4.

Headquarters and Base

The SAFVC will be based in Maju Camp, which is located off Clementi Road. Maju Camp will house the SAFVC Headquarters, which will function as the Formation HQ of the SAFVC. Basic Training will also be conducted in Maju Camp for all SAFVC Volunteers.

Prominent Members

See also

References

  1. http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/first-intake-saf-volunteer-corps-enlisted
  2. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/safvc
  3. http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/new-saf-volunteer-scheme-professionals-20140701
  4. Makepeace, Brooke & Braddell, 1991, Vol. 2, pp. 606–607; Blythe, W. (1969). The impact of Chinese secret societies in Malaya: A historical study (pp. 75–79). London: Oxford University Press. Call no.: RSEA 366.09595 BLY; Winsley, 1938, p. 2.
  5. "Dalforce at the Fall of Singapore in 1942: An Overseas Chinese Heroic Legend"
  6. Dalforce, Retrieved on 16 September 2007.
  7. http://eservice.nlb.gov.sg/item_holding_s.aspx?bid=4078717
  8. Government of Singapore. (2012, August 23). The Lions’ trial. Retrieved April 14, 2015, from Ministry of Defence website: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/army/ourforces/2PDF/History.html
  9. http://eservice.nlb.gov.sg/item_holding_s.aspx?bid=4826189
  10. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/resourcelibrary/cyberpioneer/topics/articles/features/2014/dec14_cover.html#.VVtxSvmqpBc
  11. Wai, R. (1984, April 1). Well done! ...and thanks. The Straits Times, p. 11. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19840401-1.2.26.aspx
  12. Government of Singapore. (2013, November 4). Brigades and battalions: HQ 21 Singapore Infantry Brigade. Retrieved April 14, 2015, from Ministry of Defence website: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/army/ourforces/2PDF/Brigades_Battalions_2PDF.htm
  13. Government of Singapore. (2004, November/December). Reorganising 1 PDF, progressing in transformation. Army News, 114, 2. Retrieved April 14, 2015, from Ministry of Defence website at: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/content/dam/imindef_media_library/graphics/army/army_news/download_our_issues/pdf/0013.pdf
  14. Government of Singapore. (2010, May 4). The 2 People’s Defence Force. Retrieved April 14, 2015, from Ministry of Defence, website: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/army/ourforces/2PDF.html
  15. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/safvc/about.html
  16. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/first-batch-of-volunteers/1743170.html
  17. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/first-cohort-of-safvc/1944666.html
  18. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/first-batch-of-volunteers/1743170.html
  19. http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/first-intake-saf-volunteer-corps-enlisted
  20. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/resourcelibrary/cyberpioneer/topics/articles/features/2014/dec14_cover.html#.VVtxSvmqpBc
  21. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/first-batch-of-volunteers/1743170.html
  22. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/resourcelibrary/cyberpioneer/topics/articles/features/2014/dec14_cover.html#.VVtxSvmqpBc
  23. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/resourcelibrary/cyberpioneer/topics/articles/features/2014/dec14_cover.html#.VVtxSvmqpBc
  24. http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/first-intake-saf-volunteer-corps-enlisted
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Monday, February 22, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.