National Servicemen (NSmen) undergo In-Camp Training as part of their National Service journey. The NSRA is designed to provide sustained recognition of the NS contributions made by Singapore citizens
SINGAPORE: The Defence Ministry has given details of the National Service Recognition Award (NSRA) announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day Rally.
The award is to recognise Singapore citizens who have served national service.
MINDEF said the NSRA is a monetary award of between S$9,000 and S$10,500 for each citizen NSman by the time he completes his operationally ready national service (ORNS) training cycle, better known as the reservist training cycle.
The money will be disbursed equally at three significant milestones during the serviceman’s full—time training and ORNS.
MINDEF said eligible NSmen will receive S$3,000 at each of the milestones.
Commanders — those holding the ranks of third sergeant and above in the SAF, and sergeant and above in the HomeTeam — will receive S$3,500, S$500 more.
MINDEF said the first milestone will be the serviceman’s operationally ready date, which is when he completes his full—time national service. The payment will be made when he completes the 20th month full—time national service.
The second tranche will be paid after the completion of three high—key in—camp training or five in—camp trainings, whichever is earlier.
The last tranche will be paid when the full ORNS training cycle is completed.
The award for the first milestone will be deposited into the post—secondary education account (PSEA) to meet the full—time NSman’s aspiration to further his studies.
The second and third payments will be deposited into the serviceman’s CPF Ordinary, MediSave and Special accounts in line with prevailing CPF contribution rates.
The serviceman can use this amount for housing, healthcare and retirement.
The NSRA takes effect from Aug 29.
—CNA/wk