[Singapore, November 2, 2015] – The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is set to grow their ranks as the first batch of military volunteers is set to complete their training by the end of September. The first of three batches for the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) began their weeks-long training early this year.

Inaugural Group

The first of the three batches of SAFVC volunteers (SVs) comprise of 68 Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) who enlisted last March 24 at Maju Camp. A total of 226 volunteers were accepted for 2015, exceeding the SAF’s original target of 150 SVs.

The 226 SVs came from a diverse range of ages and backgrounds, even including a Member of Parliament who became a Singapore citizen at the age of 35. Over 1,000 applications were submitted for the first batch of volunteers, with about only 85% deemed suitable for the program. The pioneer 150 SVs made the cut after fulfilling requirements for medical and security screenings, and doing well in a 30-minute interview with a panel of military officers.

SAFVC Commander COL Mike Tan said early this year that almost half of the pioneer batch are PRs, while two in five are women. A little over 50% are aged 30-40 years old, and over 10% are at least 40 years old.

In his speech during the SAFVC’s Beret Presentation Parade last June 27 to mark the end of the basic training for volunteers, COL Tan said the group’s training has better prepared them to serve the country alongside regular and national servicemen, particularly in carrying out supporting roles.

"The SAFVC has taught you to be adaptive, respectful of others, more resilient and to better appreciate the sacrifices made by our NSmen, NSFs and regulars of the SAF to protect the sovereignty of our nation," Colonel Tan was quoted as saying.

Upon completion of the SAFVC training service, the newly minted SVs will be required to serve seven days a year, in one of the 17 vocations they were assigned to, mostly non-combat duties.

About the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps

Established in October 2014, the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps is a uniformed volunteer service program that gives Singaporeans and Permanent Residents the opportunity to contribute to national defence. Their mission is to serve alongside SAF NSFs, NSmen, and regulars through assigned, non-combat roles.

To volunteer or for more information about the volunteer scheme, visit http://www.mindef.gov.sg/safvc/.