IN-CAMP TRAINING FOR RESERVISTS (Exemption and Deferment)

Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister of Defence under what circumstances a Reservist may be exempted from prolonged periods of in-camp training if, indeed, such exemption is allowed.

The Minister of Defence (Mr Howe Yoon Chong): Mr Speaker, Sir, under the Enlistment Act, Reservist Officers are liable for service up to the age of 50, while Reservist Other Ranks serve until 40. A Reservist may be called up for Reserve Service up to a maximum of 40 days a year. In practice, however, the duration of the annual in-camp training is normally three weeks, except on occasions where the reserve units are sent for overseas training and exercises, in which case the in-camp training may stretch up to five weeks.

A Reservist may be exempted from Reserve Service or in-camp training only when he is pronounced medically unfit for such service by a Medical Board. No exemption is granted on hardship grounds as any loss of income arising out of his in-camp training can be reimbursed in the form of make-up pay.

Reservists are normally informed six to 12 months in advance of the dates they have to report for in-camp training. This is deemed adequate prior notice and should enable the Reservist and his employer to make arrangements to enable him to attend in-camp training.

However, Reservists who are attending regular courses of study overseas or working abroad may have their liability deferred but they will have to make up for their deferred liability on return to Singapore.

Deferment from in-camp training may also be granted to Reservists on compassionate grounds or when there are extenuating circumstances such as when they have serious family problems and the like at the time of their being called up for in-camp training.

Although Reservists who are deferred from in-camp training can make up their training at a later date with another unit, the SAF does not grant deferment liberally because a Reservist Unit has to operate as a cohesive team. When a member of this team is absent during annual in-camp training, the work of a team will be materially affected. When the Reservist goes back the next year for in-camp training, he will have to do two years' liability instead of one and this adds to the burden that he has to discharge.