SERVICE PAY OF FULL-TIME NATIONAL SERVICEMEN

Maj Fong Sip Chee asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence (l) if he will agree that the service pay of full-time National Service personnel in the other ranks is too low for their normal sustenance; (2) if he is aware that generally, parents of these personnel have to subsidize their children to serve in the National Service; and (3) if he will therefore consider a reasonable upward revision of the service pay of these personnel.

Mr Goh Chok Tong: National Service allowances were last revised on 1st September, 1983. Recruits now get $135 per month for the first three months. Later they receive $150 per month or more, depending on their vocation. With the annual increment, Privates receive $160 to $185 per month in their second year of National Service. Lance Corporals and Corporals get more.

What National Servicemen receive are not wages in payment of services rendered. They are given National Service allowances meant to help defray incidental personal expenses not already borne by the Singapore Armed Forces. The SAF provides free of charge items like food, accommodation and uniforms.

National Service is the contribution of male Singaporeans to the peace and security of the nation. While we do not expect them to be out of pocket because of it, they will have to bear with more austere living conditions.

For National Servicemen in real financial hardship, the SAF provides unmarried soldiers an interest-free loan of up to $200 per month, while married soldiers can get an additional grant of up to $150 per month.

MINDEF will review National Service allowances at regular intervals.