How Much of Your NS Allowance Can You Save During National Service?
While not everyone enjoys serving National Service (NS).
It’s a statutory requirement for all male Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PR) to do so.
Throwing aside less well-thought-out comments on how National Serviceman’s service should not be measured in monetary value.
We recognise that time spent serving means a potential loss of income.
But as the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
Although you won’t be earning big bucks during NS.
Here’s a look at how much money you can potentially save if you planned and saved properly as an NSF.
TL;DR: You Can Save Up To $10,000 During National Service!
The National Service (NS) Journey: Ah Boys to Men
Depending on your Physical Employment Standards (PES) and the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) results before enlistment.
You’ll be enlisted into either:
- Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)
- Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), or the
- Singapore Police force (SPF)
The NS Journey for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)
If you’re enlisted into the SAF, you start with Basic Military Training (BMT).
| Factors determining BMT's duration | Duration of BMT |
|---|---|
| PES A/B1 (Pass IPPT) | 9 weeks |
| PES A/B1 (Fails IPPT) | 17 weeks |
| PES BP (Obese with BMI about 27.0) | 19 weeks |
| PES B, C and E | 9 weeks |
Note: the duration of your BMT depends on your PES status.
| Assignment after BMT | Training duration | What happens after |
|---|---|---|
| Officer Cadet School (OCS) | 38 weeks | Assign to unit/ schools to assume position till completing National Service. |
| Specialist Cadet School (SCS) | 29 weeks | |
| Vocation Training | Depends on vocation |
After BMT, you will then be assigned to either command school to receive leadership training.
If you’re selected to be an Officer, you’ll undergo a 38-week Officer Cadet Course in Officer Cadet School.
If you’re chosen to be a Specialist, you’ll undergo a 29-week training at Specialist Cadet School.
For those of you do not qualify for command school, you’ll be posted to a suitable vocation where you’ll learn specialised skills applicable to your vocation.
Once you’re done with your respective training, you’ll continue your NS journey.
The NS Journey for Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
If you get into the SCDF, your training kicks off with Basic Rescue Training (BRT).
| Factors determining BRT's duration | Duration of BRT |
|---|---|
| PES A/B1 (Pass IPPT) | 4 weeks |
| PES A/B1 (Fails IPPT) | 12 weeks |
| PES BP (Obese with BMI about 27.0) | 12 weeks |
| PES B2 and C and E | 4 weeks |
Note: the duration of your BRT depends on your PES status.
| Assignment after BMT | Training duration | What happens after |
|---|---|---|
| Rota Commander Course (RCC) | 28 weeks | Assign to unit/ schools to assume position till completing National Service. |
| Specialist Cadet School (SCS) | 23 weeks | |
| Vocation Training | Depends on vocation |
Once you finish your BRT, those who are chosen for command school will take a slightly different path.
If you’re selected to be an Officer, you’ll undergo a 28-week Rota Commander Course.
If you’re selected to be a Specialist, you’ll undergo a 23-week Section Commander Course.
For the rest, you’ll be sent to a school or unit to specialise in a certain vocational role.
After which you’ll all be sent to another school or your respective units to continue with your NS journey.
The NS Journey for Singapore Police Force (SPF)
Got enlisted into the SPF?
You’ll start with the Police Officers Basic Course (POBC).
| Factors determining BRT's duration | Duration of POBC |
|---|---|
| PES A/B1 (Pass IPPT) | 14 weeks |
| PES A/B1 (Fails IPPT) | 22 weeks |
| PES BP (Obese with BMI about 27.0) | 22 weeks |
| PES B2 and C | 8-14 weeks |
Note: same thing here, the duration of your POBC depends on your PES status.
| Assignment after BMT | Training duration | What happens after |
|---|---|---|
| Police National Service Officer Cadet Course (PNS OCC) | 29 weeks | Assign to unit/ schools to assume position till completing National Service. |
| Vocation Training | Depends on vocation |
If you’re a potential Officer, you’ll undergo a 29-week Rota Commander Course to be trained as a National Service Probationary Inspector.
For the rest, you’ll be sent to a school to receive specialised vocational training.
Once you’re done, you’ll be posted to various departments or specialist units to continue with your NS journey.
So… What Is the Monthly Allowance in National Service?
You’re probably wondering this right now.
So let’s look at your monthly rank allowance.
Monthly rank and combat allowance for NS men in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)
The monthly total allowance of an NS man in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) consists of their rank allowance and monthly combat allowance.
The rank allowance is as shown below:
| Rank | Rank Allowance |
|---|---|
| Enlistees | |
| Recruit or Private (PTE) | $630 |
| Lance Corporal | $650 |
| Corporal | $700 |
| Corporal First Class | $740 |
| Specialists | |
| Specialist Cadet | $720 |
| Third Sergeant (3SGT) | $950 |
| Second Sergeant | $1,050 |
| Officers | |
| Officer Cadet | $910 |
| Second Lieutenant (2LT) | $1,150 |
| Lieutenant | $1,330 |
On top of rank allowance, NS men are given combat allowance every month, according to the vocation they are in.
The combat allowance is as such:
| Category/ Vocation | Combat Pay Allowance |
|---|---|
| Commando Naval Diver Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defence Explosive Ordinance Disposal | $300 |
| Aircrew Armour Guards Infantry Combat Medics & Officers Specialist in Medical Response Force Seagoing | $150 |
| The rest of the combatants | $100 |
Hence, the total amount which an NS man receives every month is the sum of his rank pay and his combat pay.
Monthly rank and risk allowance for NS men in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
The monthly total allowance of an NS man in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) consists of their rank allowance and monthly risk allowance.
The rank allowance is as shown below:
| Rank | Rank Allowance |
|---|---|
| Recruit or Private (PTE) | $630 |
| Lance Corporal | $650 |
| Corporal | $700 |
| Specialist Cadet | $720 |
| Sergeant 1 | $950 |
| Sergeant 2 | $1,050 |
| Officer Cadet | $910 |
| Second Lieutenant (2LT) | $1,150 |
| Lieutenant | $1,330 |
On top of the monthly rank allowance, selected NSFs will also be eligible to receive operational allowance ranging from S$100 to S$300.
The allowance is based on the vocation and unit they are deployed in.
Hence, the total amount which an NS man receives every month is the sum of his rank pay and his risk pay.
Monthly rank and vocation allowance for NS men in the Singapore Police Force (SPF)
The monthly total allowance of an NS man in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) consists of their rank allowance and monthly vocation allowance.
The rank allowance is as shown below:
| Rank | Rank Allowance |
|---|---|
| Trainee | $630 |
| Special Constable 1 or Vigilante Corps 1 | $630 |
| Special Constable 2 or Vigilante Corps 2 | $650 |
| Corporal | $700 |
| Sergeant 1 (SGT 1) | $950 |
| Sergeant 2 (SGT 2) | $1.050 |
| Officer Cadet | $910 |
| Probationary Inspector (NSPI) | $1,150 |
| Inspector (NSI) | $1,330 |
On top of rank allowance, NS men are given vocation allowance every month, according to the vocation they are in.
The vocation allowance is as such:
| Category/ Vocation | Combat Pay Allowance |
|---|---|
| Airport Patrol Officer Assistant Navigation Officer Neighbourhood Police Centre Officer Persons-In-Custody Officer Police Coast Guard Officer Police Tactical Trooper Public Transport Security Command (TransCom) Officer TransCom Deputy Team Leader | $150 |
| Assistant Operations Officers CCTV Operator Division Security Officer Dog Handler Events Security Team Leader Guard Commander Medic Operations Support Officer Station Security Officer | $100 |
There is also meal allowance provided for the NS men in the Singapore Police Force. The rates are:
- $100 for non-shift work
- $142 for shift work lesser than 12 hours
Hence, the total amount which an NS man receives every month is the sum of his rank pay, his meal allowance and his vocational pay.
Medical Benefits That NSFs Are Entitled To
Yep.
As an NSF, you’ll get medical benefits too!
Here’s where you can seek medical treatment during your NS life and how much it’ll cost you.
| Where To Seek Medical Attention | How Much Does It Cost? |
|---|---|
| Medical Centres in camps | Free of charge |
| Polyclinics | Full subsidy |
| Public hospitals | Full subsidy Unless hospitalised, cost will be at a subsidised cost, depending on your medical benefits scheme |
| Private hospitals and private clinics | Maximum reimbursement of $20 per visit. (Subject to a limit of $350 per calendar year) |
And if you suay suay (touchwood) kena hospitalised, here are the hospital ward classes you are eligible for:
| Rank | All other restructured hospitals | National University Hospital (NUH) |
|---|---|---|
| Recruit to Lance Corporal | Class C | Class C |
| Corporal to First Sergeant | Class B2 | 6-bed |
| Officer Cadet to Lieutenant | Class B1 and B2+ | 4-bed |
If you wish to upgrade your hospital ward, only the amount equivalent to the ward which you are eligible for will be subsidised.
The rates are 80% of the ward charges for you, and 50% for your dependant.
Dental Benefits That NSFs Are Entitled To
On top of medical benefits, you will also be able to receive free dental treatment at SAF dental clinics.
If you’re referred to a hospital for follow-up treatment or need surgery, you’ll pay a subsidised rate.
Under the SAF Dental Subsidy Scheme, you’re entitled to 85% reimbursement of expenses.
Note: this is only if your dental treatment was performed in an approved restructured hospital, polyclinic or private dental clinic.
There is, however, a $120 subsidy cap for each calendar year.
How Much Money Can You REALLY Save During Your NS Days?
Before we go on with the calculation of the money that you can save.
Here are some assumptions.
We assume that you follow the 50-30-20 Rule when allocating your NS allowance.
We’ll also assume that since you probably have little knowledge about investing, you’ll save a total of 50% of your allowance (wealth + savings combined).
To make things simpler, we’ll break the monthly allowance into weekly instead.
With these assumptions in mind, we look at a couple of scenarios and calculate how much you can save during your NS days.
How Much Can an NSF in the SAF Save During His NS Days?
Assuming a PES A/B1 NSF (serve a total of 1 year 10 months) serving NS in the SAF:
| Early part of NS (BMT) | After BMT | Unit/ School | Total Allowance | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training Duration | Allowance | Training Duration | Allowance | Duration till ORD | Allowance | ||
| If he went to OCS | 9 weeks of training | $1,417.50 | 38 weeks of training | $8,645 | 37 weeks: Rank 2LT 8 weeks: Rank LTA | $14,422.50 (with $100 combat pay) $14,985 (with $150 combat pay) $16,672.50 (with $300 combat pay) | $24,485 (With $100 combat pay) $25,047.50 (with $150 combat pay) $26,735 (with $300 combat pay) |
| If he goes to SCS | 29 weeks of training | $5,220 | 54 weeks: 3SGT | $14,175 (with S$100 combat pay) $14,850 (with $150 combat pay) $16,875 ( with $300 combat pay) | $20,812.50 (with $100 combat pay) $21,487.50 (with $150 combat pay) $23,512.50 (with $300 combat pay) |
||
| If he continue in his vocation | 83 weeks: LCP | $15,562.50 (with $100 combat pay) $16,600 (with $150 combat pay) $19,712.50 (with $300 combat pay) | $16,980 (with $100 combat pay) $18,017.50 (with $150 combat pay) $21,130 (with $300 combat pay) |
||||
| #rowspan# $1,417.50 | 75 weeks: LCP 8 weeks: CPL | $15,662.50 (with $100 combat pay) $16,700 (with $150 combat pay) $19,812.50 (with $300 combat pay) | $17,080 (with $100 combat pay) $18,117.50 (with $150 combat pay) $21,230 (with $300 combat pay) |
||||
Depending on your combat allowance, if you:
- Went to OCS and became an officer, your total NS allowance ranges from $24,495 – $26,735
- Went to SCS and became a sergeant, your total NS allowance ranges from $20,812.50 – $23,512.50
- Went to a unit, your total NS allowance ranges from $16,980 – $21,230
And if you saved 50% of your NS allowance, you would have saved:
- $12,247.50 – $13,367.50 if you went to OCS (read: I guess there’s more incentive to go to command school?)
- $10,406.25 – $11,756.25 if you went to SCS
- $8,490 – $10,615 if you went straight to a unit
What If I Want to Maximise My Savings?
Ah…
If you are financially woke and would like to start saving for your future…
You’ll probably want to look for a high-interest savings account to get more out of your savings.
Not of age yet?
Don’t worry, we’ve found the best savings accounts for students too.
“What if I want to start investing,” you ask?
We gotchu fam.
You can always ask our friendly Seedly Community to find out more about how to start your investing journey.
And if you need a guide for all of this, you can always refer to our handy personal finance guide for NSFs.
Good luck!
