Unified Scheme - NSmen

Background

Q1. Why should we unify the two Schemes?

As the future workforce becomes increasingly educated, the need to differentiate between a degree and non-degree holder diminishes. As such, MHA has embarked on the unified rank scheme which allows officers to start on common ground, on the same career track, instead of having non-graduates start as lower-ranking junior officers and graduates as senior officers.

The ‘single’ scheme signals our commitment to look beyond officer’s academic qualifications, and provide fair advancement opportunities for all officers based on demonstrated performance and potential. With the unified rank structure, junior and senior officers’ schemes will be removed and existing junior officers can now look forward to faster progression opportunities.

The unified scheme (including NSmen) will be implemented with effect from 1 July 2017 in SCDF. This provides the opportunity for all junior officers to progress to senior ranks.

Transient Arrangement

Q2. What is the rank structure after the transition on 1 Jul 2017?

Please refer to the table for the rank structure from SGT to WO2. There is no change to the other ranks (PTE to CPL, and LTA and above).

Rank (30 Jun 2017)	NS Vocation	Transited Rank (1 July 2017)	Insignia
SGT	Non-FRS/Paramedic	SGT(1)
SGT	FRS/Paramedic	SGT(2)
SGT	All	SGT(3)
WO2	All	WO(1)
WO1	All	WO(2)

Q3. I am currently a SGT, what will happen to my rank after 1 Jul 2017? Will there be a change in my rank allowance?

 On 1 Jul 2017, depending on your vocation, you will be transited to SGT(1) or SGT(2). Regardless of SGT(1) or SGT(2), you will continue to wear your current insignia after the transition. There will be no change in your rank allowance.

NSmen whose vocation is Fire Response Specialist (FRS) or Paramedic (PRM) will be transited from SGT to SGT(2).

The rest of the NSmen whose rank is SGT will be transited to the rank of SGT(1).

Q4. I am currently a SSG, what will happen to my rank after 1 Jul 2017? Will there be a change in my rank allowance?

You will continue to wear the SSG insignia. You will not be re-designated as SGT(3). There will be no change in your rank allowance.

Promotion Matters

Q5. When will promotion under the new rank structure take effect?

WEF 1 Jul 2017, eligible NSmen will be promoted under the new rank structure.

Below is the rank before and after promotion:

*Following the promotion to LTA:

1. NSmen will need to undergo some form of conversion courses, similar to regulars
2. NSmen statutory age will be increased from 40 to 50
   

Q6. I am currently a WO(2)/SWO(1)/SWO(2), will I be eligible for promotion?

If you had met all the promotion requirements to the next rank, you would be eligible to be promoted to rank of LTA. However, you would have to agree to the extension of your NS statutory age from 40 to 50 before you could be considered for promotion.

Further Clarification

For additional information, you may contact the NS portal hotline at 1800-3676767.