Hmm I didn't think it was essential, but anyway here's Mr Lim's story:
A MORE FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE FOR WORKING NSMEN?
Wednesday January 31, 2007
Letter from Matthew lim chee wei
I recently failed my Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) and am
now required to report for Remedial Training (RT).
While I understand the need to fulfill my obligations as a National
Serviceman, I hope the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) will accommodate those
who are required to travel overseas extensively for their work.
The nature of my job is such that I'm required to travel overseas on most
weekdays, and 60 per cent of my time is spent overseas.
Attending RT will require me to attend a weekday session and a weekend
session for up to two months. And NSmen are required to make-up the time
for each training session missed subject to a maximum of two make-up
trainings.
Considering my work commitments, I will miss most of the weekday RT
sessions and will be automatically discharged from the RT schedule and
face disciplinary action.
I am in a Catch-22 situation as I could not pass my IPPT no matter how
hard I tried, and now, cannot complete my RT programme due to work
commitments.
Could Mindef consider a more flexible schedule so that NSmen can complete
their RT programme without being restricted to a rigid schedule?