Singapore Armed Forces Reviews

Pros

Able to commit to national defence

Cons

Low pay, stay in, work life balance

Pros

The job is stable and there are ample opportunities to move into different operations and roles as one progresses into the job. On top of mandatory military courses, the management also provide opportunities for upgrading such as soft-skills training and short courses. The working hours are relatively fixed for each work year. It can be shift-based or 8-5 depending on the role of the personnel. It is good for people who are inclined to a military career, or a good stepping stone to drawing a full salary, especially for those serving their NS obligations.

Cons

Similarly to the civil service, the starting salary for entry level holders is slightly higher than the market salary, but the increment is capped over time. Besides, those may find their route of advancement much slower than their counterparts from other arms or formation. Culture wise, if you are someone who is goal and result-oriented, I would strongly recommend to avoid signing on as it is generally attracts the pool of people who have financial obligations at the start. This results in people to be overly comfortable and resistive to change, knowing that contributing more or less to the organization would not impact their overall salary. Cases of backstabbing and gossiping are prevalent as well, especially in a closed environment. This actually brings a lot of negativity to the environment, especially if you are someone who cares about career growth and a good work culture. That also resulted in a high attrition rate, with personnel resigning after fulfilling their minimum contract obligations. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and there are definitely more issues stemming in this clear-hierarchical organization.

Pros

I doubt there is any other job that provides as many training as the SAF, and yes the Navy too.

Cons

Your time is the SAF's, but it is fair given the money we are paid and the commitment we implicitly gave

Pros

-Free accommodation and 3 meals a day are provided. -FOC physical fitness instructors to train you physically and mentally -Free yearly credits provided to purchase company apparels and kicks

Cons

-Mandatory to live in workplace 24/7 for 5 days a week, sometimes 6-7 days a week. Have to standby and always be on call for weekends and public holidays. -Low pay, long hours

Pros

Good starting pay for fresh grad

Cons

slow progression for army engineer

Pros

Fitness, leadership opportunities and meeting new people

Cons

Tiring and dreadful at times

Pros

2 years to learn about defending singapore

Cons

2 years without academic pursuits might prove for those who finished conscription to have difficulty adjusting back to further studies

Pros

Amazing first job I had. Great amount of knowledge attained from the training and peers. Very safe and naturing environment.

Cons

I reassessed my career goals and my current job/role did not provide me with opportunities to explore my real potential and capabilities.

Pros

Good life, make friends and lovely environment

Cons

None that I can think of

Pros

Job stability, decent working hours (although shiftwork), other typical civil servant benefits

Cons

Poor & toxic organizational culture, you are surrounded by incompetent & unmotivated people, poor compensation as compared to other 1st world militaries, shiftwork (sacrifices need to be made during weekends/festive seasons), too much unnecessary workload (from secondary appointments that are non-operational - an operational unit shouldn't be concerned with non-operational duties)