You've ORD'd. You're now an Operationally Ready NSman (or just NSman), and you'll be called back for training every so often until you finish your cycle. This page covers what changes, what In-Camp Training (ICT) is actually like, and the admin you need to know.
You just became an NSman
When you ORD, you don't fully leave the system. You get posted to an NS unit, and you stay liable for reservist duty for years. Once in the army, always in the army!
Sort these out early:
- Update your details on the NS portal. Keep your contact, address, bank, and employment info current on the OneNS portal and app. That's how they reach you for call-ups and pay you.
- Save the NS hotline. The 24-hour NS Call Centre is 1800-367 6767 (from overseas: +65 6567 6767).
- Expect your first call-up notice. Your first ICT can come anytime from a few months to a couple of years after ORD. Don't panic if mates get called up before you, units schedule on their own timeline.
The ORNS cycle
Your reservist commitment is called Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS). It runs for about 10 cycle years after ORD.
In that time you complete:
- 7 High-Key ICTs. The longer, heavier training cycles.
- 3 Low-Key ICTs. Shorter activities like briefings, medical checks, and manning duties.
A few terms worth knowing:
- Work-year. Your ORNS year runs 1 April to 31 March. You "clear" an active year by doing any ORNS activity in it.
- Up to 40 days a year. You can be called up for up to 40 days of ORNS activities a work-year. In practice most people do far less, usually one to two weeks at a time.
- MR (MINDEF Reserve). Once you finish your cycle, or hit the statutory age (40 for most men, 50 for officers), you're posted to MR. You're no longer actively called up.
- ROD (Run Out Date). Eventually you're fully released, your NS liability ends for good. Think of it as the reservist version of ORD. NSmen who complete their service get a letter of release, a medal, and a small gift.
Getting called up
The official call-up notice is the SAF100. It tells you the reporting date, time, venue, and what to bring.
- You're notified early. Call-ups usually come up to 6 months ahead, so you can plan work and life around them.
- Acknowledge it. Log in to the NS portal and acknowledge the notice. Don't ignore it.
There are two ways you can be mobilised:
- Open mobilisation. Code words for your unit are broadcast on TV and radio. If you hear yours, you report.
- Silent mobilisation. You're contacted directly by SMS and email, and you acknowledge on the portal.
If a call-up clashes with something serious, you can apply to defer (see below). Don't just no-show.
What ICT is actually like
ICT is your unit coming back together to train. What you do depends heavily on your vocation, but the shape is similar.
High-Key ICT
- Usually 1 to 3 weeks.
- Real training: your unit's core mission, field exercises, courses, and assessments.
- Often outfield, sometimes overseas, depending on the unit.
Low-Key ICT
- Usually under a week, sometimes a single day.
- Briefings, medical reviews, IPPT, equipment checks, or manning duties.
What to expect the first time:
- It's a lot more relaxed than BMT. You're a working adult now, not a recruit, and most commanders treat you that way.
- Expect plenty of admin and waiting around. Bring a power bank and something to do.
- You'll draw your equipment, do refresher training, and catch up with the same guys from your unit.
- Pack light: toiletries, spare socks, mozzie repellent, and any personal meds. The rest is issued.
- Protip: clear your IPPT during a low-key ICT if it falls in your window. One less thing to chase on your own time.
Reservist IPPT
As an NSman you get an IPPT window each year, running birthday to the day before your next birthday.
- Pass is 51 out of 100, with at least 1 point in every station.
- Award payouts: $200 (pass with incentive), $300 (silver), $500 (gold).
- Miss your window without clearing it and you'll be put on remedial training (RT / NS FIT), a fixed number of sessions you book through the portal.
Full scoring, the calculator, and tips: IPPT calculator and guide.
Money
You get paid for every day of ORNS activity, weekends included.
- Service pay. Based on your rank and vocation.
- Make-up pay. If your civilian salary is higher than your service pay, the difference is topped up so you don't lose money for serving. If you're employed, this usually goes through your company.
- Self-employed, unemployed, or studying? There are separate ways to work out your pay. Check the portal or call the NS hotline.
Deferment and overseas travel
Deferment
If you can't make a call-up, apply to defer through Manage Call-Ups on the NS portal.
- Apply at least 10 weeks before the ICT starts.
- It's assessed case by case. Common valid reasons: birth of a child, exams or professional evaluations, your wedding, or being a new hire in your first 3 months.
- Work commitments alone usually aren't accepted, since you're given so much notice.
Overseas travel
The rules have eased over the years.
- For normal trips and holidays, you don't need to notify MINDEF.
- You only need to apply for an Exit Permit if you'll be overseas for 12 months or more.
- If you've already been called up for an ICT or mobilisation, settle that or apply to defer before you travel.
These rules change, so confirm current details on the official exit permit page before a long trip.
Tools and contacts
- OneNS portal and app: call-ups, IPPT and NS FIT, payments, exit permit, eMart, and your profile, all in one place.
- Useful apps and Telegram bots: handy extras for NS admin.
- Contact: NS hotline, MINDEF, and emergency numbers.
- Useful links: official resources and forum threads.
A note for Home Team NSmen
If you served with the Police (SPF) or Civil Defence (SCDF), your call-up, training, and IPPT schemes differ from the SAF. This page is written for SAF NSmen. Check the MHA NS Portal for Home Team specifics.