Fixed enlistment date

Several letters were published in the St Times about the delay faced by private school students in getting enlisted into National Service. This delay adds to the time before they can enter the workforce or continue their university education.

I have written a letter to the Straits Times to urge the Ministry of Defence to give a fixed enlistment date for call up for National Service, several months in advance. This will allow the male citizens to plan their personal schedule around a known enlistment date and minimize the disruption to their personal lives.

If the Ministry finds it difficult to plan the training of the enlisted men, they can find interim arrangements, but it should not be at the expense of the citizens.

Tan Kin Lian