The Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) enlisted its inaugural intake of SAFVC Volunteers (SVs), comprising 68 Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, at Maju Camp on Tuesday, 24 Mar 2015.

The SVs pledged their commitment and loyalty to the SAF by taking an oath of allegiance, with their family members and loved ones as witnesses. Speaking to the SVs in his opening address, Commander SAFVC Colonel (COL) Mike Tan commended them for stepping forward to play their part in national defence and highlighted that this was an important commitment. COL Tan said, "By stepping forward to volunteer, you are making a commitment to serve alongside our servicemen and servicewomen to ensure the continued peace and security of Singapore. You have made the all-important decision to give your time and commitment, out of your own volition, to serve the nation and the people who live here."

The SVs will undergo two weeks of Basic Continuous Training from 24 Mar to 2 Apr 2015. During the course, SVs will be equipped with basic military skills and knowledge, such as SAR 21 technical handling and live firing, standard obstacle course familiarisation, foot drills and will go through a two-day field camp. They will also be introduced to general military knowledge and culture. They will subsequently undergo one week of Qualification Training and if required, one week of Advanced Training to prepare them for their specific roles.

This is the first of three intakes of volunteers for the SAFVC this year. The SAFVC is a uniformed volunteer scheme that allows more Singaporeans and Permanent Residents to contribute to national defence, support National Service, and deepen their understanding and ownership of national defence. A total of 150 SVs will be recruited in 2015.