SINGAPORE: A Reddit post by a self-identified former full-time National Serviceman (NSF) alleged he was nearly court-martialled after being charged with disobedience, insubordination, and absence without leave (AWOL) while on medical leave.
However, all charges were later withdrawn after review by the SAF legal system. He credited his defending officer for ensuring the case did not proceed to a court martial.
The post, which has drawn significant attention online, sparked public debate over accountability in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), particularly regarding the authority of Defence Executive Officers (DXOs) in handling servicemen on medical leave.
The NSF, who had recently completed his service, claimed that disciplinary proceedings stemmed from excessive demands by a DXO.
These included weekly mobile phone checks, constant live location sharing, and compulsory selfies outside his home, even while he was wheelchair-bound following surgery for a leg injury.
According to his account, tensions with a DXO began when he was ordered to notify his whereabouts at all times, including during medical leave, and to submit to weekly checks of his mobile phone.
The superior allegedly justified these demands by citing personal accountability to higher command.
The situation escalated when the NSF suffered a leg injury after falling into a drain on his way to camp.
Following surgery, he was warded for 10 days and placed on extended medical leave.
Despite his condition, he claimed his superior required him to send frequent selfies outside his home and to keep his WhatsApp and Google live locations activated around the clock.
Order to return to camp despite medical leave
Twelve days into his medical leave, the DXO allegedly ordered him to report back to camp within an hour for medical verification by the unit doctor.
The NSF, still on a wheelchair and crutches, explained he could not physically ascend the hilly terrain to the camp’s medical centre. His refusal led to further disciplinary proceedings.
The NSF alleged that his superior, along with a lieutenant colonel, subsequently referred him to the regimentation and disciplinary department and Military Police Command on charges of disobedience, insubordination and AWOL.
He argued his medical certificate should have exempted him from these charges.
Attempts to appeal to senior officers, including a colonel and camp commander, were unsuccessful.
Charges withdrawn after defending officer’s intervention
He claimed he was repeatedly told to accept responsibility and follow orders. Only when his case was escalated to a defending officer did the charges collapse.
The officer reportedly submitted documentary evidence, including WhatsApp records and hospital-issued medical certificates, which resulted in all charges being withdrawn following investigation.
The NSF was later transferred to another unit after a psychiatric consultation, where he described being treated with greater respect during the remainder of his service.
Public reaction and calls for accountability
The post, which drew significant attention online, sparked strong reactions from fellow Reddit users.
Some expressed disbelief at the alleged micromanagement and questioned whether it constituted an abuse of power. Others suggested that if true, such conduct amounted to dereliction of duty.
Several comments urged the former NSF to escalate the matter to Members of Parliament or directly to Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, warning that continued inaction would damage the credibility of National Service.
One Redditor remarked that “NS is an institution close to the hearts of every Singaporean son,” and that systemic abuses, if widespread, would weaken public trust in the SAF.
Others stressed that pursuing accountability would not only bring justice for the individual but also protect current and future NSFs from similar treatment.
However, the former NSF indicated reluctance to publicise his identity, citing fears of being blamed for past mistakes and a desire to move on as he begins university.
Not all were sceptical of his claims.
A Redditor noted that regardless of the NSF’s personal history, “what you faced was basically mental and physical abuse, and no reason conscripts should face this kind of treatment.”
Others assured him that “every Singaporean son will come defend you” if such abuses were proven.
Queries sent to SAF to verify Redditor’s claims; response pending
Queries, copied to Minister Chan, have been sent to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to verify the account, including whether a DXO has the authority to require an NSF to share live locations, undergo repeated monitoring, and report to camp while on valid medical leave.
As of publication, the SAF has not responded. While the claims remain unverified, it is evident the SAF is aware of the post.
According to the Central Manpower Base’s official website, NSFs may be granted medical leave when issued a valid MC by a government doctor, SAF medical officer, dental officer, or a private practitioner registered with the Singapore Medical Council or Singapore Dental Council.
In a written reply to Parliament in November 2018, then-Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen clarified that SAF medical officers do not revoke MCs issued by external doctors.
However, unit medical officers may conduct clinical reviews and, if necessary, propose amendments to the MC. Such amendments are made in consultation with the issuing doctor or by referring the serviceman to a relevant specialist.
Amendments, which may cover duration or activity exemptions, are infrequent, and servicemen may request a further review at any time.
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