Concept and Process

Concept and Application

As an NSman, you are to apply for deferment if you are unable to attend your Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) activity. If you are absent from the ORNS activity without approval, you will be called back for investigation and may be subjected to disciplinary action. You can apply for deferment via Manage Call-Ups & Manning on the NS Portal

Upon submission of your deferment application, it will be processed by the Human Resource Shared Services Centre - National Servicemen Services Centre (HRSSC-NSSC), and then routed to your unit’s Commanding Officer (CO) or equivalent for approval. Your CO or equivalent has the discretion to approve your deferment on a case-by-case basis, subject to your unit’s operational demand.

In general, deferment may be considered for the following reasons:

1. New employment or newly established business
2. Examinations 
3. Marriage and honeymoon
4. Birth of a child
5. Compassionate grounds (e.g. serious illness or death of next-of-kin)

You are required to submit the relevant supporting documents (up to a maximum of 5 documents) together with your deferment application using the same eService. 

You will be notified on the outcome of your deferment application via SMS and email within 3 calendar weeks after the submission of your complete application. The same eService also allows you to track your application status. You will also receive an outcome letter via the same eService. The letter will document the outcome and required action for your application.