Yeah, I know..even scholarship interviews, if not given by PSC, require you to waste your own leave.I got a friend who received a SPH scholarship, and he had to apply for leave..Originally posted by nAkAnO:as above..
enlisted jan this yr, subsequently submitted my uni applications after receiving my results in march.. been called up for a couple interviews already.
went for my SMU one last Fri, and have another one at NTU Mass Comm scheduled for 23rd, next Sat. problem is, my immediate superior, the SSG at STTS attached to my group undergoing a course has told me that SAF directives are that offs are only given to soldiers for medical reasons, and medical reasons only, that academical appointments or the like are considered for 'personal reasons/benefits' and thus leave would have to be taken.
my point now is, isn't this friggin ludicrous as hell? its not like im taking the chance to meet my gf or go out to have fun, i have scheduled university interview appointments in black and white, interviews and appointments that would very much determine how the rest of my life shapes out to be. and for that, official further studies appointments, i have to apply for leave? esp when poor NSFs like us barely have 14 days a year?
where is the logic in that, especially when all your friggin top brass, the CDF, the COA and the like, all HAVE to be SAFOS scholars or what not? you base the entire system on a unfair emphasis on education ( IMO. ), and yet penalise those down below precisely for trying to further their education, forcing them to take leave for university interviews.
where is the sense in that?
my SSG told me that he understands, but doesn't have a choice as its the directive. and that the leave forms would have to be submitted nonetheless with our future units when we get our permanent postings would decide wheter to grant us the days as off's or leave instead.
is this true? because if it is, the army seriously needs to have a rethink about its double standards and policies. ( altho its not as if EVERYONE didn't already know that. ) how are you supposed to create a new age, academically and technically advanced army if u do not even support ur own soldiers in their academical pursuits? thinking army my arse.
Ask your family to write to your MP and copy to your CO, Chief of Army and everyone else....Originally posted by nAkAnO:as above..
enlisted jan this yr, subsequently submitted my uni applications after receiving my results in march.. been called up for a couple interviews already.
went for my SMU one last Fri, and have another one at NTU Mass Comm scheduled for 23rd, next Sat. problem is, my immediate superior, the SSG at STTS attached to my group undergoing a course has told me that SAF directives are that offs are only given to soldiers for medical reasons, and medical reasons only, that academical appointments or the like are considered for 'personal reasons/benefits' and thus leave would have to be taken.
my point now is, isn't this friggin ludicrous as hell? its not like im taking the chance to meet my gf or go out to have fun, i have scheduled university interview appointments in black and white, interviews and appointments that would very much determine how the rest of my life shapes out to be. and for that, official further studies appointments, i have to apply for leave? esp when poor NSFs like us barely have 14 days a year?
where is the logic in that, especially when all your friggin top brass, the CDF, the COA and the like, all HAVE to be SAFOS scholars or what not? you base the entire system on a unfair emphasis on education ( IMO. ), and yet penalise those down below precisely for trying to further their education, forcing them to take leave for university interviews.
where is the sense in that?
my SSG told me that he understands, but doesn't have a choice as its the directive. and that the leave forms would have to be submitted nonetheless with our future units when we get our permanent postings would decide wheter to grant us the days as off's or leave instead.
is this true? because if it is, the army seriously needs to have a rethink about its double standards and policies. ( altho its not as if EVERYONE didn't already know that. ) how are you supposed to create a new age, academically and technically advanced army if u do not even support ur own soldiers in their academical pursuits? thinking army my arse.
Agreed totally, offs are granted as a incentive and a privilege. During my BMT, my oc gave one half day off to take my exam. It really depends on your commander.Originally posted by LazerLordz:Yeah, I know..even scholarship interviews, if not given by PSC, require you to waste your own leave.I got a friend who received a SPH scholarship, and he had to apply for leave..
Seriously, off should be good enough.Is your interview before or after your posting?Tried talking to your PC?Of course, ask your SSG first if you can approach your PC for help, don't put him in a tight situation too.Since he understands your case, he can help present it to your PC too.Get the respective letters you have.
And anyway, offs are granted as a incentive and a privilege, not restricted to medical reasons.It's in the directives.Medical reasons come under MCs what..and normally people do not give full day offs for medical appointments.
Depends if your commander is genuinely interested in the value of his guys or just looking forward to his next paycheck.Originally posted by tchiew:Agreed totally, offs are granted as a incentive and a privilege. During my BMT, my oc gave one half day off to take my exam. It really depends on your commander.