Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) are presently required to complete a 10-year training cycle (13 years for Key Appointment Holders). There are instances where the NSmen are keen to continue to serve NS after completing their training cycle, or where the SAF may still require the services of the NSmen after their cycle. The Reservist On Voluntary Extended Reserve Service (ROVERS) scheme was introduced in 1980 to cater for the extension of the training of such NSmen.
In the Army, the ROVERS scheme is managed by the National Service Personnel Centre (NSPC). At the point when the NSmen have completed 10 years of their In-Camp Training cycle, NSPC will identify those who are eligible for the ROVERS scheme. These selected NSmen will be asked if they wish to volunteer to continue their National Service training. If the NSmen agree to extend their service, NSPC will post them to the ROVERS scheme. The posting will be for an initial period of three years.
NSmen serving under the ROVERS scheme are called up for In-Camp Training like any other NSmen. They are eligible for the allowances peculiar to their appointments, and they can be nominated for the award of the SAF NS medal if they perform well. They can only continue in the scheme to the age of 50 for Officers, and 40 for Warrant Officers. If they wish to continue beyond the age limits, they can be enlisted in the SAF Volunteers scheme.