Written Reply by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing to Parliamentary Question on the Breakdown of Volunteers to the SAF Volunteer Corps on 5 May 2026
Singaporeans and PRs can join the SAF Volunteer Corps. Interest has grown, with about 1,100 active volunteers today.
Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing responded to a parliamentary question on 5 May 2026 regarding the number of Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who have joined the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) from 2015 to 2025, with a gender breakdown.
Since the SAFVC was established in 2014, more than 1,500 men and women have completed training and served as volunteers. Currently, there are about 1,100 active SAFVC volunteers, of whom 52% are male and 48% are female.
About seven out of ten current in-service volunteers are new citizens or permanent residents.
Interest in joining the SAFVC has increased significantly over recent years. In the five years leading up to 2026, the Ministry received an average of around 900 applications per year. In 2025 alone, there were about 1,300 applications, compared to an annual average of around 600 from 2014 to 2020.
- SAF Volunteer Corps established in 2014; over 1,500 volunteers have completed training since then
- Currently about 1,100 active SAFVC volunteers: 52% male, 48% female
- About 7 in 10 current volunteers are new citizens or permanent residents
- Applications to join have grown: average ~900 per year in past 5 years vs ~600 from 2014-2020
- In 2025 alone, about 1,300 applications were received
Publisher: Ministry of Defence
Editorial note: Ongoing volunteer program data remains relevant for citizens/PRs considering service.