1) What is the role of a CDAU officer?
CDAU officers complement the Singapore Civil Defence Force in areas such as fire fighting, emergency medical services, fire safety regulations enforcement and public education.
2) What is the recruitment cut-off age and retirement age for CDAU officers?
The recruitment cut-off age is 45 years old for all vocations except for Fire Fighting which is at age 35. The retirement age for CDAU officers follows that of the regulars. Junior CDAU officers retire at the age of 50 while Senior CDAU officers retire at the age of 55. Extension of retirement age may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
3) Does CDAU accept individuals who have no knowledge in Fire Fighting, Medical or specialised fields?
Yes, we do. You can join as a Fire Fighter and go through the 16 week course. For other vocations, we prefer to take in applicants who have prior experience or relevant skills and knowledge.
4) Currently I am employed in a uniform organisation, can I join?
Yes, you can.
5) Can I join the CDAU prior to enlistment to National Service (NS)?
No, we only accept male applicants who have completed NS.
6) What PES status is required to join the CDAU?
Minimum PES B for Fire Fighting and Emergency Medical Services.
7) How many hours must I serve a month? Will I be able to choose my work shift and days?
A Senior CDAU officer (LTA & above) is required to volunteer a minimum of 24 hours of duty a month while a Junior CDAU officer (SWO & below) has to volunteer at least 16 hours per month. You can choose your work hours as long as you fulfil the minimum hours required.
8) What will the working hours be like? Are the working hours the same as a Regular officer?
Depending on the vocation you are in, you can report for duty as follows:
- Fire Fighting and Rescue appointments: any time.
- Emergency Medical Services appointments: any time.
- Public Education Instructor: Mostly weekends when there are public education programmes and events.
- Enforcement: During or after office hours, when there are enforcement checks.
9) Will I be paid for performing my duty?
CDAU officers serve without remuneration. They are given an allowance of $4.60 per duty hour to cover their out of pocket expenses such as personal transport and meal costs.
10) Will training be provided when I join the CDAU? Where will the training be conducted?
Yes, to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for the performance of duty, you may have to attend a non-residential training course conducted in the evenings and/or weekends. The training courses are:
- Fire Fighter Course: Tuesday, Thursday (7pm to 10pm) & Saturday (830am to 1pm) over a duration of 16 weeks at Civil Defence Academy (CDA).
- Emergency Medical Services EMT course: Monday & Tuesday 7pm to 10pm over a duration of 13 to 14 weeks at CDA.
- Auxiliary Public Education Instructor Course: 3 CEPP modules at SCDF Division HQ. Those without teaching experience will attend an extra Methods of Instruction module at CDA.
- Enforcement Course: 2 weekday evenings from 7pm to 9pm at HQ SCDF.
11) If I am trained as a Fire Fighter, will I get the chance to be posted to a fire station? And if so, will I get insurance as Fire Fighting is a dangerous occupation?
Yes, you will be deployed to a fire station to work hand in hand with the regulars. Similar to regulars, all CDAU officers will have group insurance coverage of up to S$100,000 while on CDAU duty.
12) Will training be the same as during my recruit days?
It is mainly refresher training conducted during weeknights and/or weekends.
13) What if I have other commitments and cannot come for work or training?
You can contact your immediate supervisor to make alternative arrangements. However, you must still adhere to the minimum hours required, or otherwise apply for leave of absence.
14) Do I still need to serve my ORNS-service (reservist)?
Yes. CDAU and ORNS service are separate and independent. ORNS service will take priority if you are called up for both at the same time.
15) Is there any difference in uniform between CDAU and regulars?
No. All attire are the same.
16) Do we perform duty as a support unit? Will I get to be in the front line?
CDAU officers are deployed alongside our regular officers depending on the vocation and appointment.
17) Will I be able to choose the vocation to be posted to?
Yes, you can make your request known and we will facilitate as long as you have the relevant background and training.
18) Can I switch between the different vocations/appointments?
Yes. Subject to approval and will have to go through an interview process to assess the suitability.
19) Will the reporting station or division be near my place?
We will try to place you in a convenient location to minimise your travelling time. However, this is subjected to the availability of posts.
20) Will I be stationed in a Fire station?
You will be stationed in a fire station if you are deployed in Fire Fighting or Emergency Medical Service appointments.
21) What is the initial rank obtained upon joining?
The entry rank is SGT1. However, CD NSmen or ex-regulars will assume their last-held rank if higher on a case by case basis.
22) Is the rank in CDAU the same as our NS rank? If so, does a promotion in CDAU mean an increase in ORNS allowance?
Service in CDAU is different from National Service in SCDF. Thus, performance in CDAU is not counted towards your National Service, and the ranks are independent of one another.
23) What if I am holding on to a Senior Officer rank in the SAF/SPF? Will SCDF give me the same rank?
No, you will start out as a SGT1 in CDAU.
24) If my rank is LCP during Full Time NS, will I attain CPL rank when I join?
The entry rank for CDAU is SGT1.
25) How fast are the promotions in CDAU?
Promotion will depend on the officer’s performance, commitment, years-in-service and IPPT.
26) What if I get pregnant during my stint in CDAU?
You will be excused from operational duties until you have completed your maternity leave.