STOMPer NSman was stunned to hear that the parents of the recent graduating batch of National Service recruits each had to pay $2.50 to attend the Passing-Out Parade (POP) held at Paya Lebar Airbase.

The POP marks the end of a recruit's time in Basic Military Training (BMT). Although seating is limited to immediate family, attendance prior to this has always been free of charge.

Ms Ng Beng Choo, the parent of a graduating NSman, wrote:

"My son's passing out ceremony at Paya Lebar Airbase on Monday was well-organised with video presentations, which gave parents glimpses into their sons' National Service experience.

"I was impressed until my son told me he had to pay $2.50 for my attendance, as did his peers for their parents, at $2.50 per head.

"Parents sacrificed by offering two years of their sons' lives to serve the nation and yet the Ministry of Defence is unable to allocate a tiny sum for the light refreshments. Is our support for our sons' National Service not worth more than $2.50?"

STOMPer NSman commented:

"I feel that forcing parents to pay to attend their sons' graduation from BMT is highly inappropriate.

"I agree wholeheartedly with Ms Ng that parents and their sons have already given enough, and that the fee is unnecessary and trivializes their contribution.

"The whole point of the ceremony is to recognize the sacrifices made by parents and their male children in defence of the nation.

"Honestly, $2.50 per head is a paltry sum to MINDEF, and that they would seek to recoup even this small sum is quite embarrassing.

"I sincerely hope this fee is removed for future batches."