Singapore Stamp FDC - 25 Years of Operationally Ready National Service

The 25 Years of Operationally Ready National Service commemorative stamp issue is a tribute to all NSmen who commit themselves to protecting the interests, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Singapore.

The peace and stability Singaporeans enjoy today has largely been achieved through the dedication and commitment of all NSmen over the past 25 years.

The concept in all four stamps shows the transformation of an NSmen in his civilian role to his military role as an Operationally Ready National Servicemen.  He responds to the nation's call at a moment's notice when mobilised.  The visual unifier used in all four stamps is the "mobilisation man" showing a soldier in a ready pose with an M-16 rifle in hand.  The M-16 is the standard weapon used by Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers.

To show the linkage between the NSman and his contribution to society, four different backgrounds showing different aspects of Singapore are used; the National Day Parade, a beach scene, a residential housing estate and the Singapore skyline.

Depicted on the 20 cents stamp is a civilian taking his pledge to the nation with the National Day Parade in the background and his transformation to an Operationally Ready NSman in the field firing a MILAN anti-tank gun.

The 30 cents stamp shows an NSman at the beach with his family and his transformation to an Operationally Ready NSman on a patrol mission  He is depicted in green camouflage uniform carrying the M-16, the standard weapon used by the SAF.

Featured in the 35 cents stamp is an NSman relaxing at home with a housing estate in the background.  The transformation shows him in a field environment firing a General Purpose Machine Gun.

The 75 cents stamp shows an NSman at his workplace with the Singapore skyline in the background and his transformation to an NSman in a field environment.  It shows an NS commander leading a mission while peering through a pair of binoculars with map in hand.

Date of issue:  1 July 1994
Denominations:  20c, 30c, 35c, 75c
Stamp Size:  45mm x 23.2mm
Perforation: 13-1/4 x 13-3/4
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process:  Offset-Lithography
Printer:  Joh Enschede
Sheet Content: 50 stamps per sheet
Designer: Desmond H S Kuah

Resources:  Singapore Philatelic Bureau