Civil Defence Auxiliary Unit

The Civil Defence Auxiliary Unit (CDAU) is part of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) consisting of part-time volunteers.

The volunteering programme in SCDF was first started in 1982 under the National Civil Defence Plan and Volunteer Scheme which provided an avenue through which residents can volunteer their service in civil defence roles within their local community. However, these volunteer residents were not expected to perform duties to the level that of a professional SCDF officer.

In response to the increased threat of terrorism following the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York, there was a growing need to enhance the civil defence capability of the country. As a result, a new form of volunteer organisation, the Civil Defence Auxiliary Unit, was created. Modelled from the Singapore Police Force’s Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) scheme of service, members of the CDAU are given the same status and authority of regular SCDF officers. They are expected to perform frontline operational duties alongside regulars. As volunteers, CADU officers are paid an allowance instead of wages.

Service

Senior Officers and Junior Officers serve at least 24 and 16 hours respectively per month. Former SCDF regulars and national servicemen are given their last-held rank. Those who are not previously trained in civil defence will start with the corporal rank. CDAU members are paid $2.80 per hour regardless of rank.

Attire

Auxiliary officers are issued with either the working or field dress, similar to that of ordinary SCDF officers, to suit their working conditions.

See also

• Singapore Civil Defence Force

External links

• Official website