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Military Domain Experts Scheme (MDES)
The Military Domain Experts Scheme (MDES) provides world-class training to develop technical expertise through 3 different vocations.
Last updated 7 November 2025
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You will be trained to acquire world-class technical expertise under the Military Domain Experts Scheme (MDES). This is how you can build up your skills and capabilities by the day, learn to innovate, and troubleshoot complex systems with great efficiency to protect our nation's sovereignty.
Explore what it is like to strive for greatness in an MDES role and find Your #AboveAll.
Vocations under MDES
Career roadmap
Starting from ME1
Explore the potential roles under MDES, starting from ME1, all the way to ME6.
ME1 (ME 1-1 / ME 1-2)
Assistant Engineer
Assistant AOSX
Assistant AIRIX
ME2 (ME2-1 / ME2-2)
Assistant Engineer
Assistant AOSX
Assistant AIRIX
Section In-charge
Shift In-charge
Engineering Flight Lead
Trainer
ME3 (ME 3-1 / ME 3-2 / ME 3-3)
Section In-charge
Shift In-charge
Engineering Flight Lead
Trainer
ME4 (ME 4-2 / ME 4-3)
Deputy Officer Commanding
Squadron Command Chief
Staff Officer
ME5 (ME 5-1 / ME 5-2)
Group/Base/Command Command Chief
Officer Commanding
Section Head
ME6 (ME 6-1 / ME 6-2)
Commanding Officer
Air Force Command Chief
Branch Head
Starting from ME4
Explore the potential roles under MDES, starting from ME4, all the way to ME8.
ME4 (ME 4-1 / ME 4-2 / ME 4-3)
Deputy Officer Commanding
Officer In-charge
Staff Officer
ME5 (ME 5-1 / ME 5-2)
Officer Commanding
Section Head
ME6 (ME 6-1 / ME 6-2 / ME 6-3)
Commanding Officer
Branch Head
ME7 (ME 7-1 / ME 7-2 / ME 7-3)
Group Commander
Centre Head
Deputy Department Head
ME8
Chief Engineer
Department Head
Benefits
Competitive salary
You can expect an attractive remuneration package with a Market Adjustable Specialisation Component (MASC) to recognise the expertise of Military Experts.
Experts Continuous Engagement & Learning (EXCEL) bonus
You will receive periodic EXCEL bonuses of up to 28 months in total, depending on your length of service.
Premium Bonuses
You can look forward to various bonuses, ranging from 6 to 10 months, at certain milestones in your career.
Medisave-cum-Subsidised Outpatient (MSO) Scheme
You will receive additional Medisave contributions and enjoy up to 85% subsidy for yourself and 60% for your dependants on outpatient treatment.
Sign-on Bonus
If you are not starting on or undergoing sponsored studies, you will receive a one-time Sign-on Bonus of $30,000.
*Not applicable for roles starting from ME4.
Early degree Sponsorship
Good performers can apply for the SAF Engineering Award (SEA) to pursue full-time studies at local universities. This can be as early as the first three years of service.
Flexible benefits (FLEX)
You will receive $800 - $1,000 FLEX credits a year, which can be used to pay for your insurance, vacations, education and medical needs.
Contiguous 8-rank military expert structure
You will be sent for relevant MDES courses at key progression points to enhance your knowledge and be given the opportunity to rise in this 8-rank structure.
Other benefits
We will celebrate your key life milestones with you, giving you gifts when you get married, have a child and even when it's your anniversary. We will also provide a series of lifestyle benefits including exclusive rates and memberships.
Start your career with RSAF
Find your #AboveAll as an RSAF Military Expert.