fresh grad are usually assistant managers, DX9. for rank comparison, its abit grey. But i would say its considered Captain(DX9-11). DX8 is LTA.

MINDEF does pay a slightly higher premium from other ministries. This is because the role in National defense and we are expected to work longer hours if needed, i.e Weekends/ Shifts/ Operational Duty/overseas deployment. We dont get OT pay. its because of this we get slightly higher and hence a higher budget is needed and not because of higher budget, we get better pay.