STRONG NSMEN, STRONG DETERRENCE FORCE: DR MALIKI

Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) form the strong support behind Singapore's defence, said Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman. This forms the basis for the country's safety and stability.

"(Singapore has) a strong defence and deterrence posture. And that is because (other countries) know we have a strong group of NSmen behind us."

Dr Maliki was speaking to NSmen from 686th Battalion, Singapore Guards (686 Gds), who were at Jurong Camp for their two-week In-Camp Training (ICT).

During the visit, he witnessed a signals proficiency test, in which the servicemen had to strip and assemble a signals set. He also observed soldiers from the Pioneer platoon setting improvised charges that could be used to breech small obstacles.

These Infantry Book of Standards (IBOS) evaluation tests were in preparation for 686 Gds' Army Training Evaluation Centre (ATEC) Stage One the following week.

Dr Maliki also held a dialogue session with the NSmen, and addressed their questions about National Service (NS) and other defence issues.

Acknowledging their challenges in balancing their families and careers with their NS responsibilities, especially with more servicemen travelling overseas often for work and studies, Dr Maliki encouraged them to remember their purpose in defending the nation, and to pass the baton on to the next generation.

"I know it's not easy (to juggle your responsibilities). But remember we've had NS for the last 50 years. Men before you have done their part too to give us all that we have today. So it is also your responsibility to give your best for the next generation of NSmen."

Battalion S4 Captain (CPT) (NS) Sylvester Goh noted that while it was increasingly challenging for all the Guardsmen to be able to come back and attend their ICT together, their years-old bond is what keeps them going.

"The mindset of each soldier differs every year, depending on the stage they are at in life, whether they are getting married or having kids. It was easier to manage in the earlier ICTs, but now we have to accommodate our jobs," said the 28-year-old Relationship Manager at CitiGold.

"But (the men) are still quite positive about coming back. It is a chance to catch up with friends."

As for the IBOS tests that they have to undergo every ICT, CPT (NS) Goh understood that they were important, despite being repetitive: "At the point of ORD (Operationally Ready Date), we are already a unit ready for battle. So these 10 years are for us to maintain our proficiency. It's good to have a refresher so that if the button is pressed and we are needed, we won't be too rusty."

In view of the growing terror threat in the region highlighted by Dr Maliki, Corporal (CPL) (NS) Jeffrey Ong from the Pioneer 1 platoon, agreed: "I think it's important to have refresher training, because if there is a real operation, we will know our jobs well. This way, we are always ready for real operations." The 26-year-old is a security executive in Premier Security Cooperative Limited.

Master Sergeant (MSG) (NS) Zulfaqar bin Ali believes that NSmen must always stand ready, regardless of the security climate. A researcher at the Cancer Science Institute who is also studying for his Master's degree, he was grateful for his company's support towards NSmen attending ICT.

Said the 27-year-old Company Sergeant Major of Alpha Company: "It doesn't matter whether it (the security environment) is stable or unstable, we have to be ready for whatever the circumstances are. That's something I remind myself every time I come for ICT."