THANKING NSMEN AND VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SINGAPORE'S DEFENCE
// Story by Teo Jing Ting
// Photo by Chai Sian Liang
When he was Commander of Air Defence Operations Command (ADOC), then known as Air Defence Systems Division, Brigadier-General (BG) (Retired) Jimmy Tan led a team in formulating and implementing the air defence plans for Singapore, following the 9/11 incident. That was when he was a serving as a regular officer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
As an Operationally Ready National Serviceman (NSman) after 29 years of regular service, the 52-year-old later saw how the RSAF transformed itself into a stronger force with the adoption of technology. But what made him happiest was to see the smooth integration among all three Services - the Army, Navy and Air Force - and how they were able to fight as one Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
These were the things that inspired BG (Ret) Tan to volunteer his services even after he had reached his statutory age ceiling of 50 years. And he has never once regretted his decision.
"I firmly believe that the defence of Singapore is important and we need to have capable people to do it," explained BG (Ret) Tan, whose last appointment as a volunteer was Deputy Commander ADOC.
"I have a lot of experience which is valuable, and sharing my experience with the next generation is just my way of contributing to building up that capability to defend Singapore."
BG (Ret) Tan was among the 173 outgoing Key Appointment Holders, ROVERS and Volunteers whose contributions towards NS were recognised at an appreciation dinner held at the Flower Field Hall at Gardens by the Bay on 27 Feb.
ROVERS are NSmen who serve beyond their NS training cycle, but are still within their statutory age ceilings (40 years of age for NS Warrant Officers and Specialists, and 50, for Officers).
Volunteers are NSmen who serve beyond their statutory age ceilings, like BG (Ret) Tan.
Paying tribute to these servicemen who had shown great dedication towards defending the nation, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Ravinder Singh said: "NSmen make great sacrifices to fulfil their NS responsibilities. As citizen soldiers, they often have to balance the demands of NS responsibilities with their families and careers."
As he thanked the wives and families for their support for the NSmen, he also reminded the audience that Singapore's peace and security was "hard-earned by every able bodied young man who has served National Service".
For 1st Warrant Officer (1WO) (NS) Ong Chee Ming, volunteering his services was a way to pass on his knowledge to the younger generation. It was also a way for him to engage the younger generation and understand some of the issues they faced, particularly in NS-related matters.
With him being called away often for his NS duties, the 42-year-old has his wife to thank for taking care of the family in his absence. He said: "She is able to understand that it is the passion in me wanting to be involved in NS, in whatever small way I can… she is very accommodating, so we work around our schedules whenever there’s a need for me to be away from my daily obligations at home."
To businessman Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) (NS) Soon Fook Soon, safety for his sailors was always his top priority. The 47-year-old shared that one of the reasons he went back for his In-Camp Training (ICT) was to make sure that his men worked safely, and knew that they were needed and doing a good job.
"If you're genuinely concerned about every man in your team, they can feel it. They also know that they are part of a larger team and the team depends on them," said the Group Commander of 191 Squadron.
He said this would reinforce a culture of working together and trigger good memories such that the NSmen would be motivated to come back for their ICT.
Having been a regular for 12 years and an NSman for another 17, LTC (NS) Dyason Ian Patrick felt proud of the readiness of the SAF.
"Some people tell us that we are a 'paper army'," said the Deputy Head Manpower Operations from Joint Manpower Division.
"But I'm very happy to tell people that, if the button does ever get pressed, we have everything ready. It's just that I can't tell them what is ready!"
To see how the SAF progressed and developed over time was also what drew him to volunteer his services. And as the time to relinquish his duties drew near, the 48-year-old felt rather reluctant, but knew that this was something he had to do.
"If I don't move on, then new blood cannot come in to grow and continue to contribute," he said.
The dinner was also attended by senior SAF commanders, and families of the NSmen.
