Forum: NS training fosters common identity, shared commitment to keep S'pore safe
We thank Mr Ho Han Kiat for his letter, '
A common basic military training can bind us togeth
er ' (July 3).
The core purpose of national service (NS) is to safeguard Singapore's peace and security.
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) have distinct missions, and therefore different training requirements, in the fulfilment of this objective.
To ensure that NS enlistees are properly trained and yet have sufficient time for deployment within the short period of full-time NS, their training in the SAF, SPF and SCDF must be focused. Hence, each uniformed service conducts its own basic training, tailored to its operational needs.
Nonetheless, national servicemen from the SAF, SPF and SCDF regularly work together during joint operations such as the protection of key installations, and during homeland security exercises, such as those on counter-terrorism, maritime security and chemical threats.
Within each of the agencies, NS, in bringing together all Singaporean males for two years of common experiences, also fosters in our national servicemen a common identity and a shared commitment to keeping Singapore safe and secure.
Shaun Goh
Director Manpower
Ministry of Defence
Shirlyn Ng
Senior Director
(Human Resource Division)
Ministry of Home Affairs
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