Reaffirming their commitment to defence

At 9am on 7 Feb, over 3,000 Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from 9th Singapore Division (9 DIV) received a message on their mobile phones: they have been activated as part of a mobilisation exercise (MOBEX) and would have to make their way to Selarang Camp.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regularly conducts such exercises throughout the year to maintain the operational readiness of its units.

For realism, NSmen are not told the exact date they will be mobilised; instead, they are given a standby period within which the activation would take place.

To see what today’s MOBEX looks like, join us as we follow the NSmen of 9 DIV through the streamlined MOBEX process.

1028hrs

A batch of NSmen arrives at Selarang Camp.

Using the Smart Mobilisation (SmartMob) system, which is built into the OneNS app, the soldiers are quickly in-processed. Throughout the day, the SmartMob system will track their progress through the various mobilisation stations.

Commanders are also able to track the exercise through the system.

The adoption of the SmartMob system has made things easier than ever, said Major (MAJ) (NS) (DR) Saiful Nizam Bin Subari, who is the Deputy Division Medical Officer of 9 DIV.

Having been activated for more than five MOBEXs, the 49-year-old still remembers the days of MOB (Mobilisation) cards – slips listing the equipment that soldiers must draw – and is grateful that things have been made “more efficient and seamless” as they are now able to “in-pro with the touch of a button”.

1035hrs

After in-processing, the NSmen make their way to the first of the refresher stations – the field pack inspection station.

The objective of this station is to make sure that NSmen are ready for activation and have their essential items packed.

Once they have passed the inspection, they register their attendance by scanning a QR code on the OneNS app, before heading to the next station.

1045hrs

At the weapons handling station, soldiers undergo refresher training for their respective weapons.

Staying current with their weapon platforms and being able to demonstrate basic technical handling are some of the criteria for being operationally ready and combat fit soldiers.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad visited the NSmen at Selarang Camp and observed the latest technological and digital developments that have helped streamline the mobilisation process.

Speaking to the media, Mr Zaqy thanked the NSmen for their commitment in defending Singapore: “We appreciate our NSmen and their families for playing their part for Total Defence. Many balance responsibilities at work and at home, while answering the call to serve.”

Noting that NSmen have diverse skillsets, he said: "We hope to leverage on their skill sets and experience a bit more, to give them more meaningful use of their time in NS."

1057hrs

The NSmen take some time to engage with their division commanders.

They also watch a video outlining the importance of their contribution to Singapore’s security.

P.S: This is the only part of the MOBEX that is held indoors in an air-conditioned room!

1105hrs

The NSmen arrive at their last station for the day – the combat medical aid station.

Here, they refresh their knowledge and skills on administering first aid on themselves, such as applying tourniquets on their arms and legs.

These skills are essential during emergencies when medics and doctors may not be available to render medical aid.

3rd Sergeant (3SG) (NS) Tan Wen Wei Owen is a member of the Service Support Group (SSGP).

He arrived at Selarang Camp at 6.30am, ahead of the rest of his fellow NSmen, to help set up the combat medical aid station.

“It was very meaningful knowing that we can pull off a mobilisation that involves thousands of soldiers,” said the 39-year-old, who was experiencing his first MOBEX.

He was also impressed to see everything going very smoothly and according to plan.

1120hrs

The NSmen have completed all the required MOBEX stations.

Once their progress is verified by the SmartMob system, they out-process digitally through the OneNS app.

In just under an hour, the MOBEX is complete!