BEYOND 45 YEARS OF NS

Against the backdrop of SAF Day on 1 Jul, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen gave his observations of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the challenges which it must overcome.

More than 900,000 Singaporeans have passed through National Service (NS) since it started 45 years ago, and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has grown into a force which is capable of defending the country.

Speaking to the media on 25 Jun, ahead of SAF Day which falls on 1 Jul, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen said: "This state of affairs has arisen because we have had steady investments in defence spending and also because of the strong commitment to NS."

Though the SAF has done well thus far, external challenges such as terrorism and piracy require the SAF to expand and maintain its capabilities, he added.

Doing more with less

On the home front, falling birth rates will impact the SAF significantly, with enlistment numbers declining correspondingly from 2016 onwards. "By 2025, there will almost be a quarter reduction in the number of enlistees coming in each year for NS," said Dr Ng.

Anticipating this, the SAF embarked on its ongoing 3rd Generation transformation in 2004. "That is why we have modernised our systems to be able to do the same, if not more, with the same number of people (while remaining equally effective)."

Dr Ng cited examples such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operated by the Artillery Formation, and the Formidable-class stealth frigates used by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

Both platforms require only a fraction of the manpower their predecessors needed, while the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) recently-acquired Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is more effective in terms of range, endurance and aerial surveillance capabilities than its predecessor Searcher-class UAV.

Strong commitment

Advanced platforms are only part of the answer, said Dr Ng. "Technology does not make up for the commitment or the abilities of your soldiers... You are only as strong as your will and ability to defend."

Though the means of warfighting have advanced, the spirit of NS remains the same. "When you take command of men, you have to be responsible to them and be there when the unit reports for ICT (In-Camp Training) each year," said Major (MAJ) (NS) Edzra Bin Iskandar, 2nd-in-Charge of the 806th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment.

"Deep down, everyone wants to serve. NS is something you have to do and Singaporeans understand that," said the Physical Education teacher. Over the past year, he has served almost 60 days of ICT, way beyond the usual two weeks.

3rd Warrant Officer (3WO) (Vol) Tang Kwok Hwa, a Lab Technician, shared the sentiment as he recalled many sessions of ICT where his entire team opted to report for duty rather than to seek deferment, despite heavy work and family commitments.

"We just didn't want to leave the team, having built up rapport over the years," he explained. An Air Defence Weapon Specialist and Senior Flight Specialist with the RSAF's 165 Squadron (SQN), 3WO (Vol) Tang is a former Regular who has served more than 14 sessions of ICT since leaving the SAF in 1989.

Even those who were their own bosses said the same; that NS is built on the commitment of all, no matter which walk of life they came from. "I might have more flexibility to plan my time, but unlike employees who can take time off from work, I cannot take time off from my customers," said MAJ (NS) Jimmy Ng. He is Commanding Officer, Helicopter Landing Platform 2, 192/193 SQN, RSN, which is responsible for mobilising Civil Resource vessels to support the SAF and Navy's operations when required.

"It all boils down to a passion to serve, and a sense of duty," said MAJ (NS) Ng, who manages a shipbuilding firm. He will transit into the Volunteers Scheme next year after serving more than 12 sessions of ICT.

Coping with change

As the SAF continues to build and maintain its capabilities, it is also ensuring that soldiers remain engaged and well adapted to the rapidly-changing force.

As an example, Dr Ng pointed out that even the smallest infantry units are networked to the larger array of assets within the SAF through the Battlefield Management and Advanced Combat Man Systems. These systems call on soldiers of all levels to make decisions rapidly in the field, challenging the traditionally hierarchical way in which things are accomplished in the military.

Although these changes come with their own unique challenges, the SAF has the benefit of having a young force which is well educated and tech-savvy. "If you notice our young SAF soldiers, they respond to it (modern warfighting technology) like ducks to water (and) the transition to modern systems has been quite positive and quick."

Summing up the SAF's achievements, Dr Ng said: "After nearly half a century, we have succeeded in forming a nation and an SAF that has the capabilities and determination to fight (for) and defend our country."

"Technology does not make up for commitment or for the abilities of your soldiers. It enables, but you are only as strong as your will and ability to defend."
- Dr Ng