COMMUNITY LEADERS TOUR ARMY OPEN HOUSE

Multiple explosions and a barrage of gunshots are sure-fire ways to rouse an audience on a lazy Sunday morning.

That was the experience of 224 grassroots leaders who visited the Army Open House (AOH) with their families at the F1 Pit Building on 27 May. The visit, hosted by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, was organised to allow the leaders to witness the capabilities of the 3rd Generation Army, as well as enhance their understanding of National Service (NS).

Kicking off their visit to AOH@Our City was the Dynamic Defence Demonstration (D3), which showed soldiers, sailors and airmen of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) responding to a simulated terror threat.

After a series of heart-thumping bomb explosions, tanks and foot soldiers closed in on a building occupied by the "terrorists". Together with Apache attack helicopters that swooped in to deliver precise gunfire from the air, troops took down the terrorists to applause and awe from the audience.

The community leaders also toured the NS45 exhibition, which showcased the development of the SAF over the years and featured interactive videos of fathers and sons sharing their NS experiences.

Army Avenue, a walkway lined with military hardware such as the Leopard Main Battle Tank and Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle, provided the visitors with plenty of opportunities to get snapshots of the latest equipment in the 3rd Generation Army.

In his welcome address to the grassroots leaders, Dr Maliki said: "As grassroots leaders, you play an important role in explaining to the people in your community why we need a strong Army and SAF."

He continued: "As we welcome more people from different parts of the world to grow their roots here, we hope that you can help them understand that Singapore's defence is the collective responsibility that all Singaporeans must share, so that they may also do their part to safeguard our way of life."

To round up the visit, the community leaders engaged in a dialogue session with Dr Maliki, together with Chief of Army, Major-General (MG) Ravinder Singh; Director of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Public Affairs Colonel (COL) Kenneth Liow; Head National Service Affairs Department COL Gerard Koh; and Deputy Director National Service Policy Department Mr Soh Leng Wan.

During the 40-minute session, the leaders posed questions to the panel on NS policies, allowances for National Servicemen and training safety in the SAF. In response, Dr Maliki and the panel explained certain NS policies and reiterated the strong emphasis the SAF gives to safety and medical protocols.

Impressed by the Army's capabilities displayed at the AOH, Mr William Mok, Chairman of Changi Simei Zone 3 Residents' Committee (RC), said: "I saw how the Army has changed from the 1st to the 3rd Generation. The technology in the Army now is very advanced, and it's great that I could witness that today."

Mr Zakaria Bin Mustaffa, a member of the Malay Activity Group, agreed. "I've learnt more about the Army through this visit, and it was very exciting to see the latest developments. When I look back at the time when I did my NS many years ago, I'm very proud of what the Army has achieved," he said.

When asked what she gained from the dialogue session, Vice Chairperson of Pine Close RC (Mountbatten) Lily Teo, replied: "It was useful in helping to clarify questions about defence and NS."

She added: "Overall, the visit was a pro-active way to engage us, and I'll be able to share what I've learnt today with the members of the community during my interactions with them."

Earlier, Dr Maliki hosted similar visits for members of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) and Employers, as well as the Women's Groups on 24 and 26 May respectively.

On 25 May, Minister of State for Defence and Education Lawrence Wong hosted 300 student leaders from 28 junior colleges, integrated programme schools and polytechnics who participated at the 3rd Temasek Dialogue.

The dialogue, held in conjunction with Army Open House, was a platform for students to engage a defence minister on defence and security issues, as well as other matters of concern to Singaporeans.