DEFENCE COMMITTEE GETS UPDATE ON RSAF'S TRAINING SYSTEMS

Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA) and its resource panel got an update on the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) training systems and facilities on 14 Sep.

Hosted by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, and National Development, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, the group visited the Air Force Training Command (AFTC) at Paya Lebar Air Base.

The visitors, including Chairman GPC-DFA Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Deputy Chairman Ms Ellen Lee, viewed the Enhanced Learning Space (ELS). Within this space, lessons and presentations can be recorded, so students have ready access to these materials outside the classroom. Its wireless network capability allows for real-time sharing of content being taught.

The group also visited the Radar and Tower Simulator, an important component of air traffic controllers' training as it enables them to experience different training scenarios, said Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Vincent Yap, Commander Air Warfare Training Institute and Head, Training Development Group.

Referring to the use of simulators in training, LTC Yap said: "The learning curve is very steep and demanding... If training can be authentic and as real as possible, that will help in terms of carrying forward the trainees' knowledge to operations."

Commander AFTC Colonel Lim Kok Siong also briefed the visitors on the AFTC's training policies and development systems.

Speaking to cyberpioneer after the visit, Dr Lim said he was glad to see that the RSAF's systems had evolved rapidly over the years by harnessing technology.

"What we have seen today represents many years of investment, both in terms of hardware and software," he said.

"For existing pilots to maintain currency, perhaps all these simulators can play a greater role. We can reduce the number of hours in the air for them and this will greatly enhance the number of pilots we can train and maintain," he added.

For resource panel member, Mr Leonard C. Sebastian, what caught his attention was the RSAF's holistic approach to training.

"In the past, training seemed to just focus on technical skills... (but) new training pedagogies have been incorporated that allow for a more comprehensive approach to training (to enhance) the development of air force personnel," he said.

This was the GPC-DFA's second visit to the Singapore Armed Forces this year. The first was in March, when they visited the Basic Military Training Centre.