COMMUNITY
ENHANCING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF NS
29 Jan 2007
The winding queue of vehicles leaving Jurong Island slowed to a crawl as drivers strained to catch a piece of drama that was unfolding at the adjacent lanes for incoming traffic.
A nondescript white goods van had barged through the security checkpoint and was forcefully halted steel retractable blades on the tarmac and servicemen from the 567th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (567 SIR).
This was only a mock attack, which illustrated various defence elements, including guard dogs and a chemical, biological and radiological team, that were in place to safeguard the protected island - home to major oil refineries and chemical plants.
The counter intrusion demonstration was keenly observed by members of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), as part of their visit to Jurong Island on 26 Jan.
ACCORD serves as a platform for the public to air views on defence issues and National Service (NS). Members of ACCORD are civilians from various sectors of the Singapore community, including Members of Parliament, community leaders, educators and unionists.
The visitors were briefed on the key roles and responsibilities of the Island Defence Headquarters, which comprises the 2nd People's Defence Force (2 PDF) and other agencies from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
They also had the opportunity to observe NSmen from 567 SIR carrying out their in-camp training by protecting key installations.
The visit, hosted by Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, showcased the operational readiness of the SAF and its role in working with the Home Team agencies in integrated homeland security measures to defend Singapore.
Mr Abdullah Shafie Bin Md Sidik, vice-chairman of Joo Chiat Citizen Consultative Committee, felt that the visit was an eye-opener and he was very impressed with the latest technology employed in island defence.
As for raising the awareness of the importance of NS, he recommended that more of such visits be organised for the public.
The Island Defence Headquarters maintains a 24/7 security watch, ready to respond decisively to any security threats to Singapore.
MINDEF organises several similar visits in order to familiarise and update the members of ACCORD and SNEF on the SAF and its operations.
In turn, these members reach out to the community to enhance public awareness on the role of the Singapore Armed Forces and NS in the defence of Singapore.
A nondescript white goods van had barged through the security checkpoint and was forcefully halted steel retractable blades on the tarmac and servicemen from the 567th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (567 SIR).
This was only a mock attack, which illustrated various defence elements, including guard dogs and a chemical, biological and radiological team, that were in place to safeguard the protected island - home to major oil refineries and chemical plants.
The counter intrusion demonstration was keenly observed by members of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), as part of their visit to Jurong Island on 26 Jan.
ACCORD serves as a platform for the public to air views on defence issues and National Service (NS). Members of ACCORD are civilians from various sectors of the Singapore community, including Members of Parliament, community leaders, educators and unionists.
The visitors were briefed on the key roles and responsibilities of the Island Defence Headquarters, which comprises the 2nd People's Defence Force (2 PDF) and other agencies from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
They also had the opportunity to observe NSmen from 567 SIR carrying out their in-camp training by protecting key installations.
The visit, hosted by Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, showcased the operational readiness of the SAF and its role in working with the Home Team agencies in integrated homeland security measures to defend Singapore.
Mr Abdullah Shafie Bin Md Sidik, vice-chairman of Joo Chiat Citizen Consultative Committee, felt that the visit was an eye-opener and he was very impressed with the latest technology employed in island defence.
As for raising the awareness of the importance of NS, he recommended that more of such visits be organised for the public.
The Island Defence Headquarters maintains a 24/7 security watch, ready to respond decisively to any security threats to Singapore.
MINDEF organises several similar visits in order to familiarise and update the members of ACCORD and SNEF on the SAF and its operations.
In turn, these members reach out to the community to enhance public awareness on the role of the Singapore Armed Forces and NS in the defence of Singapore.
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