'INVOLVE FAMILIES, WIVES IN TOTAL DEFENCE'

More can be done to involve the families and wives of National Servicemen in Total Defence.

This was the common view expressed by the two women serving as members of a committee that has been set up to recognise and enhance the contribution of Singaporeans, especially NSmen, to Total Defence.

Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, chaired the first meeting of the fourth Committee to Recognise the Contribution of Operationally-Ready NSmen to Total Defence (RECORD IV) at SAFRA Mount Faber on 5 Sep.

"One of the things we talked about is how to recognise Singaporeans who contribute to Total Defence, not only the NSmen but also their families," said Ms Irene Ng, Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC.

"We explored how we can involve families and wives in the NSmen's In-Camp Training, like maybe having a families' day to the units," said Ms Ng, who is also Deputy Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs.

This would allow wives of NSmen to gain greater insights into the training their husbands undergo and its importance to Singapore.

"We want to do something to recognise the families, including the wives, on their roles in Total Defence and involve them more in the training of our men, so that they will have a buy-in of the NS experience," added Ms Ng.

This education process for families and wives of NSmen was also emphasised by the only other woman on the 18-member RECORD IV committee.

"The family plays a very important part in Total Defence," said Ms Lim Mei Mei (left), whose husband is the Operations Officer of the 466th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment. "I think what needs to be done is educating the family to play the home defence role."

"As a spouse, I want to make sure that home defence is in place, so that our NSmen will be able to go through their NS training with peace in mind that the home ground will be looked after," said Ms Lim, who has two daughters, aged 12 and eight.

"To play their roles actively, the spouses would have to understand the importance of military defence. So I think it is critical to educate everybody, not just the NSmen."

This education process could take place through attending Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) open houses and other familiarisation programmes, added Ms Lim.

Both women indicated that these preliminary ideas would be refined after holding discussions with families and wives of other NSmen.

In the course of gathering such feedback, RECORD IV members will also be meeting NSmen for discussions.

"We will be talking to NSmen to see how we can help them balance their career objectives and their need to train well to be fully prepared for all kinds of contingencies," said Ms Ng.

"We also want to hear their views on the kinds of problems they face and see whether there are some that are unnecessary, which we can help to mitigate, if not remove entirely," she added.

The previous three RECORD committees had recommended measures to improve the efficiency and convenience of the NS administration, and initiatives to provide better recreational facilities for NSmen and their families.

RECORD IV has been set up to recommend ways to:
* Recognise the contribution of Singaporeans, especially NSmen, to Total Defence,
* Enhance the contribution of NSmen to Total Defence.

Two key trends will shape RECORD IV's recommendations the transformation to a third-generation (3G) SAF and the changing profile of NSmen.

"The right style of leadership and management climate is essential to the successful development of the 3G SAF," said Chairman of RECORD IV, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen.

"Key and command appointment holders are critical players in this effort. They play an important role in leading and motivating their men as the SAF undergoes transformation to a more effective fighting force."

"They are responsible for maintaining the morale, training level, readiness and fighting effectiveness of the units under their charge. They also need to build a climate in their NS units that fosters the correct values, commitment and camaraderie."

"Therefore, RECORD IV will pay special focus to key appointment holders for their sacrifice and dedication," said Dr Ng.

"RECORD IV also recognises that Singaporeans are increasingly better educated and many work abroad for varying periods. We need to facilitate processes so that NSmen can fulfil their duties well, and yet attain their educational and work aspirations both here and abroad," he added.

Dr Ng's committee will wrap up its work by the end of the year.


Think you know how Singaporeans' contribution to Total Defence can be further recognised and enhanced? Post your feedback today via the RECORD IV website at https://www.mindef.gov.sg/record.