MINI-SERIES ON MILITARY LIFE

Coming to your computer screens: A Web mini-series on military life and another on the various vocations in the Army, Air Force and Navy that promise to be both engaging and entertaining.

Not sure what IPPT stands for? Curious about how the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) keeps its soldiers combat fit? Just follow Cindy, Sue and Madam Wong on their visit to the Khatib Fitness and Conditioning Centre.

With Fitness Specialist 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Karim Silas as their guide, the trio learn about the Individual Physical Proficiency Test or IPPT, the workings of the Electronic IPPT Scoring System or ELISS and the importance of maintaining a high level of physical fitness in the military.

This is just a taste of what viewers can look forward to in the mini-series, Basic Military Talk, which was rolled out by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in January on YouTube.

Comprising 12 episodes, the mini-series promises to entertain and educate viewers from all walks of life on the different facets of military life through the adventures of Cindy, Sue and Madam Wong, who are girlfriend, wife and mother of servicemen respectively.

Also comprising 12 episodes is the I am a Soldier, Sailor, Airman mini-series, which takes viewers on a journey into the various camps, air bases, and naval bases to learn about the different vocations in the Army, Air Force and Navy. Pre-enlistees and individuals keen on pursuing a career in the military will find this mini-series most informative.

"With the two mini-series, we hope to present SAF-related content in an interesting and engaging manner using new media platforms. These will allow MINDEF to connect with more Singaporeans," said Mr Daen Ng, an officer with MINDEF Public Affairs, who is overseeing the project.

More than just a job
Each episode of the I am a Soldier, Sailor, Airman mini-series is hosted by a serviceman or servicewoman who tells viewers about his or her job.

"The idea is to educate and inform the public about the different vocations and occupations within the SAF," explained Mr Dominic Ow, who is the producer of both series.

Twelve individuals from 12 different vocations of the Army, Air Force and Navy were selected to be profiled. Explaining the rationale for featuring individuals from all three Services, Mr Ow said: "We wanted a good mix of vocations to show the range of jobs available within the military. That's why we have people in the combat, combat-support, and logistic roles, as well as people on the front-line and those who may be considered to be at the back-end."

He said: "This gives everybody a peek into everybody else's jobs. The tank gunners wouldn't know what the Navy boys do. The Air Force guys wouldn't know how the tanks are operated. We hope to change that with this mini-series."

Among the 12 featured individuals are Leopard Tank Gunner Corporal Joshua Heng, Navy Command and Control Specialist Staff Sergeant (SSG) Yang Xing Rong, and I-Hawk Firing Unit Commander Captain (CPT) Clarence Ong.

Said CPT Ong: "At the micro level, this series gives recognition to our guys for the efforts they have put in which keeps them motivated. At the macro level, it educates the public on the threats we might be facing and that the I-Hawk is always on high alert to protect the lives and property of Singaporeans."

Coming to your computer screens: A Web mini-series on military life and another on the various vocations in the Army, Air Force and Navy that promise to be both engaging and entertaining.

Not sure what IPPT stands for? Curious about how the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) keeps its soldiers combat fit? Just follow Cindy, Sue and Madam Wong on their visit to the Khatib Fitness and Conditioning Centre.

With Fitness Specialist 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Karim Silas as their guide, the trio learn about the Individual Physical Proficiency Test or IPPT, the workings of the Electronic IPPT Scoring System or ELISS and the importance of maintaining a high level of physical fitness in the military.

This is just a taste of what viewers can look forward to in the mini-series, Basic Military Talk, which was rolled out by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in January on YouTube.

Comprising 12 episodes, the mini-series promises to entertain and educate viewers from all walks of life on the different facets of military life through the adventures of Cindy, Sue and Madam Wong, who are girlfriend, wife and mother of servicemen respectively.

Also comprising 12 episodes is the I am a Soldier, Sailor, Airman mini-series, which takes viewers on a journey into the various camps, air bases, and naval bases to learn about the different vocations in the Army, Air Force and Navy. Pre-enlistees and individuals keen on pursuing a career in the military will find this mini-series most informative.

"With the two mini-series, we hope to present SAF-related content in an interesting and engaging manner using new media platforms. These will allow MINDEF to connect with more Singaporeans," said Mr Daen Ng, an officer with MINDEF Public Affairs, who is overseeing the project.

More than just a job
Each episode of the I am a Soldier, Sailor, Airman mini-series is hosted by a serviceman or servicewoman who tells viewers about his or her job.

"The idea is to educate and inform the public about the different vocations and occupations within the SAF," explained Mr Dominic Ow, who is the producer of both series.

Twelve individuals from 12 different vocations of the Army, Air Force and Navy were selected to be profiled. Explaining the rationale for featuring individuals from all three Services, Mr Ow said: "We wanted a good mix of vocations to show the range of jobs available within the military. That's why we have people in the combat, combat-support, and logistic roles, as well as people on the front-line and those who may be considered to be at the back-end."

He said: "This gives everybody a peek into everybody else's jobs. The tank gunners wouldn't know what the Navy boys do. The Air Force guys wouldn't know how the tanks are operated. We hope to change that with this mini-series."

Among the 12 featured individuals are Leopard Tank Gunner Corporal Joshua Heng, Navy Command and Control Specialist Staff Sergeant (SSG) Yang Xing Rong, and I-Hawk Firing Unit Commander Captain (CPT) Clarence Ong.

Said CPT Ong: "At the micro level, this series gives recognition to our guys for the efforts they have put in which keeps them motivated. At the macro level, it educates the public on the threats we might be facing and that the I-Hawk is always on high alert to protect the lives and property of Singaporeans."

Meet the three ladies who star in the Basic Military Talk mini-series.

Naomi Toh

Occupation
Homemaker and freelance actress

NS links
Has two sons - one of whom is an NSman officer while the other is an officer cadet

Plays
Madam Wong, the streetwise mother of three NSmen

Sheena Chan

Occupation
Image consultant and freelance actress

NS links
Has two cousins who are in the Navy

Plays
Sue, a successful working woman married to an NSman but who is clueless about NS

Charlyn Ng

Occupation
Freelance actress

NS links
Has friends of her age who are serving their NS

Plays
Cindy, the hip and trendy girlfriend of an NSF who is also somewhat clueless about NS