WIVES, EMPLOYERS GET A FEEL OF ICT

The Fifth Committee to Recognise the Contributions of Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) to Total Defence, or RECORD V, organised a visit to the Infantry Gunnery and Tactical Simulator (IGTS) Centre at Pasir Laba Camp for NSmen's wives and employers on 4 Jun.

Involving wives and employers of NSmen from the 663rd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (663 SIR), the visit was part of RECORD V's initiatives to gather feedback from NSmen, their wives and employers, on ways to appreciate the contributions of NSmen.

The NSmen were training at the IGTS as part of their In-Camp Training (ICT).

RECORD V, which was first convened on 19 Mar, has since consulted NSmen, their wives and employers on their views towards appreciating NSmen's contributions in three separate focus group discussions, facilitated by members of RECORD V.

"The basic approach that was taken is to try to get as many ideas as possible from ground up...because the whole aim of RECORD V is to try to enhance the NS experience especially for NSmen. We also want to make it easier for them to perform their ICT duties," said Ms Indranee Rajah, a RECORD V committee member, who chaired an earlier focus group discussion with employers.

While observing NSmen training on the IGTS, which employs state-of-the-art simulation software to hone weaponry skills, wives and employers were briefed on how the simulator works. In addition, they tried their hand at the Individual Marksmanship Trainer (IMT), a simulator with electronic sensors built into the weapons, which provides an automated performance assessment of shooting techniques.

On the inconveniences she faces when her husband, 3rd Sergeant (3SG) (NS) Choo Ming En, is away at ICT, Madam Lau Siew Fong, who works as a Vice-Principal at Christian Gospel Mission Kindergarten, shared this with cyberpioneer: "When he goes for ICT, I feel like I'm missing an arm. I have to cope with my work, my studies, and my three kids." Madam Lau is also pursuing a part-time Diploma in Early Childhood.

"The visit helped me understand better what my husband does at ICT...he is doing his part for the country. So I feel that as a wife, taking care of the family is what I can do to support him," she added.

Mr Tetsuro Shibasaki, the Managing Director of Sony Electronics (Singapore), who observed NSmen's ICT training for the first time, said: "The technology and management skills that NSmen learn during their ICT are skills that are transferable to their workplace.

"Perhaps more leadership opportunities can be given to NSmen during their ICT, so that they can apply the skills at work too," he suggested. Mr Shibasaki is the employer of Major (MAJ) (NS) Tan Yeow Tiong, Commanding Officer 663 SIR.

The feedback gathered from NSmen, wives and employers at this visit, coupled with what was received from earlier focus group discussions, will be taken into consideration as RECORD V members deliberate on ways to recognise NSmen's contributions. The public can also give their feedback via the online portal www.mindef.gov.sg/record. The recommendations are expected to be announced in the coming months.

04 Jun 09 - RECORD V Committee Engages NSmen, Their Spouses and Employers in Working Out Recommendations

14 Apr 09 - RECORD V holds focus group discussions

19 Mar 09 - Committee meets to recognise NSmen's contributions