ACCORD VISITS HOME TEAM ACADEMY FOR THE FIRST TIME

Members of the Advisory Council for Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) and employers were hosted to a visit at the Home Team Academy (HTA) by Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee, on 8 Jan.

It marked the first official visit by ACCORD to a Home Team facility ever since the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) joined ACCORD in June 2007.

ACCORD is primarily a Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) council that focuses on strengthening broad-based support for defence and National Service. It currently comprises 16 representatives who are Members of Parliament, Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), employers, and distinguished members of various defence-related organisations.

Guests at the event were treated to a display of exhibits put up by members of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), featuring their advanced capabilities and processes.

The climax of the event was a live demonstration conducted by the SPF and SCDF, which showcased the ability of troopers from the Alpha Key Installation (KINS) Units to quickly neutralise a terrorist attack on an oil refinery.

Visitors were greeted by the sight of exploding cars and rescue operations, displaying the highly-effective response capabilities of KINS troopers to such threats.

KINS troopers comprise mainly NSmen, who have been specially earmarked for this training at the end of their National Service.

Capping off the impressive display were men from Jurong Fire Station, as they demonstrated their diverse fire-fighting skills at the mock oil refinery, ablaze from the carnage of the terrorist attack.

In his opening address, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs) Masagos Zulkifli, said the event was symbolic of what Total Defence stands for as it brought together "well-trained armed forces and Home Team officers, standing shoulder to shoulder with our equally committed National Servicemen."

He added: "Together with every Singaporean, they stand ready to meet all challenges, be it security threats such as terrorism or a national crisis such as SARS."

Mr Masagos paid also tribute to the contributions of NSmen, noting that together with Full Time National Servicemen (NSFs), they formed the bulk of manpower in the Home Team, and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

These Home Team NSmen, he said, were involved in numerous key events on a national and international level.

Cyberpioneer spoke with Mr Gopala Krishnan, a grassroots leader and member of ACCORD, who commented that it was an extremely informative session. Besides the live demonstration, the static display booths also showed how even simple objects, such as household items, can pose a very real threat.

"I hope to see such visits being opened up for grassroots organisations, so that the defence message can be better disseminated to the public," said the lecturer from Singapore Polytechnic.

As a maiden tie-up between MINDEF and MHA, Mr Krishnan felt it was a momentous and extremely useful event.

He suggested that for future visits, for both ministries to consider having a combined live demonstration, to illustrate the physical link and coordination they share in operational situations.