QUICKER, MORE EFFICIENT MOBILISATIONS WITH ONE-STOP CENTRE

Some 3,000 Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from the 76th Singapore Infantry Brigade (76 SIB) got to experience the Singapore Armed Forces' latest mobilisation processes when they were called up for a routine mobilisation exercise.

The first stream of NSmen reported about 30 minutes after the call was broadcast on 14 Sep. After a quick registration, each soldier received a customised card which told him the equipment he had to draw out, and the stations to report to.

The Mobilisation and Equipping Centre (MEC) at Nee Soon Camp is a one-stop facility that gets NS units ready for operations in a shorter time.

In the past, NSmen had to report at a mobilisation location before they formed collection teams to draw out their equipment from the various supporting units around the island. Today, virtually everything which an NS unit needs is stored within the MEC, including the SAR 21 and other items such as rifle slings and cleaning kits.

Speaking to the media during his visit to the mobilisation exercise, Second Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing said: "Over the years the SAF has continued to improve on its mobilisation and equipping (processes)."

In the past, NSmen could take 10 to 12 hours to get equipped and properly briefed. "The new system is much faster and we can use the time saved to conduct refresher training,"said Mr Chan.

"I am very happy to see all of the NSmen coming back for their mobilisation exercise so quickly and so positively," said Mr Chan.

The improved system also makes mobilisation exercises a better experience for NSmen. For example, an IT system tracks equipment being drawn out by the NSmen, and commanders can see the unit's progress almost in real time.

Said Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (NS) Chua Kim Peng: "With the MEC, the soldiers' waiting time is reduced and the whole experience inspires more confidence. We have a system which works very well." The 37-year-old is Commanding Officer of 755th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment and works as a wealth manager. He has been involved in five mobilisation exercises so far.

Added LTC (NS) Chua: "Some soldiers reported for duty despite personal commitments. It really shows that our soldiers are committed and they believe in doing their duty."

Captain (CPT) (NS) Mohamad Najib bin Mashuni said: "For our guys on the ground, there is also more engagement (between commanders and the men). It's time more effectively spent." The 30 year-old commands a company of soldiers and is a Project Superintendent at offshore engineering firm Keppel FELS.

After receiving their weapons at the MEC, the NSmen of 76 SIB went through refresher training, such as chemical defence and basic life-saving skills. They also had a shooting session at the range to keep their marksmanship skills sharp.

This was a definite boon for the men of 76 SIB. Said Master Sergeant (MSG) (NS) Vijay Praveen s/o Sankaran, Admin Supervisor: "It was efficient. Sign posts were everywhere, directing our men. Compared to previous mobilisations, this is definitely faster and better." The 34 year-old is an Assistant Manager at PSA Singapore.

Although the mobilisation exercise fell on a weekend, the NSmen responded quickly. "For us NSmen, time is precious and we all have other things to take care of, but these (exercises) are important because they help to keep the country safe," said MSG (NS) Vijay.

Describing the process after having gone through it, Lance Corporal (NS) Benedict Lim, 33, who works as a psychologist, said: "It feels a lot more structured and more efficient. There's also a better sense of purpose."

Also present at the visit were Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, members from the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs, the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence, and the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) and 31 employers.