THUMBS UP FOR ISLAND DEFENCE CAPABILITIES

Grassroots leaders were impressed with the way various island defence agencies cooperated to respond swiftly and effectively to foil a mock terrorist attack on a key installation.

During their visit to the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) Island Defence Headquarters (IDHQ) in Clementi Camp on 24 Sep, about 90 community leaders saw a 'live' demonstration of the SAF's capabilities in dealing with non-conventional threats.

Together with personnel from the Singapore Civil Defence Force and Singapore Police Force, IDHQ servicemen set up road barriers and access checkpoints within minutes at the scene of the attack, and snipers were also well-positioned to take out hostile elements when required.

"I think today's live display was one of the most impactful," said Mr Christopher Koh, Youth Executive Committee Chairman of Punggol Central.

"It gave us a very good understanding of the aspects of defending Singapore that this unit covers."

Sharing the same sentiments was Mr Samadi Bin Sapari, the Malay Activity Executive Committee Chairman of Macpherson.

"From what I see in the demonstration, it is fantastic as it shows us how confident our SAF and Singapore Police Force are in executing well-planned and well-organised procedures," he enthused.

The demonstration was the highlight of the visit hosted by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and the Environment and Water Resources, Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee.

Such visits are regular events organised by the Ministry of Defence to update community leaders on the development and operations of the SAF.

Associate Professor Koo reminded the grassroots leaders of the pivotal role they played in conveying the importance of national security to people in the community.

"It is through you that the community can better appreciate the defence issues we face today and have greater confidence in the SAF's operational capabilities to counter terrorism," he said.

"Community support for our nation's defence is ever more critical, given the complex world that we live in today."

In addition to the mock intrusion demonstration, the grassroots leaders also viewed a series of static displays after being briefed on the role and functions of the SAF's IDHQ.

The mission of IDHQ is to command, control and coordinate the defence of Singapore against conventional military attacks and low-intensity conflict. It also provides assistance to the Ministry of Home Affairs against transnational terrorist threats.

IDHQ maintains round-the-clock surveillance of Singapore, together with the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force to monitor and respond to potential security and terrorist threats.

Last November, IDHQ's capabilities were enhanced with the 6th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (6 SIR) becoming the Army's first active Protection of Installation battalion.

Key installations such as Jurong Island and Changi Airport are protected by 6 SIR soldiers who are proficient in bomb cordons and in the recognition of improvised explosive devices. When the need arises, 6 SIR will be augmented by other forces like the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives Defence Group.

After the informative visit, the grassroots leaders just had one simple message for their constituents.

"We are in good hands," said Mr Lim Chew Beng, Treasurer of Tanglin-Cairnhill Citizens' Consultative Committee, with a confident smile.

24 Sep 05 - Grassroots Leaders Witness SAF's Swift Response to Mock Terrorist Attack