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Business was brisk for cabbies on Saturday night, when hundreds of operationally-ready national servicemen made their way to their equipping centre. They were responding to a mobilisation exercise, which requires them to report to camp within a stipulated time after being notified. A speedy mobilisation is crucial to ensure that in an emergency, Singapore is ready to fulfill any tasks assigned.
Upon reaching the equipping centre, NSmen register themselves and go through three pit-stops to be fully ready for deployment. First, they receive personal equipment specific to their vocational requirements, whether they are reconnaissance troopers or machine-gunners. Second, they gather as a unit to draw and set-up general equipment, such as vehicle-mounted signal sets. Third, they collect their ammunition, and are then ready to deploy for missions.
At this particular exercise, equipping proved to be swift. Credit goes to the efficiency of our supply staff, and the commitment of our servicemen to report early. One of them, LTA (NS) Sean Tan said, "This is my third mobilisation, and it was much more organised compared to the previous time. All the guys in my platoon are here ahead of time. I'm okay with being called up as the equipping process is quite fast and easy - it only took me ten minutes."
Chief of Army, MG Neo Kian Hong visited the exercise and sought feedback from NSmen on the equipping system. When most of them told him that the equipping was fast and efficient, he emphasised that they should take ownership of the system to make it even better. He added that commanders should also take time to brief their men and explain the necessity of such activations. Once they understand their duties, they will be motivated to work quickly. COA also thanked the NSmen for their commitment to the defence of Singapore.
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