Written Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on NSmen Mobilisation on 8 Jan 2025

Mr Neil Parekh Nimil Rajnikant asked the Minister for Defence (a) what has been the overall response rate of operationally-ready NSmen to the both silent and open mobilisation exercises; (b) how have these mobilisation exercises been useful in preparing the NSmen to be mobilised under the Ministry’s scenario planning drills related to the on-going developments in the Middle East and Europe; and (c) to what extent is realism injected in the deployment exercises in these mobilisation exercises.

Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen:

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) conducts regular mobilisation exercises (MOBEX) of our NS forces. In a silent mobilisation, NSmen are notified through their personal contact numbers. Open mobilisations include the broadcast of unit code-words through mass media. Average attendance rates for both are consistently high; 95% or more of mobilised NSmen would turn up within the stipulated timings.

Mobilisation exercises sharpen the operational readiness of our NS forces, keep our systems and processes well-oiled, and enhance the SAF’s preparedness to respond in a national security situation. Different scenarios may be used in different mobilisation exercises for greater realism and validation of different functions, such as force equipping, force preparation procedures and refresher training.