SAF Volunteer Corps Basic Training Continues Safely Amidst COVID-19

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad (second from right) observing newly-enlisted Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) trainees undergoing Basic Training at Maju Camp.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad visited the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) at Maju Camp this morning. During the visit, Mr Zaqy observed 47 newly-enlisted SAFVC Volunteers (SVs) undergoing Basic Training (BT), in preparation for their SAR 21 live-firing next week. This is the first intake for BT since SAFVC training was affected due to the nationwide COVID-19 circuit breaker period last year.

Mr Zaqy also engaged the SVs and senior SVs, deployed as auxiliary trainers, and thanked them for their dedication and contributions to Singapore’s defence. He reassured them that the SAF has safe management measures in place to safeguard their health and safety, allowing training to continue safely. These measures include twice-daily temperature taking, enhanced hygiene practices and disinfection of common areas. SVs are organised into smaller functional groups and assigned separate locations for training to avoid cross-interaction between groups. Any personnel who exhibits acute respiratory infection symptoms will be immediately isolated and tested for COVID-19 infection.

The SAFVC was inaugurated in 2015 to provide more Singaporeans and Permanent Residents the opportunity to contribute to national defence, show support for National Service and deepen their understanding and ownership of national defence. Since its inauguration, the SAFVC has enlisted around 1,000 SVs who serve alongside Full-Time National Servicemen, Regulars and Operationally Ready National Servicemen to ensure the continued peace and security of Singapore.

Mr Zaqy (right) engaging SAFVC volunteers and auxiliary trainers during the visit.

Mr Zaqy (left), accompanied by Chief of Staff-General Staff/Director National Service Affairs BG Kenneth Liow (centre), receiving a brief by Commander SAFVC COL Cheong Yunn Shaur (right) on SAFVC training amidst COVID-19 and safe management measures implemented.