We thank Mr Ho Han Kiat for his letter, “A common basic military training can bind us together” (July 3).

The core purpose of National Service (NS) is to safeguard Singapore’s peace and security.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) have distinct missions, and therefore different training requirements, in the fulfilment of this objective.

To ensure that NS enlistees are properly trained and yet have sufficient time for deployment within the short period of full-time NS, their training in the SAF, SPF and SCDF must be focused. Hence, each uniformed service conducts its own basic training, tailored to its operational needs.

Nonetheless, national servicemen from the SAF, SPF and SCDF regularly work together during joint operations such as the protection of key installations, and during homeland security exercises, such as those on counter terrorism, maritime security and chemical threats.

Within each of the agencies, NS, in bringing together all Singaporean males for two years of common experiences, also fosters in our national servicemen a common identity and a shared commitment to keeping Singapore safe and secure.

Shaun Goh                                                       Shirlyn Ng

Director Manpower                                       Senior Director (Human Resource Division)

Ministry of Defence                                       Ministry of Home Affairs