Written Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on Deferment of In-Camp Training and Operational Readiness of NSmen

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: To ask the Minister for Defence in light of the deferment of in-camp training (ICT) and the suspension of the individual physical proficiency test and in-person fitness training during the period of COVID-19 Phase Two (Heightened Alert) (a) what plans will be taken to maintain the operational readiness and fitness of NSmen; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider extending the deferment of ICT until next year given the various work and business challenges faced by NSmen during this period.

Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen:

In-Camp Training (ICT) for NS soldiers is required to maintain the operational readiness of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Therefore, ICT will continue, together with stringent testing regimes and safe management measures to prevent infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When tightened restrictions are implemented nationally, the SAF will assess if some less essential training can be deferred. For example, during the Phase Two (Heightened Alert) in July, ICTs were deferred for four weeks, with catch-up training subsequently. However, critical ops units continued their training during Ph2HA.

The physical fitness of our NSmen is also an important aspect of the readiness of the SAF. This year, the SAF introduced the NS Fitness Improvement Training (FIT) programme to make fitness activities more convenient and accessible for them. These include FIT@Home, a fitness programme conducted through a virtual platform, to allow our NSmen to stay fit even when physical NS fitness activities were suspended during Phase Two (Heightened Alert). The initiatives have been well received by our NSmen.

While short term interruptions are manageable, prolonged disruptions to NS activities will have an impact on SAF's operational readiness. This is why the SAF resumed ICTs and physical conduct of fitness activities right after Phase Two (Heightened Alert) ended in mid-August. High vaccination rates of about 90% amongst our NSmen coming back for ICTs, coupled with stringent safe management, provide for safe conduct of NS activities. Another key enabler is frequent testing. When the SAF resumed ICTs last October, we implemented a weekly COVID-19 test regime for NSmen reporting for unit-level ICT. Going forward, the SAF will continue to monitor the national situation and adjust our COVID-19 measures according to MOH guidelines.

We thank our NSmen for their continued commitment to NS. Over the past year, we have in fact experienced slightly lower deferment rates and higher post-ICT satisfaction scores^[1]. At the same time, we recognise that COVID-19 has brought about challenges to many Singaporeans. NSmen who require time to address important and time-sensitive personal or work matters may approach their unit commanders for assistance on deferment matters or arrangements for time-off during ICT.

^[1] Deferment rates and Post-ICT survey data for ICTs conducted in 2020 and 2021, when compared to pre-COVID data.