Army’s Operational Readiness Tested in Mobilisation and Equipping Exercise

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing observing the field pack inspection at the open mobilisation exercise in Selarang Camp.

NSmen from 115 C4I Bn undergoing refresher training on weapons technical handling.

NSmen from 780 SIR undergoing refresher training on combat medical aid.

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing visited a mobilisation exercise (MOBEX), conducted by the Singapore Army at Selarang Camp today. The MOBEX conducted involved over 2,000 Operationally Ready National Servicemen from the 23rd Singapore Infantry Brigade (23 SIB).

During his visit, Mr Chan observed NSmen going through personal equipment inspections, as well as refresher training on soldiering fundamentals such as weapons technical handling and combat medical aid. Mr Chan was also briefed on advancements and developments to the Army’s mobilisation systems, such as the features of a 3rd Generation Mobilisation Equipping Centre (MEC) which include humidity-controlled storage facilities to ensure equipment are well-maintained and ready for use. The mobilisation process has also been digitalised via the OneNS platform, streamlining NSmen in-processing and enabling real-time monitoring of unit mobilisation status.

Throughout the visit, Mr Chan interacted with commanders and soldiers from HQ 23 SIB, 780th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (780 SIR), 749th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (749 SIR), and the 115th Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence Battalion (115 C4I Bn). Emphasising the dedication of NSmen Mr Chan said, “The most critical component is the fighting spirit of our men. And to see the men being prepared to spend time and effort to maintain their fitness, to maintain their operational currency. That, to us, is the greatest deterrence that we can have.” He also shared, “We are constantly looking at ways to see how we can continue to strengthen the deterrence … This spirit of unceasing desire to improve keeps the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) at the forefront.”

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regularly conducts mobilisation exercises to maintain the readiness of NSmen, facilities and systems. The 3rd Generation MECs and the development of the OneNS platform are part of the SAF’s broader efforts to continually improve operational readiness of its units.