Reply by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean to Parliamentary Questions on 20 Jul 2009

Mr Speaker, Sir, Dr Fatimah has asked about the precautions and safety considerations that our SAF Commandos are put through prior to participating in parachute jumps. Commandos have to undergo a progressive training programme to participate in parachute jumps. Before commencing training, they have to undergo a medical examination to ensure that they are medically fit for the training. All Commandos must undergo a Basic Airborne Course which requires them to complete 5 static-line jumps to attain a basic airborne qualification. Commandos who are selected to attain advanced parachute jumping skills will further need to complete an additional 10 static-line jumps in preparation for the Military FreeFall Course, which requires them to jump from a higher altitude and have a higher degree of technical proficiency. Such a training approach for these commandos will expose them progressively to higher altitudes and parachute jumps that demand greater control of the parachute. They would also have to undergo another medical assessment before commencing the Military FreeFall course. Commandos who have passed the Military FreeFall Course are required to undergo annual medical reviews to ensure that they remain medically and physically fit to continue participating in Military FreeFall jumps. In addition, they are required to perform at least one Military FreeFall jump within 120 days from their last jump to maintain currency. Should they fail to meet this requirement, they are required to undergo refresher training before they are allowed to participate in Military FreeFall jumps again.

Dr Fatimah also asked about insurance coverage for accidental deaths or injuries. MINDEF has a comprehensive compensation framework to compensate servicemen for deaths or injuries that are due to service. The compensation amounts are based on the same principles and practices used by the civil courts or the Work Injury Compensation Act for deaths or injuries due to work. There is also an appeal process should servicemen or their next-of-kin feel that the compensation is not adequate. The appeal panel, called the Compensation Board, is chaired by a senior Legal Service Officer who is a former District Judge, and comprises senior officers from the Ministry of Manpower and Public Service Division.

Servicemen are also encouraged to provide further financial security for themselves and their families, beyond what is provided for in the comprehensive compensation framework through insurance. MINDEF has an opt-out Group Term Life Insurance scheme for all its servicemen to cover death or injuries, both during the course of duty and when the servicemen are off duty. This is available at the very affordable rate of $12.80 per month per $100K insured, up to a maximum of $400K.

Mr Speaker, Sir, MINDEF has completed its investigations into the circumstances leading to the death of First Warrant Officer Tan Poh Eng. The cause of death, from the South African pathologist's report, was multiple injuries consistent with fall from parachute. The investigations have established that First Warrant Officer Tan underwent a medical review on 2 Feb 2009 in accordance with the medical review protocol for Military Freefall. First Warrant Officer Tan was certified fit to participate in Military FreeFall. The investigations also established that the parachute used by First Warrant Officer Tan was serviceable, properly packed and had deployed fully. The investigations also ascertained that the safety, training and medical processes were adhered to during the incident. The investigations did not find any evidence to suggest foul play or negligence on the part of any persons involved in the training. The post-mortem findings showed that First Warrant Officer Tan had some extent of coronary artery disease. However, there was no evidence that he suffered from an acute myocardial infarction, otherwise known as a heart attack, or other heart disease. The autopsy findings could not conclusively identify any medical condition that might have impaired his ability to steer to a safe landing.

Mr Speaker Sir, MINDEF treats every death of its servicemen with utmost seriousness. We spare no effort in investigating the circumstances leading to such unfortunate incidents. Where required, measures will be put in place to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. I would like to assure Dr Fatimah and Members of this House that the SAF will continue to be vigilant in ensuring training safety. First Warrant Officer Tan was a well respected and highly experienced serviceman. The members of the Commando Formation, and the SAF feel his loss, and along with them, I extend my deepest condolences to First Warrant Officer Tan Poh Eng's family.