Response to The Straits Times Forum Letter on ''National service: A mother's constant worry''

Safety of National Servicemen is top priority

We refer to Ms Looi Pek Hong's letter titled "National service: A mother's constant worry". We understand Ms Looi's concern for the safety of our National Servicemen and would like to thank her for the feedback.

MINDEF and the SAF take the safety and well-being of our servicemen very seriously. The SAF will do all it can to ensure safety in the midst of realistic training. This includes having in place robust safety measures to support a proper training system Despite our best efforts to reduce risks in training, incidents although they have been trending down over the years, unfortunately may still happen from time to time. As safety procedures cannot cover every specific condition or situation that may arise, it is also important that safety is in the consciousness of our servicemen, and that our servicemen look out for the safety of his men, his buddies and himself. The SAF will continue to be vigilant and to ensure that safety procedures are updated and followed.

MINDEF and the SAF recognise and appreciate the commitment and dedication of our servicemen and their families in playing a part in National Service, which is the critical foundation of Singapore's defence.

Colonel Desmond Tan
Director, Public Affairs
Ministry of Defence

MINDEF's reply was published as "Safety of national servicemen a top priority: Mindef", The Straits Times, 16 Aug 11