Response to Lianhe Zaobao Forum Letter on "National Service Must Improve With Times"

Communication channels available to all servicemen

We thank Chen Jia Yuan for his forum letter "National Service Must Improve With Times" on the 25 Jul 12 and his feedback regarding communication between MINDEF/SAF and its servicemen.

MINDEF and the SAF take communication with its servicemen seriously and utilises multiple channels to communicate with them. Besides the servicemen, MINDEF/SAF also engages their parents to keep them updated on their sons' National Service experience. For recruits undergoing Basic Military Training (BMT), they should feel free to speak with their instructors daily if they have queries or concerns. In addition, formal interviews are conducted monthly to provide them with timely feedback on their performance so that they can improve and excel in training.

The general assessment criteria for BMT is communicated to parents and recruits at the Commanding Officer's opening address on the day of enlistment. Where the recruit is posted to is based on his BMT performance, medical fitness, suitability of the individual for the vocation and the operational and manpower requirements of the SAF. One week after graduation, recruits can retrieve their posting orders online or by calling their BMTC Company office.

MINDEF and the SAF appreciate Chen Jia Yuan's feedback and will strive to ensure regular and effective communication with its servicemen.

Colonel Ang Heng
Assistant Chief General Staff (Personnel)
Ministry of Defence

MINDEF's reply was published as "答复 非常认真看待与服役人员的沟通", Lianhe Zaobao, 01 Aug 12