The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) held its 6th Steering Committee Meeting at the 4th Singapore Civil Defence Force Division Headquarters earlier this morning. The meeting was chaired by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

During the meeting, the members were updated on the preliminary plans on how the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) would hire more Regular trainers to make the training of our Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) more effective and efficient. Likewise, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will recruit more Regulars to increase training and operational capacity. Members agreed that improving the ratio of Regular to NSF trainers would allow for better supervision as well as stronger inculcation of discipline and values.

The members discussed the feasibility of employing more Regulars as full-time trainers and also considered the potential time-savings under the new NS training system. Members highlighted that the SAF, SPF and SCDF must continue generating operationally ready units and meet operational requirements, should the proposal be implemented. Arising from the feedback, members also discussed if a longer period can be allowed for Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) fulfil their IPPT Preparatory Training requirements. After the meeting, the members had lunch with NSFs and NSmen from the various SCDF frontline and support units to better understand their training experience.

The CSNS will be making an announcement of its recommendations later in 2014. Members of the public may visit www.strengthenNS.sg to find out more about the CSNS journey thus far.