NSFs have avenues to raise concerns
We thank Mr Sim Ghee Hau for his forum letter "Hard for NSFs to know what an 'illegal order' is" on 23 December.
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) holds our commanders to the highest standards of conduct. We do not condone our commanders giving unlawful orders, and those who do so will be disciplined. Any serviceman who has concerns about the legality of an order can highlight these concerns to their superior commanders in the chain of command. They may also contact the MINDEF Feedback Unit if they are unable to resolve the issue at the unit level. We note Mr Sim's specific concerns with Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs). To ensure that NSFs are made aware of these avenues, this information is also available in the SAF's Recruit's Handbook.
Teo Eng Dih
Director Manpower,
Ministry of Defence
MINDEF's reply was published as "NSFs have avenue to raise concerns", Straits Times, 27 Dec 14