Reply to Media Queries on ORNS operating MCVs

In response to media queries on Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) teams operating RSN's missile corvettes (MCVs) fully, the following reply was issued:

"Ex-Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regulars have a great deal of operational and technical knowledge and experience. If ex-regulars still have some period of National Service (NS) liability, the SAF will seek to find ways to tap on their experience and knowledge, so that they will contribute at a higher level and find their NS experience and in-camp training more meaningful and interesting.

In this regard, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has been able to qualify two Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) teams of ex-RSN regulars with years of relevant shipboard experience, to operate the RSN's missile corvettes (MCVs) fully and independently. A structured training programme was put in place to ensure that these national servicemen (NSmen) attained the competency needed to operate the current generation of MCVs. Similar to other NS units in the SAF, the operational readiness of these ORNS teams is assessed and benchmarked against MCVs crewed by regular servicemen. Thus far, this effort to deploy NSmen more strategically and meaningfully has worked well for the NSmen and for the RSN. The RSN will continue to find ways to deploy its ex-regulars optimally."

Rear Admiral Timothy Lo
Head, Naval Operations Department