President Tony Tan Visits NSmen Standing Guard for Singapore's Defence

President Tony Tan Keng Yam visited Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from the 823rd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (823 SIR) at Jurong Island this afternoon. He was accompanied by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim Cheng Yeow, Chief of Army Major-General Melvyn Ong, and senior officers from the Singapore Army.

During his visit, President Tan interacted with the NSmen from 823 SIR, who were deployed to protect key installations on Jurong Island as part of the Island Defence Task Force (IDTF). Under the IDTF, SAF servicemen work closely with Home Team agencies to protect key installations. President Tan was briefed on their deployment and viewed equipment used by the IDTF, such as the mobile Long Range Acoustic Device and body-worn camera.

Speaking after the visit, President Tan reiterated the important role that the SAF plays in deterring any threats against Singapore's peace and security and said, "A strong SAF is the cornerstone for Singapore's prosperity and safety." He added, "What the SAF has developed is very necessary because it reflects the ongoing nature of our security, which is multi-faceted… Just this month alone, there have been terror attacks in a number of cities, in Egypt, Stockholm, Saint Petersburg, and most recently in Paris. To be realistic, it is not a matter of 'if an attack happens'; it is a matter of 'when an attack happens'. We have to recover, to keep ourselves strong and secure, as well as to not let it impede our lives and our work."

President Tan also recognised the commitment and professionalism of national servicemen in defending Singapore. He said, "I am very heartened by their commitment and dedication in order to fulfil their duties and to do it cheerfully. It involves commitment, dedication, and sacrifice not only on their part, but also (on the parts of) their families and loved ones."

Since 2001, the SAF has been conducting security operations at key installations such as Changi Airport, Jurong Island and Sembawang Wharves to boost Singapore's vigilance and defence against the threat of terrorism.