Resuming NSmen ICT Safely

15 Oct 20

“ The SAF recognises that Singapore's security challenges do not diminish during this COVID-19 pandemic – in fact our assumption is that would-be aggressors can take advantage of the situation to do us harm. ”

- Defence Minister, Dr Ng Eng Hen

With safe measures planned and put in place, the navy resumed National Servicemen (NSmen) in-camp training to maintain its operational readiness and the interoperability with both the army and the air force.

One of our NSmen having a nasopharyngeal swab performed on him to ensure that he is free from the COVID-19 virus.

One of our NSmen having a nasopharyngeal swab performed on him to ensure that he is free from the COVID-19 virus.

The ICT also saw tri-service planners coming together to revise and refresh tactical plans.

The ICT also saw tri-service planners coming together to revise and refresh tactical plans.

Putting the revised battle plans to the test at one of the navy's simulators.

Putting the revised battle plans to the test at one of the navy's simulators.

The ICT that took place over two weeks was an excellent opportunity to not only train and refresh navy NSmen, but to also enhance land-sea integration with the army, as well as sea-air integration with the air force. 

"It is definitely important to continue with ICT because our national defence is still a priority. As an officer, my responsibility is to oversee my unit's training and morale, and to also ensure a smooth exercise with our army counterparts. I always look forward to ICT because it is a dedicated opportunity for me to refresh myself with our mission, as well as a good chance to catch up with my friends in the service!" – MAJ (NS) Charles Ng (pictured center, as the Supervising Officer)

One SAF for a stronger Singapore! A prime example of all three services coming together. 

"My team and I work together with the ship's command team and crew to ensure the safe helicopter operations. The trainers put in a lot of effort to ensure that our training is conducted safely and realistically. For example, the training gears were pre-sanitised and issued to us individually. Everything was very well planned – BZ to our trainers!" – CPT (NS) Mark Cheng (pictured leftmost) as the Flight Deck Officer, leading his Flight Deck Team 

"I am part of the fire-fighting team on board during helicopter operations. During this ICT, we refreshed on our basic competencies and underwent very realistic training. I felt very safe because the trainers would constantly remind us of the safe distancing measures as well as the need to sanitise often." – LCP Leow Yih Cherng (pictured leftmost)

Day or night, we train in order to be mission ready!

Bravo Zulu to all of our NSmen who answered the call and came back for their ICT! We are proud of your commitment to serve and keep our nation strong.