Does anyone have any comments on the below mentioned? Is it
beneficial?
________________
25 April 2003
REVISED NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING SYSTEM (WITH EFFECT FROM APR
03)
Revised Training Cycle
With effect from April 2003, a revised National Service (NS)
training system has been introduced for Operationally Ready
National Servicemen (NSmen).
Under the previous NS training system, NSmen had to perform 13
years of NS training, of which, at least nine must be high-key
in-camp training (ICT). With the revised NS training system, the
majority of NSmen will only need to serve at least seven high-key
ICTs. A two-day Basic Individual Training (BIT) programme that
focuses on physical fitness, marksmanship and refresher training
has also been introduced in the last three years of their 13 years
of NS training. This ensures that NSmen maintain their currency in
basic soldiering skills. Mobilisation exercises will also be
conducted during the BIT phase to maintain operational
readiness.
To minimise inconvenience to NSmen pursuing full-time local
university studies, specific periods during the university vacation
have been set aside for NS training. No academic programmes are
conducted during these periods. This arrangement enables NSmen to
better manage their academic studies and NS duties.
Training Improvements
Performance-oriented training has been introduced as part of the
revised NS training system. Through a modular approach, training is
customised to focus on the specific training needs of each NS unit
instead of adhering to a standard training syllabus. This achieves
more effective and purposeful utilisation of training time.
The revised NS training system also incorporates an incentive-based
component to motivate NSmen to put in their best. Those who achieve
good results at the individual or unit level need not undergo
additional training. For example, NS units that perform well in
major evaluation exercises could have a subsequent high-key
training replaced by low-key training.
Conclusion
Over the years, NS training has progressively become more effective
and efficient with improvements in technology and administrative
efficiency. The revised NS training system capitalises on these
improvements to effect a reduction in the number of high-key ICTs
and the introduction of BIT, without compromising the operational
readiness of the Singapore Armed Forces.
Our citizen soldiers have to shoulder the multiple demands of
family, work and duty to country. We recognise that this requires
significant commitment and sacrifice. The Ministry of Defence
continually reviews the NS training system to optimise training
time and ensure a meaningful NS experience. The revised NS training
system is the latest of a series of improvements to NS management
and administration, following the increase in NS allowance in July
2002 and the revised Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT)
system in April 2003.
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