Military enthusiasts update each other on the Net but
there is self-policing; also Mindef makes regular visits for
feedback
By David Boey
THE Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has yet to unveil a replacement
for its Crossbow light anti-tank weapon, but an Internet
forum called Military Nuts has been abuzz with talk that the army
may soon unveil a tank-busting rocket called
Matador.
Days after February's Asian Aerospace air show, aircraft
enthusiasts kept some Internet chatrooms busy with reports of
having sighted fighter jets like the American F-15 Strike Eagle and
French Rafale thundering across Singapore, presumably on trials
being conducted by the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
Net-based defence forums are popular among military enthusiasts who
wish to keep one another posted on new developments. They engage in
lively discussions on military topics - from the value of national
service to the purchase of new equipment.
And the people who read these comments include big shots from the
Ministry of Defence.
The ministry said it welcomes Internet discussions on defence
subjects, but cautioned that classified information should
not be aired on the Net.
There is a healthy amount of self-policing by most defence forum
moderators, to ensure that sensitive information like SAF code
words or information on weapons are not flashed on the Net.
One of Military Nuts' moderators, a 28-year-old aeronautical
engineer who goes by the screen name Viper52, said those
who post messages are urged 'to exercise discretion when discussing
issues which might have implications beyond this forum'.
He said: 'This is especially true regarding restricted information
on military doctrine and equipment.'
Mindef said that it makes regular visits to such sites, to 'gather
feedback'.
Colonel Bernard Toh, a spokesman for the ministry, said: 'National
service is a shared experience, so it is natural that our
servicemen, both full-time national servicemen and NSmen, take an
interest in defence matters and discuss them, including on the
Internet.
'Mindef follows public discussions on defence issues and we also
gather feedback.'
Col Toh said SAF servicemen are free to take part in Internet
discussions, but are reminded 'that they have security obligations
when discussing defence matters - in whatever medium'.
He added that most Singaporeans are responsible and careful about
what they post on the Net, as they 'understand the need to observe
security in defence matters'.
So far, no one has run afoul of the law, but The Straits Times
understands that some servicemen have been advised to tone down
their postings.
'If there are security breaches, the appropriate action could range
from advice to disciplinary action, depending on their
seriousness,' said Col Toh.
--ST
