Ministerial statement on the recent deaths of three SAF
servicemen, Minister of Defence, (RADM(NS) Teo Chee Hean,
Parliament Sitting, 16 Oct 20033
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr Speaker Sir, one regular SAF serviceman and 2 Full-time National
Servicemen died during training in unrelated incidents over the
period of 21st August to 23rd September this year. MINDEF is very
sorry for the anguish and distress that has been caused to their
families and loved ones. I deeply regret the loss of these three
young men. I extend my heartfelt condolences to their families and
loved ones.
MINDEF treats every training death with the utmost seriousness. In
every case we convene a thorough investigation to determine the
cause of death and also to enable us to take all the necessary
measures so that what can be prevented will not happen again.
It is important to remember that the SAF has to train our soldiers
as they will fight. The harder and more realistically we train
them, the more likely they are to fight well and survive when
called upon to defend the nation. The training also has to be
conducted professionally and safely. MINDEF therefore constantly
aims to strike the right balance between training realism and
safety. We take all the safety precautions and measures feasible to
minimise risks. But in the nature of military training, there will
always remain some risks which cannot be completely
eliminated.
Let me now explain the circumstances of the three cases and the
measures that are in place to ensure the safety of our servicemen
as they undergo military training, as well as the actions that
MINDEF has taken. I shall take the most recent case first.
Recruit Chew Heng Huat, Andrew,
- IPPT Categorisation Test, 23 Sep 03
Summary of Incident
The serviceman who died was Recruit Chew Heng Huat, Andrew. On
enlistment, Recruit Chew had been classified as being medically fit
except for being moderately obese. He was in the fourth week of the
four-month Basic Military Training Programme for obese recruits. On
23 Sep 03 at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) School 1 in
Pulau Tekong, Recruit Chew was undergoing an Individual Physical
Proficiency Test (IPPT) categorisation exercise to gauge his
fitness level. At about 1745 hrs, during the 2.4 km run of the
IPPT, Recruit Chew collapsed 30 metres short of the end point. He
was immediately evacuated to the Pulau Tekong Medical Centre for
medical attention and thereafter, evacuated by helicopter to the
Singapore General Hospital, arriving at 1842 hrs. He was pronounced
dead at 1905 hrs. The cause of death is pending final determination
by the forensic pathologist from the Health Sciences
Authority.
IPPT Categorisation Exercise
The IPPT categorisation exercise for obese recruits takes place
during the 4th week of their 4-month BMT programme, after they have
completed 3 weeks of physical conditioning. In the normal 3-month
BMT for non-obese recruits, this categorisation exercise is done in
the 2nd week. The purpose of the categorisation exercise is to
group the recruits according to their physical fitness level. This
allows us to design the subsequent training in a more focused,
customized and progressive way, taking into account the health and
fitness condition of each serviceman.
Actions Taken
Our preliminary investigations showed that there were no lapses in
the conduct of the IPPT categorisation exercise which contributed
to the death. Proper lesson plans and safety measures were in
place. The measures included making sure that the recruits had
adequate sleep the night before, that they were well hydrated, and
were not feeling unwell when the IPPT started. The medical
evacuation of Recruit Chew by land and air was also executed
swiftly and according to the established plan for such
contingencies.
MINDEF has convened a Committee of Inquiry into the incident. The
Inquiry is still in progress. Meanwhile the Commander of the Basic
Military Training Centre has briefed all the instructors on the
incident and re-emphasised the need for safety understanding and
awareness.
2SG Rajagopal Thirukumaran
- Ranger Selection Test, 3 Sep 03
Summary of Incident
The second death was that of 2SG Rajagopal Thirukumaran, a regular
serviceman, on 3 Sep 03 when he was taking the Ranger Course
selection test at Hendon Camp. This test is to ensure that
candidates for the Ranger course meet the physical fitness
standards required for the course. 2SG Rajagopal collapsed at 1627
hrs, after completing the 5-km road run in good time. He received
immediate medical attention before he was evacuated to Changi
General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1725hrs. The
cause of death is pending final determination by the forensic
pathologist from the Health Sciences Authority.
Actions Taken
Our preliminary investigations showed that the lesson plans and
safety measures for the selection test were in order and properly
executed. A warming up exercise was carried out in accordance with
the lesson plan. The safety briefing for the road run was
conducted, and water points and safety marshals were
deployed.
MINDEF has convened a Higher Board of Inquiry to investigate the
incident, which is still in progress.
2SG Hu Enhuai
- Combat Survival Training (CST), 21 Aug 03
Summary of Incident
The third incident, on 21 Aug 03, occurred at Pulau Tekong during a
Combat Survival Training (CST) course. This course trains
reconnaissance troopers, scouts and snipers who have to conduct
operations deep in hostile territory, to survive, evade capture,
and resist and escape if captured by the enemy. The course has both
theory and practical elements, and psychological preparation is a
key feature. It culminates in a summary field exercise where the
skills taught in the classroom are applied and put to the test. The
80th CST course began on 13 Aug 03 and was scheduled to end on 22
Aug 03.
On 21 Aug 03, 2SG Hu Enhuai, a sniper, was participating in the
final summary exercise when he collapsed at around 1645hrs. He was
given medical treatment at the scene and evacuated to the Pulau
Tekong Medical Centre at 1710hrs. Subsequently, he was evacuated by
helicopter to the Singapore General Hospital and arrived there at
1752hrs. He was pronounced dead at 1817hrs. The cause of death as
certified by the forensic pathologist of the Health Sciences
Authority was asphyxia and near drowning.
Actions Taken
The SAF suspended Combat Survival Training immediately after the
incident. Four Officers and a senior Specialist who conducted the
training were also immediately suspended from service.
MINDEF convened an independent Committee of Inquiry, chaired by a
senior civil servant from outside MINDEF, to investigate and
determine the full facts of the incident. The Committee of Inquiry
submitted its report on 3 Oct 03. MINDEF is now studying the report
in detail. I will now brief Members of the House of the facts
established by the Committee. 2SG Hu's family has also been kept
informed.
The Committee of Inquiry found that the trainers had not followed
the approved lesson plan for this training exercise. According to
the lesson plan, the trainees were only to be doused with water
with the intent of showering them. The lesson plan specifically
prohibits physical contact and manhandling of trainees, and states
categorically that instructors should never force water treatment
into the body. Submerging the head of a trainee into water was not
authorized.
However, instead of being doused with water, 2SG Hu had his head
submerged in water four times. As a result he aspirated water, had
breathing difficulties and collapsed. He was treated promptly by a
medical orderly at the scene and evacuated to the Singapore General
Hospital, but despite the medical treatment he died.
Besides 2SG Hu, other trainees also had their heads submerged in
water. As a result 6 aspirated water and required medical
treatment. The Combat Survival Training had been conducted in an
unauthorized way.
This is an extremely serious lapse in the conduct of the training.
It should never have happened. MINDEF takes the gravest possible
view of the matter. I am determined to establish the full facts of
how such an unauthorised act occurred and to identify the persons
responsible for it. I have convened a Higher Board of Inquiry to do
so. Investigations are also being conducted by the Criminal
Investigation Department of the Police, and there will be a
coroner's inquiry. The results of these investigations will be made
public. Any SAF personnel who have been negligent or culpable will
be held to account and punished according to the law.
After the incident MINDEF suspended 5 instructors who conducted the
training. In addition, MINDEF has relieved from their duties two
other instructors who were responsible for supervising the
training. MINDEF has also relieved the Commanding Officer of the
School of Commando Training from command and has also appointed a
new Chief Commando Officer to take charge of the Commando
formation.
The SAF will conduct a thorough and careful review of how the
Combat Survival Training course is conducted and the safety
measures for this course before we resume such training. For this
purpose, the SAF will benchmark our training practices against
practices in other established armies, and audit how our training
is actually carried out in the field, to ensure that training of
this nature is conducted professionally and safely.
Conclusion
MINDEF deeply regrets the loss of the lives of our three soldiers.
Investigations as well as independent inquiries have been convened
for all three cases. We will probe for deficiencies in systems and
procedures; lapses in execution or compliance; whether any persons
by their acts or omissions were responsible; and what remedial
measures will prevent such incidents in the future.
Where we discover deficiencies, we will put them right immediately.
Where persons have failed in their duties, MINDEF will take action
against them. We expect the highest level of professionalism from
our officers and men, and will not tolerate any laxity or
indiscipline that endangers the lives of our soldiers. When
something goes wrong, we will account to Parliament, the families
of servicemen, and the public. We will explain fully and honestly
what went wrong, and what we will do to put things right and
prevent it from happening again. This is the way to maintain the
confidence and trust of the public in the SAF.
What happened to 2SG Hu on the Combat Survival Training course
should never have happened. I will get to the bottom of how such an
unauthorized and unsafe training practice could have crept into the
School of Commando Training. This incident has been a heavy blow to
the Commandos, who are one of the finest formations in the SAF.
Over the years, the Commandos have served Singapore well. In 1974,
in the Laju incident, they escorted the hijackers to the Middle
East. In 1991, they rescued 127 passengers from SQ117. In their
quiet and unseen ways, the Commandos have performed many other
operations to safeguard Singapore from the new and deadly threats
of terrorism. The Commandos will set things right and rebuild
themselves because as professionals, I know that this is what they
will do. They will succeed as they have the professionalism and the
determination to do so, and because they will have the support of
the Members of this House and all Singaporeans.
Parents entrust their sons to MINDEF and the SAF to prepare and
train them to perform a national duty in the defence of Singapore.
This is a heavy responsibility that MINDEF and the SAF do not take
lightly. We should not let up on hard and realistic training. But
we will never compromise on safety nor risk the lives of our
servicemen. It is MINDEF and the SAF's solemn commitment to take in
our young men, train them well and return them safely at the end of
two or two and a half years to their families as
operationally-ready soldiers.
Source: Ministry of Defence
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 casualties in 1 training, including 1 death. .. wtf. . .
