Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong running with SAF recruits during a visit to the Basic Military Training Centre at Pulau Tekong on Aug 27, 2024. - ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN) A strong and effective Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is the Republic’s most important insurance policy in an increasingly dangerous and troubled world, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
And national service is the backbone of this, he told a group of about 420 recruits, trainers and staff during a visit to the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) on Aug 27.
He said: “Some of you are regulars who have signed on... but the bulk of you are national servicemen. Every generation of Singaporeans has served national service, and now it’s your turn.”
PM Wong thanked his audience for “stepping forward and making this contribution and sacrifice for Singapore”.
In response to questions from the media, he said later that the Government will continue to put in heavy investments for both the SAF and the Home Team, because these are critical and vital for the country.
The SAF has continued to evolve, not just in its technology, but also in its ability to continue to improve its capabilities and train soldiers more effectively, he said.
He added: “The resets and the upgrades and the transformations, in fact, are continually taking place.”
It was PM Wong’s first visit to BMTC – which is on Pulau Tekong, off the coast of Singapore’s north-eastern shore – since taking office in May.
He was accompanied by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad and Chief of Army David Neo.
PM Wong joined the recruits for a 1.8km run after a ceremonial guard of 24 soldiers welcomed him to the island.
PM Lawrence Wong at the Basic Military Training Centre, Pulau Tekong, on Aug 27. - ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
He then addressed the group of recruits he had been running with, as well as BMTC trainers and staff.
In his speech, he also talked about his own national service experience, including enlisting at the BMTC.
He said of his own basic military training (BMT): “I did mine here in (Pulau) Tekong too, more than 30 years ago. In 1991, it was a very different national service.
“A lot has changed, but I assure you that your training standards are the same. You are still fighting-fit soldiers, and you’re all now doing your part to be part of an elite fighting force in the SAF.”
PM Wong expressed his hope that the training would stay with the recruits.
“It’s not just the physical fitness, it’s also the frame of mind, the discipline, the grit and the resilience and the determination to keep on pushing your limits,” he said.
He added that he had entered the army as a relatively unfit recruit.
“I didn’t focus on exercising in school. But BMT made me push my own limits, and going to Officer Cadet School (OCS) pushed my limits further.
“The SAF was the best fitness trainer for me – after BMT, after OCS, I could do 2.4 (in) under 10 minutes. In school, I was doing like 13 to 14 minutes for 2.4. Ridiculous, right?” he said, referring to the 2.4km run, which is part of the standard fitness test for national servicemen and schoolchildren.
During the visit, PM Wong also participated in a strength conditioning exercise and an SAR 21 rifle technical handling training session.
Speaking to the media later, he said it was good to be back at BMTC, and he had received an update on BMT training.
PM Lawrence Wong speaking with SAF recruits at the Basic Military Training Centre, Pulau Tekong, on Aug 27. - ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
He said: “I’m very glad to hear that our methods of instruction, engaging soldiers, training soldiers have evolved over the years. They’re more science-based (now).”
He added that he was glad to see that new methods, technologies and solutions have led to better outcomes, even as training standards are upheld. Today, soldiers are able to get fitter and contribute as part of an effective fighting force, he said.
Noting that armed conflicts are erupting in many different places around the world, PM Wong said: “We’re not at conflict in this part of the world, but we have to be mentally prepared for any eventuality.”
He said that generations of Singaporeans have answered the call to national service, and every new generation must continue to do so.
“I hope all Singaporeans will continue to support national service and also support our national servicemen and their families who have done so much for Singapore and will continue to do so,” he said.
“It’s vital that we maintain this strong level of support, because ultimately, national service is about safeguarding our homes, our loved ones and our freedom to choose our own way of life. It is about making sure that Singapore remains a beacon of peace and stability, even in uncertainty,” he added. - The Straits Times/ANN
