A day at In-Camp Training
About 100 employers were given an exclusive insight into how our Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) are trained during an employers’ visit to 474th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment (474 SAR) at Sungei Gedong Camp on 17 May 18.
“NS protects all segments of Singapore society so it is really important in ensuring the stability of the country and a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.” – Ms Amber Ling, Head of HR, Dairy Farm Singapore.
Group photo before the start of exciting hands-on activities ahead!
Jointly organised by the Armour Training Institute (ATI) and National Service Directorate (NSD), the visit gave employers an interactive experience driving and firing from tanks on simulators. Employers were also excited at the rare opportunity to climb on top of and explore tanks such as the Leopard, Bronco and Ultra, while being briefed on these platforms by none other than the NSmen of 474 SAR themselves.
An employer trying out the SAR 21 rifle under the guidance of an NSman.
Employers getting an exclusive peek into the Ultra Armoured Personnel Carrier featured at the static display.
Colonel (COL) Alan Yeoh Commander 54th Singapore Armoured Brigade (SAB) (2nd from left), COL (NS) Simon Lim Director National Service Affairs (3rd from left) and Major (MAJ) (NS) Sum Kar Yin Commanding Officer 474 SAR (5th from left) hosted the employers at the visit.
Several NSmen from 474 SAR invited their employers, direct superiors and co-workers to the employers’ visit. 3rd Sergeant (3SG) (NS) Peter Quek invited his employers Mr Jules Dufournier and Mr Eric Strongin from ENGIE. He shared that his employers recognised and appreciated his NS commitments and he was heartened by the support that he received from his company, with colleagues telling him, “Thank you for defending us.”
3SG (NS) Peter Quek (centre) and his employers from ENGIE exploring an Armour Support Vehicle at the static display.
Also at the visit was one of the 2017 NSman of the Year recipients, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (NS) Eu Kwang Chin. Accompanied by his co-workers, he shared that the visit made it easier for them to visualise what serving the nation means when NSmen are called up for training. He emphasised the importance of support from colleagues and was thankful for all that he has received. He also shared that the NSman employees at Dairy Farm do not have to worry about work and can be fully focused on their In-camp Training.
LTC (NS) Eu Kwang Chin (right) on top of the Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank, explaining about its functionality to his colleagues from Dairy Farm Singapore
During the visit, many employers understood the important role NSmen play in the security of our nation and pledged their support for NS through NS Mark. NS Mark is a national accreditation scheme to recognise businesses and employers who have been supportive of NS and Total Defence. Find out more about NS Mark today at www.NSmark.sg or email us for details at NSOutreach_NSD@defence.gov.sg.
