Employer Visit to RSAF Force Protection Squadron (607 SQN NSmen In-Camp Training)
Hosted by Commander (COMD) Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB), Colonel (COL) Ho Yung Peng, employers visited the NSmen of 607 SQN on their In-Camp-Training (ICT) at PLAB last Wednesday 19 Sep 18. The event was organised by 607 SQN in collaboration with the National Service Directorate (NSD) and Air Force Manpower Department (AMD).
607 SQN is the Force Protection Squadron of PLAB, responsible for protection against threats directed at Air Base Security.
COMD PLAB, COL Ho Yung Peng, interacting with employer Mr Edwin Pang (right) – Executive Director, Waste Management and Recycling Association Singapore (WMRAS) – during the visit
The visit proved to be an eye opening experience for many employers who were treated to a tour of PLAB as well as demonstrations of Air Base defence operations involving Military Working Dogs (MWD) and the Immediate Response Force (IRF) intercepting intrusions into the base.
Group photo after witnessing the Immediate Response Flight (IRF) demonstration
At the end of the visit, many employers went the extra mile to pen their thoughts on the visit and their appreciation of their NSman employees or NSmen in general.
Ms Jess Lai – Head of HR, Starr ETC Pte Ltd – presenting a card with messages of appreciation to her NSman employee, 2SG Thinesh from 607 SQN
Ms Jess Lai, Head of HR at Starr ETC Pte Ltd, was one of the employers at the visit. She shared that the visit was a perfect opportunity for her as a direct superior to show support towards her employee’s NS commitments. “Growing up in an all-girls family, I hardly had any chance to hear about the military life of our NSmen except through movies like ‘Ah Boys to Men’. This visit has reinforced my confidence in our air defence having witnessed the high standards of training and cutting edge operational technologies in the air base. I think that there should be more appreciation shown towards NSmen as they are the ones defending the country.”
From this visit, employers were able to gain a deeper understanding of the operations of 607 SQN, the important role that the NSmen play in securing and maintaining the operational readiness of the base and also the training NSmen undergo during their In-Camp Training (ICT).
Mr Edwin Pang thanking his NSman employee Mr Darren Chia for his service towards the nation
Echoing the sentiments of many employers was Mr Edwin Pang, Executive Director of Waste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS). He said: “For us to do our businesses – whatever business we are doing – we must have peace and stability within our country. Supporting NSmen is not only something that we would like to do; it is something that we should do. This basically means to give fuller support to our NSmen so that they can focus on their training and reach that higher level of operational readiness.”
During the visit, WMRAS together other companies came on board the NS Mark Accreditation scheme.
The NS Mark is a nationwide accreditation scheme to recognise businesses and employers who have been supportive of NS and Total Defence. With this accreditation scheme, more pro-NS businesses and organisations can pledge their support for NS, and be recognised for their efforts in promoting an NS-friendly workplace culture and adopting human resource practices that support NSmen in fulfilling their NS duties.
To find out more about the NS Mark accreditation scheme, click on this link: www.NSmark.sg
