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HIMARS

Employers Visit to High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Battery on In-Camp-Training

Their motto “In Oriente Primus”, Latin for “First in the East”, serves as a reminder of its heritage and its humble beginnings. Did you know that the Singapore Artillery, the oldest arm in the Singapore Army, can trace its beginnings to the Singapore Volunteer Artillery formed in 1888?

This interesting nugget of history was shared with more than 90 employers who visited the Singapore Artillery on 1 Aug 2019, co-hosted by the Artillery Institute (AI) and the National Service Directorate (NSD).  It was organised to give employers a better understanding of the capabilities of the Artillery formation and an appreciation of how our Operational Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) are trained during their annual In-Camp Training (ICT).

In his welcome address, Commander Artillery Institute, Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) Vincent Koh reiterated the important role that employers play in supporting their NSman employees. During the visit, Chief Artillery Officer, Colonel (COL) Michael Ma, thanked employers for taking time out from their busy schedules to better understand National Service and the training that their NSman employees go through

(Centre) Chief Artillery Officer, COL Michael Ma in a group photograph with employers

Chief Artillery Officer, COL Michael Ma addressing employers

Commander Artillery Institute, SLTC Vincent Koh answering queries on ARTHUR Weapon Locating Radar at the static display of Artillery platforms

Employers were introduced to various Artillery platforms such as the 155mm Field Howitzer (FH2000), ARTHUR Weapon Locating Radar, Field Artillery Meteorological System and the BELREX Protected Combat Support Vehicle. The employers were also excited to try out some of these platforms on simulators such as the Artillery Detachment Trainer (ADT) and the Call-For-Fire Simulator (CFFS).

Employers observing a demonstration of loading drills at the Artillery Detachment Trainer (ADT)

Mr Joseph Tan, Managing Director Hemsco (S) Pte Ltd trying out the Artillery Detachment Trainer (ADT)

“I’m heartened to see that military training is greatly supported with technology.  Leveraging technology allows our soldiers to hone their proficiencies in a safe environment. It was totally different weaponry systems and training compared to my days of National Service. I am now more assured when our children are in the field serving their National Service.” Mr Joseph Tan, Managing Director, Hemsco (S) Pte Ltd

 

(From the left), Mr Silas Yip from EBOS SG Pte Ltd and Mr Keson Tan from Oceanus Group Ltd

“The realism in terms of simulating battle terrain and scenarios also ensures that our NSmen are adequately trained to react to contingencies in the field.  This is really important in resource scarce Singapore.”  Mr Silas Yip, Cloud Accountant, EBOS SG Pte Ltd

The employers also interacted with NSmen from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Battery who demonstrated safety drills and how they carried out their operations.  In his address to the employers, the Battery Commander (BC), CPT(NS) Tiong Jia Ming reiterated the importance of NSmen returning for ICT annually to hone their proficiencies and strengthen team integration so that they can remain operationally ready as a unit. He expressed appreciation to all the employers and their co-workers for making the necessary arrangements so as to allow NSmen to serve their nation with peace of mind

CPT (NS) Tiong Jia Ming, Battery Commander (BC),  HIMARS Battery thanking employers for their support of NS and their NSman employees

CPT(NS) Tiong also assured the employers that he helps his NSmen balance their commitments. He said “As a NS Commander, I understand that our NSmen have competing commitments, be it family, job and personal matters to fulfil.  Hence, rest assured that as commanders, we will exercise flexibility for them to attend to these matters so long as it does not compromise operations.”

 

Mr Lim Meng Wee, Managing Director, SP Consulting (International) Pte Ltd

Mr Lim Meng Wee, Managing Director of SP Consulting (International) Pte Ltd said, “As employers, we must do whatever it takes to support our NSman employees in order for them to remain well-trained and motivated as they will be the ones who put their lives on the line to ensure Singapore’s continued survival and success.”

Join the league of supportive employers and we hope to see you at the next SAF visit in Dec 2019.  Look out for our events at https://mindef.sg/2KKF6ST.

Since the launch in Aug 2016, many employers have come on board the NS Mark Accreditation Scheme to demonstrate their support for National Service and Total Defence.  You may apply online via www.NSmark.sg or email us for more details at NSOutreach_NSD@defence.gov.sg.

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