FULL-TIME NATIONAL SERVICEMEN DEPLOYED OVERSEAS

FULL-TIME NATIONAL SERVICEMEN DEPLOYED OVERSEAS

22.

Ms Ellen Lee asked the Minister for Defence whether parents of full-time National Servicemen are officially informed when their sons are deployed for overseas missions or exercises.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) participate regularly in SAF overseas training and exercises which are required for their vocational training and the operational build up of

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their units. Before departure, NSFs are advised to inform their next-of-kin of their overseas deployment and pass them the unit’s contact numbers which their next-of-kin can use to contact them in case of urgent family matters. The unit’s Headquarters also maintains the contact information of the servicemen’s next-of-kin, so that they can be contacted should there be a need.

Should National Servicemen be required to participate in overseas missions they will also be advised to inform their next-of-kin before their departure. In addition, as part of a home-support system, the unit appoints liaison officers to engage the next-of-kin of the servicemen when they are overseas. These liaison officers also serve as a point of contact should the next-of-kin request for more information and wish to contact the serviceman in case of urgent family matters.

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