RESERVISTS IN-CAMP TRAINING (Deferment)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence (a) how many reservists requested for deferment of their in-camp training in 1984, 1985 and 1986; (b) how many of these requests were approved in each of the three years; and (c) what are the criteria for granting the deferment.

The Second Minister for Defence (Services) (BG Lee Hsien Loong): Mr Speaker, Sir, the statistics which have been requested are given in this Table which I am handing out now. [Copies of Table (Cols. 1141 - 1142) distributed to hon. Members.] Table - RESERVISTS IN-CAMP TRAINING DEFERMENT CASES 1984-1986 (Cols. 1141 - 1142)

Mindef does not encourage reservists to apply for deferment, especially when their units are scheduled for overseas training. Reserve units must train together as one cohesive group to build up teamwork and esprit de corps. The absence of one critical reservist during in-camp training does not only affect the training of that reservist himself but it reduces the value of the in-camp training for every other member of the unit whose time will be wasted, as they will be unable to train properly as one unit for their operational role in war. Reservists are given six to 12 months of advance notice for in-camp training so that both they and their employers can have ample time to adjust their work plans and so minimize the need for deferment.

Mindef has delegated the authority to grant deferments to reservist unit commanders. Many of these commanders are themselves reservists and have a close feel for reservists and their problems. The commanders decide on the basis of the merits of the application and on the urgency of the training requirement. In cases where reservists are pursuing full-time courses in institutions of higher learning or where there are compassionate reasons, like parents or children who are critically ill, their applications are usually approved. If the commander turns down the deferment application, the reservist may appeal to Mindef. Appeals are examined case by case, taking into account both the plight of the reservist and the requirements of the units. The statistics of appeals and approvals of appeals have also been included in the Table.

Mr Teo Chong Tee (Changi): Sir, may I ask of the Hon. Minister, if the reservist is the only son of the family and upon whom the family business depends very much, would his request for deferment be specially considered if the period or time to him is not suitable for him to leave his business?

BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, we will consider the matter sympathetically. But it is not possible to approve deferment on the basis that the reservist is the only son, because he is likely to remain an only son for many years to come. You cannot have a deferment every year until your younger brother grows up.