MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

MR GOH CHOK TONG Prime Minister and Minister for Defence

Singapore's progress and prosperity continues to depend on peace and security. Southeast Asia remains stable because ASEAN is maturing, regional cooperation is strengthening, and friendly extra-regional powers are present. Young Singaporeans growing up in such a tranquil environment need to appreciate the importance of defence and the SAF to Singapore's peace and security. Public Commitment to the SAF

The SAF plays a major role in nation-building through national service and the call to all male citizens to serve the country. We will continue to foster public commitment to the SAF. We will make greater efforts to keep the public informed on SAF matters, and involve the community in SAF activities. Firm public support strengthens the SAF's credibility as a deterrent force.

Total Defence

Total Defence is the cornerstone of our deterrence policy. As the international trends shift from "military competition" to "economic competition", Economic Defence will assume greater importance.

Reservists

Reservists make up more than 80% of the SAF - the bulk of the Army. They are frontline troops, well-equipped, well-trained, well-motivated and well-led. Regular mobilisation exercises keep reservist units in a state of readiness. Reservists have enabled Singaporeans to live and progress in peace and security. The nation owes them due recognition and gratitude. MINDEF will give full consideration to the recommendations of the RECORD Committee (Recognition of Contribution of Reservists to Total Defence). SAF Training

As more training land is taken up for economic development, the SAF will have to explore new ways to conduct quality training. It will make extensive use of advanced simulators. It will conduct training in areas which it has not previously used. This will require support and understanding of the community. Overseas, good relations and defence cooperation will create new training opportunities.

Defence Technology

We will make full use of technology to multiply firepower, enhance fighting capability and improve the "battle productivity" of our soldiers. Units can then be leaner but no less effective.

We will develop or modify weapon systems to suit Singaporean soldiers better. We will involve local defence industries closely in this effort.

ASEAN Cooperation

We will continue to promote close ties among the ASEAN armed forces and seek to develop additional areas of cooperation. ASEAN defence cooperation will complement the US presence in the region and the Five-Power Defence Arrangements in contributing to regional stability.