MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

DR YEO NING HONG Minister for Defence

The threat of a global war has receded with the end of the Cold War. However, the Gulf War and the bloody conflict in Yugoslavia show that regional conflicts will continue. We must continue to maintain vigilance and invest in defence, because that buys us national security. MINDEF's mission is to preserve Singapore's peace and security, and should deterrence and diplomacy fail, to defeat the aggressors swiftly and decisively. To achieve this MINDEF will improve the manpower resources of the SAF, strengthen its technological edge, and foster close defence relations with friendly countries in the region and beyond.

Manpower Resources

2. 1992 marks the 25th year of national service for all male citizens. Full-time national service and the follow-on reserve service remain critical to Singapore's peace and security. They are also important institutions for building up national resilience and forging a sense of national identity and purpose.

3. When national service began in l967, there were about 27,000 male l8-year olds per year. This number has been declining and will go below 20,000. To maintain the SAF's operational capability and compensate for the smaller numbers, MINDEF will:

a. improve methods of training,

b. emphasise physical fitness,

c. introduce weapon systems which generate more firepower with fewer men,

d. use more civilian staff or contractors in support roles to release more SAF personnel for combat duties,

e. reduce the size of combat units and support units; and

f. continue to strive for productivity improvements.

4. Reservists are the mainstay of the SAF's fighting force. They form the bulk of MINDEF's manpower resources. A motivated and well-trained reservist order of battle is essential for military deterrence. MINDEF will strengthen the motivation of reservists, upgrade their training, and recognise their contributions to the Total Defence of Singapore. Most of the recommendations of RECORD - the Committee to Recognise the Contribution of Reservists in Total Defence - have been implemented. Wherever feasible, MINDEF will decentralise training and call-ups to make it more convenient for reservists, without compromising operational readiness. This is already done for the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) and medical check-ups.

5. Weapons alone cannot assure the SAF's success. The morale and motivation of the soldiers are critical. This requires excellent commissioned officers and talented and capable warrant officers and specialists who can lead and command their men to perform in the stress of battle. MINDEF will restructure the Non-Commissioned Officer Corps to give junior commanders more opportunities for responsibility and personal development, and to take advantage of the better education levels of recruits. A Warrant Officer School will be set up to complement the SAFTI Military Institute for officer training.

Overseas Training

6. Overseas training is essential to SAF operational training. It makes up for the lack of space and variety of terrain in Singapore. The closure of the Crow Valley training area in the Philippines due to the Mount Pinatubo eruptions is a significant loss to the Air Force. Training possibilities in other friendly countries will be explored.

Defence Technology

7. MINDEF will continue to emphasise defence technology as a critical element of the SAF's operational capability. The Defence Science Organisation will expand its research and development capability, particularly in electronics and military software. Other elements of the Defence Technology Group will strengthen capabilities in weapon systems integration and computer applications.

Defence Relations

8. MINDEF will continue to promote defence relations and bilateral exercises with other armed forces. These help to develop mutual confidence and understanding, and contribute to regional stability when the new world order is still uncertain.