HIDDEN_ADDENDA, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

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MINISTRY OF DEFENCE: MR TEO CHEE HEAN
Minister for Defence

1 Security is the bedrock for our efforts to build a future of opportunity and promise for all Singaporeans. The security environment will continue to be marked by uncertainty. A strong defence gives us the space to act in Singapore’s best interests and enables Singaporeans to go about our daily lives with the assurance that the SAF is ready and able to safeguard our security and our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

2 Defence and Deterrence . We face a real threat of terrorism. The SAF will work in close co-ordination with other agencies to counter this threat. The SAF will continue to develop the necessary capabilities to provide a more flexible and potent response to this transnational and asymmetric security threat.

3 The primary mission of the SAF is the defence of Singapore’s sovereignty. Even as it develops capabilities to conduct non-conventional operations, the SAF will focus on strengthening its conventional capabilities. The SAF is transforming to meet the challenges of the more technologically demanding and complex nature of warfare. The 3rd Generation SAF will be leaner and more tightly networked.

4 Diplomacy . Diplomacy is the other pillar of Singapore’s defence policy. MINDEF will continue to actively pursue mutually beneficial defence co-operation with friendly countries to enhance Singapore’s security and regional stability.

5 MINDEF will also continue to participate actively in multi-lateral defence interactions to foster understanding, build confidence, and bring together international and regional partners to deal with common threats and preserve peace and security. Multilateral co-operation is imperative when the threats such as terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, have no regard for national boundaries. MINDEF will therefore contribute to multinational initiatives to combat non-conventional transnational threats, and will continue to work multilaterally and bilaterally to enhance regional maritime security.

6 Technology . Technology helps us surmount our population and resource limitations; it is a force multiplier. It gives the SAF the edge in the modern battlefield. Our transformation efforts will exploit information networks, remotely operated platforms and precision weapons. New operational concepts will co-evolve with new technologies. MINDEF will continue to build up our indigenous technological capacities, particularly in R&D, for that will be key to achieving transformation. We will continue to leverage on our extensive network of international collaborative links to accelerate the building of these capacities.

7 Training . We will train our people to the highest levels of effectiveness and efficiency. Our servicemen will be well equipped to ensure that they can make use of new technologies and transformational concepts. Advanced simulation technologies will be exploited to enhance training efficiency and realism. The SAF will also continue to benchmark itself against the best armed forces in the world. We will maintain our access to traditional training facilities in friendly countries, while exploring additional opportunities for overseas training. Training safety will always be a priority for the SAF.

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8 People . The SAF’s strength lies ultimately in the spirit, commitment and professionalism of our servicemen and servicewomen. They are the core of the SAF. MINDEF will develop them to achieve their highest potential. MINDEF will also ensure that it continues to attract our fair share of talent into the SAF.

9 National Service. The transformation to the 3rd Generation SAF enables us to reduce the length of full-time National Service and streamline the NS training cycle without compromising the operational readiness and capabilities of the SAF. National Service remains the backbone of the SAF and maintaining the motivation and morale of our National Servicemen will continue to be our focus.

10 Public Support and Consultation . MINDEF will continue to seek feedback and consult Singaporeans through channels such as SAFRA and ACCORD, and the National Education Outreach programme. MINDEF will also be convening RECORD IV in 2005 to recognise the contributions of our NSmen.

11 Total Defence . Total Defence is now more than ever relevant to our citizens, households and businesses as a framework for a comprehensive and coherent national response to the new security environment. MINDEF will continue to promote Total Defence through our national education efforts, to involve all Singaporeans in the defence of our country.