#10
With 27 responses in such a short period of time, our survey was successful! (Our target was 25 respondents)
Results are out!
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| The target age group (in years) |
Question 1: Is Singapore's defense system sufficient?
Question 2: What should Singapore do to increase the level of defense?
As this was an open-ended question, we got a variety of answers. A few main (quoted) examples are:
- Train the national service man properly but not in a torturous way
- Advertise more and increase training qualitatively and quantitatively.
- Further enhance the importance of defense to the public for example advertising more
- Nothing, apparently too small to even defend anything.
- Build more awareness within ourselves
- Bring in more intelligence
- More patrol police at neighborhood area.
- Encourage the NS men to join full time in army or police force.
- Be more proactive.
- Singaporeans should be more proactive when safety drills are conducted, for example. The citizens should increase their preparedness should any untoward events were to happen.
- Ban drugs and alcoholic drinks. The lesser people who are drunk and crazy, the safer our country will be. Oh and less immigrants. And while you're at it, ban cigarettes too. We need to teach people do defend (in other words protect) their own body as well.
- Educate citizens of war preparedness
- I don't think there is an urgency in increasing Singapore's level of defense in terms of weaponry and such because I'm under the assumption that we have sufficient (solely based on their showcase during NDP each year). However psychological defense as a whole nation in preparation for emergencies is probably another whole new issue that I wish we all are aware of.
- Educate and encourage the nation on self-defense.
-Train personnel so that they are always ready in case some misfortune hits Singapore.
- Recruit more people.
Question 3: What is the purpose of Total Defense Day?
- To appreciate the effort and help from the defense team
- Raise the awareness of the citizens and educate them the importance of the country's defense and what it is all about.
- To commemorate the heroic events (war) which had occurred in the past by the Singapore's military as well as showcasing the current military's armored combat vehicles
- To be prepared for war and know why do we have uniform groups like the Army, Air force, SCDF, A&E Ambulance, Police and etc....
- Safety
- To understand the nature of Singaporean
- To create awareness about the uniform groups here in Singapore
- Appreciate Singapore defense system and inculcate a sense of awareness among the young generation especially.
- To remind the others the importance of defending themselves.
- To commemorate the importance of the country's defense force.
- To know what Singapore is capable of. To increase the people's confidence towards our defense system.
- To raise awareness about the "Protectors" or "defenders" of our country in all the different aspects of... life?
- To raise awareness of citizens' knowledge of Singapore's defense line
- To educate the nation regarding the important roles of our soldiers in defending the country
- To educate the public about what is going on in the defense team. Also to educate them on the procedures that should be taken should people are hit with danger.
- Increase awareness.
Question 4: There are 5 pillars of Total Defense; military, civil, economic, social and psychological. Rank them in order of deemed importance.
From most important to least important;
1) Military Defense (27.8%)
2) Civil Defense (33.3%)
3) Economic Defense (33.3%)
4) Social Defense (33.3%)
5) Psychological (27.8%)
Question 5: From a scale of 1-5, how secure do you think Singapore is?
Question 6: Would you actually consider a career in the defense sector?
Question 7: How important is the level of security in Singapore to you?
In a nutshell, most of our peers actually do value the quality and level of security they get in Singapore. As the new age residents of Singapore, we do realize that there is also a need to band together and improve the defense system in our beloved country as the development of brand new high-level machinery and weaponry are increasing as years gradually pass. Ergo, the need to better our current system is a readily known issue that has to be addressed often. We also concluded that there is a much needed pressure to educate Singaporeans and increase awareness regarding our national defense. Appreciation should be given towards the men and women in the force who has long strived to protect the nation and keep danger at bay!
POSTED BY
AMALINA
MB1201
#9
As we harped on and on about how military defense in Singapore is highly important and valued in this country, we (as a group) also decided to get some personal views from our peers through the use of a survey. We had them cite their opinions regarding their mentality or thoughts of the defense system here. As teenagers or young adults, we might have opposing views on this topic.
For those of you readers who might have a thing or two to say regarding this, you can click here to help us and do the survey! Your personal views and comments would be much appreciated :)
POSTED BY
AMALINA
AMALINA
MB1201
#8
My visit to the recent Navy Open House 2013
The moment I saw the advertisement for the Navy Open House 2013 while on the way to work, I knew there and then, that I just HAD to make my way to Changi Naval Base for this annual event. Sure enough, they didn't disappoint.
Although the long queue wore us out before we even got to our destination, both Lina and I had a great time spent discovering what it takes to be behind the controls and the demanding duties of a Navy officer. The extremely hot day started with a tour of the "Experiential Zone" where we both got a chance to experience the inside of a submarine, put on the provided Navy uniforms and even perform our own surgical procedures! We also had a crash course in tying a Monkey's fist knot which was relevant in the Navy to be used as weight at the end of a heaving line. Countless of demonstrations were given by the hardworking Navy officers on duty on that day; be it for the actual technique of throwing a heaving line, to the shooting of military guns used in the battlefield. Our curiosity turned into awe while admiring the skills of our Singapore Navy's officers showing their prowess in their own separate fields.
We then made our way to the "Viewing Area" where a flock of vessels where docked magnificently one after another. Taking our time capturing pictures with our phones and admiring their beauty, we also managed to get sufficient information regarding the vessels and the purpose of each of them. The astounding number of people clambering in and out of the queue waiting to board and catch a glimpse of the vessels were the reason we decided to not take the time off to queue and rather, we placed our ballots for the sea cruise and by luck, were offered tickets!
The highlight of my day; the sea cruise on the Kallang-Class Mine Counter-Measure Vessel (MCMV). It was a heavenly and exhilarating 30 minute trip along the Singapore border. The guided tour served as an important reminder to us that these officers were basically guarding the Singapore seas with their lives. We also had the chance to go up close and personal with a 40 mm BOFOR gun.
After a whole 4 hours in the hot sun, we went off to find some shade and headed to the "Mission Zone" where we managed a ton of important knowledge and information regarding the weapons used on board the vessels and at base. Different types of missiles and guns were displayed thus, setting the visitors into a "picture-taking" frenzy (including us). Numerous others were also geared up to take photos with the fully-geared Navy officers, posing with the provided weapons of choice. As we left the area, we bumped into a female Navy officer and grabbed the opportunity to interview a seasoned female officer in the flesh. After a successful afternoon, we made our way to the end of the Open House and managed to (finally) have some refreshments before leaving. What better way to end the visit than to have some Ice Ball (or Air Batu Kepal), a traditional 50s/60s dessert!
At the end of the day, as we walked down the pathway, past the numerous tanks and heavily armed vehicles, we realized that we discovered the actual value of the defense sector in Singapore; how much defense plays such an important role in the security of Singapore in so many ways. This, made possible by the brave men and women of the Singapore Navy and other branches of Singapore's defense system. So much so, that there is a crucial need to develop awareness among the public to step up and respect the amount of effort put in to safeguard Singapore.
P.s.: we had a look at the foreign ships docked at the end of Changi Naval Base and found out the need to strengthen ties over the naval units.
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| A US Navy Seal with a visitor, on board the Kri Frans Kaisiepo. |
Till here then,
POSTED BY
AMALINA
MB1201
#7
Personal experience during the visit to the Navy Open House 2013
It was a great opportunity to be invited for the open house.
Although the queue to board the bus from
Singapore Expo to Changi Naval Base was long and there were security checks, I
finally got the chance to see our country’s very own Navy ships and vessels! Amalina and I balloted for a chance to ride on board one of those ships displayed and indeed,
we were really lucky that day! We got
selected to board the Mine Counter Measure Vessel (MCMV). It was amazing to set
sail on my country's very own Navy vessel for the first time and get a taste of life on the
high seas. I got to see the seagulls up close too! I also get to experience how
it is like to be a naval medical officer. I got the chance to participate in a surgical procedure, with guidance from the surgical team, in a
mock up surgical theatre. I
learnt the importance of ropes and managed to make one of the complicated knots with the
help from the Navy officers. In the experience zone, there was a mock-up of a
submarine and I got the opportunity to see how the interior of a submarine looks like. It was
not easy to board a submarine as the door was round and small. The weather was
scorching hot but still, it was a fantastic moment to visit the open house!
Kudos to our Navy officers who have made the open house a success! I'll definitely visit the next Navy Open House.
The long queue
Tight and speedy security checks before I get to board the bus to Changi Naval Base
Prepared to start the "surgical procedure"
A demonstration from the medical expert before I got the chance to try it out on my own
Medical equipments used
The knot made thanks to the navy officers
Queueing to board the MCMV
Lucky passengers on board the MCMV
Waiting to set sail!
Look how far we've set sail!
I love this photo; Different vessels and ships displayed
POSTED BY
LINA
MB 1202
#6
During our visit to
the open house, we managed to grab hold of officer L S Low from her open house
duties. As we are curious about the life of a female navy officer and her
duties, we decided to interview her:
How long have you been in the Navy?
I have been serving the Navy for 32
years.
Wow, that's almost twice our age!
What is your role as a female navy officer?
I'm a technician and what I do is
to maintain the conditions of the ships and vessels before they are ready to
set sail. Technical support and maintenance are the major things I usually do.
I'm also in charge of the minor duties like maintaining basic
hygiene. Like for example, if there are shortage of toilet papers, we are the
ones who will settle those.
So why Navy?
I love being outdoors and many see
me as an adventurous person. I wanted to pursue something that is challenging
and risk- taking. My brother was reading the newspaper and came across the Navy
advertisement. He was the one who recommended me to be part of the Navy Team. I
have to thank him for recommending me to Navy and for supporting me.
He sure is proud of you. Serving
the Navy for 32 years is really amazing! You have your own family now and how
do your family members feel about you when you work in the Navy? Are they
against your job position? Are there times where you cannot spend time with the
family due to duty calls?
Hahaha, my family members are not
against my career choice at all and I am grateful to have them supporting
me until today. Well, since I work on land and don't set sail, I am able to
spend time with my family.
If one wants to join the Navy Team,
do they have to know how to swim well?
If
you want to join the Navy Team, knowing how to swim well will give you the
advantage. There are some officers who initially did not know the basics of
swimming but with their burning passion of serving the Navy, they were willing
to learn and they took the training seriously. So, it doesn't matter if you
don't know how to swim. There are instructors who will teach you how to swim
well. There are several job positions in the Navy that do not require you to
know how to swim. There are admin jobs in the Navy.
Will one be able to be part of the
Navy Team if the qualification of education he/she has no relations with the
job position requirements in the Navy? For example we want to join the team but
we are science students. Do we have the advantage?
For my case, I have a diploma in
engineering. And with my qualification of education, I'm posted to do technical
support and maintenance. Different job positions have different minimum
education requirement.Well, if you are science students, who knew you would be
our Navy's medical officer? Hahaha!
As a female navy officer, what is
navy life like? Do admin officers have to go through military training too?
We, female officers have to go
through Basic Military Training regardless of whether one is posted
to admin job. And we were treated just like the male officers. So everyone in
the team receives the same treatment during our training days. I'm proud of
myself for being able to endure the tough trainings back then and be what I am
today. I strongly encourage women to step out of the norm and join the
Navy!
Due
to duty calls, our interview ended with a thank you and she left to perform her
duties. Officer low was undeniably proud of her fantastic career in the navy
which left us in awe.
POSTED BY:
LINA
MB 1202
#5
Navy
Open House 2013
Do you know that 20% of the world's sea
trades pass through the ports in Singapore? Our country depends on the sea
route to supply majority of our daily necessities. So who is responsible for
ensuring secured sea lines of communication that is vital for Singapore? Yes,
it is the Republic of Singapore Navy! The Navy does not only protect and secure
Singapore's sea lines of communications but also to defend our country against
sea-borne threats.
On the
19th of May, we visited the Navy Open House located at Changi Naval Base. Here
are the photos we took during our visit there:
The Protector Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV)
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| It is an unmanned integrated naval combat system based on a rigid hull inflatable boat. It has a complete sensor, navigation and weapon suite and can remotely controlled from shore or from ships at sea. It has proved to be highly effective in its deployment of Gulf of Aden (GoA) where it was used to conduct marine security operations. USV Specifications |
The Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats
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| The Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, also known as RHIBs, are most commonly used in maritime security roles such as base defence and security boarding operations. Bedok Class Mine Countermeasures Vessel (MCMV)   
The MCMVs are based on the proven Swedish Landsort class of MCMV. They are highly maneuverable and capable of detecting, classifying, identifying and neutralising sea mines. With sophisticated navigation and ship handling system, they are able to navigate accurately and provide navigational assistance to shipping.
Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC)
FIC is a multi purpose high speed craft designed to the Arrow System (ASD) hull shape. The main mission profiles for this craft are patrol, border, protection, boarding, search and rescue.
Typhoon Gun
The Typhoon Gun System, is an advanced stabilized naval weapon system incorporating an on-mount Electro-Optical Surveilance System (EOS). It is remotely controlled and designed to provide effective and immediate respond to today's terror threats and is able to integrate with advance integrated defence suites.
Fast Craft Equipment and Personnel (FCEP)
FCEP is a high speed shallow draft landing craft capable of carrying passengers and provide transportation for troops and vehicles to and from out offshores training areas.
Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk Naval Helicopter
The S70B Seahawk naval helicopter come with the state-of-the-art avionics, sensors and sense-making systems. They play an essentioal role in the Anti- Surface and Anti-Submarine dimensions of warfare. With the longer range and wider reach of the helicopters, it allows the frigate to sense faster, see and shoot further. The capabilities provided by the frigate and naval helicopter will enhance the maritime force-level awareness and mission effectiveness of the RSN.
Bionix II MT
Bionix II is a network capable platform. It operates effectively as part of the 3rd generation army. This platform is also able to deliver accurate and lethal fire- power while providing enhanced crew protection.
Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV)
 
ICV provides infantry forces with enhanced protection, mobility and firepower. The platform also networks soldiers with other air and land weapon platforms, thus facilitating the delivery of information, and firepower in the battlefield.
Leopard Tank
Leopard 2 SG is the latest upgraded version from the Leopard 2A4. It is specially tailored to the specifications of the Singapore Armoured Forces (SAF) and manufactured exclusively for the use of the SAF Armour.
Hermes 450
 
It is a single unmanned aerial vehicle with advanced composite structure and optimised aerodynamics. Its longer flight endurance allows it to perform extended operations. It is also equipped with communication systems that can transfer imagery in real time to ground control stations.
Endurance Class Landing Ship Tank (LST)
   
Challenger Class Submarine
The RSS Chieftain
Formiddable-Class Frigate
The ship deals with multidimensional naval threats from the air, surface or underwater.
MV Swift Rescue
The Swift Rescue allows for the rapid and effective evacuation of personnel from distressed submarines.
There are also foreign ships and vessels displayed during that day...
USA's Kri Frans Kaisiepo
Experience the life of navy officers in the Experience Zone...
          
Get to know their missions in the Mission Zone...
Models of the weapons used...
Barak Missile
White head torpedo
White head torpedo used by Frigates against submarines.
Aster Missile
Harpoon Missile
3D Model Ships displayed...
 
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Remotely Operated Vehicle
Visitors, with the smile on their faces...
  
Republic of Singapore Navy has forged strong ties and meaningful friendships with Navies all the around the world through bilateral and multilateral exercises. Navies get to learn from one another, increase mutual trust and understanding as well as improve their ability to operate with one another. Exercises between Singapore Navy and its foreign counterparts have increased both breadth and depth.
    
POSTED BY:
LINA
MB 1202
Information and photos obtained from the Navy Open House 2013
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