NS: Easing Ban on Camera Phones w/ Camera Removed in Camps!
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Sources:
1. www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/news/2012/aug/31aug12_news.html2. www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2012/aug/31aug12_nr/31aug12_fs.html
From 1 Sep 2012, camera mobile phones will be permitted in designated areas within 14 Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) camps as part of a pilot security zoning programme.
Selected for the high volume of Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) who pass through for training or administration, these include camps that house fitness conditioning centres, training institutes, the Central Manpower Base and Basic Military Training Centre.
Areas in camps where camera mobile phones are allowed are termed Green Zones, though the existing security stance on photography remains the same. Unless authorised by unit commanders for special events such as open houses, graduation parades and cohesion activities, photography is prohibited. Examples of Green Zones include medical centres, accommodation bunks and cookhouses.
Within the Red Zones, which are areas where sensitive and classified information is present, camera mobile phones are not allowed. Before entering a Red Zone, camera mobile phones must be deposited in lockers. Examples of Red Zones include units' operation rooms and offices with computer access to classified information.
The pilot programme was implemented for the convenience of servicemen, and because of the proliferation of smart phones, according to Chief of Staff-General Staff Brigadier-General Tung Yui Fai, who announced this initiative at the Infantry Training Institute (ITI) on 31 Aug.
He added: "This security zoning allows us to better secure areas we think we need to protect better. At the same time, it allows flexibility and convenience for our servicemen who operate within the camp."
Enhanced security measures will be in place at the Red Zones. Where practical, a perimeter fence will be erected to demarcate the Red from the Green Zones; clear signboards will be prominently displayed at the entrance of a Red Zone, and digital locks and close-circuit cameras will be installed for added security.
Only camera mobile phones are allowed in this pilot programme, which will last for six to nine months before a review is conducted. Tablets such as iPads, laptops and digital cameras are still prohibited.
For NSman 3rd Sergeant (3SG) (NS) Lavin Achudan, a marketing manager with Johnson & Johnson who uses an iPhone 4S to access his work emails, being able to bring his camera phone into camp eases his workload. Previously, he would borrow his brother’s basic NOKIA phone when he had to go for his In-Camp Training.
"As a marketing manager, I have to constantly reply to emails from my sales team and customers, and replying emails in the shortest time possible is my highest priority. Allowing me to bring my iPhone to camp allows me to communicate with my customers efficiently, and that is very important to me," said the platoon sergeant of 731st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment.
"When I am not training, I can reply to these emails immediately, as opposed to having to wait till I book out at night to reply to emails. It allows me to reply whenever I have time... It's about the convenience of being able to bring in a phone which I always use, which happens to have a camera," added the 28-year-old.
Echoing this sentiment is 20-year-old NSF 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Kok Chun Hou, who is a curriculum coordinator at ITI. He uses a basic NOKIA phone in camp and an iPhone 3GS outside of camp.
Citing some inconveniences of using two phones, such as having to input contacts into both phones, 2LT Kok said: "This current NSF generation grew up in the IT age; it's our habit to stay connected. We live, work and play differently from previous generations, so connectivity is very important to us."
"I would also use my smart phone for personal banking and stock-investing. With the implementation of the pilot scheme, I now have the option of just stepping out of the office to use my smart phone," he said.
==============================================================For the convenience of our servicemen, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will be implementing a pilot security zoning programme across 14 selected SAF camps. Under the pilot security zoning programme, these 14 camps will be segregated into two distinct zones: Red and Green Zone.
From 1 Sep 2012, servicemen will be allowed to carry camera equipped mobile phones into the Green Zones of the 14 selected SAF camps. For servicemen who need to enter the Red Zone, they must deposit their camera equipped mobile phones at designated lockers prior to entry.
Photography in all SAF camp premises for both Red and Green Zones remain prohibited unless expressedly allowed.
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will be implementing a pilot security zoning programme across 14 selected SAF camps on 1 Sep 2012. These 14 selected SAF camps will be segregated into either Red or Green Zone. Servicemen will be allowed to carry camera equipped mobile phones in the Green Zones. Possession of camera equipped mobile phone is prohibited in Red Zones. Before entering a Red Zone, servicemen who possess a camera equipped mobile phone are required to deposit them at the provided lockers.
Red Zones. Areas where sensitive and classified information and equipment are processed and managed. These areas may include server rooms, unit operation rooms, and offices with computer access to sensitive information. All other areas outside the Red Zone will be designated as Green Zones. Some examples of Green Zone areas are medical centres, accommodation bunks and cookhouses.
Enhanced security measures will be implemented in the Red Zone. Wherever practical, a perimeter fence will be established to segregate the Red and Green Zones. Clear warning signboards will be prominently displayed at the entrance to inform servicemen that they are about to enter a Red Zone. Digital locks will also be installed to control access into the Red Zones. CCTVs with images wired to the unit operations room will also be installed at selected locations within the Red Zone.
Photography in all SAF camp premises continues to be prohibited regardless of the zone.Diagram 1: Warning Sign Boards for Red and Green Zone
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If that is the case, it is cheaper to get a cheap nokia phone instead.
It is a LPPL situation and it is better dun say than say.
Must be some creative ideas from the elite.
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It's just like the top ppl...
Last time come out policy "Stop at 2"... then later ask us produce more baby...
last time no camera phone, now say can bring can bring camera equipped cellphone but must remove camera... why not just say cellphones??
I agree with medicated oil shushu~~ must be some elite scholar idea...
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Huh?
A cameraphone without the camera inside is just..... a handphone.
Not to mention it can't be very easy or cheap to get the camera removed.
If that's the case I might as well just use what I've always been using for reservist: a cheap $60 Nokia phone bought from 7 Eleven.
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I dun think camp has 3G network....
So... What's the need for smartphone?
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You must understand the rationale behind this mah. common sense.
It was never about the camera, but rather, to open up more choices for handphones for army personnels.
What are the 'good' phones nowadays, with 3.5g and at the same time come with non-cam? Virtually none.
Nowadays, army people only carry 3 sorts of phones:
1) Those cheap nokia non-cam phones
2) HTC snap. Its a damn old model by now.
3) Blackberry Bold. also a damn old model.
What will happen when one day these 2 manufacturers decided to stop making non-cam smartphones? Everyone from top to bottom revert back to using nokias?
It is very hard to maintain that you are a 3G army, when you are forced to rely on 2G phones. haha
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Originally posted by sbst275:
I dun think camp has 3G network....
So... What's the need for smartphone?
Which camp were you from? even pulau tekong is covered by 3G nowadays.
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remove the camera from the hp.
My jaws almost drop out from laughing at this idea.
So is this kind of lame decisions that our million dollars salary ministers are able to come out with?
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No worries for handphone makers not manufacturing cheap hand phones as they are in demand in India, China and Indonesia.
It is a issue for NS men to get another normal sim card and another phone just for their 1 month training in camp.
Not forgetting lots of guys have to enter the army camp for their IPPT, RT and IPT sessions.
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I don't get it man, the cameras are built in.
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Originally posted by deathmaster:
You must understand the rationale behind this mah. common sense.
It was never about the camera, but rather, to open up more choices for handphones for army personnels.
What are the 'good' phones nowadays, with 3.5g and at the same time come with non-cam? Virtually none.
Nowadays, army people only carry 3 sorts of phones:
1) Those cheap nokia non-cam phones
2) HTC snap. Its a damn old model by now.
3) Blackberry Bold. also a damn old model.
What will happen when one day these 2 manufacturers decided to stop making non-cam smartphones? Everyone from top to bottom revert back to using nokias?
It is very hard to maintain that you are a 3G army, when you are forced to rely on 2G phones. haha
Here's a thought: many of us here went through their NS liability without smartphones. Want to surf the internet? Then use the unit's computer room if you have access to it. Or wait for the next bookout.
If the thought of buying a cheap phone for camp use gives you pause, then please consider that you do need a cheap backup handphone anyway. After all, if your smartphone breaks down, what will you use for calls? My cheap Nokia is not just for Army use; I also use it during the times my smartphone broke down.
Anyway, what would the common soldier do with a smartphone in the middle of the jungle? Having a 3G army is one thing, but it does not mean having all-3G equipment. Which is why such a huge collective facepalm happened when the news that recruits would get iPads broke out.
We all got along just fine with GSM. There's no reason why everyone must die die go for 3G.
Besides, getting an ah beng handphone seller to surgically excise your camera is not easy, not cheap, and you run the risk of ruining your own warranty. Good luck to all those who want to walk this route.
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The CO fed up with the rule, lah.
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Originally posted by single_alone:
remove the camera from the hp.
My jaws almost drop out from laughing at this idea.
So is this kind of lame decisions that our million dollars salary ministers are able to come out with?
So what do you expect them to do? give out a tender for companies to manufacture handphones for SAF? Would you want a standard army-issue handphone, with color choices of Black, Green, Brown or Pixelated Green? haha
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Originally posted by deathmaster:
So what do you expect them to do? give out a tender for companies to manufacture handphones for SAF? Would you want a standard army-issue handphone, with color choices of Black, Green, Brown or Pixelated Green? haha
D&G phone... facepalm.
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Originally posted by fudgester:
Here's a thought: many of us here went through their NS liability without smartphones. Want to surf the internet? Then use the unit's computer room if you have access to it. Or wait for the next bookout.
If the thought of buying a cheap phone for camp use gives you pause, then please consider that you do need a cheap backup handphone anyway. After all, if your smartphone breaks down, what will you use for calls? My cheap Nokia is not just for Army use; I also use it during the times my smartphone broke down.
Anyway, what would the common soldier do with a smartphone in the middle of the jungle? Having a 3G army is one thing, but it does not mean having all-3G equipment. Which is why such a huge collective facepalm happened when the news that recruits would get iPads broke out.
We all got along just fine with GSM. There's no reason why everyone must die die go for 3G.
Besides, getting an ah beng handphone seller to surgically excise your camera is not easy, not cheap, and you run the risk of ruining your own warranty. Good luck to all those who want to walk this route.
Yes, you do need to have a back up phone that is cheap when your smartphone fails.
However, it is only intended as a back up. You still stick to using your smartphone most of the time.
Many of you went through NS w/o smartphones, and that's simply because smartphones aren't prevalent in people's life back then. Singapore society nowadays expect people to be connected all the time, and phones have to evolve beyond texting and calling. It is unrealistic and also unfair to demand a very significant group of people to cut themselves off from normal mainstream technology.
It is regressive to ask nsfs to use the unit computer room or to wait until the next bookout, if he wishes to use internet. It is very much the same as your parents insisting on you to finish dinner, complete yoour homework, before allowing you to use the internet.
NS is already a sacrifice of personal freedom, where a person has to commit for a duration of 2 yrs. We should not impose further deprivation of basic rights such as the access to common technology.
A cheap phone is useful when undergo training in rough conditions, such as outfield, where you probably do not want to risk damaging your more precious smartphone. But face it, how often do you have such trainings that would necessitate you to even bring a phone out to the field?
The trouble of maintaining 2 phones is the hassle of switching sim cards. It might still be alright for the average NSF, who only bookout once every week, and only have to change to his smartphone once, and only for the duration of 2yrs.
What about those who does not stay-in, or those who work in an office environment?
This group of people also includes regulars, DXOs and other non-saf support staff, i.e. canteen staff, cleaners, maintenance workers etc. These are people who are employed on long term basis, and often their job nature does not entails rough conditions, and thus, other than cost, there is no reason why they should not be allowed access to smartphones.
We all got along just fine with GSM. There's no reason why everyone must die die go for 3G.
That is a regressive mindset. Going by that logic, people of the previous generation all got along just fine with books, phones and typewriters, and therefore there too is no reason why everyone must die die go for computers and internet.
It is no longer acceptable today to be technological laggards. With the world already moving on to 4G mobile technology, it is unacceptable for a person, regardless of whether he's a civilian or military personnel, to be confined to outdated 2G and 3G technology.
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Okay, whatever you say.
Good luck with having your warranty voided when you excise the camera from the phone.
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This rule is for some.
I and the other conscripts used cheap phones. The regulars usedcamera or smart phones. They couldn't wait till they booked out, even though we were a stay out unit.
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Ask yourself ns men, do you really have time to use the mobile while you are in the camp?
Wake up so early in the morning and sleep so late at night. Where got time to use the mobile?
Why not mindef have a set of handphone that is allow to bring in the camp?
Anyway, mindef stone rule, wont change.
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Do you guys aware that SAF is testing on a educational training for recruits using Ipad2?
Reason: because Ipad stop producing and they can only get ipad2 with camera in the market.
Asking abt the camera on ipad2, they claim that will be part of the interactive learning tools!
Finding that as an excuse!
Anyway all these are not publish in the newspaper and definitely not rumors.. dont ask me where I know it.
Its just fact that SAF is trying to approch camera concept like what SPF and SCDF are doing.
decision is to make SAF a techy soldier like US =D
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Anyway it's not decided yet...
dun think it'll pass through over practical issues...
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It must be idea of one of those minister's son working in some big organisation need to bring in some 3G phone lah, check email etc....that's why they come out with such idea.
Why can't they said, you can bring in any phone, but certain area all phones not allowed.
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Originally posted by TerrierSG:
Do you guys aware that SAF is testing on a educational training for recruits using Ipad2?
Reason: because Ipad stop producing and they can only get ipad2 with camera in the market.
Asking abt the camera on ipad2, they claim that will be part of the interactive learning tools!
Finding that as an excuse!
Anyway all these are not publish in the newspaper and definitely not rumors.. dont ask me where I know it.
Its just fact that SAF is trying to approch camera concept like what SPF and SCDF are doing.
decision is to make SAF a techy soldier like US =D
exacto.
left hand dunno what right hand is doing.
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Probably mindef wont even entertain this kind of suggestion or even dont want to listen to it.
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This suggestion is so funny LOL.Actually i think the camp should issue us handphone instead,durning the duration of our ICT,it A waste of our money to buy a Handphone especially for ICT
