News article: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/committee-reviews/910678.html
SINGAPORE: More than 22,000 participants have contributed feedback and ideas to strengthen National Service in the nation-wide public engagements conducted from May to December 2013.
The suggestions were reviewed by the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) at its 5th Steering Committee Meeting at SAFRA Toa Payoh on Thursday.
Improving the full-time National Service (NS) training system through the development of a professional training cadre was one of the main suggestions.
The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen, also discussed the possibility of reducing transition periods to and from full-time NS, so as to optimise the time commitment required of NSmen.
Members affirmed that NS continues to be necessary and critical to Singapore's security, and that any change must not compromise the operational readiness of the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force.
The meeting also deliberated on proposals to strengthen support for NS from various stakeholders -- like encouraging greater ownership by restructuring the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD).
They discussed how ACCORD could be expanded from a feedback and advisory platform, to councils with linkages to constituencies like employers, families and the community.
There were also suggestions to provide more support for NSmen in the area of healthcare through the National Service Recognition Award, and measures to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of NS administration -- such as improving the MINDEF notification centre process, upgrading the NS portal and facilitating make-up training for NSmen who miss their in-camp training.
Members agreed it was important to make NS administration processes more convenient, so that NSmen can perform their duties effectively.
- CNA/ac