THE Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is continuing its drive to get its personnel to upgrade themselves through education.

Later this month, the SAF will sign a Memorandum Of Understanding with UniSIM which will see the university accredit professional military education courses completed by SAF personnel, and allow them to transfer these credits to a UniSIM undergraduate degree of their choice.

Last year, the SAF inked a similar deal with Nanyang Technological University, which allows officers to pursue postgraduate studies with credits earned from the SAF's Command and Staff Course.

Warrant officers and specialists can also benefit from the lifelong learning initiatives to pursue certificate, diploma, advanced diploma and even degree courses.

Assault cases rare in army camps

THE recent case of a full-time national serviceman who was severely assaulted in camp by three camp mates was the only such incident in the last five years.

Such cases of severe assault in army camps are rare, Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen said yesterday in response to a question from Ms Indranee Rajah (Tanjong Pagar GRC) about the case reported in The Straits Times.

Last December, a recruit was slapped, kicked and hit by three soldiers with a helmet, umbrella and broomstick until he lay semi-conscious and vomiting.

The youth had to be hospitalised for six weeks and his assailants were punished recently. The main culprit was jailed for three years and ordered to be caned six times, while the other two were sent to the detention barracks for six and four months respectively.

Dr Ng said this was the first case of voluntarily causing grievous hurt in army camps in the last five years.

'Mindef has zero tolerance for any form of physical abuse by commanders or soldiers on fellow soldiers. Any such incidence of abuse will be thoroughly investigated, and soldiers guilty of misconduct or other offences will be severely dealt with by summary trial of general court martial,' he said.

Strong turnout at mobilisation exercises

WITH the 25th anniversary of Total Defence next Sunday, efforts to rally the nation behind the defence of Singapore appear to have paid off, going by the strong turnout at mobilisation exercises.

It is close to 100per cent, said Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee. Many employers make it a point to release their male employees for in-camp training and discourage requests for deferment.

Surveys also show a lesser degree of complacency now among young people about national security. Most feel that national service is necessary, and they would continue to defend Singapore.

Since the Sept11 terror attacks in the United States, Total Defence public outreach efforts have increasingly focused on how Singaporeans can help fight terrorism.

Record committee to convene next month

THE Record committee, which regularly meets to review how the contributions of national servicemen are recognised, will convene next month.

Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee has been appointed to chair the committee, which will build on the work of the previous four committees.

It will start its work once the members have been selected.

Previous recommendations have included a one-time payout given to NSmen when they complete their training and raising the allowances of key appointment holders.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.