Time Allocation Between Active Training and Waiting During In-camp Training for Reservists and Measures to Improve Time Management and Training Effectiveness
Ministry of DefenceSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Valerie Lee’s inquiry regarding the proportion of active training versus waiting time during In-camp Training (ICT) and measures to enhance training effectiveness. Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing stated that the SAF gathers feedback through surveys to minimize time imposition while ensuring personnel safety and rest. To improve efficiency, the Individual Physical Proficiency Test was decoupled from ICT, and the OneNS app was introduced to digitize administrative functions and reduce manual processing. Further measures include optimized pre-ICT planning, decoupling small group and commanders’ training to minimize idle time, and upgrading facilities like the Multi-Mission Range Complex. The SAF will continue to monitor and refine operational and administrative processes to improve the experience for NSmen while maintaining rigorous standards for training and personnel welfare.
Transcript
14 Ms Valerie Lee asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) what is the proportion of time that reservists spend on active training or assigned duties versus waiting between activities during in-camp training (ICT); (b) whether the Ministry has studied feedback on any perceived inefficiencies during ICT; and (c) what steps are being taken to improve time management and training effectiveness.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: In operations and training involving NSmen, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) ensures adequate time for the safe and effective preparation and conduct of the activities as well as sufficient rest and recuperation across different phases, even as it seeks to minimise the overall time imposition on the NSmen.
The SAF actively monitors NSmen's experiences and gathers feedback from them through various means, including post-ICT surveys. Over the years, the SAF has acted on the monitoring and feedback to make operations and training involving NSmen more efficient.
For example, the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) for NSmen has been decoupled from their ICTs, allowing them to complete their fitness requirements at their own convenience. The IPPT experience has been redesigned to reduce the time spent by NSmen. The conduct of ICTs has been made more efficient through digital tools, such as the OneNS app, which allows NSmen to carry out various ICT administrative functions digitally. Waiting time between training activities has also been reduced where feasible, through efforts such as better pre-ICT planning and resource allocation, and decoupling of small group and commanders' training to reduce waiting time for the majority of soldiers. The SAF has also enhanced its facilities, such as the Multi-Mission Range Complex, for more efficient conduct of training.
The SAF will continue to monitor and improve operational, training and administrative efficiencies for NSmen while ensuring the safe and effective conduct of activities as well as sufficient rest and recuperation for them.