Proposal to Mandate Regular Interviews for NSF Officers with Their Commanding Officers to Identify and Support Officers Requiring Mental Health Assistance
Ministry of DefenceSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Ong Teng Koon’s proposal to mandate regular interviews for NSF officers with commanding officers and establish feedback channels for peer-related mental health concerns. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen replied that the SAF uses a flexible monitoring system guided by professional psychological input rather than a single mandatory interview requirement. He stated that commanders engage subordinates through various methods and all officers are trained to identify signs of mental and emotional distress. Support is provided through unit para-counsellors, division psychologists, a 24-hour hotline, and a culture where servicemen are encouraged to flag peers needing help. These multiple avenues ensure a comprehensive support and monitoring system for all NSFs to identify and assist those facing mental health issues.
Transcript
7 Mr Ong Teng Koon asked the Minister for Defence whether the Ministry can mandate (i) regular interviews for NSF officers with their commanding officers to identify and support those who require assistance including mental health concerns and (ii) the setting up of channels where NSF officers can give feedback about suspected mental health concerns or unusual behaviour of their peers.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: MINDEF had already replied to Mr Ong's Oral Question on some of these aspects recently and they are on the record. We will therefore only address new queries specifically.
The SAF stands guided by the professional input from its panel of psychologists and psychiatrists that a more flexible and responsive monitoring system is required rather than a single item of mandatory interviews to identify those with mental health issues. Commanders at all levels are expected to engage those under their charge, including the NSF officers, through different ways including interviews. As part of their training, all officers are also taught to identify signs and symptoms of mental and emotional distress.
Soldiers are also encouraged to flag such persons for further assistance. The SAF has para-counsellors in every unit and psychologists in the divisions to provide frontline support. In addition, there is also a 24-hour counselling hotline for all servicemen. These channels apply to all NSFs, including NSF officers, so that those facing mental health issues can be identified through multiple avenues for a more comprehensive mental health support and monitoring system.