In order to ensure our Army's operational readiness, mobilisation and equipping exercises (MOBEX) are conducted annually. These exercises for units on manning duties ensure that the activation processes are kept warm and validate the readiness of our units. The first mobilisation exercise was conducted back in the 1980s and we have gradually refined our processes and made improvements to enhance the system.

The previous mobilisation and equipping concept entails NS Brigades (Bdes) being mobilised at schools and forming various collection teams to collect their equipment from various points. The Army's Mobilisation and Equipping System was revised in WY 08/09. As part of the revision, the 'One-Stop' Mobilisation and Equipping Centre (MEC) concept was envisaged, allowing the units to report and be equipped at the same location.

CONDUCT OF MOBEX

The Army has planned for a Mobilisation Exercise (MOBEX), involving approximately 3000 personnel from 76 SIB, 6 Div. Mobilised personnel will report and be equipped for operations at Nee Soon MEC.

Mobilisation and Equipping Procedures. (See Diagram 1 below)

a. In-processing station. Upon registration, NSmen will be given a Mobilisation (MOB) card and an equipment list. The registration requires approximately 1 minute. Attendance registration will be through AIOPS (Automated In/Out Processing System), while equipment will be through AIDERS (Automated ID Enabled Readiness System).

b. Drawing of Equipment. NSmen will then use their MOB card to withdraw their weapon, personal and operational equipment which are centralised within the MEC.

• Personal Equipment (PE). They will be issued their PE such as weapons, 5-line basic items (i.e. such as ET blade, poncho, First Aid Dressing and groundsheet), personal communications, and optics (i.e. compass and binoculars).
   
• Ammunition (ammo) and Controlled drugs. The ammo and controlled drugs will be delivered by the designated Ammo Depots and Army Logistics Base (ALB) to this pit stop within the MEC. The ammo will then be further distributed to the sub-unit and individuals dependent on orders. In this case, ammo will be centralised at the Bde Ammo Pt.

c. Map Planning Exercise (MAPEX). Upon completion of PE equipping, commanders and staff will conduct a MAPEX with the operational scenario issued to them.

d. Force Preparation. Combat Support and Combat Service Support personnel will be issued with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) items, such as communications equipment, and carry out force preparation activities. They will be issued vehicles, communications and crew-served weapon systems, (Mortars, MILAN & SPIKE). The vehicles, weapons and equipment will be force-configured and housed at the carpark lots near the warehouses according to their command.

e. Soldiering Fundamental (SOFUN) activities. NSmen who are not involved in the MAPEX and force preparation will undergo refresher training on SOFUN activities that serve as refresher training to sharpen individual soldiering skills essential in the battlefield. These SOFUN activities are as follows:

• SAR 21/SAW Currency Shoot. At this station, servicemen will undergo a briefing, a SAR 21/SAW technical handling refresher and a currency shoot to build confidence in weapon handling and practise on their fundamental shooting skills.
   
• Combat Casualty Aid Refresher (CCAR) Training. As Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and combat casualty aid skills are critical survival skills in any operations, NSmen will undergo these training to ensure their operational readiness.
   
• Chemical Defence Refresher Training. This training serves to refresh servicemen's skill in donning the Individual Protective Equipment (IPE) suits in the event of chemical threats. An hour of chemical defence training will be conducted by Trainers from Chemical Biological Radiological and Explosive Defence Group assisted by Warrant Officers and Specialists from 76 SIB. At the station, servicemen will be given a theory lesson, followed by practical training. This includes undergoing chemical defence drill and practise the donning of IPE suites.

f. Returning of Equipment. NSmen will return all equipment that they drew out after their MAPEX, SOFUN or force prep activities at their respective unit warehouse.

g. Survey. Prior to out-processing, a survey will be conducted for the NSmen to garner their feedback to improve the MOBEX system.

Upon completion of all these MOBEX stations, NSmen will proceed for out-processing. Prior to out-processing, their MOB card will be checked to verify that the NSmen have already returned their weapon and equipment.