Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad visited 488th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment (488 SAR) at Sungei Gedong Camp this morning.

Hosted by BG Goh Si Mien, Chief Armour Officer, Mr Zaqy interacted with Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from 488 SAR undergoing their Army Training Evaluation Centre (ATEC) Stage 3 evaluation during their In-Camp Training (ICT).

Highlighting the importance of National Service (NS) to Singapore's defence, Mr Zaqy said, "National Service is the cornerstone of the SAF. The SAF remains ready to defend our shores and keep our nation's security up and running." He also thanked NSmen for their contributions and commitment to defence. He added, "I think it is very wonderful to see many of our NSmen training, [with] many of them making sacrifices in their careers, from their families, especially those who are self-employed to be here with us to ensure that our training continues and to make sure that we are operationally-ready."

Mr Zaqy also emphasised that ICTs can continue safely. He said, "I think that it is important, despite COVID-19, that we recognise the contributions and sacrifices of our NSmen in how they are managing the safe management measures here [in the] SAF. Today they continue to train in functional groups, going through different drills to make sure that we keep training safe. The SAF takes a very stern view in keeping our training accident free. This is something that must continue, with zero accidents and training to keep ourselves safe from COVID-19."

The SAF safeguards the health and well-being of servicemen and has put in place Safe Management Measures such as surveillance testing regime, enhanced hygiene practices and mask-on policy. Servicemen are also assigned into functional groups for all activities and required to maintain safe distancing measures when applicable. The SAF will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Singapore and review the safe management measures in place to keep servicemen safe.