#6
LCP Fahrurrazi's body was found at 2.55am this moring in the Sungai Batu Apoi river, Temburong in Brunei, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) in a statement.
One of the Singapore Armed Forces search parties, which had continued the search throughout the night, found LCP Fahrurrazi's body about 200 metres from where he was first reported missing. His body was flown back this afternoon in a Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 transport plane for a military funeral in Singapore.
More than 300 men from LCP Fahrurrazi's unit were present to give him a final salute at the military funeral today.
LCP Fahrurrazi had gone missing on Sunday during a water-crossing exercise. Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen has written a letter to the family of the late LCP Fahrurrazi expressing deepest condolences for their loss. Mindef said it is assisting the family in their time of grief, and a full investigation will be conducted on the incident.
Mindef also thanked the Royal Brunei Armed Forces for their assistance in the search operations, and said that training and operations are still suspended.
#1.SAF serviceman found hanged at Changi Air Base
Facts:Private Amiral Syahmi Kamal, age 20, 3rd Battalion Singapore Guards; died on March 15, 2012. Pte Amirul did not turn up for a routine roll-call in Bedok Camp. A search was conducted and he was found unconscious, at 5:30pm, in a locked toilet cubicle, with a rope tied around his neck and hanging from the shower beam. Efforts to revive him where he was found and as he was being taken to Changi General Hospital failed. He was pronounced dead at 6.09 pm. ( By JERMYN CHOW , DEFENCE CORRESPONDENT)
Body of missing NSF found in Brunei
Updated 08:04 PM Aug 14, 2012
SINGAPORE - The body of missing National Serviceman
Lance-Corporal (LCP) Muhammad Fahrurrazi Bin Salim has been found, and
has been flown back to Singapore this afternoon. LCP Fahrurrazi's body was found at 2.55am this moring in the Sungai Batu Apoi river, Temburong in Brunei, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) in a statement.
One of the Singapore Armed Forces search parties, which had continued the search throughout the night, found LCP Fahrurrazi's body about 200 metres from where he was first reported missing. His body was flown back this afternoon in a Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 transport plane for a military funeral in Singapore.
More than 300 men from LCP Fahrurrazi's unit were present to give him a final salute at the military funeral today.
LCP Fahrurrazi had gone missing on Sunday during a water-crossing exercise. Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen has written a letter to the family of the late LCP Fahrurrazi expressing deepest condolences for their loss. Mindef said it is assisting the family in their time of grief, and a full investigation will be conducted on the incident.
Mindef also thanked the Royal Brunei Armed Forces for their assistance in the search operations, and said that training and operations are still suspended.
#1.SAF serviceman found hanged at Changi Air Base
View PhotoA 21-year-old National Serviceman died on Tuesday afternoon after suffering breathing difficulties. (AFP file photo)
A regular Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) serviceman was found hanging from a rope on Saturday morning in Changi Air Base, according to a statement from MINDEF.
2nd Sergeant (2SG) Suresh Seluras, an off-duty military policeman, was found stiff, unconscious and without a pulse when the SAF medic reached the site at 9:35am and tried to resuscitate him.
The 24-year-old was evacuated via an SAF ambulance to Changi General Hospital (CGH) at 10:25am as the medic continued resuscitation efforts en route to the hospital.
Suresh was pronounced dead at 10:53 am at CGH.
In the statement, the Ministry of Defence and the SAF said they extend their deepest condolences to the late serviceman's family.
The SAF said it is assisting the family in their time of grief and is investigating the incident. A police investigation will also be conducted, it said.
It is not the first death of a SAF serviceman this year.
Just last month, a 21-year-old full-time national serviceman died after suffering breathing difficulties while taking part in a platoon exercise.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2012/may/05may12_nr2.html
2nd Sergeant (2SG) Suresh Seluras, an off-duty military policeman, was found stiff, unconscious and without a pulse when the SAF medic reached the site at 9:35am and tried to resuscitate him.
The 24-year-old was evacuated via an SAF ambulance to Changi General Hospital (CGH) at 10:25am as the medic continued resuscitation efforts en route to the hospital.
Suresh was pronounced dead at 10:53 am at CGH.
In the statement, the Ministry of Defence and the SAF said they extend their deepest condolences to the late serviceman's family.
The SAF said it is assisting the family in their time of grief and is investigating the incident. A police investigation will also be conducted, it said.
It is not the first death of a SAF serviceman this year.
Just last month, a 21-year-old full-time national serviceman died after suffering breathing difficulties while taking part in a platoon exercise.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2012/may/05may12_nr2.html
- View PhotoA 21-year-old National Serviceman died on Tuesday afternoon after suffering breathing difficulties. (AFP file photo)
A
21-year-old full-time National Serviceman died on Tuesday afternoon
after suffering breathing difficulties while taking part in a platoon
exercise.
Private Lee Rui Feng Dominique Sarron was undergoing training at Murai Urban Training Facility at Lim Chu Kang when he lost consciousness shortly after noon, according to a Mindef statement.
An SAF medic attended to Lee immediately and sent him to Sungei Gedong Medical Centre. He was then transferred to National University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Private Lee was serving his national service with the 3rd Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment.
According to Lee’s Facebook page, he had just celebrated his 21st birthday last week. Condolences have been pouring in, with friends expressing their sadness and sympathies for the former Temasek Polytechnic student.
Said Christabel Chua: “Though I know you wouldn’t be able to see these posts here on Facebook, you’ll somehow feel the love everyone has for you. Thanks for being this bundle of cheerfulness and joy…Thanks for being so genuine. Thanks for being you. We’re all missing you but you’re in a better place now.”
Lee was known to be fit and active -- he was formerly a promising track and field sprinter who had enrolled in the Singapore Sports School. According to some childhood friends who left messages on his Facebook page, he also used to rollerblade and play badminton.
Lee’s death comes at the back of another young NSF man’s passing at Bedok camp last month.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2012/apr/17apr12_nr.html
Private Lee Rui Feng Dominique Sarron was undergoing training at Murai Urban Training Facility at Lim Chu Kang when he lost consciousness shortly after noon, according to a Mindef statement.
An SAF medic attended to Lee immediately and sent him to Sungei Gedong Medical Centre. He was then transferred to National University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Private Lee was serving his national service with the 3rd Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment.
According to Lee’s Facebook page, he had just celebrated his 21st birthday last week. Condolences have been pouring in, with friends expressing their sadness and sympathies for the former Temasek Polytechnic student.
Said Christabel Chua: “Though I know you wouldn’t be able to see these posts here on Facebook, you’ll somehow feel the love everyone has for you. Thanks for being this bundle of cheerfulness and joy…Thanks for being so genuine. Thanks for being you. We’re all missing you but you’re in a better place now.”
Lee was known to be fit and active -- he was formerly a promising track and field sprinter who had enrolled in the Singapore Sports School. According to some childhood friends who left messages on his Facebook page, he also used to rollerblade and play badminton.
Lee’s death comes at the back of another young NSF man’s passing at Bedok camp last month.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2012/apr/17apr12_nr.html
#3:Full-time NSman, 20, dies at Bedok Camp
Yahoo! Newsroom – Fri, Mar 16, 2012
View PhotoA 20–year-old full-time died shortly after he was found unconscious in camp. (AFP file photo)
A
20–year-old full-time National Serviceman from the Singapore Guards
died after being found unconscious in a toilet at Bedok camp on
Thursday evening.
According to a MINDEF statement, an SAF medic attended to Private Amirul Syahmi Bin Kamal from the 3rd Battalion Singapore Guards shortly after he was discovered at about 5:30pm.
Shortly after, he was evacuated to the Bedok Camp medical centre before being transferred to Changi General Hospital Centre.
Efforts were made to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at 6.09pm at CGH.
In a statement released on Thursday, MINDEF and SAF expressed their deepest condolences to the deceased’s family.
SAF it is investigating the incident. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2012/mar/15mar12_nr.html
According to a MINDEF statement, an SAF medic attended to Private Amirul Syahmi Bin Kamal from the 3rd Battalion Singapore Guards shortly after he was discovered at about 5:30pm.
Shortly after, he was evacuated to the Bedok Camp medical centre before being transferred to Changi General Hospital Centre.
Efforts were made to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at 6.09pm at CGH.
In a statement released on Thursday, MINDEF and SAF expressed their deepest condolences to the deceased’s family.
SAF it is investigating the incident. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2012/mar/15mar12_nr.html
#4:SAF suspends all field training after latest NSF death
By Deborah Choo | Yahoo! Newsroom – Fri, May 11, 2012
View PhotoA
20-year-old full-time National Serviceman is in critical condition
after a training accident involving a jeep at the Marsiling training
area on Friday morning. (AFP file photo)
UPDATED 1104pm with NSF death, SAF bans all field training
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has suspended any kind of field training by all its army units and training schools until next Tuesday.
The army-wide ban, which is expected to affect 320,000 active and reservist soldiers, comes after a second training fatality in less than a month.
The army-wide ban, which is expected to affect 320,000 active and reservist soldiers, comes after a second training fatality in less than a month.
According to a statement by MINDEF, the
safety time-out is "to remind commanders, trainers
and instructors on the safety system to ensure safety measures are in
place and reiterate that safety is an individual responsibility."
On
Friday afternoon, 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Tan Mou Sheng, 20, was pronounced dead at
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital after he was involved in a training accident earlier in
the day at the Marsiling training area.
Tan was found pinned and unconscious under the jeep he was in after the driver, 3SG Cavin Tan, lost control of the vehicle.
Tan was then immediately driven to Nee Soon Camp Medical Centre, but was transferred to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), where he died shortly after.
Tan was found pinned and unconscious under the jeep he was in after the driver, 3SG Cavin Tan, lost control of the vehicle.
Tan was then immediately driven to Nee Soon Camp Medical Centre, but was transferred to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), where he died shortly after.
One
other serviceman, 3SG Hong Dickson sustained a leg injury from the accident.
The driver and the third passenger in the jeep were unharmed.
The
commanders overseeing the exercise have also been suspended, said MINDEF.
Tan's
passing follows the death of 24-year-old SAF serviceman, Suresh Seluras, after
he was found hanging from a rope in Changi Air Base on 6 May.
On
17 April, NSF Lee Rui Feng Dominique Sarron also died after suffering breathing
difficulties during a platoon exercise at Murai Urban Training Facility.
Facts: Private Dominique Sarron Lee Rui Feng, 21-year-old, 3rd Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment; died on April 17, 2012. Pte Lee had breathing difficulties during a platoon exercise that had used smoke grenades.
The battalion's chief safety officer accompanied him out of the building in a training area in Lim Chu Kang. When outside, he lost consciousness and received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the spot. He was given supplemental oxygen and taken in a safety vehicle to a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) medical center. Efforts to revive him where he collapsed, at the medical centre and on the way to the National University Hospital (NUH) all failed. He was pronounced dead at 2:05 pm.
Pte Lee had declared during his pre-enlistment screening on January 4, 2012 that he had a history of asthma. He was considered fit for military training, as his last reported asthma attack was more than three years before his enlistment in October 2011. from then until his collapse on April 17, 2012, Pte Lee never called in sick for any asthma attacks. (By JERMYN CHOW, DEFENCE CORRESPONDENT)
#5: 10 Jan 2012, 1640 hours
2011 LIST
A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) full-time National Serviceman (NSF) was found unconscious during a training exercise. Specialist Cadet (SCT) Ee Chun Sheng, 21, was found at about 5.11 pm
on Aug 2, 2011, while on a navigation exercise at the Ama Keng Training
Area at Lim Chu Kang.
Within minutes an SAF medic was by his side trying to resuscitate him.
SCT Ee was then evacuated via a safety vehicle to the Tengah Air Base Medical Centre and arrived at about 5.39pm where an SAF doctor attended to him.
He was then sent via an ambulance to the National University Hospital (NUH) at 6.05pm and arrived at 6.32pm.
The doctor and medic continued attempts to resuscitate him enroute to the hospital.
SCT Ee was pronounced dead at 9.03pm at NUH, according to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
MINDEF and the SAF extend their deepest condolences to the family of the late SCT Ee.
The SAF is assisting the family in their time of grief and is investigating the incident.
tayyta@sph.com.sg
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/aug/03aug11_nr.html
2.A full-time National Serviceman (NSF), Lance Corporal (LCP) Wee Yong Choon Eugin, a Signal Operator, was hit by a truck driven by another serviceman in Jurong Camp 1 at about 7.00am on 28 Jan 2011. LCP Wee was about to unload stores from the back of the truck when it reversed into him. A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) medic attended to LCP Wee immediately. At 7.05am, an ambulance was activated to evacuate LCP Wee to the National University Hospital (NUH). He was sent to the hospital at 7.15am and arrived at NUH at about 7.45am. LCP Wee was pronounced dead at 7.59am.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/jan/28jan11_nr2.html
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/feb/14feb11_nr.html
3. A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, Major (MAJ) Toh Tze Wah Edi, 49, an Air Warfare Officer from Air Defence and Operations Command, collapsed at 9.11am on 11 Jun 2011 while participating in an Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) at Tengah Air Base (TAB). MAJ Toh was at the halfway mark of the 2.4km run of the IPPT when he collapsed.
An SAF medic on site evacuated him via a safety vehicle to the TAB Medical Centre where an SAF doctor attended to him. MAJ Toh was then sent via an ambulance immediately to the National University Hospital (NUH) at 9.19am and arrived at NUH at 9.44am. The SAF doctor and medic continued their attempts to resuscitate him in the ambulance en route to the hospital. MAJ Toh was pronounced dead at 10.24am at NUH.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/jun/11jun11_nr.html
injury : A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) full-time National Serviceman (NSF), Specialist Cadet (SCT) Percy Toh Cheng Kai, 21, was injured during a live-firing training on 31 Jul 2011. SCT Toh was firing a 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher at the SAFTI Live Firing Area as part of his Specialist Armour Course when a 40mm round's propellant exploded prematurely in the weapon.
SCT Toh sustained shrapnel injuries to his chest, right arm and right cheek. He was attended to immediately by SAF medical personnel and sent to National University Hospital (NUH) where he underwent treatment for his injuries. SCT Toh is currently in stable condition and is expected to be discharged from NUH within the next few days. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/jul/31jul11_nr.html
2010 LIST
2009 LIST
1.A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Lim Kian Hong, collapsed at about 8:25am on 13 Mar 2009 while taking part in a self-paced 2.4km unit run at the Nee Soon Driclad Centre. 2WO Lim, a 52-year-old technician, collapsed about 1.2km into the run. 2WO Lim was immediately evacuated to the Nee Soon Camp Medical Centre and arrived at about 8:30am where the doctors tried to resuscitate him. 2WO Lim was sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital at 8:54am. An SAF doctor and medic continued their attempts to resuscitate him en route to the hospital. 2WO Lim was pronounced dead at 9:51am at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/mar/13mar09_nr.html
2. A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Poh Eng Ann, was found unconscious at 6.05pm in a flight crew room at the Paya Lebar Air Base on 24 April 2009. The 36-year-old warrant officer was a senior technician with the Republic of Singapore Air Force. 2WO Poh was attended to immediately by a medical team, comprising two doctors and two medics, from the Paya Lebar Air Base Medical Centre. He was evacuated to the medical centre where the doctors continued their attempts to resuscitate him. 2WO Poh was sent to the Changi General Hospital (CGH) at 6.51pm. and arrived at 7.02pm. The SAF doctors and medics continued their attempts to resuscitate him en route to the hospital. 2WO Poh was pronounced dead at 7.24pm at CGH. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/apr/25apr09_nr.html
3. A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, First Warrant Officer (1WO) Tan Poh Eng, was participating in an SAF freefall training session in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on 20 May 2009. 1WO Tan was part of a six-man team that jumped off a Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft at a height of 12500 feet to conduct a formation jump. The formation broke off at 3500 feet to deploy their parachutes. 1WO Tan spiralled downwards to the ground and was found unconscious at about 4.45pm (Singapore time).
1WO Tan was given immediate medical attention by an SAF doctor and a medic on-site. He was heli-evacuated at 5.15pm and arrived at about 5.35pm at the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein. 1WO Tan was pronounced dead at 5.57pm in the hospital. The 53-year-old First Warrant Officer was a parachute jump instructor from the Commando Training Institute. 1WO Tan was part of a 51-member SAF Commando team participating in SAF freefall training which is being conducted from 27 April to 24 May in Bloemfontein. The SAF conducts freefall training in South Africa once every two years. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/may/21may09_nr.html
4. 15 Jun 2009.A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, First Sergeant (1SG) Ang Joo Pin, was found motionless in his bunk in a Taiwanese military facility this morning at 7.15am. 1SG Ang was given immediate medical attention by an SAF senior medic. He was evacuated to and arrived at the hospital at about 7.35am. Efforts to resuscitate him continued en route to the hospital. 1SG Ang was pronounced dead at 7.40am in the hospital. The 30- year-old ammunition technician was in Taiwan to support the SAF's unilateral training. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/jun/15jun09_nr.html
5. A full-time National Serviceman (NSF), Second Lieutenant (2LT) Chan Wei Kit Nicholas, a Motor Transport Officer, was taking delivery of a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Land Rover in Seletar Camp at about 11.30am. The Land Rover had been sent there for servicing. 2LT Chan was inspecting the vehicle when it rolled backwards and hit him. 2LT Chan was found pinned under the vehicle.
A recovery vehicle was activated at about 12.00pm and managed to lift the Land Rover at 12.30pm. A medical team comprising an SAF doctor and two medics from the Seletar Medical Centre attempted to resuscitate 2LT Chan immediately. He was sent to the Changi General Hospital (CGH) at about 12.35pm and he arrived at the hospital at about 12.50pm. The SAF doctor and medics continued their attempts to resuscitate him en route to the hospital. 2LT Chan was pronounced dead at 1.07pm at CGH. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/jul/03jul09_nr.html
6. A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, First Warrant Officer (1WO) S. Thivvianathan, was found motionless along Old Cedar Lake, Oklahoma, United States of America (USA) on 25 October 2009 at about 4.00 pm (26 October 2009, 5.00 am Singapore time). 1WO Thivvianathan and other SAF servicemen had gone for a run along Old Cedar Lake and were running at their own pace. The 51-year-old transport supervisor was in Oklahoma, USA as part of an advance logistics party which arrived on 1 October 2009, in support of SAF training there.
1WO Thivvianathan was found by a local resident, who performed cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on him. 1WO Thivvianathan was evacuated by ambulance to the nearest local hospital, the Reynolds Army Community Hospital, at about 4.10 pm (5.10 am Singapore time). He was pronounced dead at 4.31 pm (5.31 am Singapore time) at the hospital. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/oct/26oct09_nr.html
7. A 21-year-old regular serviceman from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) met with a road accident along a highway in North Florida, United States of America (USA), on 15 November 2009 at about 12.10pm (16 November 2009, 2.10am Singapore time). Lieutenant (LTA) Chee Zhi Hao was evacuated by air to the Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, where he received immediate medical attention. He was pronounced dead at about 9.20pm (11.20am Singapore time).
LTA Chee and two other RSAF servicemen were returning from a visit to the National Naval Aviation Museum at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, when the car they were travelling in left the right side of the road and struck a parked truck with no one inside. The three servicemen, all of whom are pilot trainees, were attending the Initial Entry to Rotary Wing Course in the US Army Aviation Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama, USA, which had organised the visit to the museum.
One of the servicemen, LTA Lim Jun Kai, 23, was taken to and warded at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Florida, and is now in stable condition. The other serviceman, LTA Ingkiriwang Wei Zhi Reeve, 22, has been discharged after receiving treatment from the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Florida. The US authorities are investigating the accident.
LTA Chee completed his 10-month Basic Flying Training course in May this year. LTC Michael Tan, Commanding Officer of 130 Squadron, where LTA Chee attended the course, said: "Zhi Hao was a good team player and will be remembered by those who went through Basic Flying Training with him as one who was always ready to help others. He was well liked and will be missed by his instructors and his course mates." http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/nov/16nov09_nr2.html
8. A full-time national serviceman, Lance Corporal (LCP) Mar Teng Fong, passed away at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) this afternoon at 2.44pm, in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). LCP Mar, 20, had been taken to SGH in a helicopter after being found unconscious between a hydraulic sliding door and its door frame on board the Republic of Singapore Ship (RSS) Persistence, by a fellow serviceman on 18 November 2009.
LCP Mar, an engineering systems specialist, was on engineering watch duty on board the ship which was out at sea for training. He had gone on a routine round to check the engineering systems at about 11.40pm on 17 November 2009. When he did not return by 11.55pm, a fellow serviceman went in search of him and found LCP Mar unconscious between the hydraulic door and its door frame at 12.01am on 18 November 2009. The door connects the engine room to the propeller shaft compartment of the ship. LCP Mar was given immediate medical attention by a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) medical doctor on board the ship. He was heli-evacuated to SGH at 1.15am. An SAF medical doctor and a medic continued to resuscitate him on board the helicopter, which arrived at SGH at 1.26am. LCP Mar was given emergency medical treatment and warded in the ICU. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/nov/21nov09_nr.html
2008 LIST
2007 LIST
1. 15 Jun 2007, 1350 hours.Mr Quek Meng Chua, 58, a Defence Executive Officer working in the SAF, fainted at Gombak Recreation Centre after completing a run on a treadmill at 8:20am this morning. He was given immediate medical attention and evacuated to MINDEF Medical Centre where resuscitative measures were taken by a medical officer. He was then transferred to the National University Hospital at 8:55am. Mr Quek passed away at 9:35am. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2007/jun/15jun07_nr2.html
2006 LIST
1.21 Jun 2006. A Commando regular officer, Lieutenant (LTA) Lionel Lin Shi Guan, 24, died after encountering difficulties while undergoing training at the swimming pool in Hendon Camp this afternoon.
The training was conducted with an instructor assigned to each trainee. When LTA Lin encountered difficulties, the instructor assigned to him immediately passed him a float. LTA Lin was then instructed to swim to the pool edge.
While swimming towards the edge of the pool, LTA Lin went below the surface of the water. The instructor, who was next to him in the water, lifted him up and brought him to the pool edge where immediate medical attention was rendered. LTA Lin began vomiting and passed out. He was then rushed to the Hendon Medical Centre at 4.05pm where two doctors attempted to resuscitate him. LTA Lin was evacuated to Changi General Hospital at 4.10pm and arrived at 4.25pm. He was pronounced dead at 4.59pm. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2006/jun/21jun06_nr2.html
2. 18 Sep 2006. A Full-time National Serviceman, Private (PTE) Yeo Chang Wen, Ambrose, 20, a driver in Headquarters Supply and Transport was found lying unconscious at the foot of a four-storey building in Hendon Camp at 2.17am this morning. The duty Medical Officer immediately attended to him on-site and he was then rushed to Changi General Hospital at 2.30am. PTE Yeo was pronounced dead at 3.28am. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2006/sep/18sep06_nr2.html
3. 17 Nov 2006 .Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Tan Boon Toon, 45, a RSAF Senior Technician reported sick at Tengah Medical Centre at 8.50am this morning with chest pains. He was receiving medical attention when he collapsed at 9am. 2WO Tan was immediately evacuated to the National University Hospital at 9.15am. Efforts by the medical team to resuscitate him en route were unsuccessful. 2WO Tan was pronounced dead at 10.18am. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2006/Nov/17nov06_nr.html
2005 LIST
1. 15 Jun 2005.A Singapore Armed Forces regular serviceman, 2SG Ong Jia Hui, 24, was discovered missing during training in the waters of Changi Naval Base. An immediate search was conducted and he was recovered. He was given immediate medical attention before being evacuated to Changi General Hospital. He passed away at 6.59pm.
2SG Ong Jia Hui, a 24 year old regular Army specialist, was discovered missing at about 1740hrs on 15 Jun 05 while undergoing special operations training in the waters of Changi Naval Base. A safety diver, who was on standby as part of the safety precautions put in place for such training, was immediately activated. The diver found 2SG Ong at around 1745hrs. He was given immediate medical treatment at the Changi Naval Base medical centre before being evacuated to Changi General Hospital at about 1810hrs. He was pronounced dead at 1859hrs.http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jun/15jun05_nr.html
2.22 Jun 2005.A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Teh Kok Lian, 39, collapsed during a routine run in Jurong Camp on 22 Jun 05 at 8.45am. He was given immediate medical attention by the medics on site and evacuated to National University Hospital at about 9am. He passed away at 9.40am. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jun/22jun05_nr2.html
Statement by Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean in Response to Parliamentary Question on Deaths of SAF Servicemen Due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jul/18jul05_nr2.html
3. 29 Jun 2005. A Full-time National Serviceman, 3SG Ong Peng Ghee, 19, passed away this morning at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH). He was serving as a Section Instructor in the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC).
3SG Ong joined a few of his colleagues in an informal, self-paced jog around BMTC in Pulau Tekong when he collapsed at around 0845hrs. He was given immediate medical attention and was evacuated by helicopter to SGH at about 0927hrs. He passed away at 1026hrs. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jun/29jun05_nr.html
09 Jul 2005,At the NDP rehearsal at 6:15 pm today, a Red Lion freefaller, MSG Chua Koon San, 36, suffered injuries when he had a hard landing at the Padang. He was immediately evacuated to the Singapore General Hospital. His condition is stable.
4. 14 Jul 2005. A Singapore Armed Forces regular Commando, 1SG Shiva s/o Mohan, 24, and a foreign serviceman were injured during heliborne training at Sembawang Air Base at 9.11pm on 13 July 05. They were given immediate medical attention and evacuated to Singapore General Hospital. They were pronounced dead at 11.00pm. 1SG Shiva s/o Mohan from the SAF Commando, and a foreign serviceman were undergoing the Rappelling Instructor Course when they fell while rappelling from the helicopter. The incident happened at 9.11 pm yesterday. The helicopter was hovering about 20 metres above ground. No other serviceman was injured.
The two servicemen were evacuated to the Sembawang Air Base medical centre at 9.23 pm. The doctors stabilised both servicemen in preparation for evacuation to the Singapore General Hospital. The medical evacuation helicopter departed the air base at 10.27 pm and reached the hospital in 7 minutes. The two servicemen were pronounced dead at about 11 pm.
Heli-rappelling training has been suspended, pending the conclusion of the investigation. All other training activities proceed as normal. The SAF is conducting a 2-day safety review of its processes and procedures. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jul/14jul05_nr.html
5.18 Dec 2005. Lance Corporal (LCP) (NS) Ho Wah Yeng, 35, had completed his remedial fitness training at Maju Camp this morning when he complained of chest pain. He was being examined by a medical officer at the medical centre when he collapsed at 11:15 am. LCP(NS) Ho was immediately evacuated to the National University Hospital at 11:25 am and he passed away at 12:32 pm.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/dec/18dec05_nr.html
2004 LIST
24 Feb 2004Injury to SAF Servicemen.Four servicemen (1 regular and 3 Full-time National Servicemen) from the SAF Armour Training Centre were injured at about 1100 hours this morning. They were trying to rectify a jammed 0.5 inch calibre machine gun when an explosion occurred in its chamber.
All four servicemen were sent to the National University Hospital (NUH) for medical treatment. One of them sustained shrapnel injuries to his face and eyes and is currently warded. He is in a stable condition. The other three sustained minor injuries and were given outpatient treatment.
Four servicemen were injured yesterday when they were trying to rectify a jammed 0.5 inch calibre machine gun when an explosion occurred in its chamber.
The machine gun was used at a live-firing exercise on 23 Feb 04, when it jammed. Efforts were made to rectify the problem and to ascertain that the weapon was clear of ammunition. When the problem could not be rectified and it was assessed that the weapon was clear of ammunition, the weapon was brought back to the Sungei Gedong Camp. On 24 Feb 04 morning, the four servicemen involved were trying to rectify the jammed weapon when the chamber of the machine gun exploded.
Preliminary findings indicate that the cause of the explosion was not due to faulty ammunition or weaponry. It was also found that the earlier assessment that the jammed weapon was clear of ammunition was erroneous. The SAF is continuing with its investigation into this incident.
The serviceman who was warded at the National University Hospital yesterday underwent surgery for the injuries to his eyes and face. He is in a stable condition and recovering well. The other 3 servicemen who received outpatient treatment are well and currently recuperating at home.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2004/feb/24feb04_nr.html
1. 20 May 2004.
1.1The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16C fighter aircraft that was reported missing earlier is confirmed to have crashed about 90 nautical miles south of Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, United States in the Barry M Goldwater Range. The aircraft crashed at about 2141 hrs on Wed, 19 May 04, Arizona time (1241 hrs, Thurs, 20 May 04, Singapore time).
The aircraft was piloted by an RSAF pilot and his status is still unknown. Search and rescue efforts are still in progress to try and locate the pilot.
The F-16C aircraft was assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base as part of the RSAF’s Peace Carvin II detachment at the Luke Air Force Base which was started in 1993.
1.2 The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilot who was involved in the F-16C fighter aircraft crash reported earlier did not survive the crash.
The pilot was LTA Loo Kwang Han, 25 years old. He graduated from Victoria Junior College in 1997 and joined the RSAF in Jun 1998. He obtained his pilot wings in Jul 2001 and became an F-16 pilot in Jan 2003.
Question: This is the second F-16 the squadron has lost in two years; what’s your take on that please?
Minister: Each incident of course is different. The earlier incident involving the squadron in 2002 was related to a technical incident on the engine. So we’ll have to investigate and see what the issue is in this particular incident.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2004/may/20may04_nr2.html
2003 LIST
1.In the case of 2SG Hu Enhuai. Death of a Full-Time National Serviceman. A Full-time National Serviceman, 2SG Hu En Huai, 19, collapsed during training at Pulau Tekong this afternoon. He was given immediate medical attention before being heli-evacuated to Singapore General Hospital. He passed away at 6.17pm.
2SG Hu Enhuai (Combat Survival Training (CST), 21 Aug 03)
Summary of Incident
The third incident, on 21 Aug 03, occurred at Pulau Tekong during a Combat Survival Training (CST) course. This course trains reconnaissance troopers, scouts and snipers who have to conduct operations deep in hostile territory, to survive, evade capture, and resist and escape if captured by the enemy. The course has both theory and practical elements, and psychological preparation is a key feature. It culminates in a summary field exercise where the skills taught in the classroom are applied and put to the test. The 80th CST course began on 13 Aug 03 and was scheduled to end on 22 Aug 03.
On 21 Aug 03, 2SG Hu Enhuai, a sniper, was participating in the final summary exercise when he collapsed at around 1645hrs. He was given medical treatment at the scene and evacuated to the Pulau Tekong Medical Centre at 1710hrs. Subsequently, he was evacuated by helicopter to the Singapore General Hospital and arrived there at 1752hrs. He was pronounced dead at 1817hrs. The cause of death as certified by the forensic pathologist of the Health Sciences Authority was asphyxia and near drowning.
Actions Taken
The SAF suspended Combat Survival Training immediately after the incident. Four Officers and a senior Specialist who conducted the training were also immediately suspended from service.
MINDEF convened an independent Committee of Inquiry, chaired by a senior civil servant from outside MINDEF, to investigate and determine the full facts of the incident. The Committee of Inquiry submitted its report on 3 Oct 03. MINDEF is now studying the report in detail. I will now brief Members of the House of the facts established by the Committee. 2SG Hu's family has also been kept informed.
The Committee of Inquiry found that the trainers had not followed the approved lesson plan for this training exercise. According to the lesson plan, the trainees were only to be doused with water with the intent of showering them. The lesson plan specifically prohibits physical contact and manhandling of trainees, and states categorically that instructors should never force water treatment into the body. Submerging the head of a trainee into water was not authorized.
However, instead of being doused with water, 2SG Hu had his head submerged in water four times. As a result he aspirated water, had breathing difficulties and collapsed. He was treated promptly by a medical orderly at the scene and evacuated to the Singapore General Hospital, but despite the medical treatment he died.
Besides 2SG Hu, other trainees also had their heads submerged in water. As a result 6 aspirated water and required medical treatment. The Combat Survival Training had been conducted in an unauthorized way.
This is an extremely serious lapse in the conduct of the training. It should never have happened. MINDEF takes the gravest possible view of the matter. I am determined to establish the full facts of how such an unauthorised act occurred and to identify the persons responsible for it. I have convened a Higher Board of Inquiry to do so. Investigations are also being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Police, and there will be a coroner's inquiry. The results of these investigations will be made public. Any SAF personnel who have been negligent or culpable will be held to account and punished according to the law.
After the incident MINDEF suspended 5 instructors who conducted the training. In addition, MINDEF has relieved from their duties two other instructors who were responsible for supervising the training. MINDEF has also relieved the Commanding Officer of the School of Commando Training from command and has also appointed a new Chief Commando Officer to take charge of the Commando formation.
2. Death of a Regular Serviceman.An SAF regular serviceman, Second Sergeant (2SG) Rajagopal Thirukumaran, 25, passed away this evening at the Changi General Hospital (CGH). 2SG Rajagopal Thirukumaran collapsed after completing a 5-km run. The run was part of a selection process to ensure that candidates applying for a Ranger training course would meet the minimum physical fitness requirements. He was given immediate medical attention and evacuated to CGH. He passed away at 5.25pm.
2SG Rajagopal Thirukumaran (Ranger Selection Test, 3 Sep 03)
Summary of Incident
The second death was that of 2SG Rajagopal Thirukumaran, a regular serviceman, on 3 Sep 03 when he was taking the Ranger Course selection test at Hendon Camp. This test is to ensure that candidates for the Ranger course meet the physical fitness standards required for the course. 2SG Rajagopal collapsed at 1627 hrs, after completing the 5-km road run in good time. He received immediate medical attention before he was evacuated to Changi General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1725hrs. The cause of death is pending final determination by the forensic pathologist from the Health Sciences Authority.
#5: 10 Jan 2012, 1640 hours
An SAF medic on site attended to him immediately and evacuated him via a safety vehicle to the Kranji Medical Centre where an SAF doctor attended to him at 8.43am. CPL (NS) Li was sent via an ambulance to the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) at 9.00am and arrived at KTPH at 9.20am. The SAF doctor continued to resuscitate him in the ambulance en route to the hospital. CPL (NS) Li was pronounced dead at 9.40am at KTPH. |
2011 LIST
1.NSF dies during training
Within minutes an SAF medic was by his side trying to resuscitate him.
SCT Ee was then evacuated via a safety vehicle to the Tengah Air Base Medical Centre and arrived at about 5.39pm where an SAF doctor attended to him.
He was then sent via an ambulance to the National University Hospital (NUH) at 6.05pm and arrived at 6.32pm.
The doctor and medic continued attempts to resuscitate him enroute to the hospital.
SCT Ee was pronounced dead at 9.03pm at NUH, according to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
MINDEF and the SAF extend their deepest condolences to the family of the late SCT Ee.
The SAF is assisting the family in their time of grief and is investigating the incident.
tayyta@sph.com.sg
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/aug/03aug11_nr.html
2.A full-time National Serviceman (NSF), Lance Corporal (LCP) Wee Yong Choon Eugin, a Signal Operator, was hit by a truck driven by another serviceman in Jurong Camp 1 at about 7.00am on 28 Jan 2011. LCP Wee was about to unload stores from the back of the truck when it reversed into him. A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) medic attended to LCP Wee immediately. At 7.05am, an ambulance was activated to evacuate LCP Wee to the National University Hospital (NUH). He was sent to the hospital at 7.15am and arrived at NUH at about 7.45am. LCP Wee was pronounced dead at 7.59am.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/jan/28jan11_nr2.html
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/feb/14feb11_nr.html
3. A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, Major (MAJ) Toh Tze Wah Edi, 49, an Air Warfare Officer from Air Defence and Operations Command, collapsed at 9.11am on 11 Jun 2011 while participating in an Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) at Tengah Air Base (TAB). MAJ Toh was at the halfway mark of the 2.4km run of the IPPT when he collapsed.
An SAF medic on site evacuated him via a safety vehicle to the TAB Medical Centre where an SAF doctor attended to him. MAJ Toh was then sent via an ambulance immediately to the National University Hospital (NUH) at 9.19am and arrived at NUH at 9.44am. The SAF doctor and medic continued their attempts to resuscitate him in the ambulance en route to the hospital. MAJ Toh was pronounced dead at 10.24am at NUH.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/jun/11jun11_nr.html
injury : A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) full-time National Serviceman (NSF), Specialist Cadet (SCT) Percy Toh Cheng Kai, 21, was injured during a live-firing training on 31 Jul 2011. SCT Toh was firing a 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher at the SAFTI Live Firing Area as part of his Specialist Armour Course when a 40mm round's propellant exploded prematurely in the weapon.
SCT Toh sustained shrapnel injuries to his chest, right arm and right cheek. He was attended to immediately by SAF medical personnel and sent to National University Hospital (NUH) where he underwent treatment for his injuries. SCT Toh is currently in stable condition and is expected to be discharged from NUH within the next few days. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/jul/31jul11_nr.html
2010 LIST
2009 LIST
1.A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Lim Kian Hong, collapsed at about 8:25am on 13 Mar 2009 while taking part in a self-paced 2.4km unit run at the Nee Soon Driclad Centre. 2WO Lim, a 52-year-old technician, collapsed about 1.2km into the run. 2WO Lim was immediately evacuated to the Nee Soon Camp Medical Centre and arrived at about 8:30am where the doctors tried to resuscitate him. 2WO Lim was sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital at 8:54am. An SAF doctor and medic continued their attempts to resuscitate him en route to the hospital. 2WO Lim was pronounced dead at 9:51am at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/mar/13mar09_nr.html
2. A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Poh Eng Ann, was found unconscious at 6.05pm in a flight crew room at the Paya Lebar Air Base on 24 April 2009. The 36-year-old warrant officer was a senior technician with the Republic of Singapore Air Force. 2WO Poh was attended to immediately by a medical team, comprising two doctors and two medics, from the Paya Lebar Air Base Medical Centre. He was evacuated to the medical centre where the doctors continued their attempts to resuscitate him. 2WO Poh was sent to the Changi General Hospital (CGH) at 6.51pm. and arrived at 7.02pm. The SAF doctors and medics continued their attempts to resuscitate him en route to the hospital. 2WO Poh was pronounced dead at 7.24pm at CGH. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/apr/25apr09_nr.html
3. A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, First Warrant Officer (1WO) Tan Poh Eng, was participating in an SAF freefall training session in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on 20 May 2009. 1WO Tan was part of a six-man team that jumped off a Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft at a height of 12500 feet to conduct a formation jump. The formation broke off at 3500 feet to deploy their parachutes. 1WO Tan spiralled downwards to the ground and was found unconscious at about 4.45pm (Singapore time).
1WO Tan was given immediate medical attention by an SAF doctor and a medic on-site. He was heli-evacuated at 5.15pm and arrived at about 5.35pm at the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein. 1WO Tan was pronounced dead at 5.57pm in the hospital. The 53-year-old First Warrant Officer was a parachute jump instructor from the Commando Training Institute. 1WO Tan was part of a 51-member SAF Commando team participating in SAF freefall training which is being conducted from 27 April to 24 May in Bloemfontein. The SAF conducts freefall training in South Africa once every two years. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/may/21may09_nr.html
4. 15 Jun 2009.A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, First Sergeant (1SG) Ang Joo Pin, was found motionless in his bunk in a Taiwanese military facility this morning at 7.15am. 1SG Ang was given immediate medical attention by an SAF senior medic. He was evacuated to and arrived at the hospital at about 7.35am. Efforts to resuscitate him continued en route to the hospital. 1SG Ang was pronounced dead at 7.40am in the hospital. The 30- year-old ammunition technician was in Taiwan to support the SAF's unilateral training. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/jun/15jun09_nr.html
5. A full-time National Serviceman (NSF), Second Lieutenant (2LT) Chan Wei Kit Nicholas, a Motor Transport Officer, was taking delivery of a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Land Rover in Seletar Camp at about 11.30am. The Land Rover had been sent there for servicing. 2LT Chan was inspecting the vehicle when it rolled backwards and hit him. 2LT Chan was found pinned under the vehicle.
A recovery vehicle was activated at about 12.00pm and managed to lift the Land Rover at 12.30pm. A medical team comprising an SAF doctor and two medics from the Seletar Medical Centre attempted to resuscitate 2LT Chan immediately. He was sent to the Changi General Hospital (CGH) at about 12.35pm and he arrived at the hospital at about 12.50pm. The SAF doctor and medics continued their attempts to resuscitate him en route to the hospital. 2LT Chan was pronounced dead at 1.07pm at CGH. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/jul/03jul09_nr.html
6. A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, First Warrant Officer (1WO) S. Thivvianathan, was found motionless along Old Cedar Lake, Oklahoma, United States of America (USA) on 25 October 2009 at about 4.00 pm (26 October 2009, 5.00 am Singapore time). 1WO Thivvianathan and other SAF servicemen had gone for a run along Old Cedar Lake and were running at their own pace. The 51-year-old transport supervisor was in Oklahoma, USA as part of an advance logistics party which arrived on 1 October 2009, in support of SAF training there.
1WO Thivvianathan was found by a local resident, who performed cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on him. 1WO Thivvianathan was evacuated by ambulance to the nearest local hospital, the Reynolds Army Community Hospital, at about 4.10 pm (5.10 am Singapore time). He was pronounced dead at 4.31 pm (5.31 am Singapore time) at the hospital. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/oct/26oct09_nr.html
7. A 21-year-old regular serviceman from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) met with a road accident along a highway in North Florida, United States of America (USA), on 15 November 2009 at about 12.10pm (16 November 2009, 2.10am Singapore time). Lieutenant (LTA) Chee Zhi Hao was evacuated by air to the Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, where he received immediate medical attention. He was pronounced dead at about 9.20pm (11.20am Singapore time).
LTA Chee and two other RSAF servicemen were returning from a visit to the National Naval Aviation Museum at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, when the car they were travelling in left the right side of the road and struck a parked truck with no one inside. The three servicemen, all of whom are pilot trainees, were attending the Initial Entry to Rotary Wing Course in the US Army Aviation Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama, USA, which had organised the visit to the museum.
One of the servicemen, LTA Lim Jun Kai, 23, was taken to and warded at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Florida, and is now in stable condition. The other serviceman, LTA Ingkiriwang Wei Zhi Reeve, 22, has been discharged after receiving treatment from the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Florida. The US authorities are investigating the accident.
LTA Chee completed his 10-month Basic Flying Training course in May this year. LTC Michael Tan, Commanding Officer of 130 Squadron, where LTA Chee attended the course, said: "Zhi Hao was a good team player and will be remembered by those who went through Basic Flying Training with him as one who was always ready to help others. He was well liked and will be missed by his instructors and his course mates." http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/nov/16nov09_nr2.html
8. A full-time national serviceman, Lance Corporal (LCP) Mar Teng Fong, passed away at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) this afternoon at 2.44pm, in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). LCP Mar, 20, had been taken to SGH in a helicopter after being found unconscious between a hydraulic sliding door and its door frame on board the Republic of Singapore Ship (RSS) Persistence, by a fellow serviceman on 18 November 2009.
LCP Mar, an engineering systems specialist, was on engineering watch duty on board the ship which was out at sea for training. He had gone on a routine round to check the engineering systems at about 11.40pm on 17 November 2009. When he did not return by 11.55pm, a fellow serviceman went in search of him and found LCP Mar unconscious between the hydraulic door and its door frame at 12.01am on 18 November 2009. The door connects the engine room to the propeller shaft compartment of the ship. LCP Mar was given immediate medical attention by a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) medical doctor on board the ship. He was heli-evacuated to SGH at 1.15am. An SAF medical doctor and a medic continued to resuscitate him on board the helicopter, which arrived at SGH at 1.26am. LCP Mar was given emergency medical treatment and warded in the ICU. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2009/nov/21nov09_nr.html
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| 1.Army recruit collapses and dies during training walk. | |||||
| AN ARMY recruit collapsed and died on Pulau Tekong yesterday morning, barely five days into his national service. Twenty-year-old Andrew Cheah Wei Siong, who graduated from the Nanyang Polytechnic three weeks ago today, was then doing a 2km training walk at the Basic Military Training Centre on the island. He enlisted last Thursday and was placed on an enhanced 15-week basic military training (BMT) programme meant for mildly obese recruits.  Mr Cheah is also understood to have had asthma when he was young.According to a BMT guide for recruits, this programme is for those whose body mass index exceeds 27 and who failed to attain the silver or gold standard in the pre-enlistment physical fitness test. A statement from the Defence Ministry (Mindef) said Mr Cheah was taking part in the walk when he fainted at the 1.2km mark at 8.35am. He had started on the walk at 8am. He was given immediate medical attention. About 50 minutes later, a decision was made to send him to the Singapore General Hospital by helicopter. During the flight, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) medical staff continued to try to resuscitate him but failed. He was pronounced dead at 10.50am at the hospital. The Straits Times understands that he was not evacuated to Changi General Hospital, which is nearest the island, because of air traffic conditions, among other factors. His sudden death was a huge shock to his family, who were too distraught to say much when contacted by The Straits Times. His older sister Jennifer said, however, that they were still trying to find out what had happened. 'We just want an answer from the SAF,' she added. Mindef said it is investigating the death and will help the family through their time of grief. One of Mr Cheah's cousins said the family would remember him as a 'good boy who studied and played hard'. His friends from the polytechnic, where he studied information technology, and former classmates from Yuan Ching Secondary School were also jolted by the tragic news of a friend they described as quiet. The shock was all the greater because Mr Cheah appeared healthy, they said. carolynq@sph.com.sg http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2008/jun/10jun08_nr.html 2. Major (MAJ) Tan Yit Guan, a SAF logistics officer, collapsed at 8.20am at Kranji Camp this morning. MAJ Tan was talking with his colleagues after completing a 1.2km self-paced run when he suddenly collapsed. He was given prompt medical attention and evacuated to the National University Hospital (NUH) at about 8.45am. Efforts by the SAF medical team to resuscitate him en route were unsuccessful. MAJ Tan was pronounced dead at 9.30am in NUH. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2008/jan/ 02jan08_nr.html 3. 30 Sep 2008, 1825 hours .Private (PTE) Foo Wei Rong Joe, a Full-time National Serviceman from 4th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, collapsed in Lim Chu Kang Camp at 6.05 am this morning while doing chin-ups. The chin-ups, as well as some push-ups which he had completed earlier, were part of the unit's daily basic exercise routine. He was given immediate medical attention and evacuated to Tengah Medical Centre by 6.40am, where the doctors tried to resuscitate him. PTE Foo was sent to National University Hospital at 7.15 am. The SAF doctor and medic continued their attempts to resuscitate him en route to the hospital, and he arrived at 7.45am. PTE Foo was pronounced dead at 8.28am. MINDEF's investigations have discovered Private (PTE) Foo Wei Rong Joe's medical certificate in his personal cupboard in his bunk. The Singapore General Hospital medical certificate dated 28 Sep was for "sprains and strains of knee and leg". PTE Foo was to rest from 28 to 29 Sep and given only light duties from 30 Sep to 3 Oct. The medical centre had no documentation of his medical certificate. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2008/sep/30sep08_nr.html
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2007 LIST
1. 15 Jun 2007, 1350 hours.Mr Quek Meng Chua, 58, a Defence Executive Officer working in the SAF, fainted at Gombak Recreation Centre after completing a run on a treadmill at 8:20am this morning. He was given immediate medical attention and evacuated to MINDEF Medical Centre where resuscitative measures were taken by a medical officer. He was then transferred to the National University Hospital at 8:55am. Mr Quek passed away at 9:35am. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2007/jun/15jun07_nr2.html
2006 LIST
1.21 Jun 2006. A Commando regular officer, Lieutenant (LTA) Lionel Lin Shi Guan, 24, died after encountering difficulties while undergoing training at the swimming pool in Hendon Camp this afternoon.
The training was conducted with an instructor assigned to each trainee. When LTA Lin encountered difficulties, the instructor assigned to him immediately passed him a float. LTA Lin was then instructed to swim to the pool edge.
While swimming towards the edge of the pool, LTA Lin went below the surface of the water. The instructor, who was next to him in the water, lifted him up and brought him to the pool edge where immediate medical attention was rendered. LTA Lin began vomiting and passed out. He was then rushed to the Hendon Medical Centre at 4.05pm where two doctors attempted to resuscitate him. LTA Lin was evacuated to Changi General Hospital at 4.10pm and arrived at 4.25pm. He was pronounced dead at 4.59pm. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2006/jun/21jun06_nr2.html
2. 18 Sep 2006. A Full-time National Serviceman, Private (PTE) Yeo Chang Wen, Ambrose, 20, a driver in Headquarters Supply and Transport was found lying unconscious at the foot of a four-storey building in Hendon Camp at 2.17am this morning. The duty Medical Officer immediately attended to him on-site and he was then rushed to Changi General Hospital at 2.30am. PTE Yeo was pronounced dead at 3.28am. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2006/sep/18sep06_nr2.html
3. 17 Nov 2006 .Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Tan Boon Toon, 45, a RSAF Senior Technician reported sick at Tengah Medical Centre at 8.50am this morning with chest pains. He was receiving medical attention when he collapsed at 9am. 2WO Tan was immediately evacuated to the National University Hospital at 9.15am. Efforts by the medical team to resuscitate him en route were unsuccessful. 2WO Tan was pronounced dead at 10.18am. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2006/Nov/17nov06_nr.html
2005 LIST
1. 15 Jun 2005.A Singapore Armed Forces regular serviceman, 2SG Ong Jia Hui, 24, was discovered missing during training in the waters of Changi Naval Base. An immediate search was conducted and he was recovered. He was given immediate medical attention before being evacuated to Changi General Hospital. He passed away at 6.59pm.
2SG Ong Jia Hui, a 24 year old regular Army specialist, was discovered missing at about 1740hrs on 15 Jun 05 while undergoing special operations training in the waters of Changi Naval Base. A safety diver, who was on standby as part of the safety precautions put in place for such training, was immediately activated. The diver found 2SG Ong at around 1745hrs. He was given immediate medical treatment at the Changi Naval Base medical centre before being evacuated to Changi General Hospital at about 1810hrs. He was pronounced dead at 1859hrs.http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jun/15jun05_nr.html
2.22 Jun 2005.A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman, Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Teh Kok Lian, 39, collapsed during a routine run in Jurong Camp on 22 Jun 05 at 8.45am. He was given immediate medical attention by the medics on site and evacuated to National University Hospital at about 9am. He passed away at 9.40am. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jun/22jun05_nr2.html
Statement by Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean in Response to Parliamentary Question on Deaths of SAF Servicemen Due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jul/18jul05_nr2.html
3. 29 Jun 2005. A Full-time National Serviceman, 3SG Ong Peng Ghee, 19, passed away this morning at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH). He was serving as a Section Instructor in the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC).
3SG Ong joined a few of his colleagues in an informal, self-paced jog around BMTC in Pulau Tekong when he collapsed at around 0845hrs. He was given immediate medical attention and was evacuated by helicopter to SGH at about 0927hrs. He passed away at 1026hrs. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jun/29jun05_nr.html
09 Jul 2005,At the NDP rehearsal at 6:15 pm today, a Red Lion freefaller, MSG Chua Koon San, 36, suffered injuries when he had a hard landing at the Padang. He was immediately evacuated to the Singapore General Hospital. His condition is stable.
4. 14 Jul 2005. A Singapore Armed Forces regular Commando, 1SG Shiva s/o Mohan, 24, and a foreign serviceman were injured during heliborne training at Sembawang Air Base at 9.11pm on 13 July 05. They were given immediate medical attention and evacuated to Singapore General Hospital. They were pronounced dead at 11.00pm. 1SG Shiva s/o Mohan from the SAF Commando, and a foreign serviceman were undergoing the Rappelling Instructor Course when they fell while rappelling from the helicopter. The incident happened at 9.11 pm yesterday. The helicopter was hovering about 20 metres above ground. No other serviceman was injured.
The two servicemen were evacuated to the Sembawang Air Base medical centre at 9.23 pm. The doctors stabilised both servicemen in preparation for evacuation to the Singapore General Hospital. The medical evacuation helicopter departed the air base at 10.27 pm and reached the hospital in 7 minutes. The two servicemen were pronounced dead at about 11 pm.
Heli-rappelling training has been suspended, pending the conclusion of the investigation. All other training activities proceed as normal. The SAF is conducting a 2-day safety review of its processes and procedures. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jul/14jul05_nr.html
5.18 Dec 2005. Lance Corporal (LCP) (NS) Ho Wah Yeng, 35, had completed his remedial fitness training at Maju Camp this morning when he complained of chest pain. He was being examined by a medical officer at the medical centre when he collapsed at 11:15 am. LCP(NS) Ho was immediately evacuated to the National University Hospital at 11:25 am and he passed away at 12:32 pm.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/dec/18dec05_nr.html
2004 LIST
24 Feb 2004Injury to SAF Servicemen.Four servicemen (1 regular and 3 Full-time National Servicemen) from the SAF Armour Training Centre were injured at about 1100 hours this morning. They were trying to rectify a jammed 0.5 inch calibre machine gun when an explosion occurred in its chamber.
All four servicemen were sent to the National University Hospital (NUH) for medical treatment. One of them sustained shrapnel injuries to his face and eyes and is currently warded. He is in a stable condition. The other three sustained minor injuries and were given outpatient treatment.
Four servicemen were injured yesterday when they were trying to rectify a jammed 0.5 inch calibre machine gun when an explosion occurred in its chamber.
The machine gun was used at a live-firing exercise on 23 Feb 04, when it jammed. Efforts were made to rectify the problem and to ascertain that the weapon was clear of ammunition. When the problem could not be rectified and it was assessed that the weapon was clear of ammunition, the weapon was brought back to the Sungei Gedong Camp. On 24 Feb 04 morning, the four servicemen involved were trying to rectify the jammed weapon when the chamber of the machine gun exploded.
Preliminary findings indicate that the cause of the explosion was not due to faulty ammunition or weaponry. It was also found that the earlier assessment that the jammed weapon was clear of ammunition was erroneous. The SAF is continuing with its investigation into this incident.
The serviceman who was warded at the National University Hospital yesterday underwent surgery for the injuries to his eyes and face. He is in a stable condition and recovering well. The other 3 servicemen who received outpatient treatment are well and currently recuperating at home.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2004/feb/24feb04_nr.html
1. 20 May 2004.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16C fighter aircraft.
A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16C fighter aircraft
went missing during a night training flight at Luke Air Force Base,
Arizona, United States. The aircraft, which was part of a formation of
three aircraft, took off on Wed, 19 May 04 at 2041 hours, Arizona time
(Thu, 20 May 04, 1141 hours, Singapore time). About 45 minutes into the
flight, communications with the missing aircraft was lost.1.1The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16C fighter aircraft that was reported missing earlier is confirmed to have crashed about 90 nautical miles south of Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, United States in the Barry M Goldwater Range. The aircraft crashed at about 2141 hrs on Wed, 19 May 04, Arizona time (1241 hrs, Thurs, 20 May 04, Singapore time).
The aircraft was piloted by an RSAF pilot and his status is still unknown. Search and rescue efforts are still in progress to try and locate the pilot.
The F-16C aircraft was assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base as part of the RSAF’s Peace Carvin II detachment at the Luke Air Force Base which was started in 1993.
1.2 The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilot who was involved in the F-16C fighter aircraft crash reported earlier did not survive the crash.
The pilot was LTA Loo Kwang Han, 25 years old. He graduated from Victoria Junior College in 1997 and joined the RSAF in Jun 1998. He obtained his pilot wings in Jul 2001 and became an F-16 pilot in Jan 2003.
Question: This is the second F-16 the squadron has lost in two years; what’s your take on that please?
Minister: Each incident of course is different. The earlier incident involving the squadron in 2002 was related to a technical incident on the engine. So we’ll have to investigate and see what the issue is in this particular incident.
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2004/may/20may04_nr2.html
2003 LIST
1.In the case of 2SG Hu Enhuai. Death of a Full-Time National Serviceman. A Full-time National Serviceman, 2SG Hu En Huai, 19, collapsed during training at Pulau Tekong this afternoon. He was given immediate medical attention before being heli-evacuated to Singapore General Hospital. He passed away at 6.17pm.
2SG Hu Enhuai (Combat Survival Training (CST), 21 Aug 03)
Summary of Incident
The third incident, on 21 Aug 03, occurred at Pulau Tekong during a Combat Survival Training (CST) course. This course trains reconnaissance troopers, scouts and snipers who have to conduct operations deep in hostile territory, to survive, evade capture, and resist and escape if captured by the enemy. The course has both theory and practical elements, and psychological preparation is a key feature. It culminates in a summary field exercise where the skills taught in the classroom are applied and put to the test. The 80th CST course began on 13 Aug 03 and was scheduled to end on 22 Aug 03.
On 21 Aug 03, 2SG Hu Enhuai, a sniper, was participating in the final summary exercise when he collapsed at around 1645hrs. He was given medical treatment at the scene and evacuated to the Pulau Tekong Medical Centre at 1710hrs. Subsequently, he was evacuated by helicopter to the Singapore General Hospital and arrived there at 1752hrs. He was pronounced dead at 1817hrs. The cause of death as certified by the forensic pathologist of the Health Sciences Authority was asphyxia and near drowning.
Actions Taken
The SAF suspended Combat Survival Training immediately after the incident. Four Officers and a senior Specialist who conducted the training were also immediately suspended from service.
MINDEF convened an independent Committee of Inquiry, chaired by a senior civil servant from outside MINDEF, to investigate and determine the full facts of the incident. The Committee of Inquiry submitted its report on 3 Oct 03. MINDEF is now studying the report in detail. I will now brief Members of the House of the facts established by the Committee. 2SG Hu's family has also been kept informed.
The Committee of Inquiry found that the trainers had not followed the approved lesson plan for this training exercise. According to the lesson plan, the trainees were only to be doused with water with the intent of showering them. The lesson plan specifically prohibits physical contact and manhandling of trainees, and states categorically that instructors should never force water treatment into the body. Submerging the head of a trainee into water was not authorized.
However, instead of being doused with water, 2SG Hu had his head submerged in water four times. As a result he aspirated water, had breathing difficulties and collapsed. He was treated promptly by a medical orderly at the scene and evacuated to the Singapore General Hospital, but despite the medical treatment he died.
Besides 2SG Hu, other trainees also had their heads submerged in water. As a result 6 aspirated water and required medical treatment. The Combat Survival Training had been conducted in an unauthorized way.
This is an extremely serious lapse in the conduct of the training. It should never have happened. MINDEF takes the gravest possible view of the matter. I am determined to establish the full facts of how such an unauthorised act occurred and to identify the persons responsible for it. I have convened a Higher Board of Inquiry to do so. Investigations are also being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Police, and there will be a coroner's inquiry. The results of these investigations will be made public. Any SAF personnel who have been negligent or culpable will be held to account and punished according to the law.
After the incident MINDEF suspended 5 instructors who conducted the training. In addition, MINDEF has relieved from their duties two other instructors who were responsible for supervising the training. MINDEF has also relieved the Commanding Officer of the School of Commando Training from command and has also appointed a new Chief Commando Officer to take charge of the Commando formation.
2. Death of a Regular Serviceman.An SAF regular serviceman, Second Sergeant (2SG) Rajagopal Thirukumaran, 25, passed away this evening at the Changi General Hospital (CGH). 2SG Rajagopal Thirukumaran collapsed after completing a 5-km run. The run was part of a selection process to ensure that candidates applying for a Ranger training course would meet the minimum physical fitness requirements. He was given immediate medical attention and evacuated to CGH. He passed away at 5.25pm.
2SG Rajagopal Thirukumaran (Ranger Selection Test, 3 Sep 03)
Summary of Incident
The second death was that of 2SG Rajagopal Thirukumaran, a regular serviceman, on 3 Sep 03 when he was taking the Ranger Course selection test at Hendon Camp. This test is to ensure that candidates for the Ranger course meet the physical fitness standards required for the course. 2SG Rajagopal collapsed at 1627 hrs, after completing the 5-km road run in good time. He received immediate medical attention before he was evacuated to Changi General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1725hrs. The cause of death is pending final determination by the forensic pathologist from the Health Sciences Authority.
| 3.A Full-time National Serviceman, REC Chew Heng Huat, Andrew, 20, passed away at 7.00pm this evening at the Singapore General Hospital. REC Chew collapsed during a 2.4-km run at Basic Military Training School 1. He was given immediate medical attention and was heli-evacuated to hospital. | Recruit Chew Heng Huat, Andrew (IPPT Categorisation Test, 23 Sep 03) Summary of Incident The serviceman who died was Recruit Chew Heng Huat, Andrew. On enlistment, Recruit Chew had been classified as being medically fit except for being moderately obese. He was in the fourth week of the four-month Basic Military Training Programme for obese recruits. On 23 Sep 03 at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) School 1 in Pulau Tekong, Recruit Chew was undergoing an Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) categorisation exercise to gauge his fitness level. At about 1745 hrs, during the 2.4 km run of the IPPT, Recruit Chew collapsed 30 metres short of the end point. He was immediately evacuated to the Pulau Tekong Medical Centre for medical attention and thereafter, evacuated by helicopter to the Singapore General Hospital, arriving at 1842 hrs. He was pronounced dead at 1905 hrs. The cause of death is pending final determination by the forensic pathologist from the Health Sciences Authority. IPPT Categorisation Exercise The IPPT categorisation exercise for obese recruits takes place during the 4th week of their 4-month BMT programme, after they have completed 3 weeks of physical conditioning. In the normal 3-month BMT for non-obese recruits, this categorisation exercise is done in the 2nd week. The purpose of the categorisation exercise is to group the recruits according to their physical fitness level. This allows us to design the subsequent training in a more focused, customized and progressive way, taking into account the health and fitness condition of each serviceman. |
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| MINDEF to clarify our compensation framework. MINDEF applies similar principles and practices used by the civil courts or the Workmen's Compensation Act (WCA) to determine compensation for deaths and injuries due to service. Based on these principles, MINDEF's compensation framework for death consists of up to three components. The first and base component is the lump sum compensation equivalent to sums prescribed under the Ministry of Manpower's Workmen's Compensation Act. It ensures that full-time national servicemen (NSFs) and NSmen receive amounts that are no worse off than that claimed under the WCA. Above this, more compensation is payable through two other components. The second component is a lump sum death gratuity. For NSFs and NSmen, MINDEF treats them like regulars and gives a minimum of one year's basic pay for a regular of the same rank. The third component is provided when there may have been negligence on the part of the organization, or where the serviceman has rendered service beyond the call of duty. This is based again on principles consistent with those used in civil courts. The quantum is generally derived taking into consideration, amongst other factors, what the serviceman would have contributed to his dependants from his potential earnings. For permanent disability arising from service, MINDEF's compensation framework consists of up to four components. Again, the first and base component is a lump sum disability compensation according to the guidelines provided under the WCA. Above this, the second component pays a lump sum constant attention award, if the serviceman requires constant care as a result of his disability. The third component is a monthly disability assistance, which varies from person to person according to his circumstances, to defray expenses. The fourth component is an additional lump sum compensation provided when there may have been negligence on the part of the organization, or where the serviceman has rendered service beyond the call of duty. In addition, MINDEF also provides fully subsidised medical benefits at all government/restructured hospitals or clinics, and the medical supplies needed for service injuries, for as long as the serviceman requires it. Because the base component in our compensation framework uses the Workmen's Compensation Act as the reference, compensation amounts for deaths, injuries and disability due to service would provide amounts not less than those prescribed under the Workmen's Compensation Act, and in most cases more than this amount. For the additional lump sum compensation, MINDEF uses the principles applied by civil courts to determine compensation amounts. This is a fair system based on prevailing practices and awards. Today, MINDEF also has an Awards Appeal Tribunal to consider appeals from servicemen or their dependants on compensation. To provide greater assurance to our servicemen and their families that compensation is fair, and applied according to the principles I have described, MINDEF intends to replace the Tribunal with a new Compensation Board that will be chaired by a non-MINDEF officer. The details are being worked out. Mr Siew also asked about insurance in the SAF. Insurance is a question of whether the organization wants to pass on the potential liability of paying compensation to an insurance company to carry. MINDEF does not buy insurance for its servicemen because MINDEF itself takes on the liability of paying compensation its servicemen for deaths and injuries arising from service through MINDEF's compensation framework. As explained earlier, this framework applies similar principles and practices used by the civil courts or the Workmen's Compensation Act (WCA) to determine compensation for deaths and injuries due to service. However, servicemen may purchase additional insurance coverage if they wish to. This is similar to employees who would choose to buy additional insurance for personal protection even though they are covered under the WCA or have recourse to civil courts to claim damages. The SAF has the SAF Group Insurance Scheme, which provides- coverage for death and permanent disability from $50,000 to a maximum of $400,000. This covers servicemen both during the course of duty and when the serviceman is off duty. The premiums are affordable and MINDEF will continue to look for more competitive premiums for the coverage, and encourage our servicemen to take this up. For example, servicemen can currently insure themselves for $100,000 with a monthly premium of $16. NSmen can also take up this insurance even after their active service. As needs would vary among individuals, we leave it to the servicemen to determine what level of additional insurance coverage they would want to purchase. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2007/jul/17jul07_nr.html |
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/eat-drink-man-woman-16/saf-deaths-3564113.htmlStop killing our Singapore sons~ By Melvin Low ~ I
read with sadness the passing of Private Lee Rui Feng Dominique. I am
also an NSF having seven months left to complete my national service. My
view is that such deaths can definitely be prevented. I feel that the
medical board in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) does not take the
health and welfare of soldiers seriously. Sometimes, when soldiers
report sick, they can even be reprimanded by the medical officer (MO).
It is also common for the MO to simply prescribe painkillers without
ordering further investigations such as X-RAYS or MRI scans. This is not
the way that the SAF should operate.
It should take the health of its
soldiers much more seriously. If PTE Lee had a asthma condition, why was
he still declared combat fit? Let those who are medically well serve as
combat soldiers. For those who have medical conditions, they should be
downgraded to an appropriate Physical Employment Status (PES). I feel
that medical board in SAF is too strict with their PES grading and often
tries to give servicemen the highest grading possible, instead of the
safest or most appropriate one. For myself, I have both serious heart
conditions as well as asthma which require me to use inhalers multiple
times a day. However, I am not being assigned an appropriate PES status
by the medical board. I can only imagine how the parents of PTE Lee are
feeling.
It is not easy to bring up a child from
birth, through primary and secondary school, pre-university education
and then national service, only to see them lose their life in NS. Every
Singapore Son’s life is precious. Although I may not know the full
details of the case, I feel that commanders’ attitude towards soldiers
also need to change. Some commanders tend to instil fear into their
charges from reporting sick, threatening to punish them with weekend
duties and confinement. As a result, even when the soldiers feel
terrible and ought to seek medical attention, they tolerate and bear
with the pain and discomfort.
If attitudes do not change, I believe
that we will continue to see more deaths of servicemen in our armed
forces. MINDEF should also look into the way its training is being
conducted, as sometimes the commanders do not follow the training
program and ask the soldiers to do more than they are supposed to.
Commanders need to understand that soldiers are only human and are not
robots. They have physical limits, which if pushed too far, may result
in permanent injury or even death. There is a large opportunity cost to
our NSFs to serve two years of national service. They lose out in terms
of tertiary education, job experience, freedom and family time.
Change is urgently required
I salute all current serving national
servicemen as those who have served since the beginning of national
service. PTE Lee is a hero, having died for Singapore. But more should
be done to review the safety procedures in place, the safety of the
equipment used, the quality of food served to our soldiers, as well as
the medical classification system, so that such events will not happen
again.
Yes, perhaps people might say that the
soldiers today are weaker compared to those in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Some even call us the strawberry generation. However, these are
different times. People in the past led less sedentary lifestyles.
However, the system should adjust to fit the people and not the other
way around. Training can be tweaked to take into account that the
soldiers of today are physically and mentally different from soldiers of
the past.
In addition, I feel that the duration of
national service should be revised as NCMP Mrs Lina Chiam has
suggested. Yes, I understand that there are operational requirements and
that it is important to ensure that the soldiers are sufficiently well
trained. I feel that it is possible to reduce the duration of national
service to 22 months for officers and 18 months for specialists and
enlistees. Especially for NSFs who are serving in service support
vocations such as medic, store man, clerk. Most of the time, we are not
doing much or anything productive in unit and are just wasting time,
waiting for Operationally Ready Date (ORD).
It is not necesarry to waste resources
to pay us and feed us to do nothing when we could better spend this time
studying or working to earn a living outside. I am sure many NSFs who
have ORDed will have experienced what it is like to be behind others in
terms of jobs, promotions, salary, experience, etc. And with the influx
of foreigners coming to Singapore to compete for jobs, we should be
placed at a lesser disadvantage so that we are better able to compete in
the workplace.
Address the fallout reservist duty creates
Also, the reservist cycle of NS men
should be reduced to 8 cycles. The number of days a year that NS men can
be called back should be reduced from 40 days to 28 days. Training
should be efficient, short and concise. What sense does it make to call
reservists back to camp and pay them to sit in bunks to do nothing? I am
sure many NS men dread the SAF 100 as it disrupts their work. Many
bosses would probably prefer to give priority and favour to the foreign
talents who do not have any reservist liability.
Singaporean men who work in the private
sector do not enjoy higher salary for having served NS. The least the
government could do is to minimise the inconvenience and disadvantage
caused to them. Last but not least, I feel that more benefits should be
given to all who have served or are currently serving national service.
The National Service Recognition Award (NSRA) introduced in 2010
consisted of $9000 paid out over three milestones.
1. $3000 into Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) at 20th month of NSF
2. $3000 into CPF after 3 high-key ICT or 5 ICT
3. $3000 into CPF upon completion of ORNS cycle
There is also the $3000 tax relief given to NS men.
Give them more recognition
However, I feel that these measures are
not enough. More can be done to show the government's appreciation
towards us who have served the country.
1. ORD Bonus: NSFs will get paid $2000 upon completion of their full time NS
2. ICT Bonus: NS men will get paid $2000 upon completion of that year's ICT
3. ROD Bonus: NS men will get $4000
Those who have RODed should also be
given the awards. I am sure that the government is able to afford it.
There are a lot of issues bugging Singaporeans now. Issues such as
competition from foreign talent, housing, inflation, income inequality,
immigration, just to name a few.
The PAP promised us change in the last
election. But it seems that after being voted into power, they have
forgotten their promises and obligations. Now, they just sit on their
bums and are not doing their best to improve the various aspects of life
of Singaporeans. I feel that if this continues on, more and more
Singaporeans will develop a resentment towards the government. And when
the next elections come, I am sure that the results will be different
from the previous ones. But for the next few years, the 40% minority
have to suffer due to the decision of the other 60%.
Can the PAP government please, wake up your idea?
Chng
27 April 2012
For those who feel that mishaps are inevitable in
SAF training, you are probable not married or do not have children or
boys. I am of the view that Zero tolerate for training death. Please
remember that ones does not have a choice to serve or not to serve NS.
it is mandatory (enlistment Act). No words can ever describe the
suffering of the deceased family members. Compensation package must also
must be substantial to cover possible future income of the solider and
contribution to the family especially with the current 1.2 birth rate of
avg Singapore family. Money cannot replace the family lost,
nevertheless We should not let the lack of financial supports to add
on to the lost of the family.
Rowen Ong
27 April 2012
I am a NS man currently still in the 10 year cycle.I was the last batch of recruits to use the old camp 1 in Puala tekong camp. It was a long house and the beds were only of sponge and spring. The food was still prepared by army cooks instead of private SFI. When the government introduced SFI and i moved to the then new 3 guards camp in Bedok, i was very very happy. the beds were good. the lockers were better. As a commander or 3rd sgt, i was responsible for the well being for my men and also for their safety. I did what i could to ensure that they are looked after well as we are all NSF. We go out to the field in one piece and come back from the field in one piece. ================================ On the recognition for NSman and for the citizens who have served the army, i still feel that the government has not done enough. In one of my previous company when ICT was required, my boss would give me a bad face and say that he should have hired a foreigner instead. Competing with foreigners for higher positions and promotions in private companys, the liability to serve the nation become a great sacrifice. One way the government could encourage the hire of local singaporeans is to ensure at in public service, there are no foreigners being hired.
Old NSman
27 April 2012
Dear Melvin,I do agree with you at times that certain MO may be seen to ignore the medical condition of the soldiers. But my experience tells me otherwise. Unlike you, I was trained in the old Pulau Tekong Camp.We are of a normal platoon, not the scholars. We have our share of those recruits who tried to "siam" from tough PT like log PT, which I heard has been discontinued now for safety reason. Some even put water mixed with tobacco into their eyes before reporting sick, in order to get exemption from physical training. I was one of the culprits too. But when I was really ill, I was taken out and spent sometimes at home to recover before continuing with the BMT. You would then appreciate that the MO task is not easy, having to distinguish between those who are really sick, and those who are 'sick' in their mind. Has the SAF change? I would then ask if you had done Log PT, rifle PT and strange kind of PT during your BMT. Are your food being cooked by the "Cooks" in the cookhouse, or are they being supplied by pte companies ? Are you still being abused in the cookhouse by the cooks during mealtimes? Is your rice as hard as a rock, and are there worms in your vegetables? Do you take a bus to during your training, or do you have to squeeze into 3 tonners? Do you run with those black rubber shoes or with proper running shoes now? These were what NS guys during my time experienced. While I do not want to defend SAF, I think you will have to look at the situation from the 1980s to now and see if there are indeed changes and improvements in the NS system. You are looking at NS from a static point in time, while I look at NS from a different range of time. As to your proposal that the training should suit the current situation, I would like to ask you then for specific recommendation. How and in what way should the training be done now? There are studies in the academic circles (not from local academicians) who found that SAF is putting SAFETY over realistic scenarios during training, that the actual capabilities of men like you and me are questionable. Having disagree with most of your points, there is one thing that I do agree with you. Being held back for 2 years plus all the recalls are a great sacrifice. In other countries, sufficent recognitions and benefits are given to army reserves, who are viewed as contributing to the nation most. While we do not want to put a price on NSman loyalty and sacrifice, certain monetary benefits like extra allowances should be given to NSman being recalled.
The NS Parade
26 April 2012
Since the only purpose of NS is to have cheap
labour to put up the annual wayang called the National Day Parade–we
should have a one minute silence to remember the thousands that died
during training. in this year show..None of the air-con white horse has died, of course. IN MEMORIAL. Soldier by BeeGeeshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahgcHxFpS3g&feature=autoplay&list=AL94UKMTqg-9AmFDJiLLBIyh8zljA4I50Q&playnext=26
Oh Army! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p7VQ8kjXZk&feature=related
Now you give money, 9000 bucks
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