[Defending the Lion City] Why We Serve - Our NS Stories

Episode 1: The early years of National Service

Episode 1: The early years of National Service 

"At that time, the question was, are you ready to stand up for the challenge or will you give up? And if you give up, where will the next generation be?" 

In Part 1 of the new video series "Why We Serve – Our NS Stories", Robert Yeo and other pioneer National Servicemen from the Singapore Armed Forces share their stories of perseverance, and commitment to the cause. 

Episode 2: Basic Military Training – The experience that binds

Episode 2: Basic Military Training – The experience that binds

Basic Military Training is memorable for every Singaporean son. Through the tough training and strict discipline, thousands of recruits mature as they find out a little bit more about who they are, what they stand for, and why they do what they do. Watch Part 2 of "Why We Serve - Our NS Stories" to find out more about this shared experience from those who have gone through this rite of passage.

Episode 3: Soldier, Sailor, Airman - A Common Purpose

Episode 3: Soldier, Sailor, Airman - A Common Purpose

After Basic Military Training, Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) proceed to take on different roles in the Army, Navy and Air Force. Together, they form the backbone of the Singapore Armed Forces, enhancing Singapore’s peace and security. Watch Part 3 of "Why We Serve - Our NS Stories" and see some of the ways in which they contribute to national defence.

Episode 4: Being a Citizen-Soldier

Episode 4: Being a Citizen-Soldier

After two years of service, Full-time National Servicemen go on to serve as Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). They continue to keep themselves combat ready through regular training. Having to balance their families and careers with National Service (NS) responsibilities, strong support from their families, employers/employees and fellow servicemen becomes absolutely critical. Get to know some of our NSmen in Part 4 of "Why We Serve - Our NS Stories" and find out what it means for them to do what they do.

Episode 5: A Shared Commitment

Episode 5: A Shared Commitment

In this final episode of “Why We Serve - Our NS Stories”, we spoke to different members of the community to understand their views on NS, and the reason behind their support for NS. This is their story. 

Video Source: Ministry of Defence Singapore YouTube Channel

Singapore Air Force supports hurricane relief in Texas

The RSAF's CH-47 Chinook helicopters

We are proud that Singapore is able to do whatever it can to support the hurricane relief efforts.

Our care and prayers goes out to all who have been affected by the hurricane.


Singapore Air Force supports hurricane relief in Texas
By Sgt. Michael Giles | 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment | September 06, 2017 

(Reposted)

CAMP MABRY, Texas—Thirty-four members of the Republic of Singapore Air Force in CH-47 Chinook helicopters coordinated with the Texas National Guard's 372nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion to resupply Joint Task Force Harvey personnel with food and water.

The airmen with Singapore's Peace Prairie Detachment supported hurricane relief efforts by delivering supplies to Brenham, Texas, on Aug. 30 in support of Joint Task Force Harvey.

The contribution toward Harvey relief efforts reflects an ongoing partnership between Singapore and Texas, according to an Aug. 30 Singapore Ministry of Defence statement.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, "This was a small gesture to express our appreciation and gratitude to the U.S., and in particular the State of Texas, which have been good hosts for our Peace Prairie Detachment."

Texas has hosted Singapore's Peace Prairie Detachment at the Grand Prairie Army Aviation Support Facility in Dallas since the detachment's inauguration in May, 1996. In that time, they received training at the Joint Readiness Training Center and in Exercise Red Flag, and trained alongside Texas Guard members in large-scale emergency response exercises. They put this training to use as they coordinated with the Texas Guard in response to Hurricanes Katrina in 2005, fire and flood operations in Texas in 2000, and Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

The Singaporean detachment has been fulfilling a crucial role in helping resupply food and water to service members on the ground, said Lt. Col. John Crawson, commander of the Texas Army National Guard's 36th Sustainment Brigade.

"We have Soldiers down in the joint operations area that are relying on our resupply," Crawson said. "They're relying on our MREs and bottled water. And when they begin to get very low on supplies, it's very crucial that I get them there."

Crawson said that sling load operations are necessary when flooding prevents effective ground travel. The Singaporean detachment is an ideal partner in these situations, because they frequently rehearse these capabilities with Texas Guard members during their annual training.

"We are extremely grateful for their support and we will continue to ask them to help us out," Crawson said.

Source: US National Guard