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Self-service kiosks, equipping stations under one roof for NSmen at new Selarang complex

SINGAPORE — Operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen) reporting for mobilisation exercises at Selarang Camp near Loyang can now do so via self-service kiosks at a new equipping and storage facility.

Mobilisation exercise at Selarang Camp on Jan 26. Photo: Raj Nadarajan/TODAY

Mobilisation exercise at Selarang Camp on Jan 26. Photo: Raj Nadarajan/TODAY

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SINGAPORE — Operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen) reporting for mobilisation exercises at Selarang Camp near Loyang can now do so via self-service kiosks at a new equipping and storage facility.

Above: The enhanced One-Stop Mobilisation & Equipping Centre at Selarang Camp houses everything that an NS unit needs to be ready for operations, taken on Jan 26. Photo: Raj Nadarajan/TODAY 

At the multi-storey enhanced One-Stop Mobilisation and Equipping Centre, which was in action for the first time at a mobilisation exercise on Saturday (Jan 27), the soldiers can also draw and return their gear — such as weapons — at equipping stations.

Previously, NSmen had to scan their Identification Cards (ICs) at manned counters and have their photos captured in the system, for verification during security checks at the various equipping points.

At the new kiosks, NSmen will scan their ICs and receive a mobilisation slip with a barcode and a list of equipment which they have to draw. The process takes about 20 seconds. After registration, servicemen will use the slip to draw and return equipment at the stations. The system will prevent NSmen from out-processing and leaving the camp if any piece of equipment is not returned.

The centre took three years to build, and houses 10 self-service kiosks and two helpdesks. Spanning the size of 22 football fields, it is expected to cut preparation time and reliance on manpower during mobilisation exercises, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) said, allowing NSmen to focus on boosting their soldiering skills.

Above: NSmen scan their identity cards at the self-help kiosk at the Mobilisation and Equipping Centre (MEC) in Selarang Camp. They will receive a slip that lists the equipment and weapon that they are required to draw. Photo: Nuria Ling/TODAY

The self-service kiosks will slash the reliance on manpower during the in-processing by two-thirds, from 24 to eight. Once the system stabilises, this number could be halved.

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The complex brings improvements such as the self-service kiosks and humidity-controlled storage facilities under one roof for the first time.

The storage facilities come with a controlled humidity environment, housing vehicles and equipment so as to preserve them and prevent degradation.

This also makes processes more efficient and raises readiness. Previously, electronic equipment had to be removed from platforms, such as the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles, and then reassembled by technicians before they are deployed for operations.

Major Pak Chun Hua, 42, head of Supply Hub East from the Army, who oversees the new multi-storey complex, said the improvements help NSmen set aside more time to focus on their fundamental soldiering skills. "All in all, it's to cut down the administrative time, investing it in what the soldiers and commanders are required to do, which is to prepare for their operational requirements," he said.

The other features of the complex, which was completed towards the end of last year, include integrated combat service support facilities such as a workshop equipped with a washing bay and test track. Charging facilities are also available in the storage areas to charge the equipment. The complex also has environmentally-friendly elements such as solar panels which power some of the building's energy needs.

There is also speedier delivery of ammunition. Rather than have "ammunition parties" comprising NSmen collect ammunition from the depot base, the SAF Ammunition Command delivers ammunition to the centre, combat-configured and loaded into containers.

Forty-foot trailers are used, in place of the five-ton trucks deployed previously, reducing the total number of vehicles by 70 per cent and cutting manpower by more than 60 per cent. The 40-foot trailers can hold up to 40 pallets, much more than the six pallets a five-tonner can carry.

Above: NSmen draws their weapon at the Mobilisation and Equipping Centre (MEC) in Selarang Camp. Photo: Nuria Ling/TODAY
Above: NSmen participate in a mobilisation exercise at Selarang Camp on Jan 26, 2018. Photo: Raj Nadarajan/TODAY

About 5,500 NSmen were among an 8,000-strong force involved in a large-scale mobilisation and equipping exercise on Friday and Saturday. They were the first to try the features including the self-service kiosks.

After registration, they collected their weapons and personal equipment, such as the entrenching tool (blade and stick) and first-aid dressing. They also went through refresher training on soldiering fundamentals before returning their equipment and scanning out.

NSmen who used the new complex welcomed the initiative but they felt it could be improved further.

Lieutenant (NS) Muhammad Hafiy Abdul Karim, 27, a platoon commander with the 790th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (790 SIR), noted the ease of having space on a single floor for training and fieldpack checks, as well as rooms for commanders to plan their missions. "Everything is very seamless. Even boarding the vehicle happens here too," said the business analyst.

Still, he suggested that there could be more equipping stations and personnel deployed to make the processes more seamless.

Corporal (NS) Shentil Samugam, 33, a signaller with Headquarters 23rd Singapore Infantry Brigade, lauded the move to go "paperless", which negates the need to go through long queues and sign documents.

Lance Corporal (NS) Lionel Song, 28, an infantry trooper with 790 SIR, likened the self-service kiosks to the ones at Changi Airport Terminal 4, which opened last October. The telecommunications engineer said: "I hope to see more kiosks for in-processing, so that when a big group comes in, we can do it fast, and go up and draw our weapons. Then we can… rest and do rehearsals for operations."

Above: Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen speaks to NSmen at the training station at the Mobilisation and Equipping Centre (MEC) in Selarang Camp. Photo: Nuria Ling/TODAY

Speaking to the media after touring the facility, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the battle is “half lost” if a military cannot gather its men with their equipment, no matter the tactics in place. 

“In the military setting, it’s (about) the ability to mobilise your men, your equipment, your fuel, your munitions, and ... to move them out in the fastest time possible,” he said.

Describing the complex as very impressive, Dr Ng said it gives Singaporeans the confidence that whenever the need to mobilise troops emerges, the army is up to the task.

“Not only do the people turn up, the equipment are given to them in a serviceable state — live munitions, ready...  to go,” Dr Ng said. The results of the mobilisation exercise showed that years of investment in technology and training by the authorities are paying off, he added. 

On whether there are plans to roll out the facilities at other mobilisation centres, the Ministry of Defence said the army constantly reviews its systems and processes, and these improvements will be introduced later as military camps are upgraded. The ministry, however, did not give a timeline.

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