In an unprecedented move, the Defence Ministry declared a three-day halt to all physical and endurance training activities in the army, navy and air force. The 'time-out' from 12-14 June follows the death of two servicemen in training within two days.
A pilot trainee with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) collapsed on Wednesday afternoon while undergoing jungle orientation training in Brunei and died later in hospital. Meanwhile, in the other incident, a recruit fainted a day earlier died after he fainted while taking part in a two-kilometre walk training activity on Pulau Tekong. Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said the suspension will allow the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to review and re-focus on training activities to ensure that proper procedures are in place before training resumes.
Now I am going for my National Service soon and this kind of news doesnt help to quell some of my fears and doubts before going for my NS. I still don't know whether I will be posted into the army, civil defense, or police but I would like to think I will be posted to the army. I don't have any problem being posted into any of the three but after I heard about this news, I am hoping it is not going to be the army. I don't think these are the only cases I have ever heard about a recruit dying while still serving their NS, there has been others Im sure and it's always sad and scary to hear this kind of things. Who should be blame then for the death? Is it the recruit for pushing themselves too hard or is it because of the training practices that are too tough? I'm not trying to put the blame on anyone or any particular reason here, but I'm just trying to think about every possibility available.
There is no doubt that every country wants their armies to be the best but I think we should not be pushing them to the extent that their safety or health could be put in jeopardise. Even our Defense Minister Teo said that "while the SAF needs to carry out realistic training, this will be done without compromise to safety," which is true I guess. 2 deaths happening in the same week for me is just unacceptable. I hope that the 3 days break will help them to review every procedures that they think needs to be change and do the necessary things before training resumes. Maybe they could check the health of the army personal more regularly when they are training or give them sufficient time to rest. It might take a longer time to complete the training but it's better to be safe than sorry. And if you are doing your NS and you are feeling dizzy or unwell in the middle of the training, I think it is better if you don't push yourself further and inform the necessary official about your condition. That would be the wise thing to do.
There are too many deaths occurring that involves our army personal nowadays. I think its about time they do something about it to make sure that such incident won't be repeated again and if that can be done, then I will even look forward more to my upcoming National Service knowing that my safety is protected.
*This report was taken from ChannelNewsAsia.
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