Full-time and Operationally Ready National Servicemen (ORNS) in the Army will soon be able to access information such as training programmes and equipment packing lists via two new smart apps.

Developed by the Singapore Army and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), the apps are part of a move to introduce smart technologies aimed at improving operating efficiency, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on 29 June (Friday).

Among the initiatives that will be progressively trialled at selected camps from end-2018 is the Camp Companion Mobile Application. This will give full-time national servicemen (NSFs) access to camp, unit and training information on the move. It comes with a digital identification feature that can be used to indent meals, reserve camp facilities and report incidents.

The Army is also exploring the use of smart tracking technology that will allow NSFs to draw and return equipment and weapons at their own convenience, in order to reduce manpower requirements.

Technicians will get help with fault diagnostics via a software-based diagnostic assistant incorporated with a digital manual. Cookhouses are also set to be enhanced with a wider range of food and food dispensers.

View photos PHOTO: Mindef More

Meanwhile, a Smart ICT app is currently being trialled among ORNS. It puts previously fragmented In-Camp Training-related information and services on a single platform. For example, it will give them timely updates on commanders’ messages and changes to their training programmes.

Among other features, commanders can upload training programmes and other information to the app. The app also allows the conduct of surveys to collate feedback. According to Mindef, classified information will not be shared on it.

Both commanders and enlisted men can securely access the Smart ICT via their personal mobile devices. More than 1,000 ORNS have tried out the app to date.

Speaking to reporters on Friday ahead of SAF Day on Sunday, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen noted that Singapore faces perennial problems in keeping its military relevant.

“Our significant challenge is, one, an immutable one, we will always be small. And two, a significant new one, is that we have to do it with a third reduction in manpower compared to previously.”

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