tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348464617577736454.post8801523480664209700..comments2024-03-28T21:39:05.175+08:00Comments on Senang Diri: Islamic State versus SAF Volunteer Corps: Five reasons why IS has a more effective volunteer programmeDavid Boeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401913253357584603noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348464617577736454.post-51358519131655023572014-10-22T19:45:55.347+08:002014-10-22T19:45:55.347+08:00Unedited version of letter published in The Strait...Unedited version of letter published in The Straits Times Forum Letters on 22 Oct 2014.<br /><br />"Shouldn't the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) be a military reserve force fully capable of supporting National Servicemen and SAF regulars? Its forebear, the Straits Settlement Volunteer Force, which included naval, air force, special operations, irregular and home guard units, did sterling service alongside regular British Empire troops in the defence of Malaya and Fortress Singapore.<br /> <br />The present military training regime for SAVFC seems to be wanting. Only 2 weeks basic training, 1 week qualification training and 1 week advanced training, such as close combat and weapon handling, for certain roles. <br /> <br />All, in-camp or served over weekends. No regular or minimum continuous training or courses during the year to upgrade or apply military skills.<br /> <br />Malaysia's military reserve force, the Malaysian Territorial Army (MTA), forms the second line of Malaysia's defence. MTA volunteers provide support to regular Malaysian armed forces, key installations' security, area and local defence, and front line duties.<br /> <br />One month in-camp basic training, then annually, 240 hours in-camp weekend training conducted every alternate weekend, with minimum attendance of 60 hours to remain active. At least two, one-week continuous in-camp training to apply weekend trained skills and optional military courses, such as support weapons, tactics, command, staff and a five-week paratrooper conversion course. <br /> <br />Further, an annual two-week camp for counter-insurgency or conventional warfare training and field exercises. MTA forces run both camp and operations, assisted by regular NCOs and officers. <br /> <br />MTA specialist elements include port, railway, water and power regiments. Option for mobilisation of 6 months to 3 years for attachment to MTA combat (armour, artillery, signals, engineers, military police, intelligence) or service (logistic, ordnance, medical) support elements<br /> <br />SAVFC should be transformed to an effective, full-fledged, military reserve force of regiment, brigade or even proper corps strength, which can truly play its part in the defence of Singapore."<br /><br />Chew Kok LiangChewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09682122652093098304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2348464617577736454.post-16586574827130920172014-10-18T08:41:41.859+08:002014-10-18T08:41:41.859+08:00I do know that SAFVC are pretty selective. I know...I do know that SAFVC are pretty selective. I know 2 friends(between 35-40yrs, male) HAVE applied and just RECEIVED rejection notice.Vasentahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01810241687691959487noreply@blogger.com