Singapore’s Military Security Department (MSD) has revealed that approximately 0.1% of National Service enlistees are identified as potential security threats each year. This equates to about 50 individuals out of nearly 30,000 pre-enlistees screened annually over the past decade. The screening process is part of a comprehensive effort to ensure that individuals who may pose a risk are not placed in positions where they could acquire soldiering skills or access sensitive equipment.
The MSD employs a security screening process during enlistment and throughout the servicemen’s tenure. This is a standard practice among militaries globally to prevent trained soldiers from causing harm to peers or civilians. The department collaborates with other government security agencies to enhance the effectiveness of these screenings.
The criteria for identifying potential threats are periodically calibrated based on feedback and current security conditions. This ensures a balance between excluding genuine threats and not unnecessarily sidelining individuals who pose no risk. “These calibrations can result in year-to-year fluctuations,” stated Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, highlighting the need for professional judgement in the screening process.
The announcement underscores the importance of maintaining stringent security measures within the military to safeguard both personnel and the public. As security conditions evolve, the MSD’s approach will continue to adapt, ensuring that Singapore’s military remains vigilant against potential threats.
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