\n<\/p>\n
On safety, SLTC Liu also said the new facility will be designed with “zero danger area” outside the building to safeguard the public from stray rounds, given its close proximity to an MRT station.<\/p>\n
It will also have full noise insulation to minimise the impact on the residents in the area.<\/p>\n
With the closure of the traditional ranges, there will be six other outdoor live-firing ranges left in Singapore: two at Pulau Tekong, two at Nee Soon and another two at Poyan.<\/p>\n
Outdoor ranges are necessary for soldiers who need to train consistently in an outdoor environment, said SLTC Liu. Recruits also need an outdoor range to experience the basics of soldiering, he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“This will allow better characterisation of the medical fitness of our servicemen, and how that affects their ability to undertake various tasks,” said Mr Chan on Friday.<\/p>\n
He added that the SAF now has a greater variety of roles, and these new roles no longer depend solely on traditional notions of physical or operational fitness.<\/p>\n
“This will require a mindset shift on how we think about the abilities of our servicemen.<\/p>\n
“Combat categorisation in the past tended to stream our servicemen based on what our people could not do. But we can unlock our people\u2019s potential if we shift towards focusing on what they can do,” he said.<\/p>\n
The review is being done in consultation with public medical specialists and members of the ministry’s specialist advisory boards.<\/p>\n
The defence minister said that servicemen will be deployed only to vocations for which they are medically assessed to be suited, and that the SAF will continue to ensure soldiers in redesigned roles can train safely.<\/p>\n
It was also announced that an SG Defence Volunteer Network would be established this year, bringing all volunteers in MINDEF, SAF, and related organisations under one common identity.<\/p>\n
Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad said this will expand civilian volunteer pathways, allowing those interested in volunteering to contribute in ways that better match their skills, interests and life stages.<\/p>\n
It will also enhance military volunteer pathways through the SAF Volunteer Corps.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n