SAF suspends physical training for three days
Review of procedures to be conducted after a second death in two days
By Teh Joo Lin & Jermyn Chow

THE Singapore Armed Forces yesterday called an unprecedented three-day halt to all physical and endurance training within the military, following the death of a serviceman in Brunei, the second training fatality in two days.

Until Saturday, the entire force of 300,000 active personnel and national servicemen will not be on obstacle courses, route marches or doing any fitness tests. Physically demanding field training is also out.

The 'time-out' will allow the SAF to ensure that proper procedures are in place and being followed, said Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean, who yesterday extended his deep condolences to the families of the two 20- year-old servicemen who died this week.

The latest fatality took place on Wednesday evening. A pilot trainee, Officer Cadet Clifton Lam Jia Hao, collapsed while undergoing jungle training in Brunei.

In the earlier incident on Tuesday morning, Recruit Andrew Cheah Wei Siong fainted during a 2km walk in Pulau Tekong.

Both servicemen received immediate medical attention and were evacuated by helicopter to hospital, where they later died.

Defence Minister offers condolences
'I would like to express my deep
condolences to the families of the late Rec Andrew Cheah Wei Siong and the late
OCT Clifton Lam Jia Hao.

I am saddened by the loss of two young and precious sons of Singapore.
I support the decision of the SAF to take a time-out on physical and
endurance training for three days. This will allow the SAF to review and refocus
on such activities to ensure that proper procedures are in place and being
followed, before such training resumes.

While the SAF needs to carry out realistic training, this will be done
without compromise to safety.

DEFENCE MINISTER TEO CHEE HEAN

Add On: Officer Cadet (OCT) Clifton Lam Jia Hao, happen to be my dad's friend newphew x.x so sad to heard this news happen to the 2 NS guys..