NSmen can now use their laptops in bunks. Here’s what you must know

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:43 pm

For years, going to ICT means having to be disconnected from your work for one or two weeks, for most work is done via laptops. But this is going to change now.

Today, Mindef has announced in their website—after media queries about the revision of SAF’s Security Zoning Programme—that in green zones, tablets and laptops are now allowed. That being said, NSmen would now be able to bring laptops and tablets into the green zone, which includes primarily their bunks, medical centres, gyms and cookhouse.

Previously, only smartphones (even with cameras) were allowed in the green zone. If NSmen would like to use their laptops for work, they can only use them in the business centres in certain camps.

According to Mindef, this has worked well and did not compromise security. In fact, this new amendment has been in effect since 1 March 2016.

The other change involves the use of smartphones in Red Zones, primarily sensitive areas that are usually marked at the entrance. If the camera smartphone has its camera permanently removed or is permanently unusable, it will now be allowed into the Red Zone. Previously, any camera smartphone, whether it has its camera removed or not, isn’t allowed into the Red Zone.

So, what does this mean for us, NSmen? Basically, since our bosses might be NSmen themselves and know that we’ll spend quite a bit of time in the bunk, we can no longer say that we can’t work during our ICT.

Of course, we can still argue that there’s no wi-fi in camps, but then again, I’m pretty sure your boss will be happy to sponsor you a dongle…