Open Mobilisation
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Hi guys, ermm..want to ask a few qns which may sound silly to all NSmen who already ORDied duno how long liao...I just ORDied recently...n started to work..n my Reservist letter haven come yet...but today I receive a call suddenly from 443SAR who tell me I have been posted to 443SAR for reservist. Which I 1st thought was funny, coz I actually disrupted for studies during my NSF, and should joined my old unit from 41SAR b4 my disruption(which is the current 408SAR) for reservist. And wats worst is the guy told me on the phone that 443SAR is currently under Open Mobilisation standby from 1st June to 15th June (and today is already the 5th June then they call 2 tell me!! isnt that too rushed?), and I am liable to be mobilise and report back to camp and so on. Ermm..a few qns I would like 2 ask are:
1) During the period 1st to 15th June the person tell me is actually the "manning period" issit ?
2) Are we confirmed to be mobilised at least once during any of such standby periods or jus liable ?
3) Other then field pack with items, SBO, helmet and reporting back in Uniform, bring that small NS Booklet and 11B and IC back, wat else do u guys bring back ?
4) Most of the time a mob happens, do we report back and after a briefing, go home, or proceed to a real exercise ? If proceed to a real exercise, is that counted as a reservice ?
5) Other than TV, Radio and other medias ? Will we be contacted by hp ?
6) What is the duration to allow us to report to camp in time ?
7) What number do we call to enquire abt Reservice Units ? And can we request to change our Reservice Unit back to our original ones ?
Many thanks bros and uncles, pardon me for my blurness
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1) During the period 1st to 15th June the person tell me is actually the "manning period" issit ?
Yes. But then how come the manning period is more than 1 week?? Is this a practice for armour?
2) Are we confirmed to be mobilised at least once during any of such standby periods or jus liable ?
You are liable. If lucky you get mobilised.
3) Other then field pack with items, SBO, helmet and reporting back in Uniform, bring that small NS Booklet and 11B and IC back, wat else do u guys bring back ?
ID TAG! How can you forget that?
4) Most of the time a mob happens, do we report back and after a briefing, go home, or proceed to a real exercise ? If proceed to a real exercise, is that counted as a reservice ?
There is a third scenario, which you draw arms and combat rations but need not move out for exercise.
5) Other than TV, Radio and other medias ? Will we be contacted by hp ?
The safest bet is to call ARMAS to check whether you're activated.
6) What is the duration to allow us to report to camp in time ?
KAH report by M+2 hours. For main body, open mob is M+6 and silent mob is M+8.
7) What number do we call to enquire abt Reservice Units ? And can we request to change our Reservice Unit back to our original ones ?
Why don't you try calling your active unit to find out what happened? They can direct you who and where to call also. -
Hey thanks alot man.
But I still abit blur..forget wat is ARMAS..haha..can explain pls ?
And what does the M means in ur M+2 M+6 etc etc ? And wat does KAH means ? Advance Party ? Paiseh..i really blur 1..thanks alot
Originally posted by Icemoon:
[b]1) During the period 1st to 15th June the person tell me is actually the "manning period" issit ?
Yes. But then how come the manning period is more than 1 week?? Is this a practice for armour?
2) Are we confirmed to be mobilised at least once during any of such standby periods or jus liable ?
You are liable. If lucky you get mobilised.
3) Other then field pack with items, SBO, helmet and reporting back in Uniform, bring that small NS Booklet and 11B and IC back, wat else do u guys bring back ?
ID TAG! How can you forget that?
4) Most of the time a mob happens, do we report back and after a briefing, go home, or proceed to a real exercise ? If proceed to a real exercise, is that counted as a reservice ?
There is a third scenario, which you draw arms and combat rations but need not move out for exercise.
5) Other than TV, Radio and other medias ? Will we be contacted by hp ?
The safest bet is to call ARMAS to check whether you're activated.
6) What is the duration to allow us to report to camp in time ?
KAH report by M+2 hours. For main body, open mob is M+6 and silent mob is M+8.
7) What number do we call to enquire abt Reservice Units ? And can we request to change our Reservice Unit back to our original ones ?
Why don't you try calling your active unit to find out what happened? They can direct you who and where to call also.[/b] -
You serve before NS and did your alert red/amber or not? How come all these terms dunno?
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Yes, you can be posted out of your NS unit if you didn't ORD'd with them. As for petitioning them to take you back, I'm doubtful: your designated replacement must be himself unreliable with attendance (enough for them to want to dump him as well).
Who called you - unit i/c, unit S1 cell, etc.? I'm surprised you weren't called up to attend a mob briefing beforehand. How come 2 weeks?
I won't be cavalier with the word "standby". Mob "manning" is mob manning; the other requires you to pack a standard fullpack, for one thing.
No "confirmation" about activation; they can call you back anytime with the assigned period. If it's just to track reporting time, you'll only have to physically sign in & then go home (no debriefing even). Nope, it won't count as an ICT if you move out for deployment, if that's what you meant.
No contact by hp with an open-mob. The people activating it doesn't have direct access to the requisite unit rosters, nor the logistics to call everyone up. FYI The latter's actually done by your own unit people, with a silent mob.
Icemoon is correct with the reporting times. KAH = Key Appointment Holder. Sorry, the phone #'s aren't known to the general public. -
Who called you - unit i/c, unit S1 cell, etc.? I'm surprised you weren't called up to attend a mob briefing beforehand. How come 2 weeks?
There may be no mob briefing. Usually they send you a letter informing you of the manning, what to bring and pack etc. I hope they tell you your 2 codewords also.
The 2 weeks is suspicious. You better call them again to confirm the date.
I won't be cavalier with the word "standby". Mob "manning" is mob manning; the other requires you to pack a standard fullpack, for one thing.
Hmm, actually what is the difference? You have to prepare a standard fullpack in both cases. -
There may be no mob briefing. Usually they send you a letter informing you of the manning, what to bring and pack etc.
Not in my case. They usually did the general mob briefings at the tailend of my ICTs, but I was also regularly called back - as a recall i/c - to attend half-days briefings in case it's a silent mob. During the latter times, I often see a few unfamiliar reservists - presumably temporarily attached or newly posted to my unit - being pulled aside to get their own general mob briefings. Some of them stood out cuz they were really "old birds", complaining to the SAF regulars that they're too old to be targeted, that they can't understand the English-language regulations, etc.You have to prepare a standard fullpack in both cases.
Actually I've never packed a standard pack; ditto my kakis. We brought in what we usually bring for our ICTs, albeit with prior networked knowledge of whether it's only a sign-in, or draw-arms, or move-out activation. The officers, KAHs & others who reported very early would spread the word by phone (if it's something out of the ordinary). I remember us being caught out only once on the "standby" regimentation, but they didn't formally check the equipment until the M+6 hour was up, so there was some last-minute scrambling to bulk-buy items. Even then, I don't recall any formal scolding on incomplete equipment either. Probably can't say the same for our CO, though. -
who actually conduct the check?? ppl from other unit.. or just officer or KAH from ur own unit?? all those i kena is just sign and FO one... so just curious...Originally posted by Moxie:Actually I've never packed a standard pack; ditto my kakis. We brought in what we usually bring for our ICTs, albeit with prior networked knowledge of whether it's only a sign-in, or draw-arms, or move-out activation. The officers, KAHs & others who reported very early would spread the word by phone (if it's something out of the ordinary). I remember us being caught out only once on the "standby" regimentation, but they didn't formally check the equipment until the M+6 hour was up, so there was some last-minute scrambling to bulk-buy items. Even then, I don't recall any formal scolding on incomplete equipment either. Probably can't say the same for our CO, though. -
Thanks for the infor bros
I forgot all of these terms, coz I actually went NS for 2years, disrupted, went studies for 2.5years and went back serve my remaining 4mths in the same Unit, but different batch already. And I ORDied jus 3weeks ago only. And I haven even receive my letter of reservist yet, then a few days ago, someone from my camp(I can see is my own camp's number from my caller ID) called me and told me I am attached to that particular reservist unit already and I am suppose to be under MOB standby for that 2 weeks. Yes, I didnt hear wrong, its 2 weeks. And I oso duno y. I called my Chief Clerk from my unit S1, and ask told her abt my situation, she told me I shldnt be under a MOB list so fast, coz I haven even ORD for one mth yet, n moreover they shld hav inform me 1st hand by mail 1st and I shld go thru a briefing then can. She oso confirmed with me the MOB manning is 2 weeks. Sigh..she ask me to call my BDE S1 branch to enquire abt my problem and how come I am under this reservist unit and immediately put under MOB manning without even a mail send 2 me 1st. I think I can only call later, coz sunday nobody in camp...sigh....ya..i oso blur, y i never ask who was on the line b4 I hung the phone...anywayz..thanks for the infor again pals -
My unit has 2-week manning period for the past 2 years, so I guess it is the norm now.
What to pack? Normally, before the start of the work year, I will receive letter from my Brigade informing us of the various manning periods (whether it is alert red or amber). Then we will know what to pack. -
think it's not too appropriate to highlight the lack of equipment checks or lack of reprimand hereOriginally posted by Moxie:Actually I've never packed a standard pack; ditto my kakis. We brought in what we usually bring for our ICTs, albeit with prior networked knowledge of whether it's only a sign-in, or draw-arms, or move-out activation. The officers, KAHs & others who reported very early would spread the word by phone (if it's something out of the ordinary). I remember us being caught out only once on the "standby" regimentation, but they didn't formally check the equipment until the M+6 hour was up, so there was some last-minute scrambling to bulk-buy items. Even then, I don't recall any formal scolding on incomplete equipment either. Probably can't say the same for our CO, though. -
I dunno how much the SAF policy has changed with regards to phone contact as a communication tool for callups & mob postings (beyond the legal liability). Where I came from, that not enough per se - you had to be formally informed either via black-&-white or a physical presence, & by an appriopriately-senior figure at that (SSG or WO).
That's why I asked the thread-starter who contacted him. If it was from a clerk (unit S1 or reservist faciliator), they should've correspondingly sent along a mob letter, registered-post if need be. If it was from a recall i/c - & I've done this before myself as instructed - it's done usually to confirm the phone #'s as contactable, & I also had one guy basically making the same complaints as Raynor's done here. (I dunno whether to believe him, but told him to call the battalion office anyway.)
It's tempting to treat these cases cynically, as with the "old birds" from my previous post, but I've learnt in time to give them the benefit of the doubt. Many of them are, for want of a better description, "peripheral" soldiers - armourers, MT-line technicans &, when we still had them, cooks - who were SBMT-trained but largely did their NS in their own "world", away from the more-regimented operational units & thus unfamiliar with things like mob manning. That said, some of them do made a smooth transition - I know this ammo storeman who converted into a "kilat" RP - but most remained so-called "misfits" who took cover in the bunks when they're not needed. But their vocational skills are much valued, if you want tasteful meals, or your Land Rover to be repaired, or your hastily-cleaned rifle ~wink~ to be accepted when returned! -
evozero, thanks for the warning but I've read the posting guidelines & think I've been discreet enough - unless this board is irrationally kiasi.
I think those who had to "standby" got a letter notice beforehand but, reservists being reservists, some of them are half-serious about it. Thankfully, my unit officers/KAHs were cognizant of this, would plan ahead & get the max out of the situation. Translated, that meant designating an area for the standby formation as they reported in, with periodic semi-formal fullpack checks. Those who lacked stuff are asked to borrow them from non-standby people &, as a last measure, resorted to joining a bulk-buying before H-hour.
The bigger context here is many reservists don't possess a complete set of personal equipment in the 1st place - or anymore. I mean, how many of you still have the "green" vest & "blue" shorts? Jackknife & rifle-cleaning kit (I didn't ORD with either)? A fork (to go with your spoon)? Also, they've gotten used to the QM providing the expendables - toilet roll, powder, etc. - but doesn't know if he'll do the same for the mob standbys.
I-like-flings(m), the junior sergeant-major conducted the formal equipment check; the inspectors just stood aside & took notes. That's the thing - I get the impression that they were more interested in the overall operational efficiency (reporting times, complete & proper stores, functional transports, etc.). Hope I've worded this right: IMO there's no need to overemphasize on standard fullpacks per se. Yes, it's an important individual responsibility, except it's not a be-all either: at worst you're deducted marks for it, but then it's only one component towards calculating an overall passing grade. I'd even dare say our CO didn't get scolded, if the inspectors had noted how we positively improvised to meet the standby-pack criterion. -
Unless you are packing the 7 packets for alert red standby, the items to bring for normal mobilisation are the standard SAF items.Originally posted by Moxie:The bigger context here is many reservists don't possess a complete set of personal equipment in the 1st place - or anymore. I mean, how many of you still have the "green" vest & "blue" shorts? Jackknife & rifle-cleaning kit (I didn't ORD with either)? A fork (to go with your spoon)? Also, they've gotten used to the QM providing the expendables - toilet roll, powder, etc. - but doesn't know if he'll do the same for the mob standbys.
Guess that we have to change with the times, getting some of the items from e-mart instead of provided by the QM dept. -
Zenmaster is right. The manning periods are planned long ago, so it is Brigade (active or reservist) policy (since the unit is practically non-existent normally) to send a letter informing you of the manning date, your codewords, where to report and the stuffs to pack. Moxie, maybe your Brigade is just that ... slack?
About the 2 weeks manning period, I'm surprised. I'm just beginning to understand how this whole mobilisation biz works, but I guess this is not an appropriate topic to discuss here.
About using the phone as communication tool, well I suppose we can wait for the day when they use SMS for callups and mob postings .. hahahaha
About personal equipment .. Moxie, what green vest?? I thought should be grey vest? Jackknife is a standard SBO item, but rifle cleaning kit is a restricted item, so you wouldn't ORD with that. -
Icemoon, I don't comment on what's beyond my realm, but suffice to say we worked with Formation authorities at most, rather than with Brigade staff. My CO may have answered to such higher-ups - I dunno - but certainly not on the day itself. There's just too much logistical inspections to be conducted, after which I guess reports have to be tallied together & written up before submission.
Green vests/blue shorts - guess I'm from a different era. Jackknife? Man, I've already upgraded myself to a Swiss pocketknife during my active days; funny how the latter's not accepted as a "standby" tool by chickensh*tters interpreting the word "standard" to the literal. Ditto the PT-kit colors which I mentioned, even rolled-up vs. rolled-down sleeves - some trainers insist on one common standard; others don't give a damn (at another time).
Zenmaster, ah yes, the e-mart. Sadly, I could only take advantage of it during my last couple of ICTs - all of us stocked up on running shoes (& sometimes socks) since we had little use left for the other military stuff - & could only rely on the old-style "gift shop" for most of my serving days. Of course there's the infamous kit-exchange - whose people are either unpunctual or unlocateable, & highly reluctant to accept anything except rotting or totally condemned items anyway. -
opps, sorry guys, i needed help, turn out i discussing some stuffs that shldnt b discussed ? paiseh paiseh...mod can delete/edit my post if need be...anyway i contacted my chief clerk for help already, she agree 2 help me enquire. i guess since the things here discuss abit sensitive, lets close this topic, n divert abit ?
ahh..this is one qns i wan 2 ask around...do u guys know where can get/buy Duffle Bag (ali baba bag)...mine..sigh..long story..the idiot CQ from my unit last time ask we all return to store..n we foolishly follow suit..end up...we dun hav duffle bag after ORD..sigh...so any guys any idea where can buy ? i tried emart, they dun sell it anymore..hmm..beach road ? -
Same here, during my last ICT, long queue for the Brooks running shoes.Originally posted by Moxie:Zenmaster, ah yes, the e-mart. Sadly, I could only take advantage of it during my last couple of ICTs - all of us stocked up on running shoes (& sometimes socks) since we had little use left for the other military stuff - & could only rely on the old-style "gift shop" for most of my serving days. Of course there's the infamous kit-exchange - whose people are either unpunctual or unlocateable, & highly reluctant to accept anything except rotting or totally condemned items anyway.
As for kit-exchange, it all depends on your unit RQ, Brigade RQ and training center RQ. -
why do you need the duffle bag? i ord w/o it and i was issued one before my ICT in ROC.Originally posted by raynor:ahh..this is one qns i wan 2 ask around...do u guys know where can get/buy Duffle Bag (ali baba bag)...mine..sigh..long story..the idiot CQ from my unit last time ask we all return to store..n we foolishly follow suit..end up...we dun hav duffle bag after ORD..sigh...so any guys any idea where can buy ? i tried emart, they dun sell it anymore..hmm..beach road ? -
My was 3 days before informed posted to X unit than Sat. morning went back camp for personal particular update & was informed unit under standby immediately.Originally posted by raynor:Hi guys, ermm..want to ask a few qns which may sound silly to all NSmen who already ORDied duno how long liao...I just ORDied recently...n started to work..n my Reservist letter haven come yet...but today I receive a call suddenly from 443SAR who tell me I have been posted to 443SAR for reservist. Which I 1st thought was funny, coz I actually disrupted for studies during my NSF, and should joined my old unit from 41SAR b4 my disruption(which is the current 408SAR) for reservist. And wats worst is the guy told me on the phone that 443SAR is currently under Open Mobilisation standby from 1st June to 15th June (and today is already the 5th June then they call 2 tell me!! isnt that too rushed?), and I am liable to be mobilise and report back to camp and so on. Ermm..a few qns I would like 2 ask are:
1) During the period 1st to 15th June the person tell me is actually the "manning period" issit ?
2) Are we confirmed to be mobilised at least once during any of such standby periods or jus liable ?
3) Other then field pack with items, SBO, helmet and reporting back in Uniform, bring that small NS Booklet and 11B and IC back, wat else do u guys bring back ?
4) Most of the time a mob happens, do we report back and after a briefing, go home, or proceed to a real exercise ? If proceed to a real exercise, is that counted as a reservice ?
5) Other than TV, Radio and other medias ? Will we be contacted by hp ?
6) What is the duration to allow us to report to camp in time ?
7) What number do we call to enquire abt Reservice Units ? And can we request to change our Reservice Unit back to our original ones ?
Many thanks bros and uncles, pardon me for my blurness
That night at 7:45pm activated, went back camp report, load up, advance body moved up at 2359 to com area & 1st round shot out at 6:00am. Finished on Sunday noon, return camp, return store etc.. & booked up at 7:00pm.
This was my ORD first mobilisation. -
Win lor, got so late then activated one meh? Open mob or what?
What 1st round shot out? Defending against a dawn deliberate attack? Thought you all draw live ammo siah. -
need duffle bag 2 put my field pack n SBO n helmet if i return for reservist or MOB lor..hmm..else abit bulky 2 carry so many things isnt it ? or am i illogical ? hahaha...besides, i dun drive...hmm
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i squeeze everything, except SBO and helmet, into the fullpack.Originally posted by raynor:need duffle bag 2 put my field pack n SBO n helmet if i return for reservist or MOB lor..hmm..else abit bulky 2 carry so many things isnt it ? or am i illogical ? hahaha...besides, i dun drive...hmm
tie the helmet on top of the fullpack and for the SBO, you can either wear it or carry it. practice makes perfect.
for in-camp, i just carry another bag. -
Yes u are on two weeks manning. very normal when u in a SAR unitOriginally posted by raynor:Hi guys, ermm..want to ask a few qns which may sound silly to all NSmen who already ORDied duno how long liao...I just ORDied recently...n started to work..n my Reservist letter haven come yet...but today I receive a call suddenly from 443SAR who tell me I have been posted to 443SAR for reservist. Which I 1st thought was funny, coz I actually disrupted for studies during my NSF, and should joined my old unit from 41SAR b4 my disruption(which is the current 408SAR) for reservist. And wats worst is the guy told me on the phone that 443SAR is currently under Open Mobilisation standby from 1st June to 15th June (and today is already the 5th June then they call 2 tell me!! isnt that too rushed?), and I am liable to be mobilise and report back to camp and so on. Ermm..a few qns I would like 2 ask are:
1) During the period 1st to 15th June the person tell me is actually the "manning period" issit ?
2) Are we confirmed to be mobilised at least once during any of such standby periods or jus liable ?
3) Other then field pack with items, SBO, helmet and reporting back in Uniform, bring that small NS Booklet and 11B and IC back, wat else do u guys bring back ?
4) Most of the time a mob happens, do we report back and after a briefing, go home, or proceed to a real exercise ? If proceed to a real exercise, is that counted as a reservice ?
5) Other than TV, Radio and other medias ? Will we be contacted by hp ?
6) What is the duration to allow us to report to camp in time ?
7) What number do we call to enquire abt Reservice Units ? And can we request to change our Reservice Unit back to our original ones ?
Many thanks bros and uncles, pardon me for my blurness