Recruits doing Basic Military Training in Singapore will be armed with iPad to sharpen their fighting skills

The Singapore defense ministry will be issuing about 8,000 of the sleek, touch-screen tablet computers – iPad to recruits from November. The defense ministry was also planning to issue iPad2 to other servicemen next year. Defence chief Neo Kian Hong feels adopting the iPad would allow the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to take advantage of the technological abilities of the city-state’s youth. Troops can use the iPad’s built-in camera to take photos and video clips in the field which can be uploaded to the SAF’s online platform, LEARNet. Soldiers can use these photos and videos to carry out post-mission assessments, the newspaper said.

Soldiers can send questions to their commanders through a live messaging system and group chat discussions can be held with the iPad. Singapore armed forces are among the best-equipped in Asia. Every able-bodied male citizen and permanent resident aged 18 and above must undergo two years of military training.