www.mindef.gov.sg/army#OurSgArmy

ISSUE 222 APRIL 2014

MPEU | READY • DECISIVE • RESPECTED | OUR FIGHT AGAINST SARSHIGHLIGHTS

COVER STORY8 MIL ITARY POLICE ENFORCEMENT UNIT 10 MAN’S BEST FR IEND12 READY 16 DECIS IVE 18 RESPECTED24 OUR F IGHT AGAINST SARS

AROUND OUR ARMY3 CHEVRONS ON THEIR CHESTS / VETERANS’ V IS IT TO S INGAPORE ARMY MUSEUM

FEATURES4 CHIEF OF ARMY CHANGE OF COMMAND 7 MSER CHALLENGE 13/14 11 EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT: MACDONALD HOUSE BOMBING 20 SYMBOLS OF OUR ARMY 22 27 TH SEA GAMES 26 ANSWERING THE CALL

CONTENTS

- - - - - - - - ISSUE 222APRIL 2014

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Our Army

thesingaporearmy.tumblr.com@oursingaporearmyyoutube.com/OurSingaporeArmy@oursgarmyfb.me/oursingaporearmy

PASSING ON THE BATONAppointment Incoming Outgoing

CHIEF OF ARMY BG PERRY LIM CHENG YEOW MG RAVINDER SINGH

COMMANDER SPECIALIST AND WARRANT OFFICER INSTITUTE

COL CHIN SUN WERN KEVIN COL LEE YONG HENG

CO 23 SA LTC SOH CHUN KIAT LTC HUANG MIAW YI

CO 6 SIR LTC XU YOUFENG LTC PANG LEAD SHUAN

CO ICTC 1 ITI LTC DE ZILVA LINNAEUS CLINTONLTC TEY LIAN CHEONG,

MAVERICK

COMDT SAFDB SAF MP COMMAND

LTC TEY LIAN CHEONG, MAVERICK

SLTC LIM HOCK SIONG

CO LOGS MGT & LEADERSHIP CEN ALTI

LTC ONG YIH TERK ME6 CHUAH YEOW SENG

CO 2 GSSB LTC CHUA YONG CHIN -

CO 351 SCE MAJ LOH CHIA SIONG LTC(NS) CHIA PHEK LENG

CO 716 SIR MAJ NAM CHEE WEI -

ARMY NEWS is a monthly publication of the Singapore Army. The opinions and views in this newsletter are those expressed by the writers and do not reflect the official views of the Ministry of Defence. All rights reserved. Subjected to the provisions of the Copyright Act, 1986, no part of this publication may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced or transmitted without prior written permission from the publisher.

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he Year 2013 was a busy year for Our Army. Between the usual range of training exercises and operations, Our Army continued to engage its people and the public through its SAF Schools Partnership Program activities, Total Defence events and even a month long exhibition. We recap the events that defined the year for our Army in our feature story.

This month, eleven years ago, the world was hit by an unknown enemy - the SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME, more commonly remembered as SARS. Our Army played a crucial role when called into action, from contact tracing to first line of defence with Thermal Imaging devices. We relook at the events of the time.

Last month we brought you a feature on Konfrontasi. We are heartened that one of our readers has since stepped forward to provide us with an eyewitness account of that fateful day in March 1965. Thank you Mr Wilson David for sharing your tale with us.

We visit the Military Police Enforcement Unit to find out more about what our Redcaps do - their duties and responsibilities. We also bring you a new monthly feature where we look at the history of Our Army’s different formations, and their respective logos.

Last but certainly not least, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank MG Ravinder Singh, our former Chief of Army, who handed over his command to BG Perry Lim on 21 March. Sir, we thank you for your sterling leadership, command and guidance and wish you all the very best in the next leg of your journey.

Our Army - Ready, Decisive, Respected.

T

Melvin S FerdinandsEditor of Army News

Editor Speaksthe

Veterans’ Visit to Singapore Army MuseumStory by Leong Khee Shuen / Photography by Aloysius Lum

The Singapore Army Museum hosted war veterans from the Malaysian Veteran Group on 6 March 2014. Led by Lt Kol Ahmad Kishairi Bin Zainuddin, President of the Ex 1st Royal Malay Regiment (1 RMR) Services Association, these veterans were given a tour of the museum. The veterans were shown how the Singapore Army has transformed over the years as well as the changes that have occurred since the start of National Service in 1967.

Director of Singapore Army Museum, Andrew de Silva led the veterans around the museum, explaining the relevance of the Singapore Army Museum, “The Singapore Army Museum is here to enlighten the younger generation on the need to serve National Service. Since the majority of our troops are NSmen, it is essential to get the support from the public whether old or young.”

The veterans were also given a chance to witness how the Air Force, Navy and the Army worked together in Singapore, through a short video clip. The show left a lasting impression on these veterans and they applauded the effort and cohesiveness

Impressed with the technology, the veterans reminisced about their past in the Army and shared how the army has become much better over the years. At the end of the experience, the veterans left with a deeper understanding of the Singapore Army and felt assured, knowing Singapore was in safe hands.

EditorMel Ferdinands

Deputy EditorMelvin Loo

Assistant EditorsLim Chen YouAloysius Lum

WritersEdmund HengOon Ming ShenLeong Khee ShuenLim Wei LiangJack Leong

News Crew

BG Lim Hock YuEditorial Advisor

COL Alfred FoxCOL Chua Boon KeatSLTC Paul CheakLTC De Silva Joe RoneshLTC Dennis OhCWO Tang Peck OonMAJ Phillip WongLTC (NS) James SureshCPT (NS) Sebastian Sim

Editorial Board

PhotographersBoey Jun WeiMatthew LimTerrance YeeRoy ChongAaron Ng

Graphic DesignersSim Chun YouMarcus Yeo

Facebook RepresentativeLee Xiang Rong

Over 1100 Specialist Cadets from the 18/13 Specialist Cadet Course (SCC) graduated at Pasir Laba Camp on the evening of 28 March. The cadets had undergone a 22-week training course to graduate as Specialists of the SAF and to receive their well earned chevrons. The reviewing officer was Senior Minister of State (Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs), Mr Masagos Zulkifli.

In his address to the graduands, Mr Masagos said, “We will count on you to engage the soldiers under your charge. Train them well and help them maximise their strengths. Unlock their potential and motivate them to give their best during training, but always, always have their well-being and safety in mind. Be genuine in your actions and words to earn the respect and trust of your men. Spend time

with them and be their guide, friend and mentor."

Amongst the hundreds of graduates was 3SG Colin Chen who was also the Parade Commander and Golden Bayonet winner. When asked about his motivations, he said “My family and girlfriend have been very supportive of me throughout my journey in NS so I want to do my very best to make them feel proud.”

SCT Wan Cin Lee (Photograph, middle) from Artillery developed the passion for the uniform since Secondary school when she was in the Red Cross uniformed group. She recalled her most difficult obstacle in SCS. She said “After falling through the APEX ladder during BMT, I was afraid to try again but the Sergeants in SCS motivated me to push on and after completing it, the sense of accomplishment was indescribable.” She continued “To the females intending to join the force, if you have the passion you should pursue it; it’s an experience indescribable.”

Chevrons on their chests:Specialists Cadet Graduation Parade 18/2013Story by Jack Leong / Photography by Roy Chong

of the Singapore Army at the end of the screening.

Moving on to the high tech shooting simulator, the veterans got a chance to try out the assault rifle SAR 21 (Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century) which was designed and manufactured in Singapore.

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Our Army

“ I want to personally thank every soldier in the Singapore Army for their commitment, dedication and sacrifice. It has been a real honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to serve alongside all of you as a soldier. ”

public outreach initiatives, including the Army Open House 2012 and the Operation Blue Ridge exhibition in the heartlands. MG Ravinder Singh served as a key member in the Committee to Strengthen National Service and ardently supported efforts to make our soldiers’ time more meaningful in NS.

In his farewell speech, MG Ravinder Singh said, "I want to personally thank every soldier in the Singapore Army for their commitment, dedication and sacrifice. It has been a real honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to serve alongside all of you as a soldier.  I will be handing over to Brigadier-General Perry Lim. Perry is an accomplished soldier and a leader. He looks at the little things that are important to our soldiers. As a leader, he does what is right for our soldiers and for our Army. I am confident that he will bring our Army forward and make it even stronger."

BG Perry Lim enlisted in 1990. He was awarded the SAF (Overseas) Scholarship and President’s Scholarship in 1991. He graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Bachelor of Arts (Starred First) (Mechanical Engineering). In 2008, BG Lim was awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Postgraduate Scholarship to pursue a Master of Business Administration at INSEAD Singapore. BG Lim has held the appointments of Head, Joint Plans and Transformation Department; Commander, 3rd Division and Chief of Staff – General Staff.

The Singapore Army would like to express its gratitude to MG Ravinder Singh for his leadership and many years of stellar service to the nation and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. At the same time, Our Army would like to warmly welcome BG Perry Lim as our new Chief of Army. 

MG Ravinder Singh, who enlisted in 1982, has served the nation with pride and dedication. Among his various key leadership appointments in the SAF, MG Ravinder Singh has been the Commander of 6th  Division, Chief of Staff – Joint Plans and Deputy Secretary (Technology). Under his leadership as our COA, the Singapore Army maintained a high level of operational readiness. He commanded Operation Blue Ridge in Afghanistan, which was a litmus test of the Army’s operational capabilities. He oversaw the operationalisation of 3rd  Generation military capabilities, with the first Motorised Infantry Battalion declared operational in May 2011 and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System commissioned in September 2011. A firm believer of the need for public support for National Service, he implemented many

Against a backdrop of an assortment of military hardware, 10 parade contingents from the various army formations as well as the Guard-of-Honour contingent comprising soldiers from the Commando Formation and the 2nd People's Defence Force, marched onto Leaders' Square to commemorate the the Chief of Army (COA) Change of Command (COC) Parade, which was held on the evening of 21 March at Pasir Laba Camp.

Our outgoing COA, MG Ravinder Singh s/o Harchand Singh, handed his command over to our incoming COA, BG Perry Lim Cheng Yeow. The witnessing officer for the COC was Chief of Defence Force, LG Ng Chee Meng. The Parade Commander was COL Fadzully Bin Abas and the Parade Regimental Sergeant Major was MWO Ng Chin Teck.

Chief of Army Change of Command Parade Story by Oon Ming Shen / Photography by Aloysius Lum, Lim Chen You,

Matthew Lim, Terrance Yee, Sim Chun You

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Cover Story

MAIN SUPPLY & EVACUATION ROUTE (MSER) CHALLENGE 13/14Story contributed by HQ CSSCOM/Photos by Lim Wei Liang

The 13th edition of Main Supply & Evacuation Route (MSER), an annual signature event of the Combat Service Support Command (CSSCOM), took place on 14 March 2014 at Kranji Camp 3. Commander CSSCOM, BG Tan Peng Kuan, flagged off the race at 0700hrs. BG Tan was also one of the runners in the HQ CSSCOM Chain-of-Command (COC) Team.

The MSER Challenge incorporates team work, determination, physical strength and strategic planning - essential elements of proficient Combat Service Support (CSS). It aims to promote cohesion though fitness, and forge comradeship amongst logisticians within the Army.

This year, 40 teams from various CSSCOM units, Divisions and Defence Partners competed with each other at six challenging pit stops, each representing the functional arms of CSS – Supply, Transport, Maintenance, Medical, Ammunition and Human Resource, plotted along a 5km race route spanning Kranji Camp II & III. The six stations symbolised the essential work of CSSCOM in operations, with different groups of soldiers coming together as one united CSS community.

For the first time in MSER history, soldiering fundamentals (SOFUN) activities were infused together with the CSS tasks at the various checkpoints to encourage competition and fighting spirit among the teams, emphasising the belief that “We are Soldiers first then Logisticians”.

The atmosphere of this year’s MSER Challenge was also different. According to SLTC Owe Kok Beng, Commanding Officer, Army Logistics Training Centre (CO ALTC) (left) and the Chairperson of the Organising Committee for the MSER Challenge, "In this year's MSER Challenge, we leveraged on technology. We set up a television

CY,SORRY THANKS

-CY2

screen in a prominent location on the event premises which was networked to the operations centre. In that way, we could provide real-time updates on the progress of the different teams, as well as the pictures taken during the event, to the participants."

At the parade square, one could feel the race atmosphere intensify as supporters cheered for their team at the finishing line. For the non-competitors, the 5km Fun Run offered a satisfying morning workout too.

BG Tan Peng Kuan flagging off the race

The Army Medical Services (HQ AMS) emerged as the Overall Champion for this year’s MSER Challenge, with a combined timing of 1hr 27min 03sec for the COC and Open categories. The team leader, ME3 Mazlan Bin Mohammad Khalid, attributes their success to good teamwork. He said, "Our formula for success is very simple, that is having a strong team spirit. During the challenge, we encouraged one another during the trying parts, and our team worked seamlessly to complete the different checkpoints during the challenge."

Our Army

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Silent Precision Drill Squad

Military Police Enforcement UnitStory by Oon Ming Shen / Photography by Sim Chun You

It’s much harder than it looks: without any commands, the Silent Precision Drill Squad throw their Lee Enfield Mk. IV rifles into the air in tandem, letting them spin a few rounds before catching them deftly, all at the same instant. The word “silent” in the name of the squad refers to how no commands are given and the drills are performed without any verbal prompting.

The members of the squad go through extensive training: a basic course lasting one month and an advance course that spans three months. Such rigorous training hardens them into experts, at which point mistakes are not tolerated. After all, the squad performs at important ceremonies, such as the Change of Guards ceremony at the Istana. CPL Koh Kai Wei said, “We are the ‘face’ of the SAF as the public often sees us performing at the Istana. So there is really no room for errors.”

Despite the strictness of their work, the squad members all understand how important their job is and give it their

best. CPL Marcus Leong noted, “We have to uphold the image of the SAF. We always have to be professional and disciplined to reflect the values that the SAF embodies.”

On a personal level, the squad members also enjoy what they do. CPL Koh Kai Wei said, “I’m lucky to be in the silent precision drill squad. There is also a lot of room for creativity in our drill repertoire.”

Security Operations Detachment

The Military PoliceEnforcement Unit (MPEU) is responsible for maintaining law and order and upholding good discipline amongst servicemen. As part of its peacetime duties, MPEU also performs ceremonial duties for various military and state functions.

The Security Operations Detachment

takes care of security at large-scale events such as the National Day Parade and their presence serves as a deterrence to any malicious activities.

“It’s always an eye-opener when we attend so many different events. We also work together with people from different units, so we get to see how they operate, which is really interesting,” said 3SG Dylan Quek, a Section Commander.

“Our presence deters any crime and we are prepared to respond immediately to any emergencies,” commented 3SG Nicholas Foo, also a Section Commander. “I take my work very seriously to ensure the security of the events.”

Presidential Guards The traffic outriders enforce traffic laws

governing military vehicles and drivers in SAF premises. The traffic outriders patrol roads often used by military vehicles to catch errant military drivers. They also escort heavy military vehicles or large convoys involving platforms such as Leopard Tanks and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems.

LCP Goh Si Kai, who deals with Bike Maintenance, said, “Being in the traffic platoon has made me more aware of traffic regulations. As traffic law enforcers, we must always be responsible and abide by the laws in order to set a good example.”

3SG Brian, an Escort Operation IC, said, “We play a very big role in the SAF as safety is a key issue in the military. As a commander, I have extra responsibility as I must look after my men on the road.”

The soldiers in charge of law enforcement are responsible for ensuring servicemen adhere to military regulations and behave appropriately,

even out of military camps. For instance, the law enforcers ensure servicemen do not smoke outside of camps in uniform and arrest Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) servicemen.

“There are many learning opportunities for me, as we must do a lot of communicating. For instance, we must convince the family members of the AWOLees to get them to surrender. The operations are also very interesting. We work in small teams and the team spirit is very strong. We can read each other and work together seamlessly,” noted CPL Elston Foo.

The ceremonial guards are responsible for conducting ceremonial functions at the Istana. Every day, there are at least seven ceremonial guards who are deployed at the Istana, to conduct parade duties.

LCP Huang Yu Ming, a Presidential Guard, quipped, “Our job can be very tiring as we have to stand for long periods. Sometimes insects may land on our faces but we have to keep still!” LCP Huang also shared that they had to undergo a very stringent selection test and adhere to a strict training program.

Jokes aside, LCP Huang realizes one simple fact: “The stakes are very high and we cannot make mistakes.” 3SG Meswara Velan, a Section Commander, echoed this view: “As Presidential Guards performing our duties at the Istana, we must always uphold the image of the SAF and Singapore.”

Traffic Enforcement

CPL Phang Yuanxin said, “It’s important to enforce military laws, such as bringing AWOLees to justice. In this case, it’s vital to ensure that every Singaporean son serves his NS in the interest of fairness.”

Feature

Law Enforcement

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Man’s Best FriendOur Military Working Dogs

Story by Oon Ming Shen / Photography by Sim Chun You

Working dogs form an integral part of the Military Police. As part of the Military Working Dog Unit (MWDU), they seek out dangerous and contraband items, and deter any potential criminal activity. Such working dogs are referred to as “K-9”, a homophone of “canine”. The Military Police Command (MP Comd) employs the use of sniffer dogs – which detect arms and explosives, and narcotics – as well as guard dogs. 

Guard dogs protect military installations such as air, naval and ammunition bases, as well as other key installations like Jurong Island and Sembawang Wharves. Sniffer dogs are trained to detect narcotics, and arms and explosives, thereby preventing narcotic abuse among servicemen and boosting the security of military camps. For instance, navy vessels back from overseas deployment will be thoroughly searched by sniffer dogs to ensure that servicemen comply with Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act. Sniffer dogs also play a key role in major events such as the National Day Parade by ensuring no dangerous items are brought on site.

Proud to be in the MWDU, 3SG Uday Duggal, an Operations Sergeant, said, “Dogs are a very effective deterrent to crime. The fact that they’re there, their very presence, reminds potential criminals that we are always on the lookout, ready to take them down.”

3SG Uday, who enjoys serving in the MWDU, commented, “Being in the MWDU is a unique way to serve NS. I never expected to be dealing with dogs in the army.” A guard dog handler, CPL Ko Cheng De, concurred: “It’s a very different experience to have to deal with dogs and I get to learn a lot in MWDU. For instance, I learned how to care for and train dogs. It’s also very useful that we have to attend a course that endorses us as certified dog handlers, as this might be useful for those who own dogs or if we decide to go into the dog training industry in the future.”

The dog handlers share a very close bond with their dogs, and make it a point to take good care of the dogs’ wellbeing. Their daily routine entails a thorough cleaning of the dog kennels, training the dogs and grooming the dogs. “It’s meaningful to interact with, love and care for living beings,” 3SG Uday said. “I appreciate that I get to deal with living, breathing creatures and I always treat them with the utmost respect and care that any living being should be accorded.”

Remembering Konfrontasi: The MacDonald House Bombing Through the Eyes of Wilson DavidWith Oon Ming Shen / Photography by Lim Wei Liang, Lim Chen You and contributed by Wilson David

"I used to work in Far East Motors, which supplied spare parts for British Motor Corporation cars. My office was just a few buildings away from the MacDonald House. I was talking to my ex-wife on the phone, when suddenly, I heard a loud explosion. I told my ex-wife, 'I need to go, I think the ceiling collapsed.' The plaster from the ceiling had dropped.

"I had never heard such a loud sound before. I rushed out of the office and I saw that the windscreens of the cars at Cycle and Carriage on the other side of Orchard Road had all shattered. Then, I saw smoke billowing from the MacDonald House.

"As I was heading toward the MacDonald House, I saw a man lying on the road. I mustered the help of several other passers-by and carried him to the front of the building. I was not sure whether he was alive.

Wilson David is better known as an entertainer and has performed for more than 40 years. In his heyday, Wilson was known as The King of Rock and Roll. His fans called him Singapore's Elvis Presley and Singapore's Cliff Richard after he beat all the other participants in the early 60’s.

The MacDonald House Bombing

The bombing occurred on 10 March 1965, 3.07pm, at MacDonald House, which was also known as the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Building at that time. Located in Orchard Road, its position is directly opposite the current Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. The bombing occurred during the Indonesian-Malaysian confrontation, also called Konfrontasi, and the bomb was planted by two Indonesian saboteurs. Three people were killed during the attack and 33 were injured.

"At that time, most luxury shopping centers had a lift attendant. The MacDonald House lift attendant was writhing in front of the building, covered in blood and moaning. The Hong Kong Bank was the worst hit, with rubble everywhere and bodies trapped underneath.

"My first instinct was to help the Fire Brigade and Police (at the time we didn’t have a Civil Defence Force). I helped to shift aside the rubble and pull out the bodies from underneath. A most gruesome sight greeted me when I saw one of the bomb victims.

"It was drizzling that day. There was always a hawker who would sell snacks in front of the building and many mechanics from the nearby warehouses would buy food from him during their afternoon breaks. But since it was raining, luckily for them the mechanics did not go for the break; otherwise, there might have been more casualties."

History

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The year 2013 has been a significant year for our Army particularly in the area of overseas operations.

On 22 June 2013, Chief of Army (COA), MG Ravinder Singh visited Afghanistan to mark the successful completion of SAF’s operations in Afghanistan. It has been 2263 days since the SAF was deployed in support of the peace and reconstruction effort in Afghanistan under the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in 2007.

The Afghanistan deployment ”Operation Blue Ridge” (OBR) was one of the longest operational deployments for the SAF and we haves learnt invaluable lessons from the deployment. MG Ravinder said, “The SAF has been in Afghanistan for 6 years with almost 500 soldiers deployed. Through the 6 years, we have deployed a wide range of capabilities to do our part in the global fight against terrorism. Our soldiers have done their missions well, gained valuable operational experience and earned the respect of our coalition partners. We are glad to have been able to make a difference in the lives of the Afghan people.”

Last February, at the SAF Overseas Service Medal (OSM) presentation ceremony, Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen also commended the soldiers who were deplyed in Afghanistan. He said, “I am proud of each serviceman as they demonstrated a high level of skill, professionalism and resilience while carrying out their duties.”

While they were in Afghanistan, Our soldiers were praised by our coalition partners. Commander ISAF, General Joseph Dunford said, “What I truly want to do is to thank the people of Singapore for their sacrifice and commitment to Afghanistan. Your contributions have allowed Afghans to take the lead and the stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan we see today is something that the people of Singapore should be proud of.”

With the closure of OBR, Our Army held Roadshows and Exhibitions at various heartland locations and at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza to share with the public our mission in Afghanistan.

Story by Oon Ming Shen

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Cover StoryFeature

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In 2013, our Army participated in numerous overseas exercises, which honed our soldiers’ warfighting skills and strengthened relations with our foreign partners. Soldiers who participated in these exercises had the opportunity to train in different conditions to prepare them to be adaptive and resilient. On an individual and organisational level, bilateral exercises also allow our Army to reaffirm ties with other countries and reaffirm our commitment as a responsible international partner.

Exercise Thunder Warrior (XTW) was held in Waiouru, New Zealand from 13 to 30 January. The 21st Battalion, Singapore Artillery and 24th Battalion, Singapore Artillery, participated in this annual artillery exercise.

In March, Exercise Bold Kurukshetra, the ninth bilateral armour exercise between the Singapore Armed Forces and the Indian Army was held. The Singapore Army and the Indian Army participated in an integrated live-firing exercise involving military vehicles and tanks.

Between 8 April to 21 May, Singapore and Germany held Exercise Panzer Strike. This exercise, involved the 48th Battalion, Singapore

Story by Jotham Yeo

Armored Regiment and their German counterpart, gave both sides many learning opportunities. For the Singapore tankees, they could train in live-firing ranges with three times the maximum firing ranges of those in Singapore.

Exercise Chandrapura (XC), between the Indonesian Army’s elite Komando Pasukan Khusus and the SAF’s 1st Commando Battalion, was held in May. XC is the 20th in its series and an opportunity for both sides to train together and share knowledge on Special Forces tactics, techniques and procedures.

The Vietnam People’s Army also invited the SAF Central Band and the SAF Music & Drama Company to Hanoi for a joint performance. The performers from Singapore and Vietnam jointly performed at the Army Theater and Ly Thai To Park.

In Australia, the SAF collaborated with the Australian Defence Force in Exercise Wallaby (XWB) at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area. XWB 2013 also marked the first Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Exercise held in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Exercise Forging Sabre 2013 (XFS 13) was the fourth instalment in the series since the first Exercise Forging Sabre in 2005.  XFS 13 was an integrated live-firing exercise by the Army and the Republic of Singapore Air Force, and took place in Phoenix, Arizona, USA from 2 to 17 December 2013.

Our Army values such overseas exercises because they enable us to keep our systems well oiled, we are also grateful to our foreign partners for their support.

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For the past year, our Army has participated in activities that have earned the respect of both Singaporeans and our international partners.

The mutual respect between the Singapore Army and our partners was reaffirmed in the numerous military exercises that it participated in; including but not limited to: Exercise Lightning Strike (US), Exercise Segamat Bersatu (Malaysia) and Exercise Kocha Singa (Thailand). Through the exchange of military knowledge, our Army not only built strong relationships with other armies, but also improved the effectiveness of our Army through the exchange of military knowledge.

For the past year, the Army has also been active in organising several outreach programmes to students and the public,

Story by Lim Wei Liang

which were well received. Other than the SAF-Schools Partnership Programme (SSPP), whereby SAF units

organised activities for its partner schools; the exhibition on the SAF’s 6-year mission to Afghanistan, held at

various locations around Singapore, has also allowed the public to better appreciate the valuable role that our soldiers play in deployments overseas.

To reaffirm our position as a well-respected organisation, our Army will continue to work towards establishing strong relationships with Singaporeans and other defence partners.

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History

On 1 December 1969, 30 men came together under the name "Regular Battalion". They were housed in a corner of the then Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute (SAFTI - now Pasir Laba Camp) and within a year and a half, the unit grew in size and it needed larger premises. They were moved to Changi Camp and the unit was renamed: The 1st Commando Battalion (1 CDO).

In 1971, the SAF changed the standard headdress from jungle-hats to berets. It was then that the Commandos  adopted the red beret and it has become the symbol of the commandos ever since. On 22 January 1977, then Minister of Defence, Dr. Goh Keng Swee, awarded 1 CDO with the State and Regimental Colours for its training, administrative and operational efficiency. In 1978, the School of Commando Training (SOCT) was formed and the SAF's first Ranger Course was conducted. In 1984, the Special Operations Force was formed although the existence was not revealed to the public by the Ministry of Defence until 20 February 1997.

The formation of HQ SOCT on 1 October 1981 saw the introduction of a new formation logo that would be the symbol of the commandos for years to come; the winged bayonet emblem. Along with the new logo, they adopted the new motto: For Honour and Glory. It replaced the emblem for the old SAF Commando Unit.

In 1986, the Commandos from 2nd Company were the first SAF Commandos to be presented with the Stiletto; a double-edged combat knife with a sharp point. It was a knife that was made famous by British Commandos during World War II. Since then, all commandos are presented with their stiletto upon receiving their Red Beret.

Every Stiletto is branded with the SAF Commandos logo.

As part of the inauguration of HQ School of Commando Training (HQ  SOCT) in 1981, the Winged Bayonet was

introduced as the emblem of the commandos.

The Wings denote the Commandos' Airborne status, all commandos are Airborne trained as a method of insertion.

The bayonet signifies that they are an infantry unit

The motto of the Commandos, “For Honour and Glory” lies below the winged bayonet. The motto of the commandos is to remind them

to achieve each mission for the honour and glory of the formation

and the nation.

On 29 November 1989, HQ Commando was inaugurated owing to the need for an organisational structure that would be the policy-making body for the formation. Soon after the hijacking of SQ 117 and the subsequent successful rescue in 1991, our Commandos earned the Medal of Valour. That very same year, to recognise their operational readiness and efficiency, the Commando Formation was awarded the Formation Colours and Streamer by President Wee Kim Wee.

Since 1986, the Stiletto has been awarded to every Commando who has completed his course. Only trainees who have successfully completed their arduous qualification journey will earn the right to be recognised as part of the Commando family. The Stiletto has featured in many emblems of the Commandos, such as the Special Operations Force and the Special Operations Tactics Centre.

The original logo of the SAF Commando Unit.

The respective logos of SOTC (left) and SOTAC (right)

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Feature

Shooting for Gold

Ms Tan was formerly a regular lieutenant in the Singapore Army. During the 27th SEA Games at Myanmar, she clinched the gold medal at the women's 25m pistol competition. She credits her achievements to the training she received in the Army: "Being an Infantry officer in the Army has inculcated in me many values such as discipline, professionalism, perseverance and confidence. These qualities laid the foundation for me to win a gold medal in the women's 25m pistol competition in the SEA Games. It was truly an honour to bear the Singapore flag and singing 'Majulah Singapura' on the stage was the sweetest moment of my life.”

for the triathlon event in the 2007 SEA Games held at Thailand.

CPT (Dr) Mok considers himself fortunate that his commanders were very understanding and supportive, even though the MOCC ran a tight schedule. He noted, “My instructors were very nice and understanding, giving me permission to train by myself. My course mates also gave me a lot of support and this gave me the strength to persevere.”

Having almost completed his MOCC at the time of the interview, he shares his NS experience thus far: “The course has prepared us to become medical officers very well. The training is holistic and hones our skill as both physicians and soldiers. After I complete my course, I hope to get a posting that will allow me to train consistently and serve well as a medical officer too.”

CPT (Dr) Mok Ying Ren was commissioned at the 77th  MOCC Graduation Parade on 19 Feb, becoming a newly-minted medical officer of the SAF.

27th SEA GamesStory by Oon Ming Shen / Photographs contributed by Nicole Tan and Mok Ying Ren

CPT (Dr) Mok (right) performing CPR on a high-fidelity mannequin

Ms Tan at the ASEAN Armies Rifles Meet 2012

In the 27th SEA Games held at Myanmmar, Singapore sent a contingent of 310 athletes to compete. In total, we managed to clinch 34 gold medals, 29 silver medals and 45 bronze medals. Ms Nicole Tan Ling Chiao and CPT (Dr) Mok Ying Ren were two of the 310 athletes who participated and won gold medals.

Blazing the TrailDefying all the odds, CPT (Dr) Mok

Ying Ren clinched Singapore’s first gold at the recently-concluded Myanmar SEA Games. Finishing with a time of 2 hours, 28 minutes and 35 seconds, CPT (Dr) Mok had arrived in Myanmar at only 5pm the day before the race – he was undergoing his Medical Officers’ Conversion Course (MOCC) and had just booked out a day before the SEA Games. Any chance of winning was made even bleaker by the fact that he had a cough and a strained thigh muscle.

CPT (Dr) Mok admitted, “I wasn’t confident of winning initially. There was a lot of media hype and it was stressful for me. Additionally, the conditions were not ideal as it was a hilly course.” Fortunately, he persevered through the 42.195km. The training that he underwent in his MOCC helped, he said: “Through training events in NS such as road marches and field camps, I built up my perseverance and mental resilience.”

This victory is a significant milestone in Singapore’s sporting history, with CPT (Dr) Ying Ren being the first man in Singapore to emerge champion at a marathon in the SEA Games. Another of his accomplishments is a gold medal

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When the super-disease SARS struck Singapore 11 years ago, there was a great sense of uncertainty and fear among Singaporeans. Schools were closed, and there was a widespread shortage of foodstuff due to the closure of the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre. Singaporeans grew fearful of contracting SARS, many choosing not to go out. It was not just a battle against the disease itself; it was also a battle against the fear that existed in Singaporeans’ hearts.

The government not only had to control the spread of SARS, it also had to restore normalcy to our way of life. One way this was achieved was to impose Home Quarantine Orders (HQOs) on people who had come into contact with SARS patients. In order to effectively determine the people to quarantine, there was a need to conduct contact-tracing.

At the beginning of the SARS outbreak, the contact-tracing system was operated by a small group of Ministry of Health (MOH) officials, using excel spreadsheets. The officials relied upon hospital visitor records to determine the people to be served HQOs, which was limited due to its lack of comprehensive detail and information as these records may not have been able to trace every contact.

Furthermore, the system also proved to be inadequate in conducting contact-tracing operations on a larger scale, when there was an outbreak of SARS at the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre, leading to more than 2,400 people needing to be quarantined.

That was when the SAF, led by LG (NS) (then BG) Neo Kian Hong, was called in to bring the situation under control. LG (NS) Neo was then the Commander of 9th Division (9 DIV). While the small team of MOH officials was able to contact-trace up to 500 people per day, it was unable to handle the 2,400 people that had to be contact-traced from the Pasir Panjang Wholesale

Remembering Our Army's Fight AgainstStory by Lim Wei Liang

Centre outbreak. LG (NS) Neo recounts the challenge

faced by the MOH officials. “To contact-trace, you need software to help you link up data. Excel spreadsheets and all are fine when the numbers are small, but when the numbers are as large as the Pasir Panjang case, it’s just not doable,” he said.*

The computer infrastructure was also inadequate in handling the spike in the amount of people to be contract-traced. The SAF, together with its partner agency, the Defence Science Technology Agency (DSTA), assisted MOH with the setting up of a National Contact Tracing Centre. DSTA provided MOH with the computer systems and know-how needed to conduct extensive contact-tracing operations.

The SAF also provided the MOH with Our soldiers to assist the MOH officials with contact-tracing operations. The extra manpower provided by the Army proved to be useful. The soldiers, including full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), not only helped MOH officials with the compilation of data into a national database from scratch, they also helped to make calls to retrieve missing information from the people who had been contact-traced.

Some of the Army soldiers were also deployed to man the MOH call centre, which was receiving an ever-increasing number of calls from the public, general practitioners or people serving HQOs, who had many questions about the SARS epidemic.

With the hardware and manpower provided by the SAF, the contact-tracing operations became much more effective, enabling the MOH to send out HQOs in time. This played an important role in containing the spread of SARS within a short period of time.

The SAF’s contributions in battling SARS was not only limited to contact-tracing. 50 Army medics were also

Pingat Penghargaan (Tentera)

(SARS)

deployed at the Changi International Airport. Working alongside nurses from the MOH, they screened passengers arriving from other countries for signs of fever. The experience was similar to being on the front-line, except that it was against an unseen enemy – SARS.

The soldiers working tirelessly at their posts at the National Contact Tracing Centre and the Changi International Airport 11 years ago played an important part in containing the spread of the SARS epidemic. This episode has shown that the SAF is not only effective in its role of military defence, but was also able to put its manpower and resources to great use by assisting other government agencies in resolving a national crisis.

*Quote of LG (NS) Neo Kian Hong, obtained from ‘A Defining Moment - How Singapore Beat SARS’ by Chua Mui Hoong

SARS

Feature

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“I was Officer Commanding (OC) of the National Service Training Wing (NSTW) at the then-School of Military Medicine (SMM) during the SARS Crisis.  Due to the need for more medics during the crisis, SMM was tasked by HQ SAF Medical Corps (HQMC) to conduct an additional Medic Course to train NSF personnel from various vocations (e.g. clerks, signallers, etc.).   The purpose was to deploy them at the Changi

“When the SARS Crisis happened, there was an important briefing at the Ministry of Health that my OC and I were informed to attend.  On our way back to camp, we were notified that we had to be under Home Quarantine because one of the nurses at the meeting was suspected of having been in contact with a SARS patient.  Fortunately, the Home Quarantine lasted only two days because we were later told that she was not infected.   It was a big relief because there were cases of hospital workers becoming ill with SARS and some of them passed away in the line of duty.”

(During the SARS Crisis, she attended a MOH meeting with CPT Megala Devi, OC of BTW which resulted in both of them getting placed under Home Quarantine)  

- ME3 Karuppiah Saraswathi

“During the SARS Crisis in 2013, I was the Wing Sergeant Major of SMM’s National Service Training Wing (NSTW).  Due to the need for more medics to be trained, I was appointed Course Sergeant Major of P015 Combat Medic Course.  I remember that we had the mammoth task of de-conflicting the training resource requirements for the additional course and we often had to make ends meet by staying back to conduct night lessons.  Nonetheless, we were glad that we helped to produce the medics to reinforce our healthcare workers in the war against SARS.”

- ME3 Lakshmanan

“The P015 batch of Combat Medic Course had 2 platoons and I was in charge of Platoon 1.   All of them knew that their mission was to assist the Ministry of Health in screening travellers arriving from overseas.  Despite knowing the dangers of SARS which had caused a number of deaths, the trainees did their part for Singapore and took their training seriously so that they could do their job well in safeguarding our points of entry. 

 As their Senior Instructor, I did my

best to impart my knowledge and skills to them.  They were a good batch of medics and I am proud to have been a part of their National Service, helping our nation fight against SARS.  I still have the group photo taken with Platoon 1(Main photo).”

- ME3 Savitri

Airport round the clock to screen arriving international travellers.  

I recall that SMM’s Basic Training Wing (BTW) was running at full capacity at that time.  The OC of BTW was CPT [now CPT(Retired)] Megala Devi and the Course Commander of the Medic Course, batch number P014, was 2WO [now ME3] K. Saraswathi.  As BTW was already training approximately 270 medic trainees back then, they were not able to cope with running another Medic Course. 

In order to start the additional but necessary Medic Course (batch number P015) to train the required medical manpower, we had to quickly get an officer and a few WOSPECs from NSTW to be their Course Commander and Senior Instructors.

Under my command at NSTW, I had CPT [now CPT(NS)] Bobby Leong, 2WO [now ME3] Lakshmanan, MSG [now ME3] Savitri and the late MSG Salmah

whose usual work involved training medical NSmen.  These four individuals together with a few more NSF medic instructors rose to the call to make the additional Medic Course a reality so that the required number of personnel could be trained.  CPT Leong was appointed as the Course Commander while 2WO Lakshmanan, MSG Savitri and MSG Salmah became the Senior Instructors.  I am glad that they did what they did so that more medics could be trained to deal with the SAR Crisis.  This allowed the medical personnel at our various SAF Medical Centres to continue to focus on the provision of healthcare at our various camps.

The SARS Crisis was a difficult time in our nation’s history when SAF rose to the challenge in our nation’s time of need.  It was a time when our people demonstrated perseverance and commitment when called upon to serve.”

- ME5 Daniel Chia

Answering the callContributed by HQAMS / Photography contributed by the interviewees, Edmund Heng

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Welcoming our new Chief of Army

(Posted on 220314)

Hooking up, Ready to go!

050314SAF Combat Rations – Feeding Generations of Singaporean Soldiers

Jeremy Rozario - just a tip, majority of soldiers always complain that the green packs got a 1 kind taste: soln is to open the pack and let it air for a few minutes, much better after.

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070314War-relic found! SAF EOD on site to make sure it is safely removed.

Loh Kaiwen - SAF EOD.... probably the only SAF unit that gets activated the most for REAL OPS... where NSFs and Regulars put their live on the line and get tested over and over again. No room for mistakes. I SALUTE U!

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080314The RSAF launched a C130 to assist with the search of MH 370 aircraft.

Ibrahim Bulat - Well done RSAF . Your spontenuos reaction reflects our sincere intention of good neighbourliness. I am proud to be a Singaporean.

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090314 The RSN provide SSRV equipped to perform underwater search of MH 370 aircraft

Boon Ping Tie - Good one Singapore NAVY! Do what we can for our neighbour Malaysia to help in locate the lost plane, my prayers are with them and your mission, bring all safely home soon. Thank you.

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210314Marching-in of the Colours at COA COC

Albert Wong Ong Cheng - I for one am always touched when I see the flags being marched in or out of parades! And of course proud also!

WordsIn Your

The Singapore Army wishes all

ladies a happy International

Women’s Day!

(Posted on 080314)

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