Armynews Issue236
Armynews Issue236
Armynews Issue236
ARMY
#OurSgArmy
CONTENTS
14 nepal Earthquake
Relief Efforts
JUNE
- - - - - - - - ISSUE 236
AROUND OUR ARM Y
Army Family Day 2015
Army50 Jubilee Challenge
Celebrating 50 Years of Our Army:
Army50 Dinner
03
04
07
IN THIS ISSUE
50 Facts About Army 20
FEATURES
Yang Pertama Dan Utama 08
Nepal Earthquake Relief Efforts:
14
Mission Accomplished
FIREPOWER
V-200 16
04 Army 50
Jubilee Challenge
ARMY NEWS
Editorial Board
BG Lim Hock Yu
Mel Ferdinands
Melvin Loo
We also share 50 fun facts about Our Army and we are pretty sure that you, our readers
will be surprised!
News Crew
Deputy Editor
Editor Speaks
years of Our Army, this magazine features contributions from our servicemen, sharing
with us their personal experiences and triumphs.
Editorial Advisor
Editor
the
Assistant Editors
Aloysius Lum
Lee Xiang Rong
Writers
Photographers
Graphic Designers
Roy Chong
Lim Wei Jian
Jeremy Hong
Lim Han Cong
We would especially like to express our thanks to Head Army Information Centre, COL
Paul Cheak for his guidance and direction, and also give special mention to the Army
News Magazine Task Force - headed by LTC Psalm Lew for their immense contributions
for this Jubilee Issue.
We hope you enjoy this special collectible, and look forward to hearing from you, our
readers as we continually strive towards bringing you a magazine that you can be proud
of.
Mel Ferdinands
Visit us online!
http://www.army.sg
May
Appointment
Incoming
Outgoing
CO / 4 SIR
BDE SM / 3 SIB
*Amendments from the May issue - For the section Passing of the Baton:
Appointment
Incoming
Outgoing
CO / 228 SA
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ARMY FAMILY
DAY 2015
STORY | ALASTAIR LOE
PHOTOGRAPHY | AMOS POH & ALASTAIR LOE
NO
ARMY NEWS
ARMY NEWS
Commandos
Guards
Artillery
Infantry
Handling the heavy guns of the Artillery takes tremendous strength and
coordination in order to be on time and on target. In the spirit of the Artillery,
teams were tasked with performing 25 lifts of a 42kg artillery projectile, with
five men to each found. Once done, the teams were then required to push
a wheeled mortar through an obstacle course, as quickly and smoothly as
possible.
Signals
Army Intelligence
Army Intelligence plays a crucial role in allowing us to make sense of the everchanging battlespace so that we can plan our next moves. To simulate the intelligence
collection and analysis procedures of RSTA team, teams at this station had to
navigate towards pre-positioned observation posts, thereafter using the binoculars
provided to spot code words hidden in the closed terrain. These code words were
then exchanged for information in order to decode answers to a puzzle.
Armour
In Armour, men and machine are required to function as one in order to achieve
mission success; therefore vehicular maintenance and training of the men are
of high importance. In order to demonstrate this skill, the participants were
required to work their way around a Bionix IFV, having to tune track tensions,
mount both a towing pintle and tow rope onto the Bionix before finally having
to manually lay the gun onto a specified target.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
ARMY NEWS
2PDF
Celebrating 50 Years Of
Our Army: Army50 Dinner
STORY | ASHWIN LEE
PHOTOGRAPHY | KEITA SIN
CSSCOM
COMBAT ENGINEERS
Combat Engineers are often tasked to perform their duties in hazardous or stressful situations, requiring the use of special
body suits over prolonged periods of time. As such, a combat engineer has to be familiar and comfortable with the various
tools and suits at their disposal. At the Engineer station, the teams were given a taste of this as they were required to adopt
full Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) 4 attire, then complete 50 counts of jumping jacks and consume 250 ml of
water through their gas masks.
Despite the mercurial weather conditions, all teams persevered and overcame challenges to finish the race. The final score tally
saw Guards going home as the overall Champions of the Army 50 Jubilee Challenge with a combined score of 440, followed
by 3 DIV in second place with 410 points and a tie in third place between Commandos and Combat Engineers with 405 points
each. After the prize ceremony, all were invited to the rest area where participants shared laughs and their experiences over
refreshments.
All participants demonstrated true grit, a willingness to sacrifice for others and remarkable willpower during their valiant effort
completing the Challenge. To echo the sentiment expressed by participants that day, it is with the hope that these same qualities
would ensure the peace and prosperity that would safeguard our nation for another 50 years.
ARMY NEWS
One smell that has stayed with me from my childhood is the musty scent of
Army gear. To me, this smell signalled that my father would be going away for
an unknown amount of time, to an unknown place, doing unknown things. I
had always wondered why he had to do so. What would drive a man to leave
his home and take up arms for his country? Having taken on the responsibility
of defending my country and my family, I now understand why. Protecting
my family is not the only reason I serve. All of us who have served, know the
camaraderie that grows from sweating and bleeding, laughing and crying
together. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers - For he today who sheds
his blood with me shall be my brother.
This is the history of Our Army.
ARMY NEWS
11
Our Army must always be the First without equal in the region, and always be Foremost in the defence of Singapore.
Our Army remains First and Foremost. In our hands lies the future of Singapore.
ARMY NEWS
15
0
0
2
V-
17
STORY |
IN
KEITA S
hicles in
eo
200, on
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e
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e
ill explor
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iers.
This issu ngside our sold
alo
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est ve
f the old
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that ha
ur army
he old horse knows the way is a Chinese phrase that illustrates - an experienced person familiar with a particular
situation is able to judge and react accurately. This adage surely holds true in our Army we constantly gain wisdom from our
senior soldiers and integrate the intelligence in todays Army. Yet, there will come a time when the old horse has to step down
to let the fresh legs lead the way. This year, the Peoples Defence Force will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary and at the
same time phase out one of the vehicles that have been through thick and thin with them the V-200 armoured vehicle. This
vehicle has in fact been operating in, and with our Army for over 40 years.
The original version of the V-200 was manufactured in the early 1960s by an American company called Cadillac Cage. The
vehicle, V-100, was then known as the Commando and operated on a four-wheel drive system. Despite having the ability to
drive up to 100km/h, it was capable of manoeuvring through relatively rough terrains. The strong exterior was made of alloy
steel called Cadaloy which could withstand projectiles up to 7.62 x 51mm. Many countries such as Malaysia, The United States
of America and Singapore used the V-100.
The V-200 on the other hand was specifically and exclusively designed for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The essentially
larger version of the V-100 that ran on Diesel weighed about 13,000kg and could reach a speed of 101km/h.
The V-200 was likely one of the first armoured vehicle that many of our soldiers in the 1970s ever encountered. Our Armys
first Armour unit, 41st Singapore Armoured Battalion (41 SAB) that was formed in 1968 operated around the V-200 and was
then also known as the Commando Vehicle Unit. At the time, the V-200 was considered highly technological in the Army
and was mainly used by the Armoured Infantry. With the 20mm gun and 3 x 7.62mm GPMG, it could accommodate up to 11
men and provided soldiers with the lethal force and mobility required. Artillery units such as 21st Singapore Artillery Battalion
(21 SAB) used the V-200 too. However, it was eventually replaced by the M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).
Our Air Force also equips the V-200s with weapons such as the Robotsystem 70 missile (RBS 70) (Robot meaning missile
in Swedish) and 2x7.62mm GPMG. With that, they carry out short-ranged air defence (SHORAD) and airbase security duties.
Around 2002, the V-200 vehicles in Singapore were upgraded. A fully electric turret drive system and improvements to
the engine and transmission systems were introduced.
From fighting techniques to memories and history, vehicles
and weapons are quintessential in shaping a nations
armed force. However, with the advent of advanced
technology, there is no doubt that new versions
constantly displace the old. With that, it is still
important to acknowledge and appreciate the
retired vehicles, such as our unique V-200
the armoured vehicle that only Singapore ever
possessed.
19
Symbols are core components of identity; they provide meaning and inspiration to those that matter.
This month, we will explore the deep meaning behind the symbol that represents all who wear green The
Singapore Army Flag.
IN
Our Singapore Army Flag that all army units fly in camps
was approved at the 18th Army Conference on 2 October
1979 and officially introduced on 1 July 1980. It has a
yellow background with a red quadrant at the top left as a
background for the crescent and five stars like that in the
State Flag with the SAF Crest on the lower right quadrant
of the flag.
Yellow was chosen for the background as it used to be the
colour representing Singapores first and oldest battalion,
First Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR). Inaugurated in
1957, the first logo representing 1 SIR depicted a lion standing
on a tower. The 1 SIR logo was revamped in 1961, with the
battalions guiding principle First and Foremost included.
ARMY NEWS
21
The first Army Act was passed in 1965, the same year
Singapore gained independence as a state.
The passing of the NS (Amendment) Act in mid-Mar 1967 was a turning point
in the lives of Singaporean males. Between 28 March 1967 and 18 April 1967,
registration began in earnest at the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) for the first
batch of citizens who were born between 1 January 1949 and 30 June 1949 some
9,000 of them. This marked the beginning of the citizen army and also the start of
National Service as a way of life for the male citizens of Singapore.
OUR
ARMY
On 15 March 1986, at 1126 hours, the six-storey Lian Yak Building, better
known as Hotel New World, collapsed upon itself. 30 SCE, 41 SAR and
a medical team were among the very first to arrive on the scene to rescue
survivors and provide medical assistance.
50
FACTS
ABOUT
On 1 July 2012, four servicemen had the distinct honour of being the first
to proudly put on the new pinnacle rank for the Warrant Officer corps the
rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO). This new rank, the latest initiative to
acknowledge the increasingly prominent role of the warrant officers in the SAF,
recognises their ability and potential to take on greater responsibilities.
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.
ARMY NEWS
23
1994: ROD changes to ORD from 1 Jul 94; the term Run-Out-Date was changed to Operationally
Ready National Service Date.
1995: New Physical Training (PT) Kit The new PT kit was introduced in 1995 to
replace the old camouflaged version. The new one was lighter and more comfortable.
1995: Army News was officially launched on 24 Jan 1995. For the first time in history, the news and
happenings of the Singapore Army were gathered and published in a single print medium.
From 2004 onwards, the duration of National Service was reduced to
two years as SAF embarked on a 3rd Generation transformation journey.
As an incentive to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, recruits that
obtained Silver or Gold for their physical fitness test (NAPFA) will get
an additional two months reduction in their NS duration
2005: The Arms Badges were unveiled for the various Formations at the Army Commanders Forum (ACF).
The Badges reflect the Arms the servicemen are from. The purpose is to instil confidence and pride in the
individual Arms and celebrate the tapestry of its culture.
In 2010, the School of Infantry Specialists (SISPEC) was renamed to Specialist Cadet
School (SCS), and subsequently divided into three schools.
The location of the Basic Military Training (BMT) Graduation Parade was moved from Pulau Tekong to the
Floating Platform during 2010. The inaugural batch of BMT recruits graduated on 2 Oct 2010 at the heart
of Singapores business district.
Pace stick. It is a tool that is used to measure the pace (distance taken in a marching step) It
is also used by the Sergeant Major when laying out the marker points on a parade ground
so that the troops turn at the correct point and finish up at the correct point on ceremonial
parades. The Pace Stick, carried by a Sergeant Major, is a symbol of prestige and authority.
The beholder is a trained instructor of Drill, Parade and Ceremonies.
The Singapore Armed Forces Veterans League (SAFVL) was started to foster
and maintain the spirit of camaraderie among ex-regulars. Its 500 members
today were mostly from the Army, Navy and Air Force. SAFVL veterans
frequently share their experiences with the younger generation. By telling
younger Singaporeans about the past, the veteran members hope to help them
appreciate the presence to see the future.
There are two types of colours in the SAF: the State Colours and Regimental Colours.
State Colours would be awarded to the three Services and SAFTI Military Institute
(SAFTI MI) while Regimental Colours would be awarded to units and formations. They
serve the purpose of instilling pride and loyalty in soldiers.
The sword is carried by an SAF Commissioned Officer as a mark of his status and his symbol authority. The
practice of officers carrying swords probably stemmed from the Middle Ages where only men of a certain
stature (e.g. Knights) were allowed to keep swords. The swords come in two lengths i.e. 819 mm and 919 mm.
The 819 mm swords were issued from 1981 to 1988 and the 919 mm swords were issued since 1982. The latter
sword is used for parades. For military officers attending the parade, both lengths of sword may be used.
From 2007 to 2013, the Singapore Army contributed to the international communitys
reconstruction efforts to restore stability in Afghanistan. Under the ambit of Operation Blue Ridge,
a total of 492 soldiers were deployed to Afghanistan, with a wide range of capabilities deployed.
Combat medics trainees undergo a 12-week Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
programme which comprises theory and practical aspects. Topics range from patient
assessment to multiple casualty management in the military context, as well as the
operating of medical equipment, such as the automated external defibrillator.
Transport
The gear and platform symbolises the aspiration to enhance mobility, to provide inter-modular
transportation services and reliable support to the Army. The bayonet symbolises the perseverance
and robustness of the Supply and Transport Formation. The colour red signifies the camaraderie
and espirit de corps within the formation.
Signals
The 1st Commando Battalion (1 CDO) has won the annual SAF Best
Unit Competition a total of 29 times, since the first edition in 1969. This
competition awards recognition to units which have shown high levels of
combat readiness, operational proficiency and administrative excellence.
The red vertical bands reflect courage and brotherhood within the Signals fraternity. The
blue vertical band symbolises the virtue of integrity and dedication. The lightning streak
represents speed, intensity and decisiveness through the application of knowledge, skills and
professionalism. The crossed flags symbolises Signals role in providing communications for
the Army and the SAF.
ARMY NEWS
25
Artillery
Army Medical Services
The serpent has traditionally been associated with the art and science of medicine. The sword that
is central to the logo replaces the rod and is the recognised symbol of the Army. It is raised in
righteousness and strength, unsheathed in readiness to do battle. The entwining of the serpent evokes
the intimate bond that the Armys Medical Services has with its fighting forces.
The cannon barrels symbolise the various Artillery platforms in its arsenal. The cannon
is a generic name and is a basic symbol for all tube Artillery pieces. The bomb is the
ultimate weapon delivered for destruction of the enemy. Positioned above the cross
barrels, it also symbolises accuracy, timeliness and firepower of all Artillery Units.
Army Intelligence
SAF Ammunition Command
The 3 colours in the crest represent the synergy between the Army, Air Force and Navy. The convergence
of the colours in the centre represents the convergence of ideologies and goals, creating a common
identity. The flame insignia symbolises the desire to be the epitome of reliability, efficiency and
professionalism in the SAF as well as their striving towards excellence. The ring in the logo represents the
cutting-edge technology and ammunition which the SAF Ammunition Command delivers to its fighters.
The firm base represents the nerve centre of intelligence operations where analysis is carried out.
The inward pointing arrows feedback into the nerve centre, while the flower is the traditional
symbol for intelligence. The addition of two circles - Outer ring representing the entity of
Army Intelligence as an inclusive tribe ; the inner circle represents the non-hierarchical nature
of intelligence staff work and the intelligence cycle. The grey-colour background reflects the
operating environnment of Army Intelligence as they endeavour to reduce uncertainties through
the fog of war. In addition to the tag line of Armys First Line of Defence, Army Intelligence
is included at the top half of the inner circle to enhance the visibility and recognition of Army
Intelligence personnel.
Commando
The shield of SAF Military Police Command was officially unveiled on 1st September 2006. The
Muskets were weapons that the Military Police used in the past. It is commonly associated with
the Military Police even though they are no longer in use today. The Muskets symbolise two things
true to the unit. Firstly, that the unit treasures certain traditions and values. Secondly, the Unit is an
operational combat unit.
Infantry
The Black Panther in the logo symbolises the momentum and strength of the division
surging forward to boldly embrace the challenges ahead, while the bayonet symbolises
the Infantry arm and represents the courage of the infantryman and his utmost loyalty
to the country.
The Rifle represents the MES Formation as an important arm of the Army.
The Spanner and Gear symbolises the MES Formations twin main tasks; that
of providing maintenance and engineering support respectively to the Army.
The Laurels symbolise the quality services and professional standards that the
Formation has achieved and will continue to work towards excellence. The Atom
symbolises the core of engineering and technical professionals in MES Formation.
Armour
The Armour Formation is a combination of men and mobile firepower to create a formidable
fighting force. The Armours Symbol consists of a mailed fist and a cross bayonet. The
mailed fist represents a crashing force and the hard protection of Armour. The crossed
bayonets symbolises the incorporation of Armoured Infantry.
Supply
The blue background signifies the long history and traditions of logistics in the SAF.
The gear and platform symbolises the aspiration to enhance mobility, to provide
inter-modular transportation services and reliable supply support to the Army. The
bayonet symbolises the perseverance and robustness of the Supply Formation.
Guards
The maroon background signifies the brotherhood and esprit de corps within the Formation.
The colour gold is associated with loyalty to the nation, devotion to our duty and dedication to
the task that has been set. The bayonet and laurels are the symbols of the Guardsmens skills as
elite infantry soldiers. The wings represent the Guards heliborne capabilities.