122 3 Making of Army Ops Diaries

WOSpecs Going Places Ex Daring Warrior 2011

www.mindef.gov.sg/army pulse of our army

armynewsNovember 2011Issue No. 194

2 November 2011

armynewswww.mindef.gov.sg/army

pulse of our army

Issue No. 194 3

Army's assets included the HIMARS, PALADIN self-propelled howtizers, Ground Liaison and Targeting teams, and fighter aircraft.

The exercise was witnessed by Commander, SAF Training and Doctrine Command, BG Lim Hock Yu and Commanding General of the US Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, MG David Halverson. Highlighting the value of Exercise Daring Warrior, BG Lim said, “It provides an excellent opportunity for the SAF to advance its capability development for the HIMARS and to conduct air-land integration training. It also opens up a channel for professional exchanges of military knowledge and operational experiences between the SAF and US Army.” MG Halverson added, “The exercise was a great environment for the soldiers to operate in a joint training situation. As we work together to develop proficiencies and certifications, we’re also planning to take training to the next level. We have a great coalition team with the military forces of Singapore.”

Exercise Daring Warrior 2011 is the second HIMARS live-firing exercise conducted since the weapon platform was delivered to the SAF in July 2010. The last Exercise Daring Warrior held in November 2010 also included a joint live-firing exercise between the SAF and US Army. Training in the US has enabled the SAF to quickly build up its operational capabilities and readiness. It also facilitates sharing of knowl-edge between the two armed forces. The American support for the SAF training in the US underscores the long-standing and excellent defence relations between the two countries.

From 21 October to 7 November, 234 SAF personnel participated in a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-firing exer-cise, code-named Daring Warrior, held at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, USA. The participants were from HQ Singapore Artillery, HQ 3rd Division Artillery, 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery, 11 C4I Battalion, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

In conjunction with Exercise Daring Warrior, the SAF and the US Army also conducted a bilateral air-land integrated live-firing exercise, involving US personnel from the 214th Fires Brigade Headquarters, as well as 1-14th and 2-5th Field Artillery. The 2-day bilateral exercise involved the SAF’s HIMARS, Apache AH-64D heli-copters and STrike ObseRver Mission (STORM). The participating US

Study Visit Down Under In October, a team of Sergeant Majors from our various

formations made a 1-week training visit to Exercise Wallaby in Australia. There, they also visited the Australian Warrant Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer (WONCO) Academy.

Team leader and mentor, SWO Raymond Tan, Division Sergeant Major of 2nd People's Defence Force, said, “With this trip, we hope to show the younger WOSpecs how the 3rd Generation Army works, so that they can understand how the different formations support each other. We want to give them the confidence to progress in their Army career.”

The team was impressed by the professionalism and per-formance of NSFs in the exercises. 2WO Seah Koon Meng, RSM of 1st Transport Battalion, said, “I was impressed by their confidence and proficiency in executing their drills.” MSG O Kah Tat was similarly impressed, “When I came back, I told my NSFs that they have the potential to do so much more. I feel more aware and confident of their capabilities.”

At the WONCO Academy, they learnt about the course cur-riculum and assessment strategy of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). They also shared with the ADF aspects of their WOSpecs training. It was an indeed a fruitful visit as SWO Tan commented, “I can sense the professionalism of their war-rant officers who share the same fundamental values as us. We hope to establish a rapport of cross-learning and shar-ing, maybe soldiers from both sides attending each other's courses.” The Australians, in turn, were impressed by the evolving partnership that SAF WOSpecs share with the Officer Corps, and the trust placed by the organisation on them.

The visit provided a rich and meaningful experience for the team as summed up by 2WO Seah, “This trip has put me in a better position to engage my men. I will take the lessons I’ve learnt and share them with my guys back in camp.”

Meeting of Sergeant Majors

The inaugural ASEAN Sergeant Major Annual Meeting (ASNMAM) held in West Java by the Indonesian Army from 25 to 28 October reflected the progress of the Warrant Officer Corps within the SAF and neighbouring armies. This annual gathering of Sergeant Majors will enable them to share and discuss their roles and challenges.

Led by SWO Ng Siak Ping, Division Sergeant Major 3rd

Singapore Division, the SAF delegation gave presentations, which included their Four Key Thrusts, junior leadership devel-opment, and fostering of relationships among the various ranks. These were warmly received as evident by the many questions posed by their foreign counterparts. In particular, they were impressed by the openness of the partnership between the SAF officers and WOSpecs. SWO Ng said, “During bilateral exercises they witnessed the officers and us work-ing together, and saw the autonomy entrusted to us. They’re impressed.” Another member of the SAF delegation, SWO Devendran, formation SM for HQ Supply, added, “People are always engaging us to find out more about our Army. I can’t help but feel proud."

Another SAF's contribution to ASNMAM was in the set-ting up of an ASNMAM Facebook page which serves as an invaluable tool in fostering friendships among the various del-egates. SWO Ng explained, “The Facebook page has helped

to promote communication with each other. We’re getting to know the various Sergeant Majors as individuals.” In sum-ming up ASNMAM, SWO Ng said, “It was a great success as we were able to give generously and learn extensively. We look forward to attending next year’s ASNMAM which will be held in Brunei.”

Learning from the Kiwis

1WO Collin Tang Seng Chye, RSM of 11 C4I BN, attended the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Joint Warrant Officer’s Advanced Course (JWOAC) conducted by the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College (NZDF CSC) in Trentham Millitary Camp, Wellington from 1 August to 9 September. The 6-week course, which trains par-ticipants for senior advisory

positions, gave 1WO Tang an in-depth understanding of NZDF as a dynamic force and the challenges it faces. It was very useful to 1WO Tang as he explained, “The SAF and NZDF face many similar challenges. Both forces stand to gain much from learning from each other. For example, there was a discussion on how the NZDF has re-organised its forces. The NZDF also had several take-aways from my sharing on the management of our NSmen.”

1WO Tang was impressed by his NZDF counterparts' profi-ciency in force preparation and management of soldiers. “As subject matter experts, it is easy for us to be pigeon-holed in our respective professional knowledge. We must also try to expand our horizon and be aware of the world developing around us. As NZDF maintains a very high operational tempo, their warrant officers are very world-wise, experienced, and show great maturity even among the junior ones. We can definitely learn from them."

Prime Feature Prime Feature

WOSpecs Going PlacesProfessional Development and Growth

www.mindef.gov.sg/armypulse of our army

Story by Wee Hong Shin

Photography by Vishnu Prem &

Wee Hong Shin

Today's Warrant Officers and Specialists (WOSpecs) are entrusted with important respon-sibilities that go beyond enforcing regimentation and discipline. As guardian of soldiering fundamentals, they are master trainers and commanders. In believing that “Every Soldier is a Leader”, our Army provides various opportunities for the WOSpecs to develop them-selves professionally through training, overseas exercises and interaction.

The study team posing on top of a Leopard Main Battle Tank during their visit to Exercise Wallaby

The visit to WONCO reflects the warm ties between the SAF and ADF

The inaugural ASNMAM provided a good opportunity for the participants to share on their professional roles and challenges

Exercise Daring Warrior 2011Honing our HIMARS Capability with the US Army

1WO Tang (fifth from right) on board an NZDF ship during the JWOAC study tour

The Singapore delegation to ASNMAM

BG Lim, flanked by MG Halverson (to his right) and Chief of Artillery, COL Tan Chong Lee (to his left) in a group photograph with the HIMARS crew and trainers

A joint meeting between US and SAF to share and discuss respective procedures and processes prior to the live-firing exercise

US and SAF HIMARS battery commanders discussing the ground operations

Simulator training was also conducted in Fort Sill as part of the prep training prior to the actual live-firing

An impressive sight of a HIMARS live-firing in the rain

The live-firing of the HIMARS is an awesome sight

HIMARS in convoy movement

BG Lim interacting with the US troops, accompanied by MG Halverson (behind)

HIMARS crew preparing the fire mission orders inside the platoon command post

Story and photographs contributed by HQ Artillery

1WO C ollin Tang Seng Chye

Issue No. 193 54 November 2011

armynewswww.mindef.gov.sg/army

pulse of our army

S LTC ( N S ) A b u B a k a r, Commander 27th Singapore Infantry Brigade, agreed that P300 is an excellent initiative, “In the past, we did not have P300. Today, NS commanders have var-ious communication channels. It is very important that we are kept well-informed so that we can com-municate clearly to the people under our command.”

MAJ Choo Weng Nam from SAF Military Police Command appre-ciated the engagement value of P300, “The Army is putting a lot of emphasis on leadership, one of the critical areas that we have identi-fied. With the leaders moving in the same direction, we can bring the Army to new heights. P300 gets the commanders to be on the same page, which facilitates better articu-lation of policies and changes in the Army to the ground.”

SWO Raymond Tan, Division Sergeant Major 2nd People's Defence Force, shared, “I think P300 is a very good platform to engage commanders, especially NS com-manders. It is a good opportu-nity to let them know the Army is nothing without its people, as well as to update them on key issues and hardware development. Most importantly, it brings the com-manders together to build cohe-sion and common understanding.”

4 AUGUST 2011

armynewswww.mindef.gov.sg/army

pulse of our army Features

4 November 2011

Around Our Army

Story by Glen Choo / Photography by Matthew Tan

Exercise Semangat Bersatu 2011Strengthening Ties with MAF Story by Ling Wei Chao / Photography by Vishnu Prem & Ling Wei Chao

On 8 November, 27 senior commanders, including Chief of Army (COA) MG Ravinder Singh, gathered at Pasir Laba Camp for their Army Leadership Planning Seminar. Before getting down to serious business, the group engaged in a team-building activity by trying out the Vocational Obstacle Course (VOC) at Pasir Laba Camp.

The early morning sky opened up and began to pour heavily as the group warmed up for the VOC tailored to the requirements for Infantrymen. In their Skeletal Battle Order (SBO) 3, the senior com-manders completed their 1-kilometre fast march before entering the combat obstacles with relish. The final stretch included a 300-metre casualty evacuation. The rain was no deterrence and in high spirits, they achieved what they set out to do, leading by example so that they can better empathise with the ground soldiers.

The VOC was announced in September 2010 to strengthen combat fitness training in the Army. It requires soldiers and their commanders to train as a team, with their vocation-specific equip-

ment, to meet vocational objectives. This replaced the previous “one-size fits all” approach, and included the Vocational Related Exercises (VRE). The VRE comprises a set of exercises designed and custom-ised to the unique operational requirements of each vocation, targeting various muscle groups to strengthen specific areas that are more pertinent for accomplishing various combat tasks based on vocational demands.

The senior commanders found their experience useful and enlightening. COA said, “This obstacle course is tailored to the type of terrain we are going to operate in, basically urban operations. The course is very well-designed, and it challenges the soldiers with different aspects of Army operations.” He added, “Doing this as a team or section is also an opportunity for the members to harness each other's strengths, so that they can build a stronger

Army Leadership Experiences VOC

team together.” Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Training), COL Ng Wai Kit, concurred, “VOC is about team work. We don't complete individually, we complete as a team. Knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses is important to strategise how we want to complete this course.”

Besides being physically challenging, the VOC is also men-tally-demanding. COL Chia Choon Hoong, Commander, 9th

Singapore Division/Chief Infantry Officer, shared his experi-ence, “I had to overcome my initial apprehension. The timing for completing the course is tight and the obstacles appear high. Furthermore, it was raining. However, we did it with teamwork. When we work together as a team, we can scale great heights.”

Story by Shawn Tay / Photography by Vishnu Prem

Another group of senior commanders completing their VOC challenge with a sprint

Senior commanders clearing the Terrace, one of the seven new stations in the combat obstacles

COA (centre) and his team, which included SMA SWO Tang Peck Oon (right), racing to the finishing line while executing a 300-m casualty evacuation

COA (centre) leading the senior commanders into the combat obstacles after their 1-km fast march

This year's Project 300 (P300) event was held on 5 November at the Leaders' Hall at Pasir Laba Camp. An Army engagement initia-tive launched in 2009 by LG Neo Kian Hong, who was then Chief of Army (COA), this annual event provides an avenue for Army commanders to be updated on pertinent issues and challenges

facing our Army. The accompanying dialogue session chaired by Army Leadership also allowed participants to air their views and seek clarifications.

Just like the Spartan warriors in the movie “300”, those present that Saturday morning represent the driving force of our Army, who will not only command and lead, but also communicate to and engage the ground on the key challenges faced. The issues dis-cussed and presented this year included our Army's revised vision and an update on NS matters. To lend visual and feel, a static capa-bility display featuring various weapons and platforms, including the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and Leopard Main Battle Tank, was also held on the parade square outside the Leaders' Hall.

In his opening address, COA, MG Ravinder Singh reiterated, “In our Army, leadership is everything. It is leadership that allows the Army to energise, engage and direct our soldiers to achieve our mission.” COA also reminded the participants of their responsibil-ity as leaders, “We, as leaders of the Army, cannot take things for granted. We must continue to do all that is necessary to ensure that our Army remains ready in peace, decisive in war and respected by all.”

“In our Army, leadership is everything. It is leadership that allows the Army to ener-gise, to engage and direct our soldiers to achieve our mission.”

Chief of Army, MG Ravinder Singh

Chief of Army (COA) MG Ravinder Singh and his Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) counterpart, General Datuk Haji Zulkifli bin Haji Zainal Abidin, jointly officiated the closing ceremony of Exercise Semangat Bersatu 2011 on 21 November, follow-ing its successful completion with a battalion full-troop exer-cise.

Held from 15 to 21 November in Singapore, the 6-day exer-cise involved nearly 400 servicemen from the 4th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (4 SIR) and 1st Royal Malay Regiment (1 RMR). In his closing address, General Datuk Haji Zulkifli bin Haji Zainal Abidin said, “MAF has benefited a lot through the mutual exchanges we had with the Singapore Army. I would like to thank the Singapore Army for organ-ising this splendid exercise.” Over the six days, both sides conducted professional exchanges and interactions which culminated in a full-troop urban operations exercise.

“I am impressed by the NSF commanders who, with just two years of training, can execute the tasks at hand so pro-fessionally,” said Mejar Amriza bin Mohd Ashhari, Officer Commanding Bravo Coy, 1 RMR.

CPT Edwin Chua, Platoon Commander Bravo Coy, 4 SIR commented, “During the urban operations and cross train-ing, we did a couple of combined room clearing with our

MAF counterparts. It is a great learning experience to see how they conduct their urban drills.”

First conducted in 1989, this year's annual bilateral exercise is the 17th held between the two armies. The exercise provided an excellent opportunity for both sides to strengthen their profes-sional interactions and enhance mutual understanding among their personnel. The success of Exercise Semangat Bersatu 2011 underscored the warm and long-standing defence relations enjoyed between the Singapore and Malaysian Armies.

Participants from both armies worked closely to successfully overcome the urban operations obstacles

MG Ravinder (third from left) discussing the exercise's finer points with General Datuk Haji Zulkifli bin Haji Zainal Abidin (to his left)

Both armies have benefited through mutual exchange of professional knowledge and culture

At the closing ceremony, LTC Chua Jin Kiat, Commanding Officer 4 SIR (right) handed the MAF Company Standard back to LTC Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Bin Tengku Ibra-

him, Commanding Officer 1 RMR

The dialogue session, led by COA, was fruitful and engaging

Army Shooters on Target at 21st AARM Story by Jonathan Chan /Photos contributed by AARM Team

At the 21st ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM) organised by the Indonesian Armed Forces in Cilodong, Indonesia, the SAF Shooting Contingent had once again done our Army proud. During this event held from 6 to 30 October, our 52-member team won the Pistol Men Overall Individual Champion and the Pistol Ladies Overall Individual Champion trophies along with four Gold, three Silver and Seven Bronze medals.

Chief of Army, MG Ravinder Singh, who visited our team at AARM, shared, “Every year, our soldiers compete with determi-nation and confidence in this prestigious event, bearing proof of the perseverance, discipline, enthusiasm and hard work that has been put in to perfect their shooting. I am confident that AARM will continue to play an important role in bringing our armies together, building enduring friendships.”

The SAF team's achievement underscores a prevalent support-ive shooting culture. Although she was crowned Pistol Ladies Overall Individual Champion, SSG Rachel Liaw Tzer Chin, was quick to credit her team members, “To me, the team dynamic is a very important element for the team's success. The Pistol Ladies team had great chemistry which was manifested in fruitful trainings, contributing to our achievement in AARM.”

The triumph also bore testimony to the team members' charac-ter. 2WO On Shaw Ming, Pistol Men Overall Individual Champion, explained how he stays on top of his game, “I'm not surprised to find AARM becoming increasingly more competitive. Competition scores and intensity climb in tandem with competitors' profi-

ciency over the past year. As with other years, my biggest edge has always been my 'mental skills'. I know shoot-ers out there who can shoot better than me but it is the mental tenacity that makes a difference in a competition.”

This year, a handful of privileged NSFs also ben-efited from the exposure and training of AARM. One of them, CPL Leow Peng Hong, shared, “Shooting

has always been a fundamental soldiering skill. As distin-guished shooters in the Army, we have undergone inten-sive trainings for various shooting categories. Each has its own difficulties and much coaching had been catered to us. Representing our formation and country was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for NSFs like us.”

A SAF shooter displaying intense concentration during the pistol event SSG Rachel (left) and 2WO On won the Pistol Overall Individual Championships for

the SAF

Issue No. 194 5

P300 Communication and Engagement

The contributions of our SAF personnel in Afghanistan were certainly substantial and well-appreciated by their ISAF counterparts. Commander of Combined Team–Uruzgan (CT-U), COL Robert Akam agreed. During a ceremony to mark the transition of authority from IAT4 to IAT5, COL Akam commended the good work of our troops. He said, “I look back fondly at what a great example you have shown for other members of CT-U.” He added, “You should hold your heads high as the jobs you have done and your role in the CT–U headquarters have contributed well beyond what most nations could strive to achieve.”

In late October, Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, and senior command-ers, including Chief of Army (COA), MG Ravinder Singh, visited our troops in Afghanistan to see first-hand their work and also to better understand their roles in the ISAF. Having met the troops, Dr Ng shared, “I interacted with base commanders as well as their counterparts from the Australian Defence Force and the US, and I must say that there is high regard for how professional our SAF soldiers are.” He also added, “I think this has been very good for us in terms of our ability to contribute as well as our own using this opportunity to professionalise ourselves, to learn various aspects and operating others' best practices. This has been a good trip and I am very proud of our SAF troops.”

COA also believes that our involvement in Afghanistan has brought value to both the coalition and the SAF. He said, “Our teams have all done well and have learned a lot from the experience and I believe they will bring back with them experiences and knowledge that will be useful to the SAF. We will continue to do what we can to be a useful member of the coalition to make a contribution that will be valued and useful in establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan.”

SAF Servicemen Honoured for Overseas Contributions

Family and friends waited eagerly at Changi Airport Terminal 3 arrival hall on 28 October, some carrying “Welcome Back” banners. There was much rejoicing when their loved ones finally emerged - Army servicemen from the Medical Team, Military Institutional Trainer Team and Imagery Analysis Team who had proudly represented Singapore in Afghanistan. The 20 returning servicemen were also met by the Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Operations), BG Chan Wing Kai. Congratulating them on a job well done, he presented them with certificates of appreciation for their effort.

Ms Lavania Rogers, spouse of ME4 Jiva Ananthan, a Nursing Officer in the medical team, said, “Generally when you hear about being deployed to Afghanistan, there's a certain fear, but now that he's back safe and sound, I'm very proud of him for represent-ing Singapore.” Mdm Chan Lai Peng, wife of CPT Teo Wei Che from the Imagery Analysis Team, shared Ms Rogers' sentiments, “I was initially worried and apprehensive when I heard my husband was to be deployed to Afghanistan. But the SAF helped to allay my fears and concerns with a comprehensive brief on the situation and I was assured by regular contacts with my husband while he was there. Eventually I grew to share his

pride in serving and representing his country internationally. It has always been his dream. Now, I am just glad to have him home safe again.”

For the servicemen, it was a fulfilling and enriching experience. COL Wong Yu Han, the returning National Contingent Commander, shared, “We had roles in niche areas in Afghanistan which allowed us to maintain the security of the country and build up their defence capabilities working hand in hand with our coalition partners." CPT Teo elaborated, “In Afghanistan, I felt I was performing a dual role. While I was there to help in the reconstruction efforts, I was also representing Singapore on the international stage. When a linguist told me that he was very grateful to us for helping his country get through this difficult period, I knew we had fulfilled both roles which felt very satisfying.”

For ME4 Jiva, his greatest challenge was also his greatest takeaway, “In Singapore we are trained to handle combat injuries, war wounds and trauma but we have never seen or dealt with them first-hand. Our deployment to Afghanistan gave us this opportunity to hone our skills.” MAJ (DR) Soh Teck Hwee, a Medical Officer, added, “The deployment imparted a sense of mission and a sense of realism to our work. It brings home the message that war is real and we must prepare for it.”

Story by Glen Choo and Jonathan Chan

Photography by Tay Jiun Teng & Vishnu PremContributed by OBR servicemen and SAF Film Unit

In a ceremony held at Pasir Laba Camp on 18 November, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the Overseas Service Medal (OSM) to 56 SAF personnel in recogni-tion of their contributions to the SAF's overseas operations. Of these, 54 personnel had served in Afghanistan.

The OSM recipients who served in Afghanistan included members of the National Command Element deployed in Kabul from April to October 2011 to provide in-theatre command and control and operational support for the deployed SAF personnel, a 10-man team of Military Institutional Trainers (MITs) that helped to build the Afghan National Army's artillery capability, and two 6-man Imagery Analysis Teams (IATs) deployed in Oruzgan province to augment the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)'s sur-veillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Medals were also awarded to the two 13-man SAF medical teams deployed to the field hospital in Tarin Kowt.

In his speech, Dr Ng said, “Singapore's contributions to these missions reflect our com-mitment as a responsible member of the international community, whether it is through the collective efforts for the global fight against terrorism or doing our part to bring peace and stability to troubled regions.”

1WO Desmond Tan, a member of the MIT team, shared, “I feel very honoured to be awarded the medal. However, I personally believe it is not about the medal, it is about the personal touch we bring and what we contribute to the international community when we go for overseas deployments.”

ME4 See Yen Ling, a member of the medical team had to make considerable personal sacrifices to realise her desire of serving in Afghanistan – a testament to her job dedica-tion and commitment. She revealed, “I decided to postpone my wedding because I really wanted to experience what it was like to work as a medical professional in a war zone. My husband was very supportive; he sent me care parcels and we kept in touch through the Internet.” For her exemplary commitments, she received the Bar to the OSM – given to personnel who have already been awarded the OSM.

Supporting Peace and Reconstruction in Afghanistan

Welcome Home!BG Chan interacting with the returned troops

Dr Ng interacting with OSM recipients

MSG Billy Lim pinning on his OSM with help from a loved one

ME4 Jiva is glad to see his loved ones again

COL Wong Yu Han

8 November 2011

armynewswww.mindef.gov.sg/army

pulse of our army

One distinguished NSCSC graduand is 38-year-old CPT (NS) Kenneth Phua, who had volunteered to serve beyond his 10-year NS cycle. Revealing the sacrifices he had to make for the course, he said, “I have to be very discipline in my time management. Inevitably, I had to forgo a lot of my personal time during this period for my family and work commitment.” CPT (NS) Phua, we salute you!

Singapore Command and Staff College (SCSC) was renamed the GKS CSC in honour of Singapore's first Minister for Defence, the late Dr Goh Keng Swee. In his speech, Dr Ng encouraged the graduands when he said, “I ask that you bring honour to that memory by building up the SAF through your leadership.”

Dr Ng also spoke on the various transnational challenges faced by the SAF, and exhorted the graduands, “Our officers will need to be more sensitive politically and be media-savvy. They must possess cultural adeptness and the ability to build trust and confidence with their counterparts from other armed forces, national security and civil agencies, as well as non-government organisations.”

MAJ Chew Ann Boon, the top Army graduand, shared, "This is the most enriching course that I had attended so far, in terms of broadening my horizon in national security and regional issues. The course had given me the skills to further contribute to the organisation."

The Combined 42nd Command and Staff Course (CSC) and 12th National Service Command and Staff Course (NSCSC) Graduation Ceremony was held at the Istana on 31 October. Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, presented certificates to 151 graduands, which included 107 regulars and 28 NSmen. The other graduands were one officer from the Singapore Police Force and 15 from 12 countries, namely Australia, Brunei, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, the United States and Vietnam.

This combined CSC and NSCSC graduation cere-mony was also the first to be held by the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College (GKS CSC). In February this year, the previous

Our People

Army Team Clinches Defence Technology Prize Story by Glen Choo / Photographs by Vishnu Prem

This year the Maintenance and Engineering Support (MES) formation won the MINDEF's prestigious Defence Technology Prize (DTP) - the first time ever that an Army-led team had won the award. The annual DTP awards, presented by the Minister for Defence, recognise outstanding contributions in defence science and technology that have enhanced Singapore's defence capability.

Dr Ng Eng Hen commended the recipients, “These men and women work quietly behind the scenes, pushing the boundaries of science and technology so that the SAF can continue to keep combat systems and platforms at the cut-ting-edge.”

During the presentation ceremony held on 28 October at Biopolis, the winning team of 14 MES Army Engineers led by ME6 Chow Wai Yein, together with Mr Lim Chuan Teck from Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA), received the

DTP Team (Engineering) Award. The team had worked on the Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) during its deployment in Afghanistan, the first Operations and Support (O&S) engi-neering project to win a DTP award.

Team member ME3 Chen Kee Wui shared, “I speak for the team when I say that we feel very honoured as this is the highest accolade that an O&S team can receive.” Echoing the sentiment, ME3 Hideki Tey said, “We are exhilarated to have won the DTP. It is a true testament to and recognition of the engineering efforts and initiatives put in by the team throughout the long 15 months.”

The team encountered numerous challenges during the WLR deployment as ME3 Tey revealed, “We faced extreme climate there. Not only is the air dry, temperatures can reach 45º Celsius in summer and minus 10º Celsius in winter. This took a toll on both man and machine. We had to constantly

watch out for overheating during the mission as this could lead to an equipment shut down.”

ME6 Chow spoke about the team's success factors, “We have been prepar-ing ourselves through our own training. During over-seas training like Exercise Wallaby, we ensure that all the equipment are service-

able. It is such training and experiences that made us think-ing and learning soldiers, capable of performing under stressful situations.”

Army News salutes the MES team for their achievements.

The MES-led WLR team is proud to have won the DTP

ME6 Chow (second from right) and Mr Lim (second from left) posing for a group shot with Chief Defence Scientist, Mr Quek Tong Boon (left) and Minister for

Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen

ME3 Hideki Tey (left) and ME2 Ryan Goh (centre) presenting their project to Dr Ng

ME6 Chow presenting on the WLR project

GKS CSC Produces First Batch of Graduands Story by Shawn Tay /Photography by Matthew Tan and Wee Hong Shin

“My heart desires to serve as long as I'm able and capa-ble of fulfilling my duty, until the SAF thinks I'm no longer able to continue.” He added, “At the end of my 10-year cycle, I asked myself if this country is worth defending. The answer is a definite yes.”

- CPT (NS) Kenneth CPT (NS) Kenneth Phua, one of the Distinguished NSCSC Graduands Dr Ng, with SAF senior commanders, posing for a group shot with the international students and their spouses

Top Army graduand, MAJ Chew Ann Boon, receiving his award from Dr Ng

COA interacting with the graduands

Fitness Specialist 3SG Leonel Chan (right) explaining the Integrated Health and Fitness Measure System report to Mr Wong, while Chief of Army, MG Ravinder

Singh(behind) looks on

Issue No. 194 9

Our People

MOS Opens Kranji Fitness Conditioning Centre Story by Shawn Tay / Photos by Shawn Tay and Wee Hong Shin

"MINDEF will continue to find ways to support our NSmen in meeting their NS requirements as well as to recognise their important contributions to our nation's defence," said Minister of State for Defence and Education, Mr Lawrence Wong at the opening of Kranji Fitness Conditioning Centre (FCC).

On 3 November, Mr Wong officiated the opening of Kranji FCC at Kranji Camp 2. This new centre will enable Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (ORNSmen) who work or live in north-western Singapore to conveniently take their Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), IPPT Preparatory Training (IPT) and Remedial Training. This opening also marked the completion of the 15th recommenda-tion made by MINDEF's Fifth Committee to Recognise the Contribution of Operational Ready National

The new Kranji FCC is well-equipped with many modern fitness machines

Mr Wong interacted with several NSmen who training for their IPPT in Kranji FCC

ETI Restructured for Future ChallengesSWO Lee Yong Yiang4th Warrant Officer to Assume CO Appointment

The restructuring of ETI was also accompanied by the re-pro-filing of its warrant officers to further harness their capabilities and deep expertise – as exemplified by the appointment of SWO Lee Yong Yiang to helm the newly established EVTS. SWO Lee is the fourth warrant officer in the Army to take command of a training school.

He shared, “Today, I am reaping the fruits of the seeds sown by many distinguished warrant officers who have come before me. Increasingly, more warrant officers are assuming command appointments, a testament to our leadership capabilities and the trust that Army leadership has in us. I look forward to the new chal-lenges brought by the establishment of EVTS. This is an exciting time to be part of the Warrant Officer Corps.”

As SWO Lee braces himself for his new roles, he reflected, “My main objective is to forge an identity and foster a productive open learning culture for the school. I will galvanise my team of quality trainers and subject matter experts and unite them with a com-mon vision and mission.”

SWO Lee is ready for his job, “Training such as the recent Army Warrant Officer Leadership Development Programme, plus my years of experiences, have given me the tools, skill sets and con-fidence to face my challenges head on.” He added, “This is also a partnership with many experienced officers who can help and share their knowledge with me. I am appreciative of support and understanding from my Chief Engineer Officer, COL Alvin Kek and Commander ETI, COL Lam Chee Yuong.”

On the battlefield, they support our Army by facilitating its mobility while impeding the enemy through counter-mobility. But during peace-time, the Engineer formation faces another challenge – transforming for the future. On 1 November, the Engineering Training Institute (ETI) was restructured to ensure that it continues to produce voca-tionalists and leaders who are positive, confident and adap-tive.

Previously, ETI comprised only the Advanced Training Centre and Basic Training Centre. Today, it includes two training schools and four training centres. The Engineer

SWO Lee (right) wasted no time in engaging soldiers on the ground during their training

Servicemen to Total Defence (RECORD V). Eighteen recommendations were made by RECORD V, which was convened in 2009.

After the opening ceremony, Mr Wong toured the facilities and tried some of the new equipment and was impressed. "There're gym facilities, training facili-ties, and also a machine here that allows you to mea-sure and give yourself a diagnosis about what you can do to improve," said Mr Wong.

CPL (NS) Mohamed Faizal, who lives in Woodlands, was pleased with the opening of Kranji FCC as it will save him about half an hour in travelling time. He said, "Kranji FCC is much nearer to my home. It will be more convenient now for me to take my IPPT."

Commander Training School (ECTS) and Engineer Vocational Training School (EVTS) train commanders and vocationalists respectively while the four training centres anchor integrated training, currency, evaluation and exercises.

Commander ETI, COL Lam Chee Yuong, elaborated, “ETI has come a long way since its establishment in 2005. Credit must go to our predecessors who had paved the path to bring us to where we are today. We must constantly harness advanced technology and manage paradigm shifts in the attitudes, apti-tudes and aspirations of our younger generation in regular and National Service.”

These machines automatically count the number of sit-ups performed

Story by Jonathan Chan/ Photos contributed by ETI

10 November 2011 Issue No. 194 11

armynewswww.mindef.gov.sg/army

pulse of our army Features Features & NoticesEditorial Board

COL Ang HengCOL Kenneth LiowCOL Bernard LimCOL Simon Lim

COL Lee Ngian SangCOL Tan Kan Whye

LTC De Silva Joe RoneshLTC Ng Chong Meng

LTC (VOL) James SureshCPT (NS) Terence Tan

CPT (NS) Sebastian SimSWO Tang Peck Oon Mr Goh Eck Kheng

Mr Ku Kay Mok

APPOINTMENT INCOMING OUTGOINGPassing On The Baton

News Crew

Editor Tan Wee MengAssistant Editor Ng Han LiangStaff Writers Glen Choo Jonathan Chan Jared Yeo Lester Wong Ling Weichao Shawn TayPhotographers Benjamin Loke Matthew Tan Tay Jiun Teng Wee Hong Shin Vishnu Prem Goh Wei KiatGraphic Designer Wee Lian HongCirculation Wong Ding Jie

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.

Visit us online!You may log on to Army News on the internet athttp://www.mindef.gov.sg/army

Have something you wish to share with us?If you have any articles to contribute or suggestions about our newsletter, contact us at : armynews@starnet.gov.sg

ARMY NEWS (Suggestions and Feedback)303 Gombak Drive, #03-01 MINDEF Building, Singapore 669645 Tel : 6427 0460 Fax : 6427 0640

COMMANDANT, GOH KENG SWEE COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE COL NG WAI KIT COL NG KIN YI

September / Issue 192 WinnersSeptember/ Issue 192 Quiz Answers

Winners are to contact Army News at 6427 0642 for collection of prizes.

Quiz Of The Month - November / Issue 194

CO 9 SIR MAJ ANG CHOON KIAT LTC NEO YEW TECK

1) MSG(NS) NGE AIK SIN NRIC: SXXXX917A2) OCT ANG QIU XIANG NRIC: SXXXX212H3) 3SG HUANG RENYONG NRIC: SXXXX648E4) CPL(NS)CHEW ENG KIAT NRIC: SXXXX764H5) 2LT GEEVA GOPAL NRIC: SXXXX618G

Answers:1. LEADERSHIP2. BATTLEFIELD3. KRANJI4. GARDENS5. FOCUSED6. LEADERS

Send us the correct answer and win a pair of Golden Village movie vouchers. There will be 5 winners!

Closing Date : 6 January 2012

1. This contest is open to all Army personnel except the executive staff of Army News Section. 2. Each person is allowed one entry. 3. Prizes are not exchangeable for cash. Winners can either collect their prizes from Army News or arrange for mail delivery.4. The judges’ decision is final. Please send us your entries via mail or email us at armynews@starnet.gov.sg.5. Prizes not collected within a month of notification will be forfeited.

Across

2. The professional exchanges and interactions in Exercise Semangat Bersatu 2011culminated in a full-troop ______ operations exercise.

3. The SAF Shooting Contingent's achievement at the 21st AARM underscores a prevalent supportive shooting _______

5. This year, a team from MES won the Defence _______ Prize

6. The restructured Engineer Training Institute aims to produce vocationalists and leaders who are positive, confident and _______

Down

1. Besides raising the Transport Operators' driving skills, the Cross-Country Driving Circuit also helps to increase their driving _______

4. The achievements of the SAF deployments in Afghanistan have helped Singapore to contribute significantly on the _______ stage

Rank / Name:

Unit: E-mail:

NRIC: Contact No.:

CO DIVISION ENGINEER TRAINING CENTRE, ETI LTC NG BOON TECK - CO ENGINEER STAFF TRAINING CENTRE, ETI LTC CHAN WYE KEONG - CO ENGINEER COMMANDERS TRAINING SCHOOL,ETI LTC PECK KONG WAH

CO CETC, HQ CBRE DG LTC LIM KOK LEONG CO BRIDGING ENGINEER TRAINING CENTRE, HQ ARMCEG LTC PETER VAUGHAN BARNETT

CO 6 AMB ME5 SIMA RAI ME6 TAN BOON HONGCO 769 SIR MAJ(NS) PUAH KOK KEONG LTC(NS) THOMAS LIOWCO 692 SIR MAJ(NS) CHOY CHAN HONGCO 747 GDS MAJ(NS) CHUA LIAN GEE LTC PETER TAN CO ENGINEER VOCATION TRAINING SCHOOL, ETI SWO LEE YONG YIANGHUB SM/ OPS WO, SUPPLY HUB (WEST) 1WO ANG CHIN PENG 1WO PATHMANABAN S/O V PITCHAYIA

HUB SM/ OPS WO, SUPPLY HUB (EAST) 1WO CHIA KOK LEONG 1WO ER SAM HOCK RSM TRANSPORT CENTRE (NORTH)/ 1 SAF TPT BN 2WO SEAH KOON MENG 1WO JASURAJENDRAN S/O SINNATHAMBY RSM TRANSPORT CENTRE (EAST) 2WO POH CHEE CHEN 1WO LUM YEW SINGRSM 38 SCE 2WO LAM CHUN CHOY 1WO CHEW LIT CHEERSM 720 SIR 2WO(NS) LOW CHAN YONG

RSM 789 SIR 3WO(NS) NG CHUN SIONGRSM 92 CSSB MSG(VOL) ZAINAL BIN YUSOFF 1WO(VOL)FOO SACK RSM 435 SAR MSG(NS) LEOW HOW KIAT

Transport Operators play an impor-tant role in today's 3rd Generation SAF. At the opening ceremony of the SAF Cross-Country Driving Circuit (CCDC) on 25 November, Chief of Army (COA), MG Ravinder Singh, said, “Our Operators have to drive in difficult and challenging terrain during operations. At the same time, they have to man their vehicle well in complex environments and also ensure the safety of the soldiers and their equipment.”

Importance of Cross-Country Driving Skills

Cross-country driv-ing is a core opera-tional skill for Transport Operators and they must learn it well. ME5 Ling Choon Teck, as Officer-in-Command f r o m T r a n s p o r t Training Wing, Supply Transport Centre (STC), elaborated, “Tranport Operators are accus-tomed to driving in Singapore's highly urbanised environment. Thus, they may not have the nec-essary driving techniques to operate under different condi-tions. Cross-country driving teaches them to drive in vari-ous terrain conditions and incorporates different driving techniques to overcome them by using the off-road driving capabilities of their vehicle.”

The CCDC located in Mandai will help to raise the Transport Operators' cross-country driving skills. It is the first ever pur-posefully-designed and constructed cross-country driving circuit in Singapore. ME5 Ling explained, “One of the reasons for building the CCDC is to centralise all the various obstacle courses. Previously, trainees had to travel to several differ-

ent locations to train on each obstacle. The extra travelling and administration incurred "ate" into training time. In locating all the different obstacles in a single location, we maximise the trainees' time and learning.”

Building confidence

While the CCDC will help to raise driving skills among the Transport Operators, equally important is the impact on their confidence level. PTE Li Shu, a Transport Leader trainee from STC who is currently undergoing training at the CCDC, commented, “I can familiarise myself with the various vehicles and learn how to handle different situations like crossing a riverbed or going up a steep slope. All these help to increase my driving confidence which will be very important later when I get posted to a unit or have to go for overseas training in places like Australia." Meeting the needs of the SAF

Designing a complex circuit like the CCDC required careful planning and plenty of inputs from the users. The task fell upon 64-year-old Mr Kanapahty Kanaayah, who only retired from service last year. He shared, “Before designing, we first find out what do the users and operators want for their training. One main consideration was to design a circuit that can fully meet the SAF's requirements as the various formations have different operational and training needs.”

Mr Kanaayah also placed high emphasis on safety. He said, “Each vehicle type has its own off-road capabilities. When design-

ing the course, we have always have some safety buffer, to make sure that we don't over do things.”

Mr Kanaayah identified the Plank Bridge station as the most challenging. He said, “This station teaches the trainee how to maintain balance and properly position his vehicle as he approaches bridges con-structed from narrow planks. The driver

inside a larger vehicle may not be able to see the planks below. He will need to work and communicate closely with the Vehicle Commander, who is outside the vehicle, to guide him through. This requires teamwork and good communication skills.”

At opening ceremony, COA was able to try out some of the stations. He later praised its design, “As I drive through the CCDC today, I find it very representative of some of the ter-rains that we experience in overseas. I find this circuit very purposefully-built and this would ensure the competence and confidence of our operators.”

COA interacting with the STC Transport Leader trainees and impressed upon them the importance of their roles in the Army

2012 marks 45 years of National Service (NS45). To show appreciation to the generations of men and women who have helped to protect our homeland, SAF will launch a campaign with the theme “NS: From Fathers to Sons” to celebrate the contributions of all NSmen, their families and employers. For this, we are collecting materials which include stories, letters, conversations, photographs, videos, and art. These will be published on the NS45 website to be launched in 2012.

Students Visit ATI's Open HouseStory by Ling Wei Chao / Photos contributed by ATI

On 28 October, the Armour Training Institute (ATI) in Sungei Gedong Camp welcomed more than 200 Secondary and Junior College students to its premises. Organised for the first time by ATI, the open house was marked by another first – it was organised entirely by NSFs. The planning and execution was led by LTA Ernest Tan Egk Sze, who was assisted by LTA Cheng Kai Ki.

“We usually don’t have many opportunities to tell people what we do. In ATI, we are trained as instructors. Through this event, we hope to share our National Service experience and our stories on being part of the Armour Family with the students,” said LTA Cheng.

During the open house, the students learnt how tank com-manders are trained using state-of-the-art simulators such as the Armour Gunnery Tactical Simulator (AGTS) and the Leopard Driver Training Simulator (LDTS). Wu Jun Yan, an Evergreen Secondary School student enthused, “Through my experience on the AGTS and LDTS, it looks pretty cool to be a tank commander.” Nur Sarah from HQ NCC, laughed and said, “I have been in the NCC for over three years and this is the first time that I get to see so many armoured vehicles in a camp. The whole experience is wonderful! I didn’t know the space inside a Bionix vehicle is so compact! It is so different from what is shown in the movies.”

In the evening, the students were guests at the Armour Specialist Course (ASC) Graduation Parade. “Through this event, we hope every student finds out what it is like to be an Armour leader in ATI. It is interesting to learn about the various training that our soldiers had to go through before they graduate from our courses,” said LTA Ernest Tan. “Most importantly, the students should enjoy themselves here and take home something memorable about the Armour formation.”

The student visitors are all smiles at the ATI Open House

NCC cadets get up close and personal with the Leopard Main Battle Tank

1 SIR Hosts Students' VisitStory and photography contributed by 1 SIR

On 14 November, the 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) hosted a visit by 160 students and teachers from Bendemeer Secondary School and Jun Yuan Secondary School to Mandai Hill Camp under th e SAF -S ch o o ls Par tn e r ship Programme (SSPP). In his welcome address, Commanding Officer 1 SIR, LTC Yong Yik Fung, reiterated the importance of National Service and the crucial role of every citizen in Total Defence. He said, "Our Army must engage our youth on their role in Total Defence and the SSPP pro-vides an effective platform for male students to understand and prepare themselves mentally and physically for National Service."

The importance of defence message was reinforced through a mock attack by "terrorists", played by 1 SIR soldiers, who burst into the audito-rium to hold the audience captive. In a show of 1SIR's urban operations capabilities, soldiers "stormed" the auditorium to set them "free". Later, the Laser Quest game enabled the students to experience the soldiers' training and challenges. Wearing Integrated Body Armour (IBA), laser sen-sors and equipped with laser-mounted SAR 21 rifles, the students had to battle "terrorists" while providing escort for a "VIP". In 6-man teams, they also carried a loaded stretcher to experience the evacuation of casualties during military operations. An excited Mahmud Hossain from Bendemeer Secondary School said, "The tactics and commands demonstrated by the

sergeants and officers are the most interesting thing I learnt today."The visitors were also treated to an exhibition of Infantry weapons and

equipment, and later toured the 1 SIR Heritage Room. Although only blanks were fired, they were awed by the heavy firepower of the General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG). Mr Lawrence Ng, a Bendemeer Secondary School teacher, was impressed by equipment on display, "I served in the Army 17 years ago and compared to the equipment then, today's ones are sophis-ticated and profes-sional." During lunch, the students sampled combat rations for the f irst time and were pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of the com-bat rations. The pro-gramme ended with a post-activity reflection and dialogue session.

I t was indeed a fruitful day. Jun Yuan S e co n dar y S ch o o l student, John Lim, shared, "After today, I am confident that Singapore is capable and ready to defend itself during a war."

The students were impressed by the fire power of the GPMG

A mock terrorist attack allowed 1 SIR to showcase its urban opera-tions capabilities

SAF Opens New Cross-Country Driving Circuit

Story by Shawn Tay / Photos by Matthrew Tan

Share your special NS moments with us. This project will be launched online in April 2012. If you wish to contrib-ute, simply email your story to NSRB@starnet.gov.sg by 31 January 2012. Top entries stand a chance to win dining vouchers.

Other key events in 2012 will include the NS Showcase/Army Open House 2012 and the NS45 Commemorative Dinner.

Celebrating 45 Years of NS We Need Your Help

Canal Station

Camel Hump

Plank Bridge

Failure on Slope

Mr Kanaayah

NoteThe last special supplement, on the SAF Military Police Command, will be released with the December Issue of Army News

Army Ops Diaries

Watch Army Ops Diaries @ www.mindef.gov.sg/armyMaking of our Army TVC