Thursday, July 8, 2010
Akan Datang: The First Mobile Column
Coming soon on Senang Diri: A former Singapore Armed Forces Armour officer shares his story on the first Mobile Column, how his men felt and the drill he wanted to perform while saluting but didn't get to do so (please see picture below for the hint).
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Welcome Home: RSAF Seahawks
First “stealth” fighters. Now “stealth” helos.
Singapore’s S-70B Seahawks have arrived but you won’t catch word of this in the traditional media.
Plane spotters around the city state have already caught one Seahawk in Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) warpaint. As many as three RSAF Seahawks may already be here. Please click here.
Their arrival marked a milestone for Singapore as Seahawks are a new capability for the RSAF. This makes their presence a newsworthy event, to use journalistic parlance.
During operations, each of the RSAF’s six Seahawks will head to sea aboard a Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Formidable-class stealth frigate (a real capability this time, not a poor pun). Armed with Whitehead anti-submarine torpedoes and a sub-hunting dipping sonar, the Seahawks add to the heavy missile armament of the Navy’s stealth frigate squadron. Seahawks allow RSN Principal Warfare Officers to exploit the long reach of the Harpoons by providing these missiles with updates on targets that lurk over the radar horizon.
Between them, the six Formidable-class ships can defend Singapore's maritime trade routes with more than 100 Harpoon anti-ship missiles – not counting the embarked Aster SAMs. It is also worth reading up about Penguin anti-ship missiles. :-)
Alas, not a word has been released by the defence information management system on Seahawks in Singaporean skies. Not a squeak.
This is similar to the arrival of the “stealth” fighters, the F-15SG Strike Eagles. Days passed before the media circus was held. By then, a historic moment had passed and that night’s television news didn’t even carry the F-15SG news item.
One hopes that the publicity plan at my favourite directorate will promote the Seahawks… eventually.
The value of such publicity will address a nagging - albeit largely unspoken - feeling among the RSAF’s rotary-wing community that a career piloting helicopters is somehow less appealing/rewarding than one with fast jets. Chopper pilots are seen as those who did not make the cut for fast jets.
The RSAF Seahawks naval helos and Apache attack helos are game changers. Some pilot trainees will venture into these war machines by choice, not because they were chopped from fast jets.
In all fairness, the RSAF does try to buff up the appeal of the rotary-wing community.
Advertisements in MRT stations and at bus interchanges attest to this effort.
But how many teenage pilot wannabes will notice the RSAF recruitment posters, especially after a long journey aboard an MRT train plastered with ads for the world’s thinnest condoms? Alas, with that image burnt into their retinas, I think many teenage boys will have other things on their minds when they stagger off the trains.
Against such stiff competition, the RSAF should not discount the wow factor and that special moment when prospective pilot trainees spot a new RSAF fighter jet or naval helicopter.
I am sure many of you have read accounts by pilots who shared what made them decide on a career in military aviation.
For some, that special moment may have taken place at an air show or after a riveting air display by the Black Knights or Flying Tigers (F-5E aerobatics team). In many cases, the pilots were young children and the displays they saw left a lasting impression.
Had word gone out in a media statement that Seahawks have arrived, it would have certainly created a buzz among plane spotters and aviation-minded Singaporeans to look out for these birds.
RSAF fans: European plane spotters cram the short finals flight path at a French airbase to welcome RSAF F-16D+ during the recent Exercise Garuda in June 2010. This is a sight you're unlikely to see in Singapore as plane spotting is barely tolerated outside RSAF airbases.
Among this lot are that handful of pilot candidates the RSAF is looking for.
By failing to do so, the Defence Ministry's Public Affairs (PAFF) directorate has essentially surrendered the initiative in defence information management to netizens and social media.
Plane spotters thus become de facto spokespersons when they relate when and where they saw the Seahawks. They may not always get their observations correct and may not propagate the image that the RSAF/RSN would like Singaporeans to hear. This means PAFF must play catch up when its version of events is released.
By the time PAFF creaks into action, the Seahawk announcement would rank as old news *yawns* and a golden PR opportunity becomes a lost PR event.
Singapore’s S-70B Seahawks have arrived but you won’t catch word of this in the traditional media.
Plane spotters around the city state have already caught one Seahawk in Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) warpaint. As many as three RSAF Seahawks may already be here. Please click here.
Their arrival marked a milestone for Singapore as Seahawks are a new capability for the RSAF. This makes their presence a newsworthy event, to use journalistic parlance.
During operations, each of the RSAF’s six Seahawks will head to sea aboard a Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Formidable-class stealth frigate (a real capability this time, not a poor pun). Armed with Whitehead anti-submarine torpedoes and a sub-hunting dipping sonar, the Seahawks add to the heavy missile armament of the Navy’s stealth frigate squadron. Seahawks allow RSN Principal Warfare Officers to exploit the long reach of the Harpoons by providing these missiles with updates on targets that lurk over the radar horizon.
Between them, the six Formidable-class ships can defend Singapore's maritime trade routes with more than 100 Harpoon anti-ship missiles – not counting the embarked Aster SAMs. It is also worth reading up about Penguin anti-ship missiles. :-)
Alas, not a word has been released by the defence information management system on Seahawks in Singaporean skies. Not a squeak.
This is similar to the arrival of the “stealth” fighters, the F-15SG Strike Eagles. Days passed before the media circus was held. By then, a historic moment had passed and that night’s television news didn’t even carry the F-15SG news item.
One hopes that the publicity plan at my favourite directorate will promote the Seahawks… eventually.
The value of such publicity will address a nagging - albeit largely unspoken - feeling among the RSAF’s rotary-wing community that a career piloting helicopters is somehow less appealing/rewarding than one with fast jets. Chopper pilots are seen as those who did not make the cut for fast jets.
The RSAF Seahawks naval helos and Apache attack helos are game changers. Some pilot trainees will venture into these war machines by choice, not because they were chopped from fast jets.
In all fairness, the RSAF does try to buff up the appeal of the rotary-wing community.
Advertisements in MRT stations and at bus interchanges attest to this effort.
But how many teenage pilot wannabes will notice the RSAF recruitment posters, especially after a long journey aboard an MRT train plastered with ads for the world’s thinnest condoms? Alas, with that image burnt into their retinas, I think many teenage boys will have other things on their minds when they stagger off the trains.
Against such stiff competition, the RSAF should not discount the wow factor and that special moment when prospective pilot trainees spot a new RSAF fighter jet or naval helicopter.
I am sure many of you have read accounts by pilots who shared what made them decide on a career in military aviation.
For some, that special moment may have taken place at an air show or after a riveting air display by the Black Knights or Flying Tigers (F-5E aerobatics team). In many cases, the pilots were young children and the displays they saw left a lasting impression.
Had word gone out in a media statement that Seahawks have arrived, it would have certainly created a buzz among plane spotters and aviation-minded Singaporeans to look out for these birds.
Among this lot are that handful of pilot candidates the RSAF is looking for.
By failing to do so, the Defence Ministry's Public Affairs (PAFF) directorate has essentially surrendered the initiative in defence information management to netizens and social media.
Plane spotters thus become de facto spokespersons when they relate when and where they saw the Seahawks. They may not always get their observations correct and may not propagate the image that the RSAF/RSN would like Singaporeans to hear. This means PAFF must play catch up when its version of events is released.
By the time PAFF creaks into action, the Seahawk announcement would rank as old news *yawns* and a golden PR opportunity becomes a lost PR event.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
NSF detained under Internal Security Act
This afternoon, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) reflected on the arrest of full-time National Serviceman Muhammad Fadil Abdul Hamid, 20, under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
Fault lines between racial and religious groups in Singapore are weaknesses that parties with a hidden agenda will strive to exploit.
After the spate of Confrontation bombings in the 1960s, Singaporeans have yet to experience the heartbreak when terrorist acts committed on their own soil reap a death toll regardless of race, social standing or political leanings.
Many societies that have paid this lesson in blood and tears have awakened to the fact that the terrorist threat is real.
I hope this city state will never have to answer that wake-up call. But when it does, will it be for you?
Title : S'porean detained under ISA, 2 others on Restriction Order
By: Mustafa Shafawi
Date : 06 July 2010 1614 hrs (SST)
URL : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1067829/1/.html
SINGAPORE : A 20-year-old Singaporean Muhammad Fadil Abdul Hamid has been detained for two years under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said he is a full-time national serviceman in the SAF.
He had begun avidly surfing the Internet in search of jihadist propaganda and videos when he was studying in a local polytechnic. He eventually did not complete his studies.
Over time, he became deeply radicalised by the lectures of radical ideologues such as Anwar al-Awlaki and Sheikh Feiz Muhammad.
He became convinced that it was his religious duty to undertake armed jihad alongside fellow militants and strive for martyrdom.
Muhammad Fadil subsequently initiated online communication with Anwar al- Awlaki. He expressed his desire to fight alongside Anwar al-Awlaki.
Muhammad Fadil also expressed his interest in travelling to places like Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan to undertake militant jihad.
He also made online contact with a suspected Al-Qaeda recruiter who encouraged him to fight in Afghanistan.
To undertake militant jihad overseas, he went online in search of information on bomb-making, and produced and posted a video glorifying martyrdom and justifying suicide bombing.
Muhammad Fadil was detained under the ISA on April 4.
In response to media queries, MHA said Muhammad Fadil did not undertake nor did he have any plans to undertake jihad-related activities in Singapore.
His intentions were to pursue such activities overseas in places like Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq.
MHA said two other Singaporeans were placed on Restriction Orders (RO) for two years from June 23.
One of them is 44-year-old Muhammad Anwar Jailani, an unaccredited religious teacher.
He had distributed to his students, contacts and the general public numerous copies of CDs containing audio recordings of Anwar al-Awlaki's lectures, which called on Muslims to undertake militant jihad against non-Muslims and other "enemies" of Islam.
The other is 27-year-old Muhammad Thahir Shaik Dawood.
He runs a small business and is one of Muhammad Anwar's students who became radicalised mainly through his influence.
Muhammad Thahir had travelled to Yemen to enrol in an educational institution run by an associate of Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda.
He also sought out Anwar al-Awlaki and other radicals with a view to participating in armed jihad overseas if the opportunity presented itself.
While in Yemen, he began to have doubts about undertaking armed jihad, and came round to the view that there were other ways of doing jihad like pursuing knowledge and performing good deeds.
He also withdrew from the Yemeni educational institution.
He was investigated by ISD after his return from Yemen.
MHA also said that a member of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), Ibrahim Mohd Noor, was released on a Suspension Direction (SD) on June 1.
Ibrahim fled Singapore in December 2001 following the arrests of Singapore JI members in ISD's security operation.
He was a trained operative who had conducted terrorist reconnaissance against local establishments in Singapore to prepare for JI's terrorist operations.
Ibrahim was arrested and detained under the ISA in Apr 2007 following a joint operation with a regional security agency.
MHA said he had cooperated in investigations and shown significant progress in his rehabilitation.
He was assessed to no longer pose a security threat that required preventive detention.
In its response to media queries, Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said the detention of NSF Muhammad Fadil Abdul Hamid under the ISA is a case of an individual who took the wrong path.
It said Muhammad Fadil was an NSF trainee undergoing section leader training in Pasir Laba Camp at the point of his arrest.
He attended but did not complete polytechnic prior to his enlistment for NS in September 2009.
MINDEF also said there are appropriate security processes and systems at the national level to monitor and guard against potential security threats.
The SAF is part of this national system.
MINDEF said it will continue to maintain a high degree of vigilance against any potential threats that may surface. - CNA
Fault lines between racial and religious groups in Singapore are weaknesses that parties with a hidden agenda will strive to exploit.
After the spate of Confrontation bombings in the 1960s, Singaporeans have yet to experience the heartbreak when terrorist acts committed on their own soil reap a death toll regardless of race, social standing or political leanings.
Many societies that have paid this lesson in blood and tears have awakened to the fact that the terrorist threat is real.
I hope this city state will never have to answer that wake-up call. But when it does, will it be for you?
Title : S'porean detained under ISA, 2 others on Restriction Order
By: Mustafa Shafawi
Date : 06 July 2010 1614 hrs (SST)
URL : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1067829/1/.html
SINGAPORE : A 20-year-old Singaporean Muhammad Fadil Abdul Hamid has been detained for two years under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said he is a full-time national serviceman in the SAF.
He had begun avidly surfing the Internet in search of jihadist propaganda and videos when he was studying in a local polytechnic. He eventually did not complete his studies.
Over time, he became deeply radicalised by the lectures of radical ideologues such as Anwar al-Awlaki and Sheikh Feiz Muhammad.
He became convinced that it was his religious duty to undertake armed jihad alongside fellow militants and strive for martyrdom.
Muhammad Fadil subsequently initiated online communication with Anwar al- Awlaki. He expressed his desire to fight alongside Anwar al-Awlaki.
Muhammad Fadil also expressed his interest in travelling to places like Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan to undertake militant jihad.
He also made online contact with a suspected Al-Qaeda recruiter who encouraged him to fight in Afghanistan.
To undertake militant jihad overseas, he went online in search of information on bomb-making, and produced and posted a video glorifying martyrdom and justifying suicide bombing.
Muhammad Fadil was detained under the ISA on April 4.
In response to media queries, MHA said Muhammad Fadil did not undertake nor did he have any plans to undertake jihad-related activities in Singapore.
His intentions were to pursue such activities overseas in places like Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq.
MHA said two other Singaporeans were placed on Restriction Orders (RO) for two years from June 23.
One of them is 44-year-old Muhammad Anwar Jailani, an unaccredited religious teacher.
He had distributed to his students, contacts and the general public numerous copies of CDs containing audio recordings of Anwar al-Awlaki's lectures, which called on Muslims to undertake militant jihad against non-Muslims and other "enemies" of Islam.
The other is 27-year-old Muhammad Thahir Shaik Dawood.
He runs a small business and is one of Muhammad Anwar's students who became radicalised mainly through his influence.
Muhammad Thahir had travelled to Yemen to enrol in an educational institution run by an associate of Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda.
He also sought out Anwar al-Awlaki and other radicals with a view to participating in armed jihad overseas if the opportunity presented itself.
While in Yemen, he began to have doubts about undertaking armed jihad, and came round to the view that there were other ways of doing jihad like pursuing knowledge and performing good deeds.
He also withdrew from the Yemeni educational institution.
He was investigated by ISD after his return from Yemen.
MHA also said that a member of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), Ibrahim Mohd Noor, was released on a Suspension Direction (SD) on June 1.
Ibrahim fled Singapore in December 2001 following the arrests of Singapore JI members in ISD's security operation.
He was a trained operative who had conducted terrorist reconnaissance against local establishments in Singapore to prepare for JI's terrorist operations.
Ibrahim was arrested and detained under the ISA in Apr 2007 following a joint operation with a regional security agency.
MHA said he had cooperated in investigations and shown significant progress in his rehabilitation.
He was assessed to no longer pose a security threat that required preventive detention.
In its response to media queries, Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said the detention of NSF Muhammad Fadil Abdul Hamid under the ISA is a case of an individual who took the wrong path.
It said Muhammad Fadil was an NSF trainee undergoing section leader training in Pasir Laba Camp at the point of his arrest.
He attended but did not complete polytechnic prior to his enlistment for NS in September 2009.
MINDEF also said there are appropriate security processes and systems at the national level to monitor and guard against potential security threats.
The SAF is part of this national system.
MINDEF said it will continue to maintain a high degree of vigilance against any potential threats that may surface. - CNA
Monday, July 5, 2010
99001 MID
This Terrex was the star at the Army Open House 2009 at Pasir Laba Camp. Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean unveiled this IFV as the first of a new breed of Singapore Army war machines. Thousands of AOH 2009 visitors boarded her for a close look at Singapore's first Terrex. You may have done so too.
But at last Saturday's CR3, Terrex 99001 MID did not have the honour of joining the Mobile Column drive past. Instead, she was left by the roadside as a “spare”.
Terrex 99001 MID is a Command Post variant of the Terrex family of IFVs, made in Singapore by Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK).
She wields information as a weapon. She collects battlefield information from sources such as unmanned sensors planted by Singapore Army intelligence scouts or air force drones to detect, hunt and kill her opponents. Even though the CP Terrex is one of the most deadly variants, it may seem ironic that 99001 MID has no overhead weapon station and defends herself using the small arms of her crew.
No weapon station means that 99001 MID does not have to carry thousands of rounds of machine gun or grenade launcher ammunition within her armoured hull. Relieved of this burden, Singapore Army warfighters and STK defence engineers have tailored the Command Post Terrex as an eight-wheeled battlefield computer - a rugged, air-transportable and amphibious war machine that gives Singapore Army infantrymen a clearer sense of their battlespace from afar.
The lack of any obvious offensive firepower is perhaps the reason why 99001 MID was dropped from the Mobile Column’s line up.
Casual observers might reasonably conclude that this Terrex IFV looks benign, unarmed and unable to defend herself.
Herein lies the challenge of underlining what the Third Generation Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) can do and the decisive advantage that information brings to firefights.
People looking at the NDP Mobile Column must be taught that the 3rd Gen SAF’s firepower comprises more than the gun barrels, missile or rocket tubes aboard vehicles with MID numberplates.
In the case of 99001 MID, this Command Post presents information to infantry as electronic maps which show the positions of friendly forces and known hostile units, as SMS text message alerts or video images that indicate what’s beyond the next hill or next street - all in real-time.
This is the Battlefield Management System or BMS, which is a locally-developed network of ruggedised computers and electronic sensors that tech-savvy SAF warfighters use to see first, see more, decide faster and act decisively.
It is a cliché that today’s better-educated, tech-savvy SMS generation of full-time National Servicemen are handling with ease.
Armed with a sharper sense of their battlespace, Singapore Army infantry learn how to engage and destroy opposing forces more speedily and with greater precision (and thus less collateral damage) than previously possible in pre-BMS days.
During SAF war games, the Singapore Army has demonstrated the value of a networked division that can see well above and beyond the enemy’s FEBA.
With a keener sense of the action, vehicles such as 99001 MID have proven that ample firepower is nothing without control.
Terrex 99001 MID may seem like an easy kill with no obvious weapons with which to return enemy fire.
But the IFV does not fight alone.
And Singapore Army CP vehicles, whether tracked or wheeled, won’t fight without a disguise during operations either :-)
Saturday, July 3, 2010
National Day Parade 2010: 3rd Combined Rehearsal
Loyalty to country
Flag bearers: Singapore Army full-time National Servicemen, Lance Corporal Hidayat (right), 19, and Private Koh Si Kai (left), 20, both from Combat Service Support Command, dress their scout jeep's radio antenna with a Singapore flag. The two years of National Service is a rite of passage for Singaporean teenagers which gives them the opportunity to mature and meet other Singaporeans from all walks of life.
Leadership
In command: Captain Ng from the Singapore Combat Engineers conducts an after-action review with his men. Such debriefs allow Mobile Column participants to hear higher command's feedback and their mission intent. This is crucial as National Day Parade (NDP) Combined Rehearsals always - repeat always - result in changes to the format and timing of the show as the vetting process gets underway.
Discipline
Military cops: Motorbikes from the SAF Military Police Command mass along Nicoll Highway. (Image taken during CR4)
Traffic management is just one of the critical roles that MP Command performs in peacetime and during operations.
MPs stationed at critical road junctions and river crossing points help maintain the pace of advance against hostile forces by ensuring proper march discipline of SAF units. The age-old job of MPs which calls for them to provide directions in unfamiliar territory is reduced as the SAF fields more satellie navigation systems in its teeth arms and support units.
Professionalism
A helping hand: Singapore Army Guardsman Lance Corporal Md Haikal, 20, gives a pedestrian directions as foot traffic is held up by the Mobile Column during CR3.
NSFs like LCP Haikal are responsible for upholding the image of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), especially when they are deployed for duty during high-profile events like NDP. Their attitude, bearing and the manner in which they interact with the public can make or break the SAF's image.
Fighting spirit
Advance & Overcome: The SAF's advantage in cutting-edge military hardware will count for nought if it lacks the commitment of Singapore's citizen soldiers to take up arms when their country is threatened.
Though Singaporeans are champion grumblers, Singaporean society has proven surprisingly resilient when the occasion demands. A case in point is how Singaporeans closed ranks and opened their wallets to support post-tsunami recovery efforts.
And while NSFs and operationally-ready NSmen may grumble about their NS commitments, when push comes to shove, many do step forward willingly. Most Singaporeans are street-wise enough to know that if they do not defend themselves, nobody else will.
Ethics
At NDP Combined Rehearsals, Mobile Column participants can rely on road marshals for guidance, direction and convoy movement advice.
But in many military situations in peacetime, during times of troubled peace and especially in war, SAF servicemen and servicewomen must rely on their own judgement and moral compass to do what is "right".
The training that NSFs undergo from day one of their Basic Military Training nudges them towards a high standard of personal conduct and prepares them for leadership positions, be it at officer or specialist level.
Care for soldiers
Life First: The SAF has a mission-ready casualty management system for handling battlefield casualties. The SAF Medical Corps' triage system is supported by the Army's armoured ambulances (seen here) that will whisk casualties to safety under hostile fire.
Singapore's warfighters are backstopped by Republic of Singapore Air Force planes and helicopters that can be reconfigured for Casevac duty and Republic of Singapore Navy ships - principally requisitioned merchant vessels - fitted as hospital ships.
The studs on the Bronco's ambulance are attachment points for additional armour. I have only seen a Bronco fully-fiited with add-on armour once - during the Bronco roll-out ceremony at Singapore Technologies Kinetics. To this day I regret not taking a picture of the vehicle. :-(
Safety
Terrex infantry fighting vehicles assemble for the CR4 Mobile Column rehearsal under the watchful eyes of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) safety officers and WOSEs (Warrant Officers/Speciaists).
The safety vehicle is one of the most "powerful" support vehicles because it can literally stop the column in its tracks if it spots safety infringements.
The SAF, as an organisation with many moving parts, places heavy emphasis on training and operational safety. It recognises strong safety awareness and a safe work culture as precursors to the SAF's ability to get the job done right and with maximum effect.[Many thanks to personnel of safety vehicle xxx56 MID]
Team Excellence
Leadership
Discipline
Traffic management is just one of the critical roles that MP Command performs in peacetime and during operations.
MPs stationed at critical road junctions and river crossing points help maintain the pace of advance against hostile forces by ensuring proper march discipline of SAF units. The age-old job of MPs which calls for them to provide directions in unfamiliar territory is reduced as the SAF fields more satellie navigation systems in its teeth arms and support units.
Professionalism
NSFs like LCP Haikal are responsible for upholding the image of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), especially when they are deployed for duty during high-profile events like NDP. Their attitude, bearing and the manner in which they interact with the public can make or break the SAF's image.
Fighting spirit
Though Singaporeans are champion grumblers, Singaporean society has proven surprisingly resilient when the occasion demands. A case in point is how Singaporeans closed ranks and opened their wallets to support post-tsunami recovery efforts.
And while NSFs and operationally-ready NSmen may grumble about their NS commitments, when push comes to shove, many do step forward willingly. Most Singaporeans are street-wise enough to know that if they do not defend themselves, nobody else will.
Ethics
But in many military situations in peacetime, during times of troubled peace and especially in war, SAF servicemen and servicewomen must rely on their own judgement and moral compass to do what is "right".
The training that NSFs undergo from day one of their Basic Military Training nudges them towards a high standard of personal conduct and prepares them for leadership positions, be it at officer or specialist level.
Care for soldiers
Singapore's warfighters are backstopped by Republic of Singapore Air Force planes and helicopters that can be reconfigured for Casevac duty and Republic of Singapore Navy ships - principally requisitioned merchant vessels - fitted as hospital ships.
The studs on the Bronco's ambulance are attachment points for additional armour. I have only seen a Bronco fully-fiited with add-on armour once - during the Bronco roll-out ceremony at Singapore Technologies Kinetics. To this day I regret not taking a picture of the vehicle. :-(
Safety
The safety vehicle is one of the most "powerful" support vehicles because it can literally stop the column in its tracks if it spots safety infringements.
The SAF, as an organisation with many moving parts, places heavy emphasis on training and operational safety. It recognises strong safety awareness and a safe work culture as precursors to the SAF's ability to get the job done right and with maximum effect.[Many thanks to personnel of safety vehicle xxx56 MID]
Team Excellence
The 210 vehicles that make up the NDP 2010 Mobile Column are backed up by a supporting cast of Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team personnel, many of whom NDP spectators will not get to see because their duty post is far from the Padang.
Road marshals like Lance Corporal Danny Low (centre), 21, Specialist Cadets Frewain John (left), 21, and Noel Manasseh, 19, are integral to the Mobile Column's success. They help the vehicles form up in the correct march order and keep the Mobile Column in sync with the parade time sheet.
The success of the Mobile Column depends heavily on the collective contributions of many individuals. Team Excellence is achieved when the net effect of the group working together in unison exceeds the sum of individual efforts.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
NDP 2010: The Velites
The Velites were light infantry who fought alongside Roman legions thousands of years ago.
These combatants came to mind when I saw the Guard-of-Honour (GOH) contingents march towards the Padang for CR2 last Saturday.
As the Commandos filed by, they were followed closely by another bunch of assorted auxiliaries or skirmishers...
These combatants came to mind when I saw the Guard-of-Honour (GOH) contingents march towards the Padang for CR2 last Saturday.
Here are Commandos from the 1st Commando Battalion marching in step.
... known during Roman times as the Velites.
I don't know their role but I'm guessing this is the fatigue party tasked to pick up blank cartridges after the feu-de-joie (fire of joy). If that's the case, can't they make their own way to the Padang rather than tailing the smartly-attired GOH contingents?
The Velites are the last GOH "contingent" spectators see and their riff raff appearance detracts from the pomp and ceremony and the air of formality that the leading GOH contingents radiate.
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