Singapore Army Pictures

[OPSSG]

Operation Blue Ridge

Below, key leaders from Regional Command (South), Combined Team Uruzgan, and Joint Task Force 633 pose in front of the memorial at Multinational Base with Singapore's Chief of Army Maj. Gen. Ravinder Singh - Tarin Kot. Combined Team Uruzgan was established, following the withdrawal of the Dutch in August 2010, initially under United States command and consisting of Australian, Singaporean, Slovakian and US personnel.

Below, the SAF crest at Tarin Kot.

Singapore Combat Engineers in Oruzgan

A training programme developed for the ANSF on how to spot, identify, avoid and disable roadside IEDs in Oruzgan with Australia and Singapore providing the counter-IED MITs. The Singaporean counter-IED trainers are bomb disposal experts from the Combat Engineer Formation of the SAF. The deployment of Singaporean counter-IED trainers also coincided with an increase in green-on-blue attacks, according to the 2012 figures released by the Institute for the Study of War. From 2007 to 2012, there were 71 documented green-on-blue attacks (two in 2008, five in 2009 and 2010 each, 15 in 2011, and 42 in 2012). According to the Long War Journal's statistics, in 2012, green-on-blue attacks accounted for 15% of coalition deaths (up from 6% of coalition deaths in 2011; and 2% of coalition deaths in 2010). Further, on the 5 October 2013, there was another green-on-blue attack, which is the 11th so far in 2013. This meant that extraordinary precautions had to be taken by the Singaporean trainers, whereby, they had to chamber a round into their personal weapon before coming into contact with the Afghan trainees, and thereafter doing a body search of all Afghan trainees before the start of each class.

Below, a SAF Military Institutional Trainer (MIT) acting as coach to an Afghan trainee looking out for a mock-up IED, as part of his training in Oruzgan.

Below, 1 of 55 SAF MITs deployed in 6 rotations demonstrating a search for IEDs while ANSF troops look on.

Shield of Safety at Tarin Kowt

Following a spike in rocket and mortar attacks in Multinational Base Tarin Kowt, the SAF determined our Weapon Locating Radars (WLRs) would provide the critical early warning that could potentially save lives. The WLR Teams’ success in detecting these attacks in their months of deployments led the Netherlands Armed Forces (NAF) to call them the ‘Shield of Safety’. The WLR Teams had to stay alert 24/7 as attacks could occur at any time. Despite the challenges, they were able to track all incoming indirect fires successfully, giving ISAF troops within the base the critical seconds needed to get to safe cover.

Over their 15-month deployment, the WLR Teams detected every single incoming rocket fires within their assigned sectors. As a result, the coalition forces requested for a six-month extension of the SAF’s deployment.

A WLR Team with their Arthur radar. Maintaining a 24-hour watch for months was no mean feat for a small 17-man team. The radar operators worked in pairs and on shifts.

Arthur Hill, home of all the WLR Teams for 15-months, in which they had to provide warning within four seconds of a rocket attack.

Army News, Special Supplement #7, April 2011 -- The WLR Team provided early warning against indirect fire attacks on the Multi-National Base Tarin Kowt (MNBTK). The team displayed vigilance and quick reaction as demonstrated in a particular attack involving six rockets launched into MNBTK. The WLR team was commended by the Commander of the Combined Team Uruzgan, COL Jim Creighton, who said:-

“You guys know that you have four seconds to push the button and everyone's gotta react to what you do. What it says to me is that you guys are the best radar-men, artillery men in the world; what you did was what any professional soldiers would do. Recognise your professionalism and that you can stand toe-to-toe with any military in the world.”​

The WLR team's good performance and contributions in Afghanistan was further recognised back home when 24 SA received the Unit Citation Award on 17 January 2011. 1SG Mevinjit clearly remembered 12 December 2010:-

“That day at about 0245 hours, we detected incoming rockets and sounded the alarm. The fifth round destroyed a tent which was earlier occupied by some civilian contractors. It was highly gratifying to know that we had saved their lives.”​

The SAF Medical Team at Tarin Kot, Oruzgan

Below, a SAF military expert rendering medical aid to a local. One of the Medical Teams deployed was unique in that it included an eight-person Surgical Team with three Operationally Ready NSmen. This team comprised two surgeons, a general practitioner, an anaesthetist, and four other medical personnel and was deployed to a field hospital at the Multinational Base Tarin Kowt (MBTK).

Below, a Surgical Team at work. Besides operating within a challenging environment, the Surgical Team performed its tasks under manpower constraints – the team only had 8 men compared to a typical operating theatre in Singapore which had 10 to 15 personnel.

Reflection by MAJ (NS) Dr Tan Wah Tze.

“In terms of operations, there was no typical day in Afghanistan. Every day was different and challenging. We had to perform more roles, do more things. Besides monitoring the vitals of patients, I had to be the attendant helping the surgeon during a procedure.”​

Below, SAF medical personnel conducting a class with the aid of a US Army translator. Aside from surgical tasks, knowledge was constantly being shared by the SAF surgical team to the local ANA medics assigned to Tarin Kot.

Below, different armies, one mission.

 

[OPSSG]

Operation Blue Ridge

On 22 Jun 2013, the SAF concluded 6 years of its deployments in Afghanistan as part of Singapore's contributions to the International Security Assistance Force's (ISAF) multinational stabilisation and reconstruction efforts there. The Singapore flag was lowered in Tarin Kowt located in Oruzgan to mark the end of operations. The SAF has deployed 492 personnel to Afghanistan since May 2007 as part of Singapore's contributions to the multinational stabilisation and reconstruction efforts there. Operating as part of the ISAF, SAF personnel have contributed their expertise in humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts, force protection, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as well as the training of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) .

Below, strong international ties were developed or reinforced by SAF servicemen, while deployed to Afghanistan.

The SAF Imagery Analysis Team in Tarin Kot, Oruzgan

Captain Tim Tiller of the Australian Army has described the battlespace at Oruzgan as:-

"Characterised by distinct geographical features, with bare mountain ranges separated by discrete valleys and belts of arable land concentrated along the banks of perennial water courses (ruds). The population is generally dispersed across rural areas, located in small and open remote pockets of land. The restrictive mountainous regions canalise traffic and limit movement between urban centres. The terrain around the rivers is much closer and the agriculture, especially grape trellises, hinders movement and provides extensive cover. Affecting all human activity and of significance to military operations are the weather effects, including a very hot and dry summer (35–50°C) and exceptionally cold winter with sub-zero temperatures and snow. The population is tribal and centred around villages and tribes without strong loyalty to central and in many cases regional governments. These considerations combined with religious Pashtun culture significantly affect the human terrain." ​

While Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) captured images of the surroundings, these images needed to be analysed to identify what was happening on the ground. This was done by an expert in the field of imagery analysis, who is able to tell the difference between a stationary person lying in wait and a rock.

The SAF’s Imagery Analysis Team (IAT) deployed at MBTK augmented the ISAF’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. They were entrusted with the analysis of images captured not just by our own UAVs but also those of the coalition detachments. It reflected the level of confidence that the other militaries had for our servicemen.

On 28 July 2011 (see BBC report), a coordinated attack by the enemy took place, where the Deputy Provincial Governor’s compound and the Radio station were targeted at the same time. Our IAT team was activated by the Headquarters shortly after the attack commenced to provide analysis of the attacked sites. Their inputs allowed all those besieged by the enemies in the attacks to be rescued. The violence included three suicide bombings followed by fighting in a market, with all eight attackers killed.

Below, a video from the Australian Army's 131 Battery, 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment (operating the Scaneagle UAV), describing their role in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan and how they work with the IAT: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwoCiShzMwg"]Australian Scan Eagle U.A.V. Operating In Afghanistan - SSG Bernardo Fuller - 16th MPAD - YouTube[/nomedia]

 

[OPSSG]

Operation Blue Ridge

Below, Singaporeans at the range with their Sig Sauer P226, in Kuwait, before flying into Afghanistan. Kuwait was the staging area for the SAF for the Singaporeans deployed to get acclimatised for a few days before their entry into theatre.

Hoirul said:

"At the range, weapon handling was not a problem for us. The conditions were, however, very different. The sun was piercing to the eye, making a good pair of sunglasses an absolute necessity (see how everyone in the picture has one). The strong winds caused the fine sand to go everywhere: our ears, nose, weapons etc. We had to adapt."​

Below, medical refresher training in Kuwait.

Said Kent Ju:

"Days before our flight into Afghanistan, we underwent a last round of medical training with [medical dummies]. This was the medical simulation facility used by coalition forces before entering Afghanistan. We were prepared and completed the training without problems though everyone noticed that the mood was slightly different."​

Below, Singaporeans being flown into Afghanistan from Kuwait by USAF C-17. With equipment in the centre aisle, SAF troops sat by the sides and had some leftover dinner. The attire we wore depended on the threat level of the airspace we were flying in. This was still over Kuwait and we could afford to be more comfortable. In about 5 hours, we would arrive in Afghanistan.

Below, Hoirul who shared his story as the last batch of Singaporeans who served in Afghanistan, to conduct SAF's retrograde from the threatre. Over a 16 day period, the Army shared numerous pictures documenting the 6 years of SAF deployment in Afghanistan.

Below, Hoirul with Patrick Ong.

Hoirul said:

"I left Kandahar for Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan where HQ International Security Assistance Force (HQ ISAF) resided. To get there we had to fly again to Kabul International Airport. When I arrived, I was welcomed by SLTC Patrick Ong, one of the staff officers supporting the coalition forces there!"​

Below, HQ ISAF in Kabul. It is strongly protected with many layers of security. Gaining entry required multiple checkpoints to be cleared before finally entering the “green zone” surrounded by this daunting 5-storey perimeter wall. It had to be, given that the top brass of coalition forces were found here.

Below, Raffles Hotel !? No, just some Singaporeans missing home while at Tarin Kot.

Below, a taste of Singapore. The Dining Facility, or DFAC for short, was run by a private contractor employed by the coalition forces and they did their best to cater to everybody’s taste. Despite their efforts, there was no chicken rice, nasi lemak or roti prata. Those our troops had to improvise and prepare themselves. Have a guess what these boys made for themselves?

Below, more practice at the range with the P226 in theatre.

Below, the P226 in mid-action.

Below, carrying the sidearm everywhere. To the cookhouse, the gym, the bunk, wherever you go, the P226 was always within reach.

Below, a Singaporean solider providing an orientation of the SAR-21 to coalition troops, at the range in Tarin Kot. The SAR 21 replaced Singapore's licensed version of the M-16S1, and has gained a reputation among gun experts (see this old review of the weapon).

 

[OPSSG]

Operation Blue Ridge

Singapore Imagery Analysis team at Multi-National Base Tarin Kot

Photography by Major Chris Linden and Leading Seaman Andrew Dakin

The Singapore Imagery Analysis Team (SIAT) provides specialist imagery analysis and intelligence support to Combined Team Uruzgan, turning raw imagery into actionable intelligence products. On 28 February 2013 the SIAT conducted the transfer of authority from rotation eight to rotation nine, continuing almost three years of support to International Security Assistance Force operations in Uruzgan province. Each rotation of five months undergoes four months of pre-deployment training involving soldiering and mission specific imagery skills.

Members of the Singapore Imagery Analysis Team - rotation eight (front to back), Military Expert (ME) Three Derrick Lee and Captain Hiranpal Singh at Multi National Base Tarin Kot. ME-Three Lee has served in the RSAF for 17 years, is an Air Imagery Intelligence Expert, and a 2009 graduate of the Australian Flight Sergeant Course held in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.

Members of the Singapore Imagery Analysis Team - rotation eight (left to right) ME-Three Derrick Lee, Captain Hiranpal Singh, ME Four James Lim, Second Warrant Officer Simon Tan and ME-One Samuel Chin at Multi National Base Tarin Kot.

Lieutenant Colonel A F Heng (L), commander of Singapore Imagery Analysis Team - 8, formally hands over duties to Lieutenant Colonel Y P Tan, the commander of rotation 9, during a transfer of authority ceremony at Multi National Base Tarin Kot.

Commander of Combined Team Uruzgan Australian Colonel Simon Stuart presents the Singapore Imagery Analysis Team - 9 with the CTU unit patch at Multi National Base Tarin Kot.

Lieutenant Colonel A F Heng, commander of Singapore Imagery Analysis Team - 8 presents Australian Colonel Simon Stuart, Commander of Combined Team Uruzgan (L) with a plaque during a transfer of authority ceremony at Multi National Base Tarin Kot.

Lieutenant Colonel A F Heng, commander of Singapore Imagery Analysis Team - 8 presents United States Colonel Douglas Cardinale, Deputy Commander of Combined Team Uruzgan (L) with a plaque during a transfer of authority ceremony at Multi National Base Tarin Kot.

Australian Captain Lucas Joyce receives a bowl of Singapore Laksa from a member of the Singapore Imagery Analysis Team following a transfer of authority ceremony at Multi National Base Tarin Kot.

 

[OPSSG]

The Story of SAF in Afghanistan Started 16 Years Ago, in 1997 (Part 1 of 2)

Between 26 May 1997 to 25 May 1998, LTC Lo Yong Poo, a Commando Officer of the SAF was appointed as Military Adviser to the United Nations Special Mission in Afghanistan (UNSMA) - in a role where he was required to travel to conflict areas unarmed. The UNSMA was established by the United Nations Secretary-General in December 1993, at the request of the United Nations General Assembly, to facilitate the national reconciliation and reconstruction in Afghanistan. This was the first time an SAF officer had participated in a peacemaking mission during an on-going conflict (between the Taliban led by Mullah Muhammad Omar versus the Northern Alliance groups between 1997 and 2000), rather than a post-conflict peacekeeping mission. The UNSMA's role was to help displaced communities, communicating to them the peaceful intents of the UN while helping to negotiate ceasefires and peace settlements between the local warring factions.

Below, LTC Lo in Afghanistan, serving as UNSMA military adviser in peace talks with faction leaders, with the famous Buddhas of Bamiyan in the background (before they were blown up by the Taliban).

Ongoing civil war, attacks and looting of UN compounds forced LTC Lo, leading a team to circumnavigate Taliban-controlled territory in Kunduz province across four neighbouring provinces, to get to UN personnel trapped in Mazar-i-Sharif. There he successfully conducted the helicopter evacuation of 15 UN staff members and 2 NGO personnel on 15 September 1997.

To provide hope for the locals in Mazar-i-Sharif, LTC Lo and the UN Deputy Field Security Officer (DFSO) remained behind in a UN bunker with limited rations and even more limited batteries to maintain communications with the UN HQ (as the power supply to the city was totally cut-off on 26 September 1997). The UNSMA was forced to evacuate because a death threat was explicitly issued against by one of the factions. LTC Lo and the DFSO secured their own escape through a fortuitous encounter with a friendly chopper passing-by on 5 October 1997. For details see this article by LTC Lo: "My Experiences in Afghanistan as Military Adviser". LTC Lo received the SAF Medal for Distinguished Act, for remaining behind in an area that was overrun by insurgents to see to the safe extrication of UN officials after extensive fighting broke out during his participation in UNSMA.

In 1998, when the Taliban captured Mazar-i-Sharif, a city with a Uzbek majority, they also slit the throats of thousands of Hazaras living in that city. This was also battle of different ethnic groups, with the Taliban (as Sunni Muslims), who are predominately a lowland Pushtun movement versus the northern tribes, namely, the Uzbeks and the Hazaras (an oppressed Shiite minority). Many Hazaras were forced by the Taliban victory to scatter in the mountains north of Bamiyan and in the Dar y Suf Valley.

In November 2001, when the Northern Alliance led by Karim Khalili and Mohammed Mohaqeq (as leaders of the Hazaras) and General Abdul Rashid Dostum (as a leader of the Uzbeks) aided by US Special Forces supported by American air power recaptured Mazar-i-Sharif, they liberated Mazar-i-Sharif, Bamiyan and central highlands from the harsh Taliban rule. The Northern Alliance also included the Tajiks (led by Fahim Khan and others), whose ethnic group dominate the city of Kabul, and currently play a major role in the army and police. While Afghan President Hamid Karzai is a Pastun, he can also count on the support of Pastuns allied to his tribe and the various ethnic minority groups including the Tajiks (about 33% of the population), the Uzbeks (about 9% of the population), and the Hazaras (about 11% of the population); for the ethnic minorities have the most to lose should the Taliban regime return to power in post-2014 Afghanistan, after the withdrawal of ISAF troops. There are two areas of caution when discussing the various ethnic groups in Afghanistan. One, exact figures about the size and composition of the various ethnic groups are unavailable or unreliable. Two, it is possible to sub-divide the Pastuns into further sub-groups or by tribes. For example, it has been suggested that the Pushtuns are made up of the Nang, the Qalang, and the Kuchi. The Nang Pashtuns inhabit the mountainous fringe where the land is poor and life is harsh, and codes of conduct are bound by traditional codes of honour (or Pashtunwali). Qalang Pashtuns, inhabit the fertile lands of the valleys and produce large marketable surplus. And their social interaction is governed by patron-client relations. Kuchi Pashtuns are nomadic Pashtuns who tend to their livestock, migrating between fixed winter and summer pastures. They have historically been used for the purpose of Pashtun expansion into the North by previous Pashtun dominated governments of Afghanistan, as well as the Taliban. Kuchi Pashtuns tend to view some of the northern tribes as foreign occupiers of Afghan lands. For background reading on the ethnic landscape, the impact of the extreme geography on operations, background on Soviet rule, the Mujahideen, and the rise of the Taliban, I recommend a 2012 book by Brian Glyn Williams: "Afghanistan Declassified: A guide to America's longest war."

In December 2001, the Singapore Government contributed S$200 thousand worth of tents and groundsheets to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. This aid package was airlifted to Islamabad by a RSAF C-130 transport aircraft, together with 1,000 blankets contributed by the Singapore Red Cross Society. In February 2002, the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) along with NGOs mounted a civilian led humanitarian relief mission that provided humanitarian assistance to the 90,000 Afghan refugees located in Spin Boldak, Afghanistan about about 2 - 3 km across from the Pakistan/Afghanistan border. There have been numerous donor conferences since 2001 and various development plans and agreements. Following the establishment of the interim Afghan Government at the Bonn Conference in 2001, the Tokyo (2002), Berlin (2004), London (2006) and Paris (2008) conferences saw donors pledge tens of billions of dollars in aid for reconstruction as well as the establishment of the Afghanistan Compact and Afghanistan National Development Strategy to guide donor investment in priority areas. Singapore has been providing technical assistance to Afghanistan since 2002, when it pledged a technical assistance package (worth S$1.2 million) at the 2002 International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan in Tokyo.

If you could travel back in time, 16 years (back to 1997), to tell LTC Lo that 492 Singaporean soldiers would:

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS2rLN0w7Sg&feature=c4-overview&list=UU4BCUrNe2X5UJkvzeRG12gQ"]Tribute to the 492 soldiers who took part in Ops Blue Ridge - YouTube[/nomedia]


(i) follow in his footsteps to offer distinguished service in Afghanistan under Operation Blue Ridge; and deployed across three provinces to Camp Kiwi in Bamiyan, Camp Holland (later renamed Multi-National Base Tarin Kot) in Oruzgan, Camp Alamo in Kabul, and Camp Baker in Kandahar; and

(ii) over a period of six years to help LTC Lo complete his mission to help the Afghan people (that he was unable to complete because of Taliban coming to power and driving the UN out of the country),​

LTC Lo would be surprised at the scale of the effort and the number of soldiers deployed in Operation Blue Ridge. In Operation Blue Ridge, the SAF engaged in the wide range of missions, beyond sending medical, dental and reconstruction teams in Bamiyan. In the provinces of Oruzgan, and Kandahar, the SAF's niche contributions in technical areas not only saved Afghan and coalition lives, the training and mentoring provided play a crucial role in enabling the Afghan security forces to stand on their own, after our departure.

Below, bringing dental relief to Bamiyan. The SAF set up the first dental clinic in Bamiyan Province, with the dental chair brought all the way from Singapore. Once word got out that the dental clinic was operational, some local residents travelled an entire day for a consultation causing long queues outside the facility from midnight. The dental team members, then MAJ (Dr) Lee Chee Wee and then CPT (Dr) Bernard Tan Wei Yang, made it a point to never turn anybody away; and treated all who came.

In Bamiyan, the SAF helped the province 'raise, train and sustain' their health system by funding and building a Regional Health Training Centre (RHTC) in Foladi Valley. By connecting the RHTC to the various healthcare centres, by synergising the healthcare-oriented NGOs' resources, Singapore's efforts there encouraged and proliferated community participation and healthcare ownership for that area.

Below, the SAF went to the schools in Bamiyan to distribute 800 school packs so that the kids had some basic stationary for their lessons. International assistance has improved life for Afghans and built the capacity of Afghan institutions. In 2001, under the Taliban, less than one million children attended school. By 2012, over five million children attend school.

Singapore's construction of a paediatric and women's ward extension at the Bamiyan Provincial Hospital, two bridges and a culvert helps all locals in an even less developed region of Afghanistan. In particular, Singapore's reconstruction efforts with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamiyan Province from 2007 to 2010 helps ethnic minorities in a more economically disadvantaged and neglected part of Afghanistan. Further, the winter deployment teams to Bamiyan distributed 900 winter kits, 160 thousand kilograms of food aid, and 303 thousand kilograms of tools and materials to the needy; while the engineering teams distributed another 160 thousand kilograms of food aid, and also focused on construction that built bridges (at Monara and at Chapdara), and brought clean water to 20,500 students and patients in Bamiyan.

Below, a Cave District in Bamiyan, home to many. As at 2012, an estimated nine million Afghans (nearly a third of the population) live in poverty. Child malnutrition is among the highest in the world: more than half of Afghan children (54%) are chronically malnourished (stunted), over a third (34%) are underweight and 72% of children under five suffer from key micronutrient deficiencies. One-third of the Afghan population cannot meet its daily caloric requirements and is considered chronically food insecure.

In December 2009, as President Obama ordered a surge of over 30,000 additional US troops (along with over 7,000 additional troops from NATO) to a peak of about 100,000 US troops (or a total of about 140,000 troops from various ISAF contributing countries), Singapore in our own little way, refocused our efforts away from reconstruction in October 2010, and in period from 2010 to 2013 the SAF significantly increased its footprint in both Oruzgan and Kabul to support President Obama's surge and to help ISAF forces train the Afghan National Army (ANA) to stand on its own. Following the announcement of the US surge, the international community organised a number of aid conferences to direct even more aid to Afghanistan. These aid conferences included the London (2010), Kabul (2010), Bonn (2011) and Tokyo (2012) conferences, which have a stronger focus on examining donor commitments in relation to security transition, placing increasing emphasis on capacity building of the Afghan Government and aid effectiveness. This includes the creation of 22 National Priority Programmes (NPPs), formulated by the Afghan Government to focus on key sectors including: peace/reconciliation, good governance, human resource development, infrastructure development, private sector development and agriculture/rural development. However, since the Kabul Conference in 2010 only 16 of the 22 programmes have been finalised. For more information on developments on Afghanistan, see the "Afghanistan Agreements: A collection of official Texts from 2001 to 2011" (which the Civil-Military Fusion Centre has done a great job compiling and may be of interest to you).

 

[OPSSG]

The Story of SAF in Afghanistan Started 16 Years Ago, in 1997 (Part 2 of 2)

Above, some of the 492 in a group picture that depicts the harsh climatic conditions in Afghanistan, a country with a land area of 652,225 km². Singapore, as the smallest nation in ASEAN by land area at about 714.3 km², with only 2.2 million adult voters at the last 2011 general election, sending this number of troops to Afghanistan, under Operation Blue Ridge, takes some effort. By land area, Afghanistan is over 918 times the size of Singapore.

Below, members of a Weapon Locating Radar Team, standing before the artillery hunting radars in Tarin Kot, Oruzgan - their performance reduced the number of coalition casualties suffered there.

In Oruzgan (which is part of the contentious districts of R.C. South), this included:

(i) five rotations of medical and surgical teams to Camp Holland (later renamed Multi-National Base Tarin Kot) that treated 2552 patients and operated on 85 cases. In 2010, four SAF medical officers were awarded the Netherlands Armed Forces Commemorative Medal for Peacekeeping Operations, namely, MAJ (Dr) Muhammad Bin Idu Jion, MAJ (NS) Dr Cheng Mathew Hern Wang, MAJ (NS) Dr Philip Iau Tsau Choong, MAJ (NS) Dr Tan Wah Tze;

Below, National Contingent Commander COL Desmond Tan meeting with MAJ (DR) Leonard Ho, LTC Dinesh Vasu Dash (Contingent Commander Oruzgan), and LTC (DR) Eejan from the Netherlands Armed Forces during a visit to the field hospital in Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan.

(ii) four rotations of Weapon Locating Radar Teams (WLRTs) to provide early warning (within four seconds each time) against insurgent rocket attacks against Camp Holland; according to David Boey, the WLRTs achieved a 100% success rate in detecting the 27 rocket attacks that took place on their 15 month deployment. In 2010, two other SAF officers were awarded the Netherlands Armed Forces Commemorative Medal for Peacekeeping Operations, namely, LTC Dinesh Vasu Dash and LTC Chan I-Harn, Alvin;

(iii) a 52-strong UAV team; within a week of setting-up, the UAV team had produced for their commanders a 99-page report on how to improve UAV operations to gain maximum impact against the enemy in the contested province of Oruzgan. Operating in Tarin Kowt, Oruzgan from October 2010 to January 2011, the UAV Team flew 112 missions that provided ISR for Combined Team Oruzgan. During take-off and landings, the UAV Team faced increased the exposure to indirect fire from insurgent mortar and rocket attacks. On one occasion, in the 68 imagery analysis and support missions carried out, the UTG was redirected to conduct an ad hoc mission when ground troops reported an IED attack. When the UAV arrived at the incident site, it found a mangled military vehicle, a sobering reminder of the real dangers surrounding the base; and

(iv) nine rotations of imagery analysts to augment coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) for ISAF Combined Team Oruzgan. By producing a high quality work product in all 204 analysis missions, the hard work to provide a niche capability saved coalition lives. As Singapore's Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen noted in a speech on establishment of the C4I community held on 2 April 2012:

'In Oruzgan, our Imagery Analysis Teams (IATs) are now well regarded by other ISAF forces in their ability to translate raw data into accurate and actionable intelligence. During my visit there, ISAF commanders told me that the quality of analysis in our reports has been significant in enhancing the security of the Afghan population and international forces. As a testament to the valuable contribution of the IATs, the ops room in the ISAF HQ has been expanded to accommodate more Image Analysts.'​

Below, MAJ Robin Lee with the MPTV (vehicles like the MaxxPro MRAP and emerging counter-IED technologies ensure that insurgent IED attacks are ineffective 75% to 83% of the time; reducing ISAF casualties).

Back then, I too would have never imagined that the SAF would one-day acquire MaxxPro MRAPs to deploy Military Institutional Trainers (MIT) from the artillery and combat engineer formations to train the ANA; or that SAF officers would be deployed as war planners in coalition with other NATO officers in the contentious districts of R.C. South. In recognition of the work done, a number of SAF officers have been awarded US military decorations for their meritorious service in Afghanistan. These include: Mohd Fahmi Bin Aliman (US Joint Service Commendation Medal - 2013), and MAJ Cai Dexian (US Army Bronze Star - 2012). The four officers were awarded US Army Commendation Medal were as follows: LTC Lock Wai Leck, Willy (2012), LTC Chan Ming Hoe (2012), MAJ Wong Wei Han, Gareth (2011), and MAJ Lim Kian Peng, Adrian (2011). Not to forget, Col. Mike Tan (US Army Meritorious Service Medal), who served as a Strategic Planner in the J5 Directorate of the US Central Command where he participated in planning in Operation Enduring Freedom, many years ago.

Below, SAF Captain Ranon Li and Australian Army Captain Steven Barns observe ANA Lance Corporal Barakatullah Ihsaunllah marking the ground where a potential explosive hazard lies during training at the Counter Improvised Explosive Device range at Tarin Kot, Afghanistan (photograph by leading Seaman Andrew Dakin, 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit, Commonwealth of Australia).

War needs both mobility and fire-support. The ability to field combat engineers (to hunt for IEDs) will be a crucial skill that would enable ANA to increase mobility and thereby take the fight to the enemy. Australian and Singaporean counter-IED MITs have imparted train-the-trainer counter-IED skills to 211 ANA soldiers, such that they are able to conduct a three week counter-IED course on their own.

Below, Singaporean MITs were in Kabul to advise the ANA on Artillery training, doctrine development and the design of programmes for the train-the-trainers courses.

Artillery is the king-of-the-battlefield and artillery will replace and provide the fire-support from ISAF aircraft, which will be withdrawn when foreign troops leave post-2014. Therefore, producing competent ANA gunners that are able to pin the enemy down with responsive artillery fires, with Russian-designed D-30 (122 mm) howitzers is key to the transition process to Afghan lead in fighting the Taliban. As Maj. Gen. Robert "Abe" Abrams said in a US Department of Defense News Briefing held on 13 March 2013:

"In the contentious districts of R.C. South, Zhari, Panjwayi and Maiwand, today you see a blanket of Afghan flags flying over the compounds of a people that are confident in the capacity and capability of their security forces. The ANSF are becoming increasingly independent... They continue to develop an air mobile capacity through the Afghan Kandahar Air Wing that is capable of conducting limited offensive and sustainment operations, and with an intelligence fusion capability, enabled by an extremely broad and deep human intel-gathering network... For example, there are over 300 counter-IED awareness instructors spread across the Afghan national security forces here, training front-line soldiers and police officers basic action upon observation and location of IEDs. The Afghan forces found and cleared rate has dramatically improved as a result over the last two years to almost 70 percent consistently.

In June of 2012, there were eight ANSF EOD teams validated for independent operations. Today, there are 38 total validated across their force. Fire support and artillery integration is an important part of ANSF development. They have 21 of 32 of their D-30 howitzer sections manned and certified; 11 of those 21 were certified in the last three months. Recently, one of those sections had their first successful fire mission in support of Afghan troops in contact, an incredible confidence-builder for the ANA and an equal demoralizer for the enemy.

The ANSF are adequately manned, and we have three U.S. security force assistance brigades here that provide 83 advisory teams across all the pillars, man-to-man coverage, as I call it, at every kandak (army unit) or battalion level and all the brigade headquarters..."​

The journey to the ANA lead had not been easy. During 2012 at least 1,170 ANA troops were killed, along with 1,800 Afghan police who lost their lives to insurgent attacks. At the 2012 Donor Conference in Tokyo, the international community pledged to provide US$16 billion in aid to Afghanistan, from 2012 to 2015 (or US$4 billion a year). As Brian Glyn Williams said at page 177 of his 2012 book:-

"Although it is tempting to compare the Soviet experience with that of the United States and its Coalition allies... it should be noted that there are vast differences between the two wars. The Soviets, for example, did not have the support of the Tajiks, Hazaras, and a vast swath of the Pastuns... In the 1980s the Hazara lands were a hostile neutral zone, and the Tajik and Pastuns lands were up in arms against the Soviets. Today, by contrast, the Panjsher Valley and areas north of Kabul are comparatively safe areas for U.S. and NATO troops... the Soviet conscript army of roughly one hundred thousand was forced to fight in many areas (for example, the Panjsher, Shomali Plain, Taloqan, Jalalabad, Kabul environs, Herat) where the United States and its allies do not fight today..." ​

While the future of post-2014 Afghanistan is in Afghan hands, Singaporeans who have served in Afghanistan leave knowing that effort has been made to stack the odds in favour of the ANA. The surge that recently ended may have mixed results, but it bought the ANA precious time; time that was used to impart critical profession-at-arms skills to the ANA at an institutional level. In other words, building sustainable ANA institutional capability for difficult to learn profession-at-arms skills, like artillery skills. For an assessment of recent progress, Anthony H. Cordesman from CSIS has written an dim update on 16 September 2013, namely, 'Afghanistan: Remembering the War We are Still Fighting'.

June 2013 marks 16 years since the first SAF Commando LTC Lo set foot in Afghanistan; and that it is only fitting that another Commando, Master Warrant Officer Ng Soy Soy, would be among the last to leave from Afghanistan. Below Master Warrant Officer Ng Soy Soy, in an emotional moment at Changi Airport.

 

[OPSSG]

Singapore concludes mission in Oruzgan

Below, a C-130H, operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), lands at Multinational Base - Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, June 22, 2013. Singapore has deployed 492 soldiers during its six-year mission in Afghanistan, supporting coalition partners in specialist imagery analysis and intelligence support, medical support at a coalition hospital, and training of Afghanistan National Security Forces. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jessi Ann McCormick)

Below, Maj. Gen. Ravinder Singh (center), chief of the Singapore Army, disembarks a RSAF C-130H, at Multinational Base - Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, June 22, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jessi Ann McCormick)

Below, Maj. Gen. Robert "Abe" Abrams, commanding general of Regional Command (South), speaks at the Singapore Armed Forces end of mission ceremony at Multinational Base - Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, June 22, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jessi Ann McCormick)

Below, Maj. Gen. Ravinder Singh, chief of the Singapore Army, speaks at the Singapore Armed Forces end of mission ceremony at Multinational Base - Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, June 22, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jessi Ann McCormick)

Speaking after meeting with members of the SAF's Imagery Analysis Team (IAT), MG Singh said:

"The SAF's deployment in Afghanistan has been one of the longest and most wide-ranging overseas deployments for us. Our soldiers have consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and commitment in carrying out their duties. Our international partners speak highly of the SAF as a ready and reliable partner. We are grateful for this opportunity to contribute to the global fight against terrorism and help the Afghan people. The deployments have also allowed the SAF to gain valuable operational experience." ​

Below, Master Warrant Officer Ng Soy Soy, Sergeant Major of Imagery Analyst Team salutes the flag during the playing of the Singapore national anthem at the Singapore Armed Forces end of mission ceremony at Multinational Base - Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, June 22, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jessi Ann McCormick)

Captain Jason Kwek, member of the IAT, added:

"The experience of being operationally deployed is like no other. Over the past months, we worked closely with troops from the United States and Australia and forged many friendships too."​

Below, Maj. Gen. Ravinder Singh (left), chief of the Singapore Army, and Maj. Gen. Michael Crane, commander Joint Task Force 633, exchange gifts at the Singapore Armed Forces end of mission ceremony at Multinational Base - Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, June 22, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jessi Ann McCormick)

Below, ISAF medals to be awarded at the Singapore Armed Forces end of mission ceremony at Multinational Base - Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, June 22, 2013.

Below, the Singapore flag being lowered for the last time at Tarin Kot.

Afghanistan is not just a US-led operation; rather it has been a NATO run operation. For most of the last decade, American forces were dominate in only one region of Afghanistan, the east. Other NATO nations from Italy/Spain in the west, Germany in the North, and Commonwealth nations (like UK and Australia) and the Dutch in the South. More important than the actual numbers involved, it was the Rules of Engagement (ROEs), caveats, and the fickle nature of national politics that drove what effects those forces had on the ground. Singapore's deployment of specialist imagery analysis and intelligence support personnel are of special assistance to troops-in-contact for Regional Command (South) because of these restrictive ROEs.

 

[OPSSG]

Extracts of the Speech by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Overseas Service Medal Presentation Ceremony on 19 July 2013.

Let me first acknowledge the contributions and efforts of the 28 servicemen who will receive their Overseas Service medal today. Amongst them are SLTC Lum Hon Yuen, SLTC Patrick Ong, LTC Pang Tzer Yeu and LTC Yong Yik Fung, who served in the Headquarters International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), HQ ISAF. LTC Heng Aik Fine and LTC Tan Yueh Phern led our Imagery Analyst Teams (IAT). ME5 Daryl Cheong and ME5 Ng Swee Yew were in the National Support Element (NSE) to sustain our operations. And MAJ Eric Teo led a six-man team to recover our people and equipment.

...

...Many people may not realise that our JI members here, were already plotting and training before 9/11. These JI members in Singapore had gone to Afghanistan to learn how to handle explosives and guns. They were learning to execute missions. As they confessed and shared what they were planning to do, they were preparing to attack targets in Singapore, just as their counterparts were preparing to and did carry out attacks subsequently on targets in the US, Indonesia and elsewhere.

It was this recognition that terrorism was a global problem which could affect us all, that prompted our decision to deploy the SAF into Afghanistan in 2007. The SAF was there as part of the larger multinational effort to prevent extremists from using Afghanistan as a base to export terrorism to the rest of the world...

...

Knowing that we had to be in Afghanistan as part of the fight against global terrorism did not make it easier to accept the very real possibility of harm to our soldiers...

...

I am happy to report that every SAF soldier deployed to Afghanistan, including the 28 we honour today, has lived up to our expectations and each one of them returned unharmed. For this, for each one of you that returned unharmed, we give thanks. Over the course of six years, we deployed nearly 500 SAF servicemen and women to Afghanistan. At our peak in November 2010, the SAF had almost 100 servicemen deployed in Afghanistan...

...

...Why do I say we made a difference?

As a result, the SAF has made life better by providing the simple things, clean water, medical and dental care to more than 24,000 Afghan people. We have built a health clinic, hospitals, schools and bridges in Bamiyan.

In Oruzgan, our surgical teams saved limbs and lives of soldiers and civilians injured by IEDs.

Our Weapon Locating Radar teams were deployed to provide early warning against incoming rockets that posed a threat to some 4,000 personnel within the camp compounds. Our Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Imagery Analysis Teams (IAT) provided vital intelligence that prevented potential attacks on the Afghan population and the coalition forces. Our servicemen also served in the ISAF Headquarters to coordinate and conduct round-the-clock operations. Our operations prevented more casualties and deaths.

In Kabul, the SAF helped train more than 1,500 officers and soldiers from the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in areas such as artillery and Counter-IED. Now that these Afghan soldiers are better prepared to take charge of the security of their own country...

...

We also want to thank our coalition partners - Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the US - for their support while we were in theatre. We have learnt much from working with each of our coalition partners and we are glad to have stood alongside them in the multinational effort against global terrorism.

...

...I know that many of your wives, had to raise your children, even infants, alone, in your absence because some of you volunteered to be deployed there a few times.

Tonight, I want to say a personal thank you to each soldier, each of you, deployed in Afghanistan. You can feel satisfied that you have done Singapore proud by successfully completing your deployments in Afghanistan with the highest standards of professionalism and commitment...

Above, Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen and Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman with recipients of the SAF Overseas Service Medal.

Above, Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen and Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman with with representatives from the various units who were recognised for their contributions to Operation Blue Ridge.

 

[OPSSG]

Advance and Overcome: Bomb Disposal - Part 1 of 5 on Army Engineers

Since its inception on 16 June 1969, the Bomb Disposal Unit of the 36th Battalion, Singapore Combat Engineers (36 SCE) has dealt with devices ranging from hand grenades to 1,000 lb (or about 453.6 kg) aerial bombs. While some of these war relics or unexploded ordinance (UXOs) were found nearly intact, most, by nature of their World War II heritage, were badly corroded and possibly on the verge of detonation.

Below, former bomb disposal operator, Jerry Nonis (centre) introducing the MK 7 to the Thai Army, many years ago.

Below, Mr. Jerry Nonis wearing the Federal bomb suit which was introduced in 1973.

In 1978, 36 SCE sent a team to Bangladesh to aid in the clearing of a 500 lb aerial bomb. In March 1991, SQ117, was seized by terrorists. After the Special Operations Force rescued the hostages, 36 SCE was responsible for conducting a thorough bomb sweep of the aircraft and its surrounding areas. Mr Jerry Nonis recalls the adrenaline rush from this particular assignment:-

"That was the job we had been training for... I remember I entered the plane from the front. It was very quiet. Everybody had been brought down. We entered the plane 'blind', not knowing if there were any booby traps. Our mission, however, was clear - To clear the plane and come back alive."​

The 1991 Gulf War highlighted the increased threat of chemical weapons and the SAF began individual Chemical Defence familiarisation training for its servicemen. The 20 March 1995 sarin attack on the Tokyo subway raised awareness on the risks involved in a chemical attack by a terrorist group. Learning from this incident, by 1996, the SAF had developed a limited chemical response capability with 39th Battalion, Singapore Combat Engineers (39 SCE). Dealing with chemical threats is only a third of what 39 SCE does. Tasked with Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) Defence, the unit investigates suspected CBR threats. 39 SCE is equipped with the Trinity CBRE Robotic Suite and the GR 660 Radiation Survelliance System. 39 SCE also works with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in the event of a chemical attack. When activated to deal with a chemical threat, the 39 SCE responders on 24-hour standby duties are given a 15-minute Notice To Move. A team commander leads his four-man team to conduct a recce of the incident site or hot zone.

39 SCE Chemical, Biological and Radiological Warriors

Below, Chief of Army MG Ravinder Singh and Sergeant Major of the Army, CWO Tang Peck Oon (both in white and red) visited the 39 SCE and joined them for a little morning run in August 2013.

During the visit, three soldiers were recognised by MG Ravinder Singh for their outstanding contributions to the formation: 3SG Timothy Tan Jia Rui, Section Commander; 2LT Chong Kia Wei, Logistics Coordinating Officer; and LCP Gopinathan S/O Sivanathan, Combat Medic were presented the COA coin. 3SG Tan spotted early signs of exhaustion in one of his men and prevented further physical injury. LCP Gopinathan made a timely decision to evacuate a hyperventilating soldier and 2LT Chong went to provide assistance for a wheelchair-bound civilian who was having trouble on a bus.

The Chemical, Biological and Radiological and Explosives Defence Group (CBRE DG) comprises 36 SCE, 39 SCE, and the Medical Response Force (MRF) from the SAF Medical Corps, which renders medical treatment to casualties of chemical and biological agents.

Ep 8: The Medical Response Force (The Combat Medic Specialist: Every Soldier's Lifeline) - YouTube​

Below, the new medical decontamination and treatment Vehicle (Decon & Treatment Vehicle) which attained full operational capability status in October 2012. It takes 7 months to train a member of the MRF, for details see:

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnmlI6t6tGc"]Ep 4: Medical Response Force Treatment IC (I'm a Soldier, Sailor, Airman) - YouTube[/nomedia]​

Decon & Treatment Vehicle of the MRF

For details on the Decon & Treatment Vehicle, see:

The Medical Decontamination and Treatment Vehicle - YouTube​

Below, a Bomb Disposal Robot MK8+II transferring a chemical device into a Total Containment Vessel for deactivation as part of Ex Diamond Shield, where the CBRE DG demonstrated its readiness in dealing with potential CBRE threats.

Below, a 39 SCE first responder identifies a sample of the source with hazardous material identification devices, while another first responder places the bottle containing the source in a sealed bag to be despatched to DSO laboratories for a more detailed analysis.

Singapore International Symposium on Protection Against Toxic Substances (SISPAT) and CBRE Operations Conference (ICOC)

On 9 December 2009, the CBRE DG and the US Army Pacific (US Army-Pac) conducted a joint CBRE capability demonstration. This demonstration was carried out in conjunction with the 6th Singapore International Symposium on Protection Against Toxic Substances and the 2nd International CBRE Operations Conference.

Below, Dr Ng speaking at the opening of SISPAT and ICOC, where he emphasised the need for collaboration in tackling CBRNE threats.

On 7 December 2012, the CBRE DG and the US Army-Pac conducted another joint CBRE capability demonstration in conjunction with the 7th SISPAT and the 3rd ICOC. Captain Taylor Downs, who was the EOD joint force commander during the demonstration, added that he benefited from his interactions with the SAF troops. The Executive Officer from the 74th Ordnance Company of the US Army-Pac CBRNE Force said:-

"Singapore's a fairly small country, and explosives found here have to be dealt with in a different manner from what we do back in the US. Here, the aim is to render unexploded ordnance safe without causing high detonation so that it's safer and causes less damage. The Singapore EOD forces are very proficient at that, and we've learnt some valuable techniques from them."​

Below, Staff Sgt. Christian Fairbairn, 74th Ord. Company (EOD), 303rd Ord. Battalion (EOD), 45th Sust. Brigade, discusses a plan of attack on a suspected improvised explosive device with EOD operators from the 36 SCE, as part of a joint exercise.

The 71st Chem. is made up of veterans of the nuclear response to the tsunami in Japan, Operations Iraqi Freedom, and currently lead testers for equipment that may change 60 years of CBRN doctrine, they are at the forefront of expeditionary CBRN, while the Singaporean CBRN, much like their EOD counterparts, gear themselves toward the tight spaces of their city. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Winston, CBRN chief, US Army-Pac said:-

"We’re here to build interoperability between our nations and learn from each other."​

Above, Commander CBRE DG, Colonel (COL) Chung Tying Chun, highlighted the merits of ops-tech integration:-

"With constantly evolving (CBRNE) threats, we need to work very closely with scientists who understand the complexity of these sciences and technology, so that when we marry them together, we ensure we have the best products to deal with the threats."​

He also emphasised the importance of exchanging information with experts in this field:-

"It's also important to learn from operational people, that's why we organised this ICOC and SISPAT, where we share with one another to understand the experiences and lessons learnt from operations so that we constantly improve our capabilities."​

Skilled in advancing and impeding troop movements, Singapore Combat Engineers can make life easier for friendly soldiers or a living hell for the enemy. If the enemy finds the road is a little too quiet and suspects that there are explosives. Their EOD engineers have to comb through the suspicious-looking area, in the process they lose another few hours. Below, mine-sweeping with a metal detector in support of mobility.

Below, are Block 3 explosive charges and an area-effect device in support of counter-mobility.

Below, enemy troops are delayed by rows of concertina wire laid by combat engineers in support of counter-mobility.

 

[OPSSG]

Advance and Overcome: Bomb Disposal (Part 2 of 5 on Army Engineers)

Below, students watch, as an EOD operator from 36 SCE moves in to render safe an IED during a demonstration at Tampines Junior College.

For more details on robots and bomb suits, see: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b3TYhDltbM"]mrbrown at NDP 2011: Robots and Bomb Suits - YouTube[/nomedia]


Below, Minister of Defence Dr Ng operating the Wheelbarrow Mark 9 Bomb Disposal Robot (while Commander 2nd People's Defence Force Brigadier-General Lam Shiu Tong looks on) in a visit to Island Defence Task Force in November 2011. The Wheelbarrow Mark 9 Bomb Disposal Robot (Mk 9) help keep EOD personnel safe. The Mk 9 can negotiate 45-degree inclines such as staircases, as well as carry and tow heavy objects.

Once again, on 3 September 2013, the EOD team from 36 SCE was activated after a 100kg (or about 220 lbs), unexploded war relic was found in a construction site north-east of Singapore. Depending on whether the ordnance discovered had a stable or unstable fusing system, the EOD team commander decides if it is necessary for an on-site disposal.

The above war-relic is armed and more than 60 years old. Therefore, work is being done by 35 and 36 SCE to prepare and for a controlled detonation on-site by filling up over one-thousand sand-bags to keep the blast radius contained. Here's a video on the 5-step process:-

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df20HHlsZN0&feature=c4-overview&list=UU5o5R26xLZdIc59l0JvSC1Q"]Singapore Army : Clearance of 100kg High Explosive (HE) War-Relic - YouTube[/nomedia]​

For a controlled and safe detonation, protective measures must be setup. See, the before and after pictures of the controlled detonation!

The EOD standby team was again activated on 13 September 2013, when an unexploded war-relic was found at a construction site in Jurong Island. The team responded quickly and was on-site to assess the war-relic shown in the picture below. The old relic was an unfuzed HE projectile that was disposed of, the next day.

 

[OPSSG]

Advance and Overcome: Singapore Combat Engineers on the Battlefield (Part 3 of 5 on Army Engineers)

(1) Bridging Engineers

Episode 1: Bridging The Gap (Mechanised Combat Engineers) - YouTube​

Below, a Foldable Longspan Bridge being deployed by its 12-man platoon to bridge a gap of 45m in under four hours.

Below, a Leopard 2 Armoured Vehicle Launch Bridge (L2AVLB) deploying its bridge over a dried river, in Australia, to provide mobility for the SAF's Armored Battle Group in Exercise Wallaby, a combined arms exercise that is held annually. Singapore is the first customer for the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann developed Leopard 2 Leguan AVLB, which has full armour protection and can launch a 25m bridge horizontally over the front of the hull in about 5 minutes (by comparison, the M60 AVLB is fitted with a 19.2 m long scissors bridge that can span a gap of up to 18.2 m).

Below, the M3G military float bridge, provides mobility for infantry, armour, artillery and transport units to cross rivers or wet gaps, and in this picture, the Bronco is driving across the bridge in Singapore.

(2) Movers and Shakers: Mechanised Combat Engineers

Episode 2: Movers and Shakers (Mechanised Combat Engineers) - YouTube​

Below, a 11.6 ton High Mobility Plant (HMP) that is armoured against small-arms fire with a hammer attachment to demolish concrete structures. The HMP has a two-tonne front hoe which can be switched out for a forklift attachment, the HMP also functions as a compactor, breaker, dozer and an earth auger.

Below, is the Trailblazer, a Counter-Mine Vehicle operated by the 38th Battalion, Singapore Combat Engineers (38 SCE). The Trailblazer bludgeons through a minefield with its 72 hammer-tipped chains.

Clearing a 100m path takes a Trailblazer crew just five minutes. Below is some additional information on the Trailblazer from DSTA.

The FV180 Combat Engineering Tractor (CET) is an amphibious specialist armoured vehicle that can 'swim' with flotation aids attached, that was first seen in Singapore service back in 1995. The CET is operated by a crew of two and is equipped with a rocket-propelled anchor to assist it to climb severe slopes of up to 45°. Below, an amphibious CET clearing obstacles for the Army in an urban warfare exercise held in September 2011 at the Murai Urban Training Facility.

Below, a mechanised engineer company carrying out route maintenance in support of mobility.

(3) Working in the Hot, Warm & Cold Zones

Ep 3: Working The Zone (Combat Engineers) - YouTube​

Below, EOD responders pumping foam into the blast guard tent, which covers the IED, to mitigate the blast and fragmentation caused by a detonation.

LEVEL A SUIT: Blue encapsulator suit
Weight: 19kg (Suit - 8kg, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus [SCBA] - 11kg)
Below, an engineer from 39 SCE training donning an 19kg Level A suit.

LEVEL B SUIT: Dark green Chemical Lightweight Decontamination (CLD) suit
Below, engineers from 39 SCE training with the CLD suit

39 SCE engineers:- To protect and preserve.

 

[OPSSG]

Advance and Overcome: Training Exercises & Overseas Missions (Part 4 of 5 on Army Engineers)

Below, are pictures of Singapore Combat Engineers in training and in military operations other than war. This includes pictures of Singapore Combat Engineers:-

(1) training security forces in Afghanistan on counter-IED measures in Oruzgan (along with the Australian Army), and supervised numerous construction projects in Bamiyan (along with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team), in Operation Blue Ridge;

(2) working with NZDF to demolish unsafe structures in New Zealand, in the aftermath of an earthquake in Exercise LionWalk (that become an operation);

(3) flying into Indonesia to work with the TNI to build modular building to serve as clinics in Indonesia (when the original buildings housing the clinics were suffered earthquake damage), in Operation Swift Lion;

(4) taking the lead to assist the host country to build a modular building in Brunei, as part of ASEAN efforts at humanitarian aid and disaster relief preparations (should the need arise) in a multi-national ADMM Plus HADR & MM Exercise involving 18 countries, seven ships, eighteen helicopters, military medical, engineering and search and rescue teams;

(5) coming from the sea by being the unsung heroes at tsunami relief in Indonesia in Operation Flying Eagle; and

(6) the NSmen of the Singapore Combat Engineers in local training.​

In part 1 to 3, the role of Singapore Combat Engineers in providing their expertise to a range of threats was illustrated with pictures and video. The roles performed included: (a) providing bomb disposal expertise to another country (eg. Bangladesh) to clear large bombs, from restricted areas; (b) to come in to 'clear' an aircraft of IEDs in the aftermath of a terrorist attack; and (c) be responsible for maintaining and thereafter, also improving mitigation measures against a range of CBRE threats as part of island defence (over-time via continued efforts at ops-tech integration). Singapore Combat Engineers are also the go-to experts at mobility and counter-mobility in military operations.

(1) Operation Blue Ridge: Singaporean counter-IED trainers from recently returned from Afghanistan, where they had developed a training programme on how to spot, identify, avoid and disable roadside IEDs in Oruzgan. Singaporean trainers have imparted their counter-IED skills to 211 Afghan soldiers (see posts #62 and #67 above). Below, 1 of 55 Combat Engineers deployed in 6 rotations demonstrating a search for IEDs while their Afghan trainees look on.

Below, Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) James Tan (third from right), then LTC, with Dr Habiba (the lady to his right) at the Regional Health Training Centre. Deployed to Bamiyan from May to October 2008, the Engineer Project Team led by SLTC Tan oversaw the construction of the facility.

The SAF's engineer project teams oversaw numerous construction projects that benefited Bamiyan, Afghanistan. This included the construction of two bridges, wells, a number of medical and dental facilities which affected the lives of 20,500 people in Bamiyan, Afghanistan.

(2) Exercise LionWalk become an Operation when an Earthquake Struck: In February 2011, an earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand in the middle of a bilateral military exercise between NZDF and the SAF. Below, Combat Engineers removing an unstable balcony with their NZDF counterparts in the residential Mt Pleasant area.

(3) Operation Swift Lion: Below, modular deployment kits, are being used by the Singapore Combat Engineers (working with the TNI) to construct two clinics in earthquake-hit Pariaman and Padang in October 2009.

(4) Multinational Engineers Working Group in Brunei

Combat Engineers from the Brunei and Singapore taking a group picture with Col. Desmond Tan (4th from left in the picture), Chief Guards Officer and Commander 21st Division, before their handy work. One of the missions of the 21st Division is to be the designated headquarters joint task force to plan and conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations when the need arises (the need arose in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004, which resulted in Operation Flying Eagle). See the 55 second mark onwards of this video for details on Operation Flying Eagle:

[TVC] Army Ops Diary - YouTube​

 

[OPSSG]

Advance and Overcome: Training Exercises & Overseas Missions (Part 5 of 5 on Army Engineers)

(5) Operation Flying Eagle: On 2 January 2005, RSS Endurance was the first ship to reach Meulaboh (150 km from the epicentre of the earthquake), to render aid to a coastal town of 40,000 that was cut-off and devastated by the Indian Ocean Tsunami, with 1 in 4 residents of the town killed. On 6 January 2005, RSS Persistence, her sister-ship arrived with more aid supplies. And on the 16 January 2005, RSS Endeavour arrived carrying more supplies and NGO aid workers. At its peak, over 1,500 SAF personnel were deployed in disaster relief operations in support of Operation Flying Eagle. Of the two jetties at Meulaboh, one was completely destroyed by the Tsunami and the other unable to hold heavy vehicles, with the roads choked with debris from the tsunami. Below, an Engineering Plant (called an Integrated Tool Carrier) being used with a 'forklift' attachment (instead of a bucket) to unload supplies from a Fast Craft Utility, at a beachhead constructed by Singapore Combat Engineers, to enable the swift delivery of disaster relief supplies to Meulaboh.

(6) Local Training by NSmen of the Singapore Combat Engineers: Watch our NSmen from 326 Singapore Combat Engineers (326 SCE) on their 7th In-Camp Training, as they go through a 3-day field exercise. Combat Engineers' task are tough and subjected to time constraints. Terrain challenges adds up and this wonderful little video that shows how the men of 326 SCE overcame the various challenges to meet their mission requirements in support of 2PDF:

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB8erCLyBAg"]Singapore Army : 326 SCE Field Exercise - YouTube[/nomedia]​

Below, the end product. Hundreds of metres of beach obstacles was constructed by 329 Battalion Singapore Combat Engineers (329 SCE), as part of their In-Camp-Training. These serve as protective obstacles to help the troops defending the beach.

Below, tons of stores and rows of concertina wire being unloaded by 329 SCE to set-up the protective obstacles shown above. It is important to understand that Singapore Combat Engineers are not only used for their counter-IED skills. These engineers also use their explosive know-how to stop enemy forces from advancing by creating obstacles, destroying bridges and buildings in their path, or em-placing explosives to support offensive operations.

Below, the NSmen of 329 SCE engage in concurrent activities in order to construct the obstacles, for island defence, in the shortest possible time. On top of mobility and counter-mobility operations, Singapore Combat Engineers help troops in the Army to survive on the battlefield by constructing protective structures or obstacles.

On 8 February 2013, four-time winner of the Best NS Combat Engineer Unit (2008-2011), 329 SCE, stood down and officially entered MINDEF Reserves.

 

[OPSSG]

5th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment: Weapon Presentation at Sarimbun Beach

71 years ago, the 22nd Australian Brigade had to cover the coastline from Sungei Kranji to Sungei Berih. The brigade’s three battalions (2/18th, 2/19th and 2/20th) did not have sufficient troops to defend this broad sector in depth and found themselves overstretched. The gaps in their defences were to prove fatal during the invasion. On the night of 8 February 1942 at around 10:30pm, the Japanese launched their invasion from concealed positions up the Skudai and Melayu Rivers of Johore. Under the cover of darkness and using assault boats and barges, the Japanese 5th Division crossed the Straits of Johore. They landed on the coastline between Lim Chu Kang Road and Sarimbun Beach. Within two hours of the attack, the Australian forces were either wiped out on the beaches or retreating to new defence lines (see Singapore in World War II, for details).

The Japanese Occupation in Singapore lasted from 15 February 1942 to 12 September 1945. The occupation of Singapore by the Japanese was like a long nightmare that lasted for three and a half years - in Operation Sook Ching (held from 21 February to 4 March 1942), the Japanese as occupying forces rounded-up and murdered somewhere between 50,000 to 100,000 Chinese men (between the ages of 18 and 50) on suspicion of being anti-Japanese. During this period known as the Japanese Occupation, the people suffered and lived in constant fear of the Japanese. Two lessons were drawn from this failure:-

One, Singapore lacks strategic depth and requires a foward defence posture; and

Two, the country must resource the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to provide an independent deterrence, and fulfill its mission, with the mission being:-

"To enhance Singapore's peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor."​

The men from 5th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (5 SIR) being presented with their SAR-21 for the first time on Sarimbun Beach, as part of their Basic Military Training (BMT). BMT is the start of a 2 year journey of service for these men.

Below, men of 5 SIR accepting their responsibiliy, with the reply:-

"With this Rifle, I will defend my country!"​

Below, muddied and fatigued, the men of 5 SIR stand at attention with their SAR-21 assault rifles on Sarimbun Beach.

Below, CO 5 SIR LTC Yow Thiam Poh addressing the young soldiers of 5 SIR on the significance of Sarimbun Beach and weapon presentation (which is part of their basic military training):-

"Having gone through the suffering of World War II, our forefathers vowed that the sacred duty of defending our homeland will be borne by us and no one else. It is exactly for this reason that we, Sons of Singapore, took an oath to defend and protect this country of ours. Therefore, the reason for doing it here is a stark reminder for all of us present here today, both NSFs and Regulars alike, that the defence of our home is our duty and ours alone. This duty should never land on the shoulders of anyone else."​

Below, in August 2013, 71 years after the Battle of Sarimbun Beach took place (as the first waves of troops of the Imperial Japanese Army landed in Singapore), the men from 5 SIR, who are under-going their BMT were reminded of the significance of the ground they were standing on, as they take their oath of allegiance.

 

[OPSSG]

A Visit to NS Unit 746 SIR (formerly 2 SIR)

The Singapore Armed Forces gave two of EOS World photographers exclusive access to snap Singaporean soldiers in action during a training session.

Below, a 746 SIR soldier looks around a corner.

Below, 746 SIR soldiers during urban ops training while a trainer looks by

Mobilisation of NSmen: A call of duty

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a86vsuJRCQ&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLbOSqJKglMt0KLdDP4oQQZkN1q-v3IC_x"]Call of Duty - YouTube[/nomedia]


(i) X-hour: The call is broadcast; NSmen are notified that they are to report within a few hours to a specified camp. Typically, NSmen who are key appointment holders and part of the advance party have to report in a shorter time frame.

Below, at the registration counter, each NSman receives a customised list which tells him clearly what he needs to do and his attendance is captured by the system.

(ii) In-processing: This is where attendance is registered and the individual NSman receives his mobilisation card and a customised equipping list of the relevant items he must collect. For example, those belonging to a mortar platoon will have to draw the weapon and all the specialised equipment needed to operate it, on top of their personal weapons.

Below, NSmen checking their personal equipment and weapons after collecting the items from their respective battalion stores.

(iii) Equipping: Each sub-unit has its own weapon and equipment-issuing counter. After receiving his weapon, the NSman will receive a stamp on his mobilisation card.

Below, an NSman guiding the ammunition truck as it unloads its cargo.

Below, at the Chemical Defence training station, mobilised NSmen, CPL Kevin Lim and CPL Mark Ng, Pioneer Engineers said 14 September 2013:-

"This is a very different experience compared with previous mobilisations. It is a timely refresher for us as we last did this 2 ICTs ago. We definitely feel more confident and ready after this."​

Below, NSmen re-learning critical life-saving skills such as CPR. They are also briefed on how to apply field dressing at first aid refresher training on buddy aid.

 

[OPSSG]

Exercise Matilda 2013

Singapore and Australia established diplomatic relations in 1965. Following this, Australia joined the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore as members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) in 1971. (FPDA is a consultative arrangement set up for the defence of Malaysia and Singapore, and has become an integral part of the regional security architecture over the years, continuing to contribute significantly to regional stability. The FPDA also serves as a useful forum for dialogue and exchange of views among the Defence Ministers and senior defence officials of its member states.)

Below, Singapore Army and ADF personnel listening intently to the brief at a bilateral exercise held at the Mount Bundey Training Area in Darwin.

The Singapore Army and Australian Defence Force (ADF) recently conducted a bilateral armour exercise, codenamed Matilda, at the Mount Bundey Training Area in Darwin, Australia. About 100 personnel from the 48th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment (48 SAR) and their Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) were involved in the training with their ADF counterparts from the 1st Armoured Regiment.

During the exercise, both forces had a professional exchange on MBT doctrine and operations, and conducted a series of tactical missions together. The exercise culminated today in manoeuvre training between the MBTs of both armies, as shown below.

Prior to the exercise, the troops conducted MBT training from 2 to 15 September 2013 in tank gunnery skills and tactical manoeuvre, as shown below.

The growing defence relations between Singapore and Australia were formalised when the two countries concluded an Exchange of Notes constituting a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Singapore in February 1988 at the Permanent Secretary-level. Twenty-three years ago, Exercise Wallaby was first conducted by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from 3 to 25 October 1990, with more than 1,200 SAF personnel. This unilateral exercise has since grown in scope and scale over the years, with Exercise Wallaby involving over 5,000 SAF personnel. Exercise Wallaby 2013 will be held from 30 September 2013 to 30 November 2013 (see CQ Plane Spotting for pictures), following from the bilateral Exercise Matilda.

Below, tank exchange?! Nah, just tank crews standing on each other's tanks!

A number of agreements have been concluded in association with the SAF’s training in SWBTA since its establishment. They are:

a. The SWBTA Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed at the minister-level in May 2009. The MoA's validity had been extended from five to ten years.

b. Other agreements involving the conduct of SAF training in Australia include agreements for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) training in Australia. Australia provides valuable training space for the RSAF which currently conducts training at Darwin, Amberley and Tamworth. The RSAF also conducts training at the Australian Army Aviation Centre in Oakey, as well as the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Pearce, where basic flying trainings for pilot trainees are conducted.​

Below, a Leopard 2 firing at the Mount Bundey Training Area in Darwin!

In August 2008, both countries reaffirmed the political support for Singapore-Australia defence relations by concluding the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Singapore Concerning Defence Cooperation. This was concluded at the Prime Minister-level, and articulated the principles of Singapore-Australia defence partnership and key areas of defence cooperation such as policy dialogues, military cooperation, and defence technology cooperation. Further, it was announced on 23 March 2012 that the Singapore-Australia defence ministers would hold a dialogue annually, so as to do more together. As Singapore's Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen said:-

"We are working towards closer defence ties and doing more together; we're doing a lot together now and I look forward to how, for the next half a century Australia and the member states of ASEAN and Asia can craft an even better future for all our people. I think that is something that we can work towards to and we share very similar perspectives to Australia to how our futures can be brightened; how we can build a safer place for our people and how we can improve defence collaborations. I want to thank you for your very warm hospitality. I want to thank the government of Australia and the people of Australia for allowing us to train here, to have bilateral exercises and for our defence establishments to be working together. Thank you very much."​

Apart from the FPDA, Singapore and Australia also interact regularly at multilateral fora such as the Shangri-La Dialogue, ASEAN Regional Forum, and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus which was established in October 2010.

Australian Chief of Army receives prestigious military Award from Singapore

Above, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen congratulating Lieutenant General (LTGEN) David Morrison at the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) investiture ceremony.

Below, LTGEN Morrison speaking to the officers of the 44th Command and Staff Course and 2nd Command and Staff Course (Executive) on the topic "Raising, Training and Sustainment of Land Forces in Contemporary Operations" at the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College.

Below, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) celebrated twenty years of flight training at its flying training detachment in Pearce, Australia, this morning. To commemorate the occasion, the RSAF Chief of Air Force, Major-General (MG) Hoo Cher Mou, and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal (AM) Geoff Brown, officiated the combined parade, which was also attended by local community leaders.

The RAAF and RSAF also conducted a joint flight over the city of Perth in celebration of 20 years of Singapore Flying Training at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia. A RSAF Pilatus PC-21 trainer flew in conjunction with a RAAF BAe Hawk 127 Lead In Fighter Trainer of 79 Sqn RAAF and a Pilatus PC-9 of No.2 Flying Training School. More images by the RAAF's photographers in this Photo Gallery. h/t to the Baseleg Blog.

Below, on 15 May 2013, the Republic of Singapore Navy's Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng signed the Submarine Rescue Arrangement with Royal Australian Navy's Chief of Navy Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs.

Below, 25 members of Australia Command and Staff College (ACSC), led by CMDR Rodney Harrod, visited SAFTI MI on 20 September 2011. The visit was hosted by Commandant GKS CSC, COL Ng Kin Yi.

 

[OPSSG]

Multi-Mission Range Complex (MMRC)

The MMRC provides 7 ranges across 3 stories and beyond the land savings, these ranges provide conditions from 50m to 1km, including an urban operations range (with two chambers); and the two multi-tier ranges which allows for soldiers to fire at ground targets from various levels of a simulated building. Meggitt Training Systems (as part of the Jurong Primewide Pte Ltd consortium of companies) developed and delivered the Virtual Training System (VTS) for the MMRC, performing overall project management, for the efforts of eight other companies to meet the MMRC project deadlines. The VTS combines the advantages of virtual simulation training with the use of live weapons, including pistols, rifles, machine guns and .50 caliber sniper rifles. The VTS allows long range shooting using computer generated imagery to represent targets out to 1000 meters. This unique capability of the VTS allows the SAF to use the MMRC to conduct all live fire exercises and sniper training.

The MMRC ranges include:-

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b8EP9gLMCU&feature=c4-overview&list=UU4BCUrNe2X5UJkvzeRG12gQ"]Ep 1: Right on Target! (Multi-Mission Range Complex) - YouTube[/nomedia]


Ep 2: Right on Target! (Multi-Mission Range Complex) - YouTube

(i) Two 100m combat ranges for the standard 100m marksmanship test packages. Below, CPT (NS) Edwin Low, S1 from 417 SAR was one of the National Servicemen (NSmen) present at the MMRC for marksmanship training. CPT (NS) Low feels that the MMRC is able to allow soldiers to assess their marksmanship skills in a more objective manner. He explained:

"As the live firing is conducted, a computer beside the soldier pin-points, exactly, where the round landed. This allows for a more effective After Action Review (AAR) as soldiers will know how to improve their marksmanship, as compared to the outdoor range, where the only form of feedback is from your peers, which could be subjective at times."​

(ii) Two 100m double storey multi-tier ranges that enable soldiers to train to engage stationary and moving targets at different heights for advanced shooting skills. This means soldiers can shoot at stationary and moving targets at different height levels (eg. from the 3rd storey of a building to a target on the ground floor).

(iii) An urban operations range consisting of 2 chambers with 10 different configurations for close-quarter shooting. Soldiers will hone their judgement in close-quarter shooting while manoeuvring as a group, they will take out enemy targets in a series of rooms. Once a group enters a room, motion sensors activate the target boards to turn to face them, revealing whether they are friend or foe (see this video on the urban operations range in the MMRC: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LfhFwM55hs"]Singapore Army Urban Ops Range in Multi-Mission Range Complex - YouTube[/nomedia] ).

(iv) Two 50m ranges that hones judgmental skills through the use of a scenario-based video/CGI targetry system. CGI or customised videos allow the SAF to simulate a large variety of realistic conditions, (such as) protecting installations. In other words, to reproduce installations at the MMRC.

4 October 2013 -- The MMRC, jointly developed by the SAF and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), is designed to be an all-weather range with lighting controls to simulate day or night conditions. Leveraging on advanced video targetry systems, the MMRC provides tough and realistic scenario-based training in both urban and conventional terrains to hone soldiers' basic and advanced shooting skills. The team behind this range is the winner of the DTP Team (Engineering) Award 2013.

The key members of the team behind the Multi-Mission Range Complex, a joint project between DSTA and Headquarters 9 Division/Infantry of the Singapore Army which won the DTP 2013 Team (Engineering) Award - (from front) Ms Agnes Sim, Ms Tammi Yeo, Ms Soh Ting Ting, Mr Johnson Lim, Mr Eric Lau and team leader Mr Lim Peter. To the right of the team is the world’s first single rail moving targetry system, an invention by the team and its contractor.

Above, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, shooting the SAR-21 at the multi-tier range at the MMRC. Speaking at the launch of the MMRC, Dr Ng said: "This complex represents a significant step up that will raise the level of fundamental soldiering skills for our SAF men and women, in particular, their shooting and marksmanship."

Above, NSmen collect their ammunition from the ammo collection point run by civilian contractors. As the distribution of ammunition and other administrative matters are taken care of by civilian contractors, soldiers can concentrate fully on shooting. Up to 900 soldiers can complete their shoots at the MMRC in one day. This would have taken two to three days in an outdoor range.

"This complex is indeed a milestone for the Army and I would say it is a strategic platform for the SAF to maintain, if not improve, the competence of our individual soldiers. We learn from the best shooting ranges overseas, and I doubt you will find anywhere in the world, such a large and complex shooting range like this. This is really the front edge of development, it is state-of-the-art. We adapted the latest designs and best practices to our unique context, and the MMRC is a first-of-class in terms of scale and capabilities. Basically it puts 7 different ranges into one, and you utilise advanced video targetry systems - we use CGI, Computer Generated Imagery - to provide tough and realistic scenario-based training for our soldiers. We use smart technology so that we can simulate different operational conditions to allow our soldiers to train in realistic scenarios regardless of the weather outside. So as one of the people interviewed (in the video) said, if you want to shoot at night, you just switch off the lights. We do not have to wait, like before, we have to actually wait for the sun to set and for darkness. Now if you are really very good in your day shoot you switch off the lights and you go on to your night shoot, and you leave before the sun sets. And that is a big difference."

Dr Ng Eng Hen​

The ranges at the MMRC allow the SAF to track and monitor the shooting performance of individual soldiers in real-time, so that the soldiers receive almost instantaneous feedback on their performance. And together with video playback and analysis, as well as coaching from trainers, these are very valuable teaching tools that will accelerate the learning curve.

Since the MMRC came into service six months ago in March 2013, over 22,000 servicemen, including NSFs and NSmen, have undergone marksmanship training there.

 

[OPSSG]

Operation Blue Ridge documentary and exhibition in Singapore
(including @ Ngee Ann Civic Plaza and Tampines Central):
The SAF's 6 year mission in Afghanistan

Singapore Army: Operation Blue Ridge (OBR) Documentary - Full Version - YouTube

Click on the book for a link to OBR ebook below:


Terrorist Target: Singapore - YouTube

Deployment of RSAF's ISR Capabilities Abroad in Support of Coalition Efforts

Below, the Singapore UAV Task Group from RSAF's 128 squadron in Tarin Kowt, Oruzgan from October 2010 to January 2011, that was under constant threat of indirect fire and operated outside of the inner base security perimeter at the runway. To reduce exposure time to indirect fire, an improved Searcher II tow trolley was designed and fabricated in Singapore and the active receive observation station was assigned with a small Singapore Army force protection section. Force protection provided over watch for the UAV launch/recovery operations and manned prepared fighting positions, should the UAV Task Group come under direct attack - a sensible precaution in light of the 14 September 2012 Camp Bastion attack, where six AV-8B II were destroyed and a number of Marines killed. To achieve mission success, the 1,000 kg transmitter was placed on top of 4 twenty foot containers, to maintain line-of-sight communications with the Searcher II. To minimize the logistics requirement for spare engines, a number of air force engineers were deployed with depot-level maintenance capability (a role that is normally outsourced to a contractor in Singapore).

Below, SAF's 'Owls' in Tarin Kowt, Oruzgan, led by LTC Paul Tan as Detachment Commander. For lean manning purposes, the Mission Commanders were triple qualified as internal pilot and payload operators while augmenting the work done by the two Mission Planners. The UAV pilots were triple qualified as internal pilot, payload operators and as members of the active receive observation station. The UAV logistics crew, led by ME6 Nelson Lim (as Senior Maintenance Officer) was also multi-qualified to perform each other's roles, including the capability to conduct engine tuning. By planning ahead, when one Mission Commander fell ill, other members of the team was able to shuffle manpower requirements to ensure that they were on time and on target everyday for the 112 missions flown.

Note for non-Singaporean readers: The Singapore Army provides imagery analysts as part of the S2/G2 function for the data gathered by the UAVs deployed by Singapore but it is the RSAF that owns the Searcher UAVs. RSAF provides the UAV with the mission commander, external pilot, the internal pilot, sensor operator and the maintenance crew. That is why, the Singapore UAV Team in Afghanistan is a SAF Task Group. For more info, watch part 1 and part 2 of these videos on the RSAF's UAV crew.

Part 1:The UAV Logistics Crew

Part 2: The UAV Pilots

h/t to xtemujin's blog for the picture of the "Timika 1996" campaign streamer below:

I note that Afghanistan is not the only operational deployment of Singapore owned pilotless drones. The TNI and SAF also worked together in hostage rescue operations in West Papua in 1996. An SAF Remotely Piloted Vehicle detachment worked closely with the Indonesian special forces in Timika in West Papua, providing surveillance which proved crucial in facilitating the successful rescue of Indonesian and foreign hostages (from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany) taken by the Organisasi Papua Merdeka or Free Papua Movement. The RSAF's then Tactical Air Support Command (now renamed Air Defence and Operations Command) received a campaign streamer for that. The streamer is navy blue with a red stripe between two thin yellow lines throughout its length and inscribed with "Timika 1996" in white and the streamer was inherited by the UAV Command Regimental Colour in 2011. See this indirect reference of that hostage rescue by the then Singapore Defence Minister, in a Dec 2010 speech at the Indonesia Defence University, where he said:- "In previous years, we have managed to operate together to carry out some missions to safeguard the lives of Indonesian and foreign citizens in Indonesia."

“The exhibition was well planned, and looking at some of the displays here, I can tell that the soldiers have put in a lot of effort and have done good work in Afghanistan.” The exhibition drew the attention of Ms Fah Hyok Fong, 61, whose grandson is currently serving NS.

When asked about their favourite exhibit on display, siblings Lee Yong An (left most), 9, exclaimed out that he loved the showcase of equipment that the serviceman used in Afghanistan. His sister, Lee Yong Hui (2nd from left), 8 years old, shyly pointed at the C130 exhibit where its flight is simulated with vibration and noise.

 

[OPSSG]

Exercise Wallaby 2013 (3 Oct to 30 Nov - Part 1 of 4)
@ Shoalwater Bay Training Area

Below, a RSAF C-130H Hercules (in the foreground) and a chartered Antonov AN-124-100 (in the background) at Rockhampton Airport in support of Exercise Wallaby 2013. To the right of the Antonov AN-124-100 and C-130H, is a RSAF Chinook (without its blades) under a cover that has just been unloaded.

Exercise Wallaby 2013 is a unilateral and large scale annual combined arms exercise being held by the SAF at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), Australia from 30 September 2013 to 3 December 2013. Exercise Wallaby involves 400 armoured vehicles, numerous helicopters, fighters and over 5,000 SAF personnel (see David Boey's blog, here and here for more details of the air movements and a quick h/t to cqplanespotting for their pictorial coverage of the exercise every year). To learn more about the scale and logistics behind Exercise Wallaby, see this article, 'Wallaby by the numbers'.

Below and in the foreground, CPT Joanne Quek (middle) the Officer Commanding of 48 SAR Support Company shares with us her experience training in the Australian outback:

"The coordination is a challenge, we have three companies forming up at the same time and it is down to us to ensure it goes flawlessly so we can meet the start time. Wallaby is always something interesting no matter how many times you come up. It is a steep learning curve but it is always exciting and interesting to be here."​

In the background, a Buffel armoured recovery vehicle deployed to support Exercise Wallaby 2013. The SAF's amoured engineers operate the Leopard II Armour Vehicle Launch Bridge (L2AVLB) to provide mobility support.

Below, a Leopard 2A4 operated by the SAF @SWBTA. According to the SIPRI Arms Transfers Database, the SAF operates a mixture of 182 Leopard 2A4s and Leopard 2SGs, and 10 new Buffel armoured recovery vehicles. See this video on the role of a Singaporean tank gunner: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuF6PP4eN2w"]Ep 2: Tank Gunner (I'm a Soldier, Sailor, Airman) - YouTube[/nomedia]

Below, a Bionix IFV @ SWBTA

Below, an ambulance variant of the Bronco @SWBTA. For more information on the Bronco, see this video: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ayg3SvJOKw8"]Rough Rider - The Army's All Terrain Tracked Carrier - The Bronco (Defence Watch Apr 10) - YouTube[/nomedia]

Below, 2SG Nicholas Chan Zhen Woon, Mission Launcher Team Commander from 12C4I, getting ready to launch the mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (mUAV) @SWBTA. The mUAV, is made by ST Aerospace and called Skybade III. See this video on the capability of the mUAV: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gFLpIb8p3E"]Eye In The Sky - Skyblade III Mini UAV - YouTube[/nomedia]

12C4I also provides the armour battle group with a wide area communications system, with bandwidth of up to 34Mbps.

Above, for most part of the year, SLTC (NS) Eugene Lam works as a HR professional at Applied Materials Inc. Few weeks ago, SLTC Lam donned his uniform and led his Brigade for an overseas exercise in Australia. Having to spend many weeks away from his loved ones, he shares with us his source of motivation:-

"We are far away from home but we do it for a good reason. Australia’s unique terrain allows us to use all our capabilities to the fullest of their abilities. When you are away for such an extended period of time, family support is crucial. When you know they support you, it makes all the difference. I keep our communications channels back home open and that really helps!”​

 

[OPSSG]

SAFKAR INDOPURA: 25 years of friendship (Part 1 of 2)

Close to 450 soldiers from the Indonesian Army (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat, TNI-AD) participated in a bilateral exercise, codenamed SAFKAR INDOPURA, with the Singapore Armed Forces. Held in Singapore, this year's exercise marks the silver anniversary in bilateral training between both Armies.

Exercise SAFKAR INDOPURA commenced on 23 October 2013 with an opening ceremony held at Kranji Camp III. SAF and TNI-AD soldiers engaged in professional exchanges and interactions, especially at the static display exhibition. The TNI-AD soldiers also experienced marksmanship training at the newly opened Multi-Mission Range Complex (MMRC)

Contingents from the Singapore Army and TNI-AD on parade during the opening ceremony for Safkar Indopura.

BG Perry Lim, Chief-of-Staff General Staff, lighting the symbolic SAFKAR INDOPURA flame with Letjen (Lieutenant General) Muhamad Munir, Deputy Chief of TNI-AD. The Safkar Indopura torch is a symbol of the strong and lasting ties between the two countries.

Kapten (Captain) Alam, Ahmad Budman was very impressed with the Singapore Army's use of technology. He said: "The ACMS (Advanced Combat Man System) was one of the things that left a great impression on me, as it allows the higher headquarters to communicate to the soldier on the ground more effectively."

LCP Md Irfan (holding the pistol) looks forward to training with their Indonesian counterparts for the next few days. "They are very friendly, we can go up to them for a chat anytime. I'm happy that my unit will have the opportunity to train with them in this exercise, and I look forward to learning new things from them over the next few days."

The TNI-AD soldiers had the opportunity to shoot the SAR21 at the MMRC. Prior to the live firing at the range, Just-In-Time revision on weapons handling and Immediate Action (IA) drills were conducted for the soldiers.

A TNI-AD soldier discussing his shoot with the host unit conducting NCO.

Thanks to sustained economic growth over the last few years, as the leader of ASEAN, Indonesia has started to look towards its external security environment. Of major concern is the security of its expansive EEZ. Indonesia’s vast archipelago includes about 13,000 islands stretching over nearly 2 million square kilometres. It has a coastline of 54,716 kilometres to protect and three land borders (Timor-Leste 228 kilometres, Malaysia 1,782 kilometres, and Papua New Guinea 820 kilometres). Moreover, it sits right at three of Southeast Asia’s maritime choke points. Political elites in Jakarta want the TNI to keep up with force modernisation trends in Southeast Asia, with Malaysia viewed as a military ‘peer competitor’. The two countries are still in a dispute over the jurisdiction of Ambalat in the Sulawesi Sea and this is a recurring source of tension between the two countries. Therefore, the TNI used Malaysia’s acquisition of two Scorpène-class submarines to justify plans to acquire new diesel–electric submarines. Carl Thayer has noted that South East Asian states continue to procure submarines for a variety of strategic goals.