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Are Gen Y soldiers soft?

2010-10-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

Those who train them say they just need to be handled differently

By William Choong

The Straits Times - Oct 15, 2010

SINGAPOREAN men who have done national service should watch Every Singaporean Son. Produced by the Ministry of Defence, the reality TV series depicts recruits going through basic military training (BMT).

The most-watched episode in the YouTube series is Breaking Point, where recruits go through a three-day field camp. They were filmed digging shallow trenches, being punished for sub-par performance and going through casualty evacuation drills.

At the end, the recruits' platoon commander congratulates them for rising up to the challenge. Some recruits are seen tearing as he speaks. And when the recruits are handed letters of encouragement written by their loved ones to mark the finale of their camp, you can see many of them crying openly.

For older NSmen who have survived harsh instructors, strict bunk inspections and even verbal and psychological abuse, such 'emo' displays prove that Gen Y soldiers are soft.

An old army friend in his late 30s told me: 'Seeing them cry makes me wonder if good schooling and affluence have made Gen Y soldiers soft.'

Popular blogger Mr Brown takes a similar view. In a ditty lamenting how the Government was not paying the $9,000 National Service Recognition Award to lau peng (old soldiers) like him, Mr Brown sang: 'Our time no welfare/ Only can get tekan (punished)/ But now so take care.'

Perceptions that Gen Y soldiers are soft began to surface in 2008, when two servicemen died in training accidents. Asked then whether younger servicemen were less fit than their predecessors, Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said: 'My own sense, not based on any statistical evidence, is that our soldiers are fitter, but may be less rugged.'

Of course, it is not surprising that older NSmen think poorly of today's NSmen. After all, each generation tends to despair over the foibles of succeeding generations.

But if Gen Y soldiers are indeed less rugged, one cannot lay the blame at the door of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) alone. Recruits' strengths and weaknesses, and values, are drawn from the larger society in which they live.

'A military goes to war with its standard of living. If Singaporean soldiers are seen to be soft, it is because physical toughness is not necessarily valued as much as it used to be,' says Mr Ho Shu Huang, a defence analyst at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

Like Gen Y workers, recruits from this generation defined as those born between 1977 and 1999, respond to different motivations.

In an article in Pioneer, the journal of the SAF, Mr Hao Shuo, Major Andrew Wan and Lieutenant David Tang observed that Gen Y soldiers are more likely to seek explanations for instructions. 'When Gen Y ask Why, it is not a brazen challenge of authority, unless we choose to make it so,' they wrote.

Mr Mah Kah Hoe, who served NS in the early 1970s, agrees. He believes that a a good way to motivate this generation of recruits is to explain NS in a way they can relate to and help them understand why it is necessary. This way 'you can throw anything at him and he will deal with it', says the 57-year-old father of three sons, two of whom have finished their NS.

Lieutenant-Colonel Lim Lit Lam, who at 35 straddles the older Gen X and younger Gen Y, adds: 'It has to do with understanding their psyche, and helping them to understand the reason and logic behind things that we do.'

The Commanding Officer of the 46th Singapore Armoured Regiment observed that Gen X soldiers were subjected to hard physical punishments and expected to follow orders without question.

The training for Gen Y soldiers has been modified. These days, recruits are no longer subjected to gratuitous physical punishment, and superiors tolerate some level of questioning. But thorough physical training and strict discipline are maintained, and with the right training, Gen Y soldiers can be as resilient as their older colleagues, says Lt-Col Lim.

In the end, the debate about whether Gen Y soldiers are too 'soft' detracts from the real issue: how to instil resilience to carry soldiers through the hell of war. And resilience is not just about physical toughness.

Writing in Hero Or Coward: Pressures Facing The Soldier In Battle, Bundeswehr officer Elmar Dinter summarises the 'cloud of pressures' that affect a soldier in combat - fear of isolation, fear of the unknown, physical deprivation and the fear of mutilation.

American military historian S.L.A. Marshall wrote that only about 25 per cent of the country's Greatest Generation of soldiers actually fired their weapons in World War II.

The challenge for the SAF is to come up with training scenarios realistic enough to approximate the rigours of war. As Russian general Aleksandr Suvorov wrote: What is hard in training will become easy in war.

At the same time, training safety is paramount. But Singaporeans should understand that military training, by definition, entails some unavoidable risks.

According to Mr Eric Khoo, who served as Chief Commando Officer in the late 1990s, excessive safety regulations arising from previous training accidents could lead to less realistic training.

In a way, the debate about Gen Y soldiers is a symptom of a good problem. For decades, Singapore's defence policy rested on two pillars - deterrence and diplomacy. Deterrence appears to have worked. Together with the advent of technology, this might have created the perception among some Singaporeans that military training need not be so demanding physically, and can be made easier.

This cannot be. Deterrence is not merely about a military's sum total of hardware and fighting men. It also lies in the eye of the beholder, the potential aggressor who decides whether he will be deterred.

It is true, as some have argued, that the resilience of Gen Y Singaporeans is yet to be tested. As such, any allusions to them being 'strawberries' that are easily bruised are unfair.

Still no effort should be spared in stiffening the resolve and boosting the resilience of Gen Y soldiers. On their shoulders rests the security of the nation tomorrow.

Special forces to work under one command

2009-06-30T23:17:00.001-07:00

by Jermyn Chow
For The Straits Times

SAF's integrated task force will allow quick response to terrorist threats

Crack units of the Singapore Armed Forces - the Army's Commandos and Special Operations Force, and the Navy's divers - will be brought under one command to tackle terrorist threats.

Previously, these units operated independently.

The newly-formed Special Operations Task Force, however, will mix and match the different capabilities of Singapore's elite soldiers to muster a faster, sharper response to varying threats.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who gave details of the new structure in an interview ahead of SAF Day, which falls today, said it would allow the special forces to work together much more cohesively and effectively.

Integration, he noted, is important, because dealing with terrorists requires bringing guns to the fight on land, in the air and over the sea, and could involve storming buildings, aircraft and ships.

The units involved in the reorganisation have sophisticated capabilities in one or more of these areas. Said DPM Teo, who is also the Defence Minister: "We need to bring together these capabilities, develop them in a much more complete, coherent manner."

The new set-up will be headed by the current Chief Commando Officer, Colonel Lam Shiu Tong.

The SAF's latest reorganisation follows similar exercises in the Army, Navy and Air Force to better police Singapore's borders, waters and airspace.

Grouping special operations forces under a single command has been done in other countries, like the Untied States. One of the American command's primary objectives is to capture or kill terrorists.

In a wide-ranging interview which touched on several issues, DPM Teo also said Singapore shares good bilateral relations with its global and rgional partners, such as the US, China and Asean.

He added that forums like the annual Shangri-La Dialogue and Asean Regional Forum have helped countries to speak and better understand each other.

He also dwelled at length on the transformation of the SAF into a more potent fighting force, a journey that began in 2004. "You can now see the shape of this third-generation SAF," he said.

It packs a lot more bang for the tax-holder's buck, he said. The air force, for example has retired 70 of its aging A4 Skyhawks. In their place are less than half that number of F-15 SG fighter jets.

However, these newer jets are more capable and can operate in a more networked way, said DPM Teo.

But it is not just about buying equipment. Modern machinery is backed by a powerful battlefield network, allowing the entire force to exchange information and eventually see and strike the enemy faster.

Constant training allows the SAF to sharpen its edge, DPM Teo said.

He cited the SAF's annual exercise, codenamed Wallaby, in Australia, where he saw for himself the army's Leopard tanks working together with the air force's unmanned aerial vehicles, Apache attack helicopters and F-16 warplanes, "all tied together as a cohesive package".

The transformation has other payoffs for Singapore, he said. More powerful systems and sophisticated training methods allow full-time national servicemen to serve two years of national service - six months shorter than their predecessors did, while NSmen go back for in-camp training for only 10 years, instead of 13.

The SAF is also playing a bigger role in regional security, as well as taking on more humanitarian relief efforts. Last year, it deployed personnel in more overseas operations than ever before, including the anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden and logistics support in Iraq.

Despite all these advances, DPM Teo said, "the work is not finished yet ... there's still much to be done over several more years". Nevertheless, he added, the SAF soldier of today has a critical advantage in the battlefield, thanks to the transformation effort.

"You don't put them in just with a sword and shield or rifle with 200 rounds and two grenades.

"Now when you put them in, boots on the ground, he's actually got the whole SAF in his backpack. That's the difference."

SAF Proves its mettle overseas

2009-06-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

SAF forces have fought Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, treated those wounded in insurgent attacks in Afghanistan, protected the waters around key oil terminals and given logistics support to coalition vessels and helicopters in Iraq.

Image from MINDEF printed in The Straits Times

By Jermyn Chow
For The Straits Times

Missions in Afghanistan and elsewhere also let it gain valuable experience

The men and women of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) were involved in more overseas operations last year than ever before.

They fought Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, treated those wounded in insurgent attacks in war-torn Afghanistan, protected the waters around key oil terminals and gave logistics support to coalition vessels and helicopters in Iraq.

The troops joined a growing list of over 2,000 servicemen who have been deployed in 35 United Nations-sanctioned missions overseas since 1989 - four in Afghanistan alone since 2007.

The most recent one there put 39 men and women in the Oruzgan province, where they provided primary health care and helped their Dutch and Australian counterparts run a field hospital in Tarin Kowt, the provincial capital.

Soon, the navy's Landing Ship Tank RSS Persistence, two Super Puma helicopters and 240 SAF personnel will be back after three months in the Gulf of Aden.

Although the SAF's role has primarily been a supporting one, the troops have found themselves in challenging operations, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of Defence Teo Chee Hean.

He noted that SAF personnel in Afghanistan have found themselves amid car bombs, roadside bombs, Improvised Explosive Devices and rocket attacks.

"So they're not without risks, but we prepare our people well. It's been a good operational experience for our people."

He said the SAF is capable and credible - and able to contribute to regional peace and stability. And in a sign of the coming-of-age of the third-generation SAF, more deployments are in the offing.

It is planning another mission to Afghanistan, this time deploying a KC-135 refuelling aircraft and a group of air force servicemen who will operate a pilotless surveillance aircraft in support of Nato-led coalition forces.

The SAF plans to deploy a battlefield radar system there, to give soldiers more advance warning of enemy artillery, rocket and mortar launches.

It now has construction and engineering teams in Bamiyan to build a paediatric and women's wing for the province's hospital and to erect a security wall in the war-torn region.

But despite the growing number of peace missions overseas, DPM Teo said the SAF's main mission - the defence of Singapore - remained clear: "We're the ultimate guarantor of Singapore's independence and sovereignty."

Dare we let down our guard?

2009-02-17T17:12:00.000-08:00

By David Boey
For the Straits Times

Defence Spending

When Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel are called upon to defend their country, there would be few - if any - Singaporeans who would question the relevance of Singapore's military strength.
But the SAF's readiness and the commitment of its soldiers, sailors and airmen should not be taken for granted. The combat capabilities currently deployed took years of steady investments to raise, train and sustain.
Consider the Commando Special Operations Force (SOF) that stormed Singapore Airlines flight SQ117 at Changi Airport on March 26, 1991 and saved 123 passengers and crew. Four Pakistani hijackers had threatened to kill one hostage every 10 minutes unless their demands were met. They gave the Singapore authorities five minutes to decide what to do. Three minutes into the countdown, the SOF settled the issue by killing all four hijackers.
the operation, codenamed Thunderbolt, marked the first time the SAF resolved a hijacking with deadly force. The operation also marked the first occasion when an SAF unit was deployed for operations even before its existence was publicly acknowledged. The veil of secrecy over the SOF was lifted only on Feb 20, 1997, nearly six years after the SQ117 rescue and some 13 years after the SOF was formed in April 1984.
Among the Singapore Army's fighters, SOF troopers are probably the most expensive soldiers to train, organise, equip and support. Yet the Ministry of Defence argued that they were a necessary investment.
A year after the elite unit was formed in 1984, independent Singapore endured its first economic recession. But the unit's development continued unabated, nevertheless. Had Mindef opted for was financially expedient rather than what was operationally prudent, the SQ117 rescue - executed years later - might have had a very different outcome.
Two operations flown by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) further demonstrate how defence capabilities can be called upon decades after they were first established.
The RSAF set up 122 Squadron to fly C-130 Hercules medium-lift tactical airlifters in 1977. The squadron's years of experience in flight operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief flights around the region, paid off in October 1990 during Operation Nightingale, when two C-130s flew medical supplies to Jordan. Iraq had invaded Kuwait that August and 122 Squadron was tasked to deliver 23 tonnes of medical supplies to the United Nations Disaster Relief Organisation in Jordan.
The second operation occurred in July 1997, when 122 Squadron evacuated more than 400 Singaporeans from Phnom Penh when the security situation in the Cambodian capital deteriorated. Two waves of air evacuations were carried out during Operation Crimson Angel using C-130s protected by commandos.
As these examples show, it may take decades for people to appreciate the value of defence investments. However, the lack fo such investment can become apparent in a much shorter tie. This is because hostile elements can be quick to exploit gaps or shortcomings in Singapore's defences.
Take the piracy problem which plagued Singapore's defence planners in the 1980s. Attacks by sea raiders at places like East Coast Park, West Coast Park and Tuas made the headlines in the 1980s, showing that sea robbers had found loopholes in Singapore's seaward defences. Singapore paid the price for an ill-defined maritime strategy.
The situation today is markedly different. Round-the-clock surveillance of Singapore's territorial waters by naval patrols ans sensors like radars, air surveillance by shore-based Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft and cooperation with regional navies send a signal of Singapore's determination to safeguard its shores. But attacks recorded in nearby sea lanes prove that pirates continue to prowl regional seas. Strip away the assets of the Republic of Singapore Navy and the sea robbers will surely return to our shores. Dare we take that chance?

A balanced budget
The operations cited above do not mean that Mindef should command an unlimited budget. Neither should one expect our nation's elected representatives to be mute witnesses to the SAF's transformation into a 3rd Generation fighting force.
Questions on financial stewardship will ensure that Singapore gets the maximum bang for every defence dollar that is spent. Defence planners should indeed explain how the 6 per cent of GDP that Mindef spends is spent wisely.
However, it is important to ensure that long-term defence capabiities are protected, no matter what the short-term economic conditions. Capability erosion could easily come about through cyclical variations in defence spending.
One must appreciate that combat capabilities for the SAF's land, sea and air units take years to attain full battle readiness from the time new hardware is introduced. Indecisive defence funding would onot only send a weak deterrent message, it could also hamper Singapore's defence posture through less realistic training or less capable defence equipment

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The writer was Straits Times defence correspondent.

The power of the National Anthem

2008-01-01T05:27:00.000-08:00

It is 2008 - Wishing one and all a Healthy and Successful Year ahead.

As we move into our daily grind and slowly forget the parties of the past few weeks, I would like to bring some attention to a bit of National Pride.

Please refer to the article by Mr Adam LeBor that was published in The Straits Times on 20070619.
Here is link to the article on another blog - http://ramblingcitizen.blogspot.com/2008/01/let-all-israelis-sing-anthem.html

In a year which will see lots of changes - USA is an election year, Taiwan is an election year, China hosts the Olympic, North Korea will hopefully finally arrest their nuclear ambitions ... we, as global citizens, will continue to witness pain and suffering. Either physically through natural calamities, economically through the fall out of the so-called sub-prime crisis, or mentally through the ever present conflicts throughout the world brought about by political contests of will.

The articles previously mentioned discusses Israel and how changing a single word in its current National Anthem may create an environment that is more inclusive to all citizens within its boundaries.

This led me to reflect on how our "little red dot" took the path less travelled and from the very beginning included everyone in the Anthem and the Pledge. The Anthem was written by Encik Zubir Said - a Malay, and the Pledge was penned by Mr Rajaratnam.

Fast forward 40 years since independence, we have new Citizens and even Permanent Residents claiming to get goosebumps when they hear the Anthem and recite the pledge. While Singaporeans may feign indifference - it is a unifying force when we as a nation stand together on August 9 each year (for those who don't know - it is Singapore's National Day aka Independence Day).

So a new year wish of mine is that all that are affiliated with Singapore: citizens young and old, Permanent Residents and anyone who loves Singapore, to remember that we are working for an all inclusive country and love your neighbour as your own family.

Cheers!

RSAF's Organisational Transformation (ST 20070208)

2007-02-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

By Adrian W. J. Kuah
for the Straits Times
Author is an associate research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University

The public face of defence transformation is typically framed in technology terms: the acquisition and deployment of cutting-edge weapons systems and information technologies in order to wage network-centric warfare.
In the same vein, the transformation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is seen primarily as a technological transformation. The SAF's acquistion of advanced military hardware - such as the Primus self-propelled howitzer, F-15SG Eagles and Seahawk naval helicopters - has grabbed the headlines.
But there is another equally important dimension to military evolution, and that is the revamp of the command structure of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) announced last month.
The RSAF will now be organised according to functions rather than geography. Under the air force headquarters will be five new commands: Air Defence and Operations, Air Combat, Air Power Generation, Participation, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. This replaces the old geographically-based system of formations comprising the air bases and air defence systems division.
Whereas in the past the planning and control of operations were dictated to the formations by headquarters, the five new commands will have greater autonomy on operational matters.
The new structure is flatter and more organic; there is less formalisation, more decentralisation of decision-making and more lateral communication.
The move to an organic structure reflects the more complex operating environment and the more varied tasks the air force has to perform today. These can range from traditional war fighting to disaster relief and peacekeeping operations.
It also reflects the application of what has been called RMA ("revolution in military affairs") technologies.
These are disruptive in that they generate radical rather than incremental changes in capabilities. They disrupt and destabilise the existing structures and processes of the organisations that adopt them. They are not merely "plug-and-play" systems that can be grafted onto existing organisational structures and processes; to fully exploit these technologies, it is essential for the organisations themselves to transform.
The change to a more organic structure mirrors developments in the broader socio-economic milieu. The emergence of the information economy has led to the transformation of the firm from a top-down, hierarchical, bureaucratic corporate behemoth into a flatter, dynamic network orgnaisation that is better able to cope with changing business practices such as flexible manufacturing, just-in-time inventories and knowledge-intensive products and services.
To be sure, there are limits to how far the armed forces can, or even should, emulate the changes taking place in commercial organisations.
Indeed, the adoption of organic structures and processes by the RSAF does not mean that hierachry,formalisation and so forth have been supplanted. The changes should be read as the gradual introduction of organic organisational practices into what remains a dominant mechanistic organisational form. Features such as verticality and formal hierarchy remain integral to the functioning of the armed forces: The mechanistic organisational technology still works more often than not.
Rather, the transformations that have taken place in th RSAF reflect an attempt to pre-empt situations where the mechanistic organisational form thwarts rather than serves.
Nevertheless, these organisational transformations emphsise the importance of organisational developments along side the acquisition of technological capabilities. The interesting question is whether organisational changes can keep pace with technology.

SAF Army's New Gear (ST 20070125)

2007-01-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

Biggest Revamp of Soldier's Gear
By David Boey (dboey@sph.com.sg)

New outfit vital as army's role wides to include protection of key installations, urban warfare and peacekeeping missions

All new recruits going in for Basic Military Training (BMT) are now being issued with new personal equipment in the army's biggest revamp of soldiering gear in decades.
They will receive four new items: a load-bearing vest; a waterproof torchlight with different colour lenses; a new field pack; and a multi-purpose knife with seven functions.
The army introduced the new items to the media yesterday during a visit to the Basic Military Training Centre on Pulau Tekong. Lieutenant-Colonel Kong Kam Yean said the equipment was designed incorporating suggestions from soldiers from seven battalions during two years of trials.
The head of the Plans Branch at Headquarters 9th Singapore Division/Infantry Formation added that the new equipment is necessary as the army's role widens to include protection of strategic installations, urban warfare and peacekeeping missions.
He said: "This demands that the soldiers' equipment has the flexibility to be configured for different mission profiles, to carry different requirements based on the mission need."
The new load-bearing vest allows soldiers to carry ammunition and military gear such as night-vision devices and compasses, and secure the pouches anywhere on the vest using straps.
It replaces pouches and straps that for the skeleton battle order (SBO), last changed in 1997. Unlike the old SBO, which could be adjusted only minimally, the new vest has straps at the waist and chest, which ensures a body-hugging fit.
The new field pack, 80 percent bigger than the existing one but having the same weight, has a big zipper on its front. The old 1980s-era pack could only be top-loaded, meaning soldiers had to pour out its contents to get something from the bottom.
A waterproof torchlight, which can be fitted with red, yellow, blue and green lenses for signalling purposes, and a multi-purpose knife, with tools such as a screwdriver and a can opener, will also form part of the recruit's battle ensemble.
Operationally ready national servicemen will receive these items in phases later this year.

Bloggers Note: LTC Kong is an ex-NCC (Sea) Cadet.
For more information on the LBV go to D&G's website

Information on the Battlefield (ST 20061031 Report)

2006-10-31T20:21:00.000-08:00

Beware of possible psychological minefield

By David Boey (dboey@sph.com.sg)
The Straits Times Defence Correspondent
Oct 31, 2006

Battle information is a double-edged sword.
Just as ignorance of an unfolding battle is dangerous, swamping troops with too much information could also be deadly as it may overwhelm soldiers’ decision-making capacity.
Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers are now able to harness battlefield information as a weapon – using rugged computers that instantly display the locations of friendly and hostile forces.
The SAF’s Battlefield Management System, newly deployed with the 42nd Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment, underscores the army’s determination to use technology to give its forces information superiority in battle.
On screens inside their vehicles, soldiers are given secure updates of the battle situation. Soldiers can send text messages to one another, avoiding the use of radios which the enemy can eavesdrop on or even jam.
This homegrown system, unveiled recently, displays enemy threats as red icons and friendly forces as blue icons, creating an electronic picture of the unfolding battle in near-real time.
But there is the danger that soldiers may become too engrossed with updates and e-mail to look out for what might be clear and present danger around their vehicles.
We have all seen how, in an office situation, colleagues routinely e-mail one another even when they are seated in neighbouring cubicles. This might be acceptable in civilian life but a battlefield situation would be different.
Sending orders by SMS can be a plus in combat, when one’s forces are scattered over a wide terrain and one needs to preserve radio silence. But technology will never be able to match a commander communicating his intent and determination in a personal meeting.
Witness how the legendary German field marshal Erwin Rommel chose to roam the battlefield in his armoured vehicle during World War II, rousing his Afrika Korps troops to battle during the desert duels with Allied forces in North Africa. Field Marshal Rommel’s armoured vehicle was distinctive. It had the moniker “Greif” (German for gryphon) pained in large white lettering on its side – one glance was all it took to know he was around.
Another psychological aspect worth mulling over is how a bird’s eye view of the firefights could affect morale.
The sight of blue icons triumphing over red icons may bring much cheer when things are going well. But suppose the tide of battle were to turn against you. It may look like a computer game, but the sight of friendly blue icons disappearing off the screen could startle troops unnecessarily.
Soldiers may see more than they are prepared to accept – especially when a battle stalls.
The plethora of information zapped through the air also puts a premium on information security. A savvy enemy will be able to harness such information to advantage.
During World War II, the German Navy used encoded radio signals to mass their U-boat submarines into Wolf Packs to make coordinated attacks on Allied shipping convoys. Their gun and torpedo attacks were devastating until Allied scientists cracked their supposedly unbreakable naval codes. Yet, the full story of how the Allies cracked the Germans’ Enigma machine code remains classified today.
The lesson is never to presume that any technological system is so superior that it cannot be exploited by wily, tech-savvy enemy.
The good news is that the SAF enjoys some first-mover advantage – few armies have succeeded in producing a similar system for operational use and few regional countries can match the size or expertise in the Republic’s defence science community.
Armoured forces from countries such as Israel and the United States have fielded their own versions of the battle computers in combat.
The fact that battle-tested armies have not abandoned their quest for information supremacy, despite technical hurdles in tracking hundreds of moving vehicles by satellite and enabling them to communicate via wireless network, is tacit acknowledgement of the value of such systems in war.
The know-how behind such systems is very much a black art which countries guard jealously.
As potential adversaries race to close the gap in informational superiority, the SAF must fight to keep the technological edge it has secured in partnership with the local defence industry and defence scientists.
But it must remember to also pay attention to psychological aspects when deploying that technology.

Links:
ST Engineering

Mindef

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Comments by William Aw:
The above article by David Boey articulates a fine balance that most modern and forward looking military organizations must tread.
How does one enhance the organizational capability, reduce "fog-of-war" errors, increase communications, WHILE not detracting the soldiers from being able to concentrate on winning the war.
Soldiers on the ground often complain about how everything looks good on paper but until the generals who sit in their war rooms put leather to the jungle grounds, they are the ones who suffer. It is easy to say: "Move that division to that mountain!" but logistical and actual ground situation may not be easily implemented.
Therefore, tactical commanders who now feel that the new BMS will help to alleviate situation may realize that there is a lot more work to be done than just putting the technological pieces in place.
Will we become too reliant on techonology and forget basic military tactics? Will we feel that our new weapons - with their optic sights and round the bend video capability - give us better chances of survival? NOT if the soldier does not have the discipline to clean his/her weapon, ensure there is sufficient battery power or heaven forbid - personal hygiene taken care of.
It makes us proud to be part of an organization that has "black magic" and able to produce such breakthroughs in the defence industries. I look forward to the day our "magic" can help us win against an enemy practising guerilla warfare as it is not the technological prowess but the will to win that influences the outcome. Vietnam was a very potent example - with the Green Berets taking the true "hearts and minds" doctrine while the statisticians and experts expound on the use of carpet bombing, agent Orange, massive firepower. We see the "desire" to win eroded over the years, causing more and more unnecessary casualties of war - for many many years after the withdrawal.
Will technology desensitize us to the horrors of war?
The movie "Stealth" promised Unmanned Fighter Jets with intelligence, an episode from Stargate SG-1 (Season 4 Episode 2) also highlight fighter jets that are remotely controlled from an underground bunker - thus keeping important human resources available to fight another day.
Political willpower often cannot bear the shock and grief that death brings to the masses when there is a war. Let's hope being technologically advanced does not give governments the reason to fight a war claiming little loss of life.
Most importantly - that while we need to remain vigilant and ever ready to fight a war, let us never forget that no one wins in a war.

National Day Speech by RSN Chief of Navy at ACS (Barker) on 08 August 2006

2006-10-09T02:14:00.000-07:00

The following is the transcript of the speech given by RAdm Ronnie Tay at ACS Barker Road for their National Day celebrations where NCC(Sea) was the Guard of Honour.

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Members of ACS Board of Governors, Mr Ng Eng Chin, Principal of ACS(Barker Road), staff, students and distinguished guests:

Good morning. It is a real honour for me to join you here this morning for your National Day Celebrations, and I would like to express my appreciation to your Principal Mr Ng for inviting me. It is also a pleasure for me to come back here to this part of Barker Road, where I had spent some of my most memorable years as a pupil of Anglo-Chinese Secondary School.

Of course, all this was before the re-construction of this beautiful ACS complex four years ago. This set of facilities is indeed most pleasant and conducive for learning and growing as a school student. However, getting a good education is not just about studying in a set of nice and modern buildings. More importantly, it depends on the leadership and teachers that the school has, the curriculum that it offers, the boys that form the student body and the spirit and values which the school fosters in everyone that passes through its gates.

In that respect, all of you here can count yourselves privileged. Having studied here myself, I know the well-rounded education which ACS provides, which focuses not just on the exam curriculum, but also on developing the character and spiritual growth of its boys. I appreciate the opportunity of spending all my 12 years in ACS, and similarly I hope you also value the opportunity of being in this fine institution. Talking about opportunities, someone has said that “God's best gifts are not things but opportunities”. Indeed, God has a reason for putting each of us where we are at each point of our lives, and that includes the school that we find ourselves in. Therefore, I urge you to make the most of your time as a student in this school and take every opportunity to learn and grow. I know that life as a student has its demands, with your classes, homework, exams, CCA and many other responsibilities, and so it is important that we hold fast to our beliefs and values as we navigate the often rough and choppy waters of our secondary school years.

What would some of these values be? Let me share something with you from the Navy. Today, the Republic of Singapore Navy has about 35 ships. The name of each ship is carefully chosen, and given to her at the launching ceremony of the ship. This is the occasion when a new ship is put into the water for the first time after being built. During the ceremony, the lady launching the ship – and it's always a lady by naval tradition – the lady will pronounce “I name this ship such and such, and may God bless her and all who sail on her”. Our naval ships have names that reflect their strong capabilities or the values we expect of the crews that sail on them. If I may, I would just like to suggest the names of three of our ships for for us to think about.

The first is RSS Resolution, one of our four Landing Ship Tanks or LSTs. The LSTs are multi-purpose support ships that the RSN uses to transport equipment or personnel, and we have in fact deployed these to the Arabian Gulf for coalition operations over the past three years. Some of you may have visited her before during our Navy Open House or even sailed on her. The word “resolution” means “determined and bold in purpose”. In naming her as such, we endeavour that RSS Resolution will always be show determination and courage in carrying out her missions in peace or war. Your purpose at this stage of your life as students is to study and develop yourself, so that you may be able to contribute to your family and our nation as adults in later years. That means that you have to set targets for what you want to achieve in school, work hard and strive towards those goals. At the same time, there would be many distractions that will come your way. There will always be something that's more fun and relaxing to do than listening to what's going on in this class or doing that piece of homework. Being determined and bold in purpose means steering towards the goal that you have set for yourself.

The second name I would like to highlight is RSS Steadfast. She is one of the 6 new stealth frigates we are building at the moment. When operational in the next couple of years, these frigates will be the most powerful squadron of ships in the Fleet. To be steadfast means to be firm and unwavering, when faced with any difficulties, and for a warship, that means being strong and not be shaken by the enemy or any adversity. We all know that life has its ups and downs, and each of us has experienced setbacks or failures in our lives. For example, we may not have done as well in some previous exam, or we may not have won a particular race. We must not be discouraged by these setbacks or failures. Instead, we need to put these behind us, be firm and unwavering in our present journey and move confidently towards the future.
The final name I would like to share with you is RSS Victory. This is the proud name of the class of missile corvettes that we have been operating for more than a decade. They are a very capable set of ships, which have performed many missions successfully. Victory is what we want for our ships in battle. Victory is what everyone seeks in what he or she does. However, while you may say that there can only be one victor in any tournament, I see victory in our personal lives as succeeding in what we set out to achieve, and that does not always mean being first. Indeed, as long as we feel that we have put in our best effort, given our best shot, we can say that we have won. And it may not just be about scoring well in exams. It could also be about overcoming some personal weakness like being easily distracted or unkind, or developing a positive character trait such as being a co-operative member of the team.

Resolution, Steadfast, Victory. To me, these are fine names for our warships, as well as important values for us to hold on to as we meet the many challenges that come our way in our lives. Certainly, these are also values which have contributed to our progress as the nation of Singapore, and we are proud to celebrate our 41st National Day this morning.

Finally, thank you for this opportunity to share some thoughts with you. I congratulate you on your many achievements in the past year, both individually and as a school. I wish God's richest blessings on each and everyone of you in all that you do, even as you seek to please and serve Him in your lives. Thank you.

**********************************

RSS Endurance (L207) Visits China (article in Chinese)

2006-10-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

The following article is gleaned from the Chinese (PRC) magazine - Naval & Merchant Ships - April 05, 2006 Edition.

The article will be replicated in its Chinese format and when time permits, an English translated version will be attached.

亲历新加坡＂坚韧＂号登陆舰
本刊特约记者／韩海冰

２月２８日至３月３曰，新加坡＂坚韧＂号坦克登陆舰在新海军舰队司令陈开河上校率领下首访湛江。期间，我作为记者两次登上这艘由新加坡海洋技术公司自己设计建造的大型坦克登陆舰，近距离接触我们这个邻家的军舰和军人。

＂四大金刚＂之一
根据中新双方事先尝排，我在＂坚韧＂号坦克登陆舰刚刚停靠湛江港便率先登舰参观。没有太阳光芒照射下的灰黑色军舰静静地依靠在堪江港务局４０７泊位码头边上，行走之间能清楚地看到军舰黑色舷梯上用英文写着的＂坚韧＂号舰名。新加坡海军对我们非常友好、专门指派伯战副指挥官李毅明等引领我们参观。

沿着舷梯踏上＂坚韧＂号，李副官便介绍说﹕新加坡海军舰队根据舰艇类型划分成３个纵队和１个潜艇中队。第１纵队包括３个中队，分别为６艘胜利级导弹艇、６艘改进型海狼级导弹艇、６艘可畏级隐身护卫舰。这些舰艇都装备有对抗水下、水面及空中威胁的先进武器和传感器系统，代表了新加坡海军主要的海上打击力量，可执行多维海上作战及海上打击任务。第３纵队是新加坡海军的支援力量，主要由特种舰船构成，包括４艘自建的坚韧级登陆舰＂坚韧＂号（Ｌ２０７）、＂坚决＂号（Ｌ２０８）、＂坚持＂号（Ｌ２０９）和＂努力＂号（Ｌ２１０）。

＂坚韧＂号长１４１米、宽２１米、吃水５米、型深１３·６米，裁重６０００吨，满裁排水量８５００吨﹔最大航速超过１５节，续航力５０００海里／１５节﹔２台柴油机，２个调距桨，４台柴油发电机﹔全舰编制６５人。＂论个头＂在新海军中属绝对的＂重量级＂，因此被外界誉为新海军的＂四大金刚＂，加之都是新加坡自行研制生产，被视为其海军骄傲。＂坚韧＂号１９９８年３月１４曰下水，２０００年初服役，曾于２００４年代表新加坡赴海湾地区执行伊拉克重建中的相关任务。

特色的甲板和底舱
在＂坚韧＂号上，除了一些涉及军事机密的部位，我可以在１０几层楼高的军舰上随着同行军官四处游走，甚至提出自己想去的地方，这一点我明显感觉到新加坡海军的友好与尊重。上舰前，本以为新加坡这样的小国家，武器装备一定依赖进口、其灾不然。上舰经介绍了解到，新加坡在走出国门，发展国防科技，借助国际合作推进本国国防科技发展的同时，要求三军部队开展＂提高生产力＂，强化装备自主研制、翻新和配套能力，逐步推行＂本地制造＂策略。

此时，站在＂坚韧＂号足有两个篮球场大小的后甲板上感觉十分宽敞，同时停放起降２架直升机绝对不成问题，与此前我所登上美国海军＂蓝岭＂号的后甲板有些许相似，使人很容易联想到直升机航母。李副官还补充道﹕后甲板不仅可以起降直升机，而且还是舰员们娱乐、健身的好地方。比如这次来访航行过程中，随舰出访的新加坡学员就在后甲板进行了放风筝比赛。在他的引导我们下了几层甲板，来到军舰底部的坞舱，这里的宽大程度更让人惊叹﹕仿佛一座大型的洞库。听李副官介绍才明白，底舱分前后两部分，靠近尾部的地方凹下去两米深，像一个长长的游泳地。在参观时发现，底舱内分剔有两种类型不同的登陆艇，一种是有座位的１２人快速登陆艇，还有一种则是颜色深黑的橡皮艇。这种橡皮艇能乘坐８人，主要在浅滩暗礁海域中使用，和快速登陆艇交互配含使用，作用有所不同，可以互相补充，更利于作战。

装备国产兼引进
根据我的要求，我们从底舱一侧往上，径直来到航海指挥中心。在宽敞朋的驾驶室里，自动航行控制化器、电脑地图、导航雷达等各种系统通过微机集中到中部的控制台，显得蚌常直观、简便，驾驶台后部的动力系统、通售系统、ＧＰＳ定位系统等布局也都恰到好处。而且整套系统还有一个备份，一套出现故障，另一套马上能投入运行。可想而知，新加坡凭借其在信息、电子产业方面取得的进步，正在迅速地将新科技物化为武器装备的战斗力。

驾驶室侧面的外甲板上有用于近程防空的高射机枪。舰中部的＂西北风＂导弹发射架（左右舷）是法国马特拉公司研制的一种超近程地空轻型导弹，用于对付低空、超低空大规模饱和攻击，具有机动性好、威力大、反应时间短等特点。日前该导弹导发展到＂酉北风２＂型，成为舰上士兵所说的完全自主的＂发射后不管＂导弹，可拦截各类空中目标、包括低红外特征目标。导弹的最大速度为２·５马赫，最大拦截距离为６０００米，战斗部质量为３千克，带有近炸引信。导弹采用高灵敏度、多元红外导引头，通过被动红外寻的进行制导。不过，在实际试射导弹中，最大拦截跑离仅为４０００米左右。

当问及舰上有多少引进武器时，李副官说﹕武备主要是西方国家生产的，比如２架法制＂超美洲豹＂直升机，这次并未随舰到访它主要用于长程和近岸搜救行动机上装有驾驶舱综合显示屏、自动导航装置和进场悬停系统，配合额外裁油能力，有利于执行长距离搜救任务。最大航程达８５０千米，巡航速度约２７７千米，最大起飞重量达９３００千克，能装载２２名士兵。

交谈中，我们来到＂坚韧＂号前甲板＂奥托·梅莱拉＂７６毫米主炮前，这座意大利制舰炮使用６千克重的炮弹，射程达１６千米，射速达到１２０发／分钟。从武器装备上说，舰上的武器装备整体右能算先进，但就这艘舰的使命来说，这些装备已经足够了。而且，该舰采用模块化设计，改进潜力很大。

年轻的指捏员
这次率领＂坚韧＂号访问湛江的新海军舰队司令陈开河上校给我留下深刻印象。欢迎仪式止，当风度举止儒雅的陈开坷讲话时，他流利的汉语表达一下子拉近了所有在场中国人的心。２８曰晚，在南海舰队举行的欢迎招待会上，陈开河司令那句＂一踏上湛江的土地，便感受到湛江人民的热情，有宾至如归的感觉。＂让我从心底涌起走近他的愿望。

通过与陈开河司令交流和舰上军人的介绍得知，陈开河１９６６年１２月２日出生于新加坡，１９８４年１２月加入新海军，曾获得新加坡武装部队海外留学奖学金，１９８５年获得总统奖学金，肄业于英国剑桥大学。１９８８年获名誉文学学士学位。

在海军服役早期，陈开河在导弹快艇上工作，一开始是一名低级别的军官，通过勤学努力使他成长为新海军＂海龙＂号巡逻艇的副长。１９９１年，陈开河担任＂快速骑士＂号海崇巡逻艇艇长。后来，陈开河调任新海军联合计划部担任参谋，期间，他被选送到日本海上白卫队参谋学院学习指挥与参谋课程，回国后，他在新加坡海军计划部任鄙门领导。

１９９６年，陈开河出任新加坡海军＂勇猛＂号导弹护卫舰舰长。１９９７年任新海军训练部部长。１９９９年，陈开河开始·攻读美国斯坦福初级大学理科硕土学位，并获得新加坡武装部队研究生奖学金。学成回国一年后，陈开河先担任新加坡海军１８５导弹艇中队中队长，２００２年任舰队副司令，后任海军计划部部长，２００６年年初，陈开河井始担任新阳坡海军舰队司令一职，不久便出访中国。

快速发展的海军
＂坚韧＂号来访意外的收获让我对这个邻国海军未来发展有了更多的了解。由于新加坡经济严重依赖海上通道，其海军的主曹任务便是抗击来自海上的威胁，确保海上交通线马六申海峡和新加坡海峡的畅通无阻。２０世纪９０年代以来，凭借雄厚的经济实力和日益进步的科技水平，大力发展海军力量正如陈开河在交流中谈到﹕＂目前我们的海军已经成为一支能够保卫地巴和海上交通线安全的立体化部队，未来将具存更加高效的作战能力。＂

为提高海军部队战斗力，新加坡海军进行了一系列结构调整。１９９１年成立了独立于舰队的海岸司邻部，１９９２年舰队按功能区分为两个小型舰队。在战时，舰队将编组为特遣部队。从作战编组来看，坚韧级登陆舰替代了１９１海军中队早期的登陆舰，新型护舰桨替代１８５海军中队的导弹艇，并成立由潜艇组成的１７１海军中队，该中队直接曲舰队司令指挥。随着机构精减的继续进行，新加坡海军于２００１年成立了水下作战中心，２００３年成立了水面作战中心。这些作战中心都有一个参谋机构，其目的是提高对作战资源的利用效玄率。最近几年，新加坡海军通过＂劳动力集成构想＂系统来提高其工程技术水平，其主熙措施就是招募一批技术人员在海军基地担任修理和维护任务，并与海军人员并肩工作。

下一步，新加坡海军的重点发展计划是６艘可畏级护卫舰，首舰＂可畏＂号已于去年５月服役（参见我刊２００５年第３期报道），其余５艘陆续在２００９年前全部交付使闸。作为新加坡自行建造的最大的水面战斗舰，他们将具有更强的续航、持久作战和防堂能力等特点也将是东南亚地匹最先进的水面舰艇，届时新加坡海军整体作战能力将会出现一个质的飞跃，使新加坡海军开始拥有远洋作战能力，将会在保卫新加坡国土安全、航海贸易以及马六甲海峡等方面发挥至关重要的作用。

陈开河司令如是说﹕＂未来，新加坡海军真正关注的焦点是发展作战平台的Ｃ４Ｉ系统，并在作战理论创新和部队建设方面突出一体化作战能力。＂

33rd Annual Sea Competition (20060904 & 20060905)

2006-09-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

Annual Sea Competition - Kayaking Events

The Annual Sea Competition pits the various units against each other in events that test their seamanship skills. The events include:
1. Bends & Hitches
2. Cutter Pulling
3. Kayaking/Canoeing

Due to the large number of participants, the event has been held over several days and venues.
The grand finale is the kayaking events held at Sembawang Sea Training Centre (SSTC) over 2 days.

On Sep 04, 2006, the students from 20 units made their way to SSTC to participate in the 33rd annual event.

Link to Photo Set
Day 1
Day 2

20060808 ACS (B) National Day Parade Guard of Honour and Chief of Navy as Guest of Honour

2006-08-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

Singapore's 41st National Day has come and gone. What will most of us remember in the years and decades to come? Probably the big spectacular bash at the National Stadium - the final one before they tear it down to make way for a modern Sports Hub.

Yet, while the nation focuses on the big bash at Kallang, schools around the country plan to celebrate modestly and with dignity - remembering our short history, the toils and sweats of our forefathers that have given us the success of today. On August 08, 2006 - ACS (Barker Road) did the same with NCC (Sea) leading the charge.

In the years to come, the cadets from ACS (B) will remember this day for the various honours that they have received - not in terms of awards or specific achievements, but because NCC (Sea) was chosen as the UG (Uniformed Group) Guard of Honour. The Parade Commander was also to be a Senior (Part D cadet) from NCC (Sea) - MSG Goh Xiang Tian.

To make things even more significant was that the current Chief of Navy - RADM Ronnie Tay - was the Guest of Honour for the event held at Barker Road.

How appropriate for the Sea cadets to be in full GOH regalia honouring the Chief of Navy - who is an ACS Old Boy, and an ex-NCC cadet!

It was a beautiful morning - a major storm has passed several hours prior - cool and cloudy, a perfect day for a parade! The cadets from the supporting contingent formed up and the Guard of Honour contingent marched in with their AR15 and chromed bayonets to the tunes played by the BB band.

The parade itself was over quickly and guests were invited to the Pei Hwa Library for refreshments. At the reception, parents of the Sea cadets had an opportunity to meet RADM Ronnie Tay.

After the reception, the Sea cadets were given another honour - a chance to take a group picture with Chief of Navy! So in the years to come - some people will remember Apache helicopters and major fireworks, but there will be a group that will remember the day they were in the presence of the Chief of Navy!

Link to the speech the Chief of Navy gave on that day - SPEECH.

Here is a link to some more photos:
ACS(B) 41st National Day Celebration with NCC (Sea) as GOH
(all pictures provided by ACS (B) )

20060602 32nd Annual Kayaking Expedition

2006-06-05T05:57:00.000-07:00

Day 1 - 20060602 (Friday) - Preparations
There was a sense of excitement and anticipation on Friday - June 2nd - as cadets, CLTs, and HQ staff descended upon SSTC to get the final details of the AKE expedition ready.
Canoes and other equipment were transported from KSTC with the help of the 5-tonners.
Towards the evening, cadets moved the newly repaired canoes from their racks to the waterfront, inspecting them to ensure that there are no major visible damage.
All the while the students are in high spirits in anticipation and worked quickly to get the preparation work done.
Due to academic reasons, many of the CLTs were unable to come in early on the first day but this did not hinder the preparations managed by the ones that were on hand.
As the evening progressed, checks were being done to ensure that the cadets were properly kitted for the expedition.

"CADETS!!! Do you have your water bottle??? Not the puny 500ml ones but at least 1 litre???"
"Do you have your bailer???"
"Do you have your whistle???"
"Are your water bottles and bailers secured?"
And so on ...

Cadets were kept busy by the CLTs through rounds of things to do ...
"CADETS!!! Fall-in in school level!!!"
"CADETS!!! You are to divide your belongings into 3 parts. Your wet attire and equipment, your overnight stuff and your dry stuff!!! Place them correctly in bags by school level and label them."
And so on ...

As the CLTs were busy trying to get things straightened out, the organizing committee was informed by HQ that there was a change in plan due to security reasons ...

The cadets moved through dinner and the final organization stages quickly and looked forward to a restful evening at Sembawang Camp. The Expedition OIC (Cpt Steve Ow) and other officers gave a short briefing before supper to remind the cadets of safety and other aspects.

"Cadets, if you see dark clouds on the horizon ... what do you do?"
"Paddle faster!" came the reply.
"If it starts to drizzle ... what do you do?"
"Paddle even faster!!" in unison from the cadets.
"If you fee the hair on your neck and arms stand ... what do you do?"
And so on ...

Once packed and fed, the cadets, CLTs and teacher officers were moved to Sembawang Camp for the evening - with instructions to maintain discipline and a low noise level so as not to disturb the regular camp residents.

With the cadets sent on their way, the nitty-gritty details for safety and expedition logistics were being finalized by the CLTs, Specialists, officers and supporting elements from 35SCE and 1st Transport.

It was a long day and night!

Day 2 - 20060603 (Saturday) - Off we go!!!
The cadets were roused from their sleep early at 0430hrs to make ready for the long day ahead.

Back at SSTC, they gathered their wet stuff and secured their overnight equipment before wolfing down breakfast.

The schedule was to launch by 0700hrs and get to Changi Point by 1130hrs. With this in mind the cadets made haste with getting the canoes, paddles and life vests onto the beach. On the other end, the CLTs, officers and supporting elements got the safety boats ready.

As the sun slowly peeked out from the clouds, a subdued golden hue was cast on the cadets as they performed their floatation test. Launching in platoon level, they formed rafts against the designated safety boat before the appointed 0700hrs deadline.

At 0700hrs - the ensign (lead) boat - blared the fog horn and off they went, all 116 cadets towards Changi!!! The 3 month wait is finally over, the cadets were on their way to earning the prestigious AKE badge.

Taking up the pre-appointed positions, the safety boats gave way to the stars of the day by being in the fringes making sure that the participants were safe.

As the sun started to dissipate the clouds, the weather started turning quite hot. The cadets were constantly reminded to rehydrate themselves and some safety boats were called upon to refill their water bottles.

Though not conscious of the fact, the canoeists passed one landmark after another towards their lunch point - Sembawang Shipyard, Sembawang Park, Lower Seletar Reservoir, Seletar Airbase.

Coming towards Pulau Ubin, it was decided that they would perform 2 channel crossings to avoid the heavy traffic on the mainland coastline. Forming batches of about 15 canoes, the safety boats escorted the canoeists towards Outward Bound School on the western edge of Pulau Ubin. On the eastern edge, the second channel crossing was to bring the cadets towards Changi Point/Beach. However, due to heavy merchant vessel traffic, the last group of canoeists were given a short tow to the lunch point.

Lunch was a simple affair but the launch was slightly delayed as the safety boats had to be "rescued". With the rising tide, some safety boats were flooded by incoming waves when they were beached along Changi.

Having met the deadline for the lunch point, the cadets were now challenged to arrive at CSTC (Changi Sea Training Centre) before nightfall. With clear skies and friendly currents, the cadets headed off towards CSTC. It was, for many, the first time their canoeing skills were pitted against the elements of the open seas. This afternoon stretch saw the cadets in an area that is not sheltered, thus it was possible to see 3 to 6 feet waves, strong currents and winds.
It was, however, the cadets lucky day as the weather was great and they were with current. Though there was some early misdirection, the cadets managed to overcome the challenge of the area and everyone managed to arrived at CSTC before nightfall.

Once at CSTC, the cadets were organized to get their stuff and prepare for dinner and a restful evening.
Even before dinner, after collecting their personal belonging, the cadets showed that they were indeed challenged physically and mentally when many of them zonked out in the sleeping area before dinner. Of course, there were some really active ones who still had enough energy to help massage their friends' sore muscles.

At the end of day briefing, the cadets were informed that due to security considerations, the overall expedition had to be cut short. Due to the Shangri-La Forum, with Defence Secretaries/Ministers in Singapore, the Changi Naval Base vicinity would be off-limits. Thus, it was decided that to prevent any inconvenience, NCC (Sea) would forgo the 2nd night at CSTC. Thus, the cadets will canoe towards Amber Beacon the next day and head to KSTC for the night.

After nightfall and supper, it was very very quiet in the rest area.

Day 3 - 20060604 (Sunday) - Another day of paddling!
The level of activity started again early in the morning with cadets being roused from sleep for another day of paddling.
After freshening up and breakfast, the cadets were organized for warming up. With the knots from the previous day, the cadets worked hard to loosen up to challenge the day.
Once all was readied, and overnight bags repacked for the next overnight location, the canoes were launched.

Exiting from CSTC, the cadets canoed west towards Amber Beacon along East Coast Park. With the sun rising for another hot day, the cadets made good time and arrived at the lunch point with time to spare. Again, wind and tide were in the canoeists favour.
However, due to the presence of swimmers on the beach, canoes had to take a specific path towards the beach.
Clearing the canoes off the beach, the cadets had lunch at East Coast and were then transported to Kallang Sea Training Centre (KSTC) for their second night.

Day 4 - 20060605 (Monday) - Badged ... what a great feeling!
With the expedition over and stores properly taken care of, the cadets waited in anticipation of the badge presentation ceremony at SSTC.
The cadets were transported from KSTC to SSTC in the morning, waiting for the 1130hrs ceremony to start.

With Commandant as the Guest-of-honour, each cadet who completed the expedition was issued the coveted AKE badge.

With all 116 cadets 'Badged', the organizers also took the time to thank the supporting elements. T-shirts of the expedition was presented to CO of 35SCE for their support. Commandant was also invited to participate in next years AKE.

After the presentation, cadets and guests were invited to partake in the buffet lunch. With all administrative necessities done, cadets were dismissed and the AKE officially came to a close.

Link to photo set:
2006 32nd NCC (Sea) Annual Kayaking Expedition

32nd NCC (Sea) AKE Badge Presentation

32nd AKE Group Photos taken at Changi Sea Training Centre on 20060603

AKE Survival Secrets (Part 1)

2006-05-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

So ... you think you've made it ... (or think you can make it) ...

You are a Part C cadet and very soon you'll be one of the at the top the food chain in your unit. You will lead younger and fresh cadets and moulding them into disciplined, coordinated members of the NCC.

But there is one more challenge that has to be taken - the Annual Kayaking Expedition (AKE).
An offspring of the Round Island Canoeing Expedition (RICE), it has often been a challenge mentally and physically for anyone who has tried it.
Due to changes in the physical geography of Singapore, completing a full round island kayaking expedition is no longer feasible in three days. But NCC has taken the opportunity to issue a challenge to the ablest of its cadets this year. Completing a grueling three day expedition on the Eastern coast of Singapore.

How many cadets will be able to form the final group who are mentally and physically fit to try?
How many cadets will actually be able to complete the whole expedition and get the honour of wearing the coveted AKE badge?

As reported in previous posts on this blog, there has been lots of preparation for AKE 2006. Differents schools/units and clusters/zones have been given the opportunity to send their best for the preparation training.
Some have been eliminated by the lack of enthusiasm of their teacher/instructors, others were observed to have lack water confidence. Even more elminated because their skills for handling the tide and weather were deemed lacking. In the end, the ones who voluntarily fell out due to medical conditions or weak dispostions were also sent packing.

But for those who will attempt the mini-expedition and the actual AKE, some of teachers/instructors have gotten together to put a list together to hopefully help you along. These tips are garnered from experience painfully gained throughout the years of long distance canoeing/kayaking.

It is important to note that even with all the tips it is ultimately a TEST of one's endurance - PHYSICAL and more importantly MENTALLY. At the end of the day, YOU and YOU ALONE (with help from your equally determined partner) will accomplish the task of paddling dawn to dusk for three days. Let's hope no one comes up to the instructors and say: "Your tips caused me to be unable to complete the AKE!"

So let's do a HEAD to TOE review for the preparation of this journey into self-discovery:

Head Gear

Big Hat - imagine a Mexican Sombrero or a Chinese Farmer Straw Hat
1. A good military hat that covers all around and not just a baseball cap, helps to prevent sunburn on your scalp, ears and neck
2. A good hat helps to provide shade for your eyes
3. A good hat provides protection if the weather turns bad
4. A good hat helps to soak up the sweat beads that may inadvertently sting your eyes, though the sea spray will do the same
- Accessories:
  - Japanese Neck Flap - also known as "Good Morning" Neck Towel -
  - Crocodile Clips with a string
Sunglass

Polarized: this helps to cut the glare being reflected back from the sea's surface. Often, polarized shades are expensive, so consider carefully before purchasing. The most important point is to protect your eyes - almost any good pair of shades will be sufficient
Lightweight: Some shades will sink to the bottom of the ocean! If you are wearing a pair of sunglasses, you might consider whether if floats or add a floatation device to it ... like the original Croakies (BTW, they also have a cap clip - they call it "lid latch")
Matt finish: let's not try to blind your mates on the water

While there is more to survival in the high seas, we'll let you take a break and digest what has been said so far.

Take care and come back for Part 2!

Cheers!

Book Review: Boot

2006-05-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Title: Boot
Author: Daniel da Cruz
ISBN: 0-312-90060-0

Fact: Most Singaporean Male between the ages of 16 1/2 and 20 would be heading off to serve National Service (NS). The most terrifying period would be the first phase affectionately known as BMT.

Fact: Most Singaporean Male knows that one of the most decorated and well-known military units in the world is the United States Marine Corps.

Why bring up these two facts?
When you put any group of Singaporean men together, the stories and talk will be about their time in NS. Regardless of their race, unit served, religion, and even when they served. There is a seemingly timeless bond. One thing that ties them together is the BMT phase, where everyone learns the same thing, has the same strict Platoon Sergeant, run the same obstacles ...

In the book "Boot", author Daniel da Cruz takes the readers into a similar world. The world of the equivalent of BMT for the US Marine Corps (USMC). Though the book was written about 1985, and there have since been changes in some of the overall curriculum of boot camp, the rigours and experiences are - as with our local BMT - timeless.

Author da Cruz is himself an ex-Marine and he brings us through the 11-week journey of Platoon 1036 on Parris Island.
In an engaging way, the reader is brought right into the world which the recruit faces. The first thing that hits a Singaporean reader is that the USMC is an all-volunteer force (as opposed to our mandatory/compulsory enlistment). This means that there is a very high level of entry requirement, though on the onset the recruits will probably be of the same "sotongness" as those found on Pulau Tekong.

While we are introduced to the USMC's tough yet refined approach to turning boys into men through da Cruz's narration, we also see letters home by the recruits describing their experience. Some of them are clear indications of their feelings and others show how they have changed throughout. Readers will see the same complaints about 'stupid' policies and descriptions of sabo-kings. Taken with a pinch of salt, it thoroughly brings back memories of BMT.

The Drill Instructor (DI) is the man in charge of making sure that the recruits measure up. One reads how demanding it is to be a DI and even briefly describes DI School. And DIs continually upgrade themselves - for example, one DI gave instructions to
quote:
"shave everything between your ears and your shoulders" only to have a recruit report with eyebrows shaved off. Now he adds "-except your eyebrows."
end quote
One can just imagine the kind of letters Mindef would be receiving if one of our NSMen came back from BMT without any eyebrows.

It is definitely a worthwhile read for anyone who has an interest in military matters. For the guys waiting for BMT, it is an interesting look into what was happening elsewhere. For the gals with friends/boyfriends in BMT, it is an eye-opening read - until we have a local author writing about SAF's BMT.

The book's main focus is of course the initial training of the elite USMC. Yet, in the final chapter, it takes a quick look at how other elite units handle their recruits. To quote: "By the standards of many foreign military leaders, American recruit training - even that of US Marines - is soft."
The comparison is done with the French Foreign Legion, the British Royal Marines, and the Soviet Union/Russian Naval Infantry. It may not be a fair comparison - as these are truly elite units - that are probably closer to the US Rangers or the Airborne Brigades. Though the author probably took these foreign units as a benchmark due to their amphibious capabilities.

Finally, for everyone who has an opinion about the necessity of National Service, the ending of the book gives food for thought:

"The Romans are sure of victory ... for their exercises are battles without bloodshed, and their battles bloody exercises."

Happy Reading!

Endnote:
For those who are interested, there is a VCD titled "On the Inside: Marine Corps Boot Camp" available. This VCD is from a documentary by the Discovery Channel in the USA.
If interested in obtaining a copy of the VCD, please contact LTA(NCC) William Aw at [anwarasw at gmail dot com]. Each VCD will cost SGD2.00.

USS Abraham Lincoln - CVN72 (20060430)

2006-05-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN72) and its accompanying vessels paid Singapore a visit recently and NCC was invited to send a few cadets to make a tour of this magnificent vessel.

After much coordination between NCC HQ and the US Embassy, a group of NCC cadets and officers were given the approval to report to Changi Naval Base on Apr 30, 2006.

On the actual day, 16 cadets and officers arrived at the main gate of Changi Naval Base (CNB) at 0930hrs to be processed. After the roll call was completed, the visitors were made to wait for the transportation to the carrier.

Once the allocated bus arrived everyone hurriedly climbed aboard and there was a sense of excitement in the air. As the bus made a turn in CNB, the guests were greeted with a view of the carrier in the distance. Moving closer, the size of the aircraft carrier became evident. As it was later established, there are about 18 levels on the aircraft carrier.

All the guests for the tour were given a second round of security checks by the US Navy before allowing to proceed to the entrance gangplank.
An escort/guide brought the group up onto the ship and was handed over to the Publicity Officer in the Hangar Deck. The large area usually used to store the aircrafts was filled with crew and guests. There were a few planes on display from the various squadrons including the F-18 Hornets, the Sea Hawk Helicopter, and the E-2 AWAC.

The Publicity Officer (PO) gave the members of the tour a quick brief of the ship's characteristic. Some facts include:
1. The carrier's crew is about 5500
2. The carrier is CVN-72 is a Nimitz Class Carrier and nuclear powered
3. It is part of the 9th Carrier Group
4. There are 6 squadrons of planes and helicopters
(for more information please hop over to this unofficial US Navy site - link)

With the introductions over, the PO divided the tour group into three groups with two tour leaders per group. The itinerary for the tour was set to include the following places on the ship:
1. the bridge
2. the flight deck
3. the Lincoln Room

The tour leaders for the group with the NCC Cadets were LTCDR Kevin and LTJG Torres. The first stop was the bridge. From the hangar to the bridge involved a lot of walking and were privileged to be able to take the blue tiled floor - which apparently are meant for higher ranked personnel. In fact, the tour group was privileged to walk through the Commander's door exiting the hangar area.

At the bridge, the view was impressive. Most of the aircrafts were stowed on the flight deck and the view from the bridge (more importantly the CO's chair) was awesome. While some group members took the opportunity to take pictures while sitting on the CO's chair, the others quizzed the tour leaders about the carrier and their aircrafts.

The guides are seasoned Navy personnel. LTCDR Kevin has been with the Navy for 13 years and is qualified both as a jet fighter pilot and a helicopter pilot. His current appointment on CVN72 is the Assistant Air Operations Officer. LTJG Torres is an AWAC pilot.

After the view from the top the group was lead down to the flight deck where LTJG Torres took the time to show the arresting cables and the catapault system. It is a rare chance to have the opportunity to be to see the flight deck close up.

The group was given a chance to take pictures with the planes on the deck. Everyone clamoured to have their picture taken with the F18 and the Sea Hawks.

After the flight deck - and lots of sun - the final stop was suppose to be the Lincoln Room, but the guides decided to make a slight detour - a bonus for the cadets:
1. the flight briefing room
2. the Air Ops room

The last stop was the Lincoln Room. This little museum at the entrance of the ship displays information about the namesake of the ship. It chronicles the history of President Abraham Lincoln and the ship.

The whole group was brought back to the hangar and given a chance to get some souvenirs related to the ship.
The tour effectively ended at 1200hrs.

Participants from NCC included the following:
LTC (NCC) Peter Lai
CPT (NCC) Gary Pek
LTA (NCC) William Aw
CLT Eugene Chan
CLT Tan Kok Teng
CLT Soh Xin Ren
CLT Tong Jing Kai
CLT Clarence Chew
CLT Muhd Tarmidzie
CLT Yvonne Chia
CLT Ahmad Syafiq
CLT Yvonne Lim
CLT Nur Ammarah
CLT Tay Fen Nie
MSG Joseph Chan

Here is a snapshot of the activity from that day.

Here is the link to the photos from that day:
USS Abraham Lincoln Visit Photo Set Link
All photos on photo site are at 1024x768 resolution. For people interested in having the original size photos of 3488x2616 - please contact LTA(NCC) Aw at [anwarasw at gmail dot com] and make sure that you can receive attachments up to 90MB in size (Each photo is about 2MB in size). Otherwise, arrangements can be made to have the photos burned onto a CD and a 1-1 exchange done.

Cheers!

AKE Prep 05 (20060401)

2006-04-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

The 5th prep for AKE was held on Apr 01, 2006 (Saturday) at Sembawang STC.

AKE Prep for the Land and Air Districts included:
1. Fuhua Sec Sch
2. Raffles Girls Sch
3. Singapore Chinese Girls Sch
4. Cedar Girls Sch
5. Cresent Girls Sch

This 2nd round of prep training saw the reduction in the cadets coming after the weaker ones were eliminated from the selection.

The objective of the day was to have the cadets canoe to Pasir Ris for lunch and head back by 1630hrs.
With some experience under their belt, the cadet were able to launch off and get organized quicker.

With four safety boats and teachers from different schools/districts as observers, the cadets headed out to their objective.

The overall performance of the cadets for the first half was satisfactory with some "casualties".
The first occured even before launch - a cadet had a laceration on his leg while transporting his canoe which had to be attended to while his partner headed out to Pasir Ris.

On the way to Pasir Ris, the weather was fine with temperatures slowly rising. Many cadets who did not have a good breakfast started to suffer the consequences of low energy and were seen struggling halfway through to the destination.
Due to the progress made by the cadets a new destination was selected for the lunch point, slightly closer than the original Pasir Ris beach - it was decided that lunch would be served at Punggol Point.

While the safety boats were anchored offshore, the cadets hungrily devoured their lunch. At this point, cadets who felt that they could not continue on the return trip - due to a number of reasons - were given the opportunity to return to SSTC via a mini-bus.

The rest of the cadets - refreshed after lunch - turned to the task of returning to SSTC.
The second leg turned out to be an adventure ride for the cadets as they were in the vicinity of Seletar Reservoir.

The sky started turning grey in the distance and it was clear to the safety boats that rain was heading towards the group.
While the group had started to spread out a bit, efforts was made to gather them closer.
However, the rain caught up with the group and the safety boats acted as an anchor for a raft for the canoes.

It was clearly an experience that many of the cadets will not soon forget as it gave them an idea of what they could possibly encounter while going for the actual AKE Mini-Expedition and the AKE Expedition.
The rain clouds passed quickly. The cadets were shaken but not deterred. They pressed on after all participants were accounted for and headed back to SSTC.

After all the stores were properly stowed, the names of the final selected were read out and were given a short talk by experienced officers on what are good ideas for the actual expedition. These included:
1. Get a big sponge as a bailer
2. SPF 50 Sun Block
3. Big hats/caps
4. Big waterbottle
5. Sandals for footwear (not flipflops)

All in all, it was an exciting day with the final group of students being made ready for the AKE Mini-Expedition.

Here is a snapshot of the activity from that day.

Here is the link to the photos from that day:
AKE Prep 05 Photo Set Link

Cheers!

News Report: The Made-in-Singapore Edge: Part 2 (ST 20060305)

2006-03-05T04:19:00.000-08:00

The following is Part 2 of the report in Singapore's Sunday Times about Singapore's defence technnology making an impact locally and abroad.

*********
KEEPING UP WITH THE BIG BOYS
In Part 1 of our two-part series on the Singapore defence industry, we focused on ground-breaking, locally developed weapons and systems for the third-generation Singapore Armed Forces (3G SAF). In Part 2 today, we take a look at how Singaporedevelops a competitive advantage in the fiercely contested worlds arms market.
by Felix Soh

In the nasty and brutish global defence business, one cannot expect life to be fair and square.
The industry's big boys - the Americans, Eurpoeans and the Russians - have no qualms about going for the jugular when chasing markets for their products, leaving smaller upstarts like Singapore by the wayside.
"Defence companies are fighting tooth and nail to win contracts," said Mr Steve Meighan, regional managing director (Asia-Pacific), BAE Sstems, the fourth largest defence company in the world in terms of revenue.
If competition is already intense for the big companies, it is much, much tougher for the smaller players.
They have to make up for their lack of size by doing some strategic jiu jitsu - for instance, producing unique and better weapons and systems, focusing on niche products such as equipment for homeland security, targeting non-traditional markets and entering into partnerships with the big boys.
They must also be nimble and deft in customising and adapting their products to the needs of potential customers.
It is through the interplay of these initiatives that the smaller players can stay afloat - and even thrive.
Siad Mr Patrick Choy, chief marketing officer of Singapoer Technologies Kinetics:"We make an impact on the market by creating better products with differentiating features."
ST Kinetics is the land systems arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering, which is ranked 53rd in the Defense News Top 100 list of the world's top 100 leading defence companies.
In Asia, only two Japanese companies (Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric) and an Indian one (Hindustan Aeronautics) - much bigger and more mature organisations - surpass ST Engineering in the authoritative listing.
Over the years, the company has made a strong imprint on the global defence market with a number of ground-breaking home-grown products, such as its revolutionary Pegasus 155mm light-weight howitzer, the world's first heavy artillery that is heli-portable.

But, often, having a superior product is not enough. Other more powerful forces collude against the outsider and smaller player.
A classic case in point is Singapore's Ultimax 100 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), which was in contention for the US Army's choice of SAW in 1980s.
In the ocntest, the Ultimax - developed by Singapore and in service with the SAF and in some other countries - was clearly the better weapon.
Its recoil is so light that it could be held up against the chin and fired at full auto without hurting the firer.
But it eventually lost to the Belgian-made FN M249 Minimi, a weapon now derided as being "too heavy and not sufficiently reliable or accurate".
DefenseReview.com, the online tactical technology magazine, is blunt in its assessment of the Minimi. It said: "(It) should have been replaced a long time ago."
In contrast, it noted that "the Ultimax is lighter, more controllable, more reliable in adverse conditions and faster to reload than the M249".
Well-known arms expert Charles Cutshaw rated the Ultimax as the best light machine gun and SAW in the world today.
Industry sources noted that the fact that the Minimi's manufacturer, Belgium, is a partner of the US in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was a major influence over the selection of the European weapon.
Despite the difficult marketing environment, ST Engineering has scored some notable successes:

* CIS 40mm Automatic Granade Launcher (CIS 40 AGL): Singapore is No. 2 in the world in terms of the number of AGLs sold to more more than 20 countries. The versatile CIS 40 AGL is modular in construction and needs little maintenance.
* SAR 21: ST Engineering has broken into the export market for the rifle, now the standard weapon of the SAF infantry men, by selling an undisclosed nummber to an African country. The low-recoil SAR 21's optical scope and laser-aiming device enhance its accuracy, making it the ideal weapon for quick target engagement.

* Bronco All Terrain Tracked Carrier: It can carry an unprecedented payload of up to five tonnes. A European country is looking for a Bronco-type requiremetn. ST Engineering is now awaiting the revised RFP (Request for proposal) and quotation of the final price.
* Fast missile craft: ST Engineering's shipyard in the US, VT Halter Marine, won a US$28.8 million (S$46.7 million) contract to develop a functional design of fast missile craft for the Eygptian Navy.
* 40mm self-destruct round: ST Engineering broke into the market in the Nordic countries by selling them its unique 40ABMS round which self-destructs. This reduces the occurrence of blinds that are potentially hazardous.
* Simulators: ST Electronics, a recognised leader in the field of simulation and training in both the military and commercial sectors, has been successful in selling simulators overseas.
* F-5 fighter aircraft upgrades: Singapore Technologies Aerospace, Aircraft Maintenance & Modification (AMM) holds the record for delivering hte most number of F-5 upgrade programmes in the world

ST Engineering started as an organisation to support the SAF, then grew in tandem with it to become a company with comepetency to design and develop its own weapons and systems.
The SAF it its main customer but it does not generate enough volume. So, the company has to pursue an aggressive export programme. If it can sell more of a product, the cost per unit will be lower.
However, the going is not easy as the defence procurement process in any country has a very long gestation period.
To succeed, the Singapore defence industry has to stay ahead of the curve. Commented Mr Choy: "The trend now is the modernisation of armed forces which invovles harnessing the potential of technolgoy. We, as a company, have also to transform to keep pace and to be ahead."
This means being a centre of excellence and pumping money into research and development.
Other than being sharp enough to spot trends, it must be able to identify the right technolgies to develop, especially those with dual use - that is, for civilian and military use.
ST Engineering used to build armoured vehicles exclusively to meet military requirements. This was an expensive exercise.
Today, the company is taking a different look at compoenents available in the market. Increasingly, the tendency is to use off-the-shelf material.
It used a vehicle built for civilian use, a twin-cabin pick-up, to build its Light Armoured Multi-Role Vehicle. In essence, it combined commercially proven automotive components with modified, off-the-shelf chassis to produce a cheaper fully-armoured 4x4 vehicle ideal for the urban battlefield.

In some ways, being small can be an asset rather than an advantage.
Small equals agility and flexibility. For example, the US defence development and procurement system is too huge and cumbersome for the Americans to develop weapons quickly. Bureaucratic red tape also slows the process. Singapore, being smaller, can move faster.
Looking into the immediate future, influencing customers and winning contracts will be an even more daunting challenge.
The answer lies in partnerships and acquisitions.
For difficult markets, like the plum US market, the most effective way to make inroads is to acquire an American company.
Sad Mr Coy: "To penetrate the US market, you have to be a US company. That's why we are making a number of acquisitions in the US. For example, we acquired an American copany that sells ruggedised computers to the US Army."
Ultimately, the Singaporebrand name and having the SAF as its prime customer are the biggest plus points. THat's because Singapore and SAF are viewed as benchmarks of quality.
Said Mr Choy: "The SAF has a reputation that makes it an important reference customer.
"As a user and key customer, it is very demanding and this drives ST Engineering."

News Report: The Made-in-Singapore Edge: Part 1 (ST 20060226)

2006-03-05T01:14:00.000-08:00

The following is Part 1 of the report in Singapore's Sunday Times about Singapore's defence technnology making an impact locally and abroad.

*********
MADE-IN-SINGAPORE EDGE
Innovative and ingenious military inventions will provide critical advantage to soldiers in urban warfare
by Felix Soh
Photos: Ng Sor Luan and Singapore Technolgies Engineering

The size of a softball, it looks like a miniature black bowlling ball.
When hurled or rolled into a room, it automatically rights itself, rotates and starts transmitting 360-degree video pictures of the surounding environment with its wireless digital zoom camera.
Not only that, the "ruggedised" ball also eavesdrops on what's being said in the room with its in-built microphone.
The FIBUA (fighting in built-up area) Surveillance Ball, also called Vision Ball, enhances teh survivability of soldiers by scanning a room or a side alley in hostile territory without exposing the troops to physical danger.
The remotely controlled ball can be fitted with sensors to detect biological or chemical hazards in a contaminated environment.

Another piece of equipment looks like a standard Kevlar helmet with "leaf" camouflage that is worn by SAF troops. But it is no ordinary headgear. It saves lives by detecting and locating sniper fire.
Masked by the artificial foilage are 11 acoustic sensors embedded on the surface of the helmet. The sensors, which altogether weigh les than 100g, detect the muzzle blast and shockwave from supersonic bullets.
From the sensors' reading, the sniper's location and even the calibre of the bullet that he fired can be accurately determined to enable a swift offensive reaction.

The devices are among several high-tech equipment - made or developed in Singapore - that are undergoing experimentation by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (3SIR), designated the SAF's urban warfare battalion, and the Army Developmental Force (ADF) are testing the new equipment as well as new tactics and weapons.
Said COL Leong Kwok Lung, Senior Project Officer with Army HQ: "We are at the experimental phase. Our soldiers are trying out the various technologies, such as remote-controlled vehicles, to get used to operating them. They provide a constant flow of feedback so that improvements and adjustments can be made."
The goal is to boost the SAF's combat capability, particularly in urban warfare, which is probably the most challenging battelfield today as seen in the bloody military operations in the labyrinthine streets of Iraqi cities.
Many of the inventions, like the surveillance ball, are robots and unmanned systems that would help put soldiers out of harm's way. They are also robust and easy to operate.
Commented COL Leong: "We want to make sure that the technology is not so complex that they are difficult to operate. They must be practical."
The smart equipment, which will provide a made-in-Singapore edge to the capabilities of the SAF, are on display in the Army's booth at the Asian Aerospace/Asian Defence Technology show ending today at the Changi Exhibition Centre.
The booth, called Task Force Singapore, has attracted much attention from visitors.
Military officers and industry officials from countries with mature armed forces and long-established defence industries, such as the US and the United Kingdom, were spotted investing a fair amount of time at the booth.
Their interest is understandable. The Singapore sniper detection system, for example, would be welcome by US soldiers who are vulnerable to sniper fire in the streets of Baghdad.
Uniformed officers from neighbouring countries like Indonesia have also shown keen interest in the exhibits.
The home-grown equipment are testimony to the state-of-the-art standards of the Singapore defence industry. The local players include the boffins of the Defence, Science and Technology Agency and Singapore Technologies Engineering subsidiaries like ST Kinetics.
ST Engineering is ranked 49th in the authoritative Defense News Top 100 list of the world's leading defence companies. Singapore is the only other Asian country besides Japan to be in the league of top 50 defence companies in the world.
The types of high-tech equipment being developed and tested fall under the "OODA loop" categories - that is, they will help SAF soldiers to observe, orientate, decide, and act (OODA) in the battlefield.
Basically, this means high-tech equipment that are in two groups: sensors and shooters.
Obeservation equipment being tested are mini-unmanned aerial vehicles, like the lightweight Extender Miniature UAV, which is less than a metre in length and width and is launched like a toy plane.
While larger UAVs provide wide-area surveillance, the smaller, low-cost ones give soldiers real-time information needed in close-range field operations.
The smallness of the Extender UAV belies its effectiveness. It is capable of over-the-hill surveillance. It is also robust, being made from strong but lightweight foam and carbon fibres, so that it is reliable after repeated landings.

Another made-in-Singapore sensor designed for urban fighting is a detection system that can "see" through walls.
Called the Through-wall Survellance Technology", developed by DSO National Laboratories, it can detect motion through a one-layer brick wall.
There are also civilian applications, as the portable device will come in handy in time-critical situations, such as search and rescue operations in collapsed buildings.

The ingenuity of Singapore's defence equipment is that low-cost, off-the-shelf products are sometimes purchased and then converted, modified and "ruggedised" for military use.
A case in point is the miniature scouting platform called the Remote Control Surveillance System (RCSS). The four-wheel-drive mini-vehicle is converted to detect booby traps in the urban battlefield.
Information obtained by the wireless video transmitter mounted on the vehicle is sent back to the operator in real-time. Soldiers can deploy the RCSS to spot the enemy hidden around corners.
There are also robotic systems that are fighters or, in military parlance, shooters. Take, for instance, the Portable Battle Robotic System, where a weapon such as a rifle is integrated into the man-portable robot for remote operations.
The robot, which is both rugged and mobile, can be used as a remote sentry to guard and protect key installations or for riot control.
It can be easily switched to a non-lethal role. The modular platform can be dismantled and re-configured with cameras for remote reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition.

Among the heavy-duty products being tested by the SAF is the Terrex AV81 armoured vehicle, which is developed by ST Kinetics. It is being evaluated as a mobile command and control centre for urban operations.
It has a built-in central tyre inflation system which allows automated inflation and deflation of tyres to suit different terrains while on the move.

An innovative Singapore-developed shooter that continues to create buzz in global arms circles is the 120mm Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System, which is a very low recoil mortar that fires up to 10 rounds a minute.
It is the first mortar system in the world with a recoil force of less than 20 tonnes when firing a maximum charge so that it can be mounted on a wide range of of light tracked or wheeled vehicles, such as the highly mobile light strike Spider vehicle.

But at the end of the day, the key to any high-tech system is still the soldier who operates the equipment.
Fortunately, the SAF has an edge in this area, too.
"We are tapping on a new generation of Singaporeans who are tech-savvy and have little problem handling and using high-tech equipment," said COL Leong.
That aside, even humble low-tech equipment plays a vital role in this high-tech world.
Occupying a prominent space in the Task Force Singapore booth are good, old-fashioned tools used in urban warfare like the sledgehammer to break down doors and the bold cutter to cut through chains.

*********

AKE Prep 04 (20060304)

2006-03-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

The 4th prep for AKE was held on Mar 04, 2006 (Saturday) at Sembawang STC.

AKE Prep for the SSTC Cluster included:
1. Bukit Batok Sec Sch
2. Canberra Sec Sch
3. Choa Chu Kang Sec Sch
4. Marsiling Sec Sch
5. Riverside Sec Sch
6. Sembawang Sec Sch

In the morning, the cadets were required to canoe to the Seletar Island and back. While the cadets were covered by 3 safety boats, they were also covered by "sweepers" (CLTs and Snr Specs) who worked to ensure that cadets did not stray too far from the main group.

CPT(NCC) Oliver Tan also took part in this prep exercise by canoeing with a CLT to Seletar Island and back.

As the tide was coming up (high tide at 1400hrs), many cadets had difficulty staying away from the shore. Some canoes were washed up on shore with cadets furiously trying to paddel back out. The current also pushed the cadets close to the shipyard and the group given notice by the Marine Police to stay further out away from the docks.

Due to the distance to Seletar Island, the group spread out quite a bit, resulting in the need to tow some cadets closer to the main body. However, there were also quite a few capsizes that needed to be attention by the safety boats.

After lunch, the plan followed those established in the previous weeks to have cadets practice their capsize recovery drill and water confidence. Further, the students were also given a chance to review their Bends & Hitches in preparation for AKE.

The training helped to identify the weaker cadets so that more emphasis can be given to their canoeing techniques and their overall fitness. Teacher officers got a chance to see their cadets in action so as to enable them to effectively guide them for the upcoming AKE.

Here is a snapshot of the activity from that day.

Here is the link to the photos from that day:
AKE Prep 04 Photo Set Link

Cheers!

Book Review: Home Before Morning

2006-02-23T05:07:00.000-08:00

Title: Home Before Morning - The True Story of an Army Nurse in Vietnam
Author: Lynda Van Devanter with Christopher Morgan
ISBN: 0-446-35147-4 (First Print by Warner Books 1984)

For many of us the Vietnam war is detailed by the men who fought in malaria-infested jungles, leech-biting paddyfields, and the yarns are of camraderie in close-quarter combat and of stupid officers but outstanding sergeants.

This book takes us through another path - one less travelled and recognized - the Army Nurse.

We are vaguely familiar - for some - of the M*A*S*H series detailing the life of the medical corps during the Korean War. But there has never been any information of the Vietnam War's medical tales (aside from "Medic! Medic!" in the other war chronicles) until Lynda's personal account in this book.

It was a difficult book to read yet difficult to put down. The constant stuggle to reconcile a nurse's conviction of saving lives against the morallity of the war in Vietnam. It also takes a look at the emotional and psychological damage of war from a non-combatant.

But what made the book even more interesting is the time after Lynda's Vietnam experience. The book tells of her life back in the USA after returning and how she managed to cope or not cope in her civilian life. Probably the most telling is her efforts to reconcile her memories by being part of the Vietnam Veterans group to return to Vietnam - meeting people who were once her enemies, working with them to identify MIAs (Missing in Action) and such.

The modern day geo-politics may differ from the Cold War era, the truth is that war hurts - physically, emotionally, psychologically - long after the last bullet has been fired. This book may be 20 years old, but the reality of the hurt and the social costs remain. Similar to Tom Cruise's portrayal of the war in "Born on the Fourth of July", war veterans live their post-war lives dangerously.
Every year, the USA spends milliions of dollars on medical benefits for veterans of all wars - Korean, Vietnam, 1991 Iraq. With ailments ranging from Agent Orange to PTSD, these are stories that the civilian population does not want to hear.

For those who have read the heroics, the blood and gore, it is time to pick up this book to see the other side.

Unfortunately, Lynda passed on in November 15, 2002. Here are links to more of her information:
Vietnam Veterans Against the War
In Memoriam

For the latest copies of this book, check out Amazon.com's website:
Home Before Morning

Happy Reading!

Endnote:
For those who are interested, there is a VCD titled "Vietnam: The Soldiers' Story: Women at War" available. This VCD is from a documentary by the History Channel in the USA.
The author - Lynda - was in the documentary and other women non-combatants of that era also spoke about their contributions.
If interested in obtaining a copy of the VCD, please contact LTA(NCC) William Aw at [anwarasw at gmail dot com]. Each VCD will cost SGD2.00.

MSTD (20060203)

2006-02-23T04:31:00.000-08:00

On the February 3, 2006 4 cadets, 4 CLT and a teacher officer went on board the RSS Endurance (plate no. 207) for a Sea Attachment along with the midshipmen. The naval officer in charge of us was CPT David Wong (Communication Officer of RSS Resolution [208]).

Throughout this trip we (the cadets and the officer) learnt a lot about the life at sea, how the RSN functions, and along with some history of the RSN and the ships. One of the facts was why the ship (RSS Endurance) was plated 207. The reason was simple; the previous LSTs (Landing Ship Tank), which are now decommissioned, were plated from number 201 to 206 so the plate number was continued on the present LSTs.

Due to some fault on the ship, our activities and movement were restricted. Some
activities we had throughout the trip were meals, P.T., some lessons on chart reading, position fixing, piping, Morse code and basic astro-navigation, an emergency life raft drill, and 180s (which was a 3mins sharing). There was also a close up (duty) planned for us on the 4th day into the trip (6/2/06).

The benefits we (the cadets) attained from this trip were overwhelming. It was not just an eye opener, it also exposed us to the living environment of life at sea of the naval personnel, as some of us witness the elevator of the LST, floodgate and the FLC (Fast Landing Craft) in action which to some of us might be a once in a lifetime experience.

Some personal comments from the cadets: "It was a nice experience even though the first 2 days were spent in Singapore waters due to the fault in the engine. There wasn't much activity because priority was given to the midshipmen. However, the close overshadows the negative points."

Another comment was, "It was a great experience, as some of us witness the naval personnel splicing a rope many times thicker and longer then what we are splicing in NCC. Now NCC seems like a starter point to a naval career."

In conclusion, we strongly encourage cadets (especially females and Muslims) to attend the attachment and activities if possible to be planned for the future batch of cadets going for the attachment instead of a task book as cadets can experience first hand.

***Above is based on CLT Teo Wei Qiang report***

Photos to come soon!

Cheers!

AKE Prep 02 (20060218)

2006-02-19T19:40:00.000-08:00

The 2nd prep for AKE was held on Feb 18, 2006 (Saturday) at Sembawang STC.

AKE Prep for the LSTC Cluster included:
1. Assumption English Sec Sch
2. Ahmad Ibrahim Sec Sch
3. Compassvale Sec Sch
4. Juying Sec Sch
5. Orchid Park Sec Sch
6. Presbyterian High Sch

In the morning, the cadets were required to canoe to the Causeway and back. While the cadets were covered by 3 safety boats, they were also covered by "sweepers" (CLTs and Snr Specs) who worked to ensure that cadets did not stray too far from the main group.

For the afternoon, the original plan to canoe to Seletar Island was scrapped in favour of building water confidence for the eventual Mini-Expeditiona and AKE.
Split into two groups, the cadets had to practice their capsize and recovery drill.
Also, some of the cadets were made to practice swimming with their canoes, from the observation pontoon to shore.

Bends and Hitches, and physical conditioning exercises were taught to the cadets so that they are mentally and physically ready for the Mini-Expedition and AKE.

Here is a snapshot of the activity from that day.

Here is the link to the photos from that day:
AKE Prep 02 Photo Set Link

Cheers!

2005 Annual Kayaking Expedition (Mini-Expedition)

2006-02-14T00:38:00.000-08:00

The flagship event of NCC (Sea) SG, the Annual Kayaking Expedition.

Here is a snapshot of the activity from that event.

Here is the link to the photos from that event:
2005 Annual Kayaking Expedition
Photos courtesy of Presbyterian High School.

Cheers!

Cutter Pulling at Changi STC (20051222)

2006-02-09T05:17:00.000-08:00

With the success of the first cutter pulling event in October, HQ NCC (Sea) decided to give their CLTs a chance to experience it and by the looks of it they were having a whale of time.

Here is a snapshot of the activity from that day.

Here is the link to the photos from that day:
Cutter Pulling 20051222 Photo Set Link
Photos courtesy of MAJ(NCC) Lee Wing Ying.

Cheers!

Transponded!! (20051028)

2006-02-09T03:50:00.000-08:00

HARTS (Harbour Craft Transponder System) Project was implemented by MPA (Maritime Port Authority) in 2005. This means that all harbour crafts must be fitted with a transponder to allow easy identification and tracking of all water-borne vessels within Singapore's territorial water.

Here is a link to the Press Release by MPA on this excellent use of technology.

With a number of safety boats in our inventory, we had a team of installers visit SSTC to have them properly installed.

Here is a snapshot of that day's activities.
Photographs courtesy of MAJ(NCC) Lee Wing Ying.

Here is the link to the photos from that day:
Giving HARTS to our boats

Cheers!

ISCEP Hong Kong 200508

2006-02-09T01:19:00.000-08:00

Cadets and officers were shipped to Hong Kong to participate in the International Sea Cadet Exchange Programme.

The exchange programme was held in August 2005 and included cadets from various countries including
1. Korea
2. Japan
3. China
4. Hong Kong
5. Britain

There was ample opportunity to mingle and the activities included:
1. Ocean Park
2. Stanley for Dragonboating and Windsurfing
3. Sea sortie with the Maritime Police (Coast Guard)
4. Maritime Services Training Institute
5. Various museums and memorials

Here is a snapshot of that trip's activities.

Here is the link to the photos from that trip:
ISCEP 2005 (Hong Kong)

Cheers!

MSTD 2005 (Surabaya)

2006-02-09T00:23:00.000-08:00

Cadets and officers were given a chance to sail with the RSN.

The trip was from 2005.08.16 to 2005.08.24 and the following cadets participated:
1. 2SG Daniel Wong (MSHS)
2. 2SG Ryan Ng (MSHS)
3. 2SG Lester Loh (MSHS)
4. 2SG Reagen Low (PHS)
5. 2SG Reuben Ho (MSHS)
They were accompanied by 2LT(NCC) Tan Wi Shen, CO MSHS.

The cadets were given excellent exposure to the daily life aboard a naval vessel. From picking up tips on countering sea-sickness to participating in the exercises with the crew. The naval tradition of saluting to the quarterdeck was also imparted for their liberty in Surabaya.

Though there were a couple of unforeseen circumstances, the cadets were still able to enjoy themselves. Through it all, they've made new friends and hopefully bring an appreciation of the Navy to their peers upon their return.

***Above info was gleaned from a report by 2SG Reuben Ho***

Here is a snapshot of that trip's activities.

Here is the link to the photos from that trip:
MSTD 2005 (Surabaya)

Cheers!

Book Review ... "Reaching Out: Operation Flying Eagle"

2006-02-07T02:26:00.000-08:00

Title: Reaching Out: Operation Flying Eagle - SAF Humanitarian Assistance after the Tsunami
Author: David Boey
ISBN: 981-248-097-8
Published by: SNP International Pte Ltd

This is an excellent addition to anyone who collects military books and is interested in the history and efforts of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

It is true that pictures say a thousand words, and this book truly reflects the devastation that was encountered by the nations shook and shocked by the 2004 Tsunami. The full force of the military was brought to bear on this momentous event. While we lament the fact that we or those we know (sons, husbands, brothers, boyfriends) "suffer" at the hands of tough sergeants, we finally were able to translate the super-efficient machine into a life-saving force to aid our ailing neighbours!

The narrative was similar to those started by Tom Clancy, though not as gripping, but Clancy's fans will be pulled along with the interesting photos. Non-military types will be touched by the heartwarming efforts of the various branches to make lives of the living victims better.

After reading through it, I feel proud of Singapore and the SAF as an organization.

I don't know how many of the books are in print but I had difficulty in obtaining it, only finding it in a book store in Sentosa.
(found a link to the Mindef book resource page: Click Here. You can order the order the book directly from the publisher!)

FYI: Ex-NCC(Sea) cadet who is currently a RSN officer was also mentioned in the book.

Have a good day!

Gunning for Superiority (ST Digital Life 20060207)

2006-02-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

A new system that aims to integrate the logistics, procurement and finance of the SAF is under way.
Serene Luo (serl@sph.com.sg) reports

These days, SSG Wee spends less time playing postman, delivering messages from office to ships and back.
The 28-year-old from Changi Maintenance Base's marine engineering workshops can focus on ship and engine repairs, instead.
All courtesy of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system the SAF adopted last year.
Until then, the SAF used separate legacy systems to handle the logistics, procurement and finance for each of its three units - the army, navy and air force.
A challenge because each unit had its own logistics systems, said BG Philip Lim, the head of SAF's joint logistics department.
As the systems were due for replacement after 10 years, a decision was made to buy one that would integrate all of them, explained BG Lim.
So far, the system - called SAF Enterprise System (ES) - has been put in place for the RSN in April last year, and will be implemented for the army this year.
The RSAF will get its systems overhauled by 2007.
Already, processing time has improved by between 20 and 60 per cent - and that is just the navy using the ES, said BG Lim.
Given that men are now routed from menial administrative tasks to maintenance work, the savings apply to both operational and manpower costs, he added.

From start to end
According to LTC Tan, head of logistics systems branch at SAF the ES provides "end-to-end support". From buying a piece of equipment (say, a new submarine), paying the contractors, tracking the movement of the submarine and who is using it, up to when and how it is disposed of at the end of its lifespan.
The ES covers finance and cost accounting, acquisition and purchasing, supply management, and engineering and maintenance. It also gives a secure gateway portal for the SAF to transact with its suppliers and other ministries.
Take the recent SAF humanitarian mission in Meulaboh, Aceh. The system could track which warehouses the supplies were stored in and have the goods quickly transferred to ports, making everything moer "transparent", said Lt-Col Tan.
Also, Said SSG Wee, the system is intelligent enough to generate maintenance work orders for scheduled tasks. So, there is no need to have someone check the logs frequently or manually, saving time.
Checks on the spare parts available are done with a single click, he said. And because "everything is available on a single screen", users do not need to log off from one system and sign on to another.
For MSG Wilson Tan, who works at the Submarine Maintenance Branch, the system means a shorter processing time: authorisation and accceptance of jobs can be done through the intranet.
"In the past, we would need to route hard copy forms down to the ships physically to get signatures. That would take between three and seven days," said MSG Tan.
Electronic approvals via the ES have cut the waiting time by half, he added.

Putting it together
The Defence Science and Technology Agency came in to act as programme manager for the system bought "off-the-shelf" from ERP solution specialist, SAP.
The agency "translated (SAF's) operational requirements into stringent technical specifications and guidelines", said its division manager, Ms Woo.
Where the servers are concerned, there is a "load balancing" function - so the usage is spread out evenly to prevent congestion - and functions for critical applications like database servers and application servers are always up and running.
A disaster recovery solution is in the works, said Ms Woo.

Next steps
Being a third-generation or "3G" SAF is not just a matter of having technologically superior - and deadlier - weapons. It is also about backend systems like the ES, said BG Lim.
Many armed forces around the world already have separate ERP systems for each of its army, navy or air force units. But not an integrated tri-service one.
"Our new ES goes beyong logistics," he said. "Now we have an end-to-end system that is more connected and has high visibility."

************ End News Article ***************

NCC Act (SG)

2006-02-01T03:57:00.000-08:00

NCC Act as found on SG.Marketplace

1986 Round Island Canoeing Expedition

2006-01-31T22:12:00.000-08:00

From the archives of NCC (Sea) SG, we present to you some pictures of the 1986 Round Island Canoeing Expedition.

Here is a snapshot of that event's activities.

Here is the link to the photos from that event:
1986 Round Island Canoeing Expedition

Cheers!

Treetop "Rescue" (20060124)

2006-01-25T18:52:00.000-08:00

Just another day at the "office" for our cadets!
Somehow a wallet, a water bottle, and a tennis ball got stuck on the palm tree.
Cadets tried various ways to get them down.

The good news - all three items were successfully retrieved.

[Public Announcement: No palm trees were hurt in the filming of this reality show!]

Here is a snapshot of that day's activities.

Here is the link to the photos from that day:
Treetop "Rescue"

Cheers!

Asking for submissions!

2006-01-25T18:13:00.000-08:00

Now that I have a simple framework to work with, I'm putting out the tentacles to request for submissions - in the form of pictures and/or write ups.

Topics can include - ICEP, Airborne course, Diving course, Sorties, MSTD ....

Photos will be posted onto the flickr.com site with comments by the original contributor.

If you have any questions, please do not hesistate to contact me at:

anwarasw@gmail.com

LTA(NCC) William Aw
Affiliated since 1984

Giving Dragonboating a go! (20051125)

2006-01-22T02:59:00.000-08:00

Cadets from Compassvale were given a chance to try out Dragonboating.
Even though the weather threatened to cancel the experience, it cleared up sufficiently for them to have some fun.

Here is a snapshot of that day's activities.

Here is the link to the photos from that day:
Dragonboating at Kallang River

Cheers!

ACS (Barker Road) Recruitment (20060113)

2006-01-22T02:04:00.000-08:00

ACS (Barker Road) led by LTA Kashmuri held their CCA Recruitment Open House on Jan 13, 2006 (Friday the 13th no less!).

Here is a snapshot of that day's activities.

Here is the link to the photos from that day:
ACS(BR) 2006 Recruitment

Cheers!

Cutter Pulling at Changi STC (20051026)

2006-01-17T06:59:00.000-08:00

With the latest contribution from the Navy, NCC(Sea) has decided to re-introduce the joys of team-building through Cutter Pulling.
Students from Compassvale were the first school to try and CPT(NCC) Oliver Tan and LTA Brian were on hand to give them lessons on how to act like Vikings!
Due to limited resources, some cadets were given the opportunity to canoe.

Here is a snapshot of the activity from that day.

Here is the link to the photos from that day:
Cutter Pulling Photo Set Link

Cheers!