ISSUE 234 APRIL 2015

IN THIS ISSUE: EXERCISE THUNDER WARRIOR

PLUS+ POK POK AND AWAY! : STORIES THROUGH ILLUSTRATIONS

AH BOYS TO AH KONGS: COMING OUT STRONG AGAINST THE TEST OF TIME

#OurSgArmy 12 ExERCISE THUNDERWARRIOR CONTENTS 08 16 Ah Boys to AhKongs Pok AndAway Ranger. Ironman.MasterSergeant. Your Personal IPPTCompanion in Remembering Mr Lee Mr KuanRemembering Yew: Introducing theSingapore Army 1 GDS SSPP @ Raffles Institution 1 GDSSSPP@Raffles 1 SIRSSPPwithHCI@ARMS Tough Men With BigHearts! Lost Opportunity Regained! Lost Opportunity Foundation ofourDefence

SYMBOLS OF OUR ARMY We Are One: The Wolf Pack Military Police CommandMilitary - ISSUE234 Exercise ThunderWarrior AROUND OURARMY Ah Boys to Ah Kongs Exercise KochaSinga Pok Pok And Away! Fathers inDefence APRIL

FEATURES Your Pocket! Depression

HEALTH IN THISISSUE

24 22 16 12 08 18 04 03 27 26 20 06 05 07 Army News | Around Our Army 3

Editorial Board the Although 5 years may not seem like a long time, the COL Alfred Fox unit has weathered through multiple challenges during COL Chua Boon Keat Editor Speaks our humble beginning and has grown from strength COL Paul Cheak LTC Kee Kian Boon to strength especially in sharpening our operational CWO Ng Siak Ping is upon us already! readiness and capabilities. SLTC (NS) James Suresh pril MAJ (NS) Sebastian Sim LTC Lennon Tan Kok Seng, Commanding Officer of In this issue, we take a look behind the scenes, many 10C4I Battalion Ascenes in fact. We meet an avid illustrator who has Editorial Advisor contributed his drawings for many occasions. Read about Lee Xin Li, or better BG Lim Hock Yu known as Pok Pok. Find out what inspires him, and enjoy some of his illustrations News Crew that we are proud to showcase.

Editor Head New Media We join units on the SAF Schools Partnership programs, and see our Fathers helping Mel Ferdinands Dyson Ang to share their knowledge and experience in defence. Join Our soliders as they train in building confidence and competencies. Deputy Editor Photographers Melvin Loo Low Kai Heng Meet with a bunch of seniors from one of the earliest batches of officer cadets. Amos Poh Enjoy the days ahead, as they are flying by quickly! Assistant Jason Chua Editors Looking forward to another great year ahead! Aloysius Lum Graphic Lee Xiang Rong Designers Mel Ferdinands On 22 January, 285 NSFs of the 10 Command, Control, Communications, Computer and Intelligence Battalion Roy Chong Editor of Army News Writers Lim Wei Jian (10C4I) participated in the batttalion’s 5th Anniversary Milestone Parade at Stagmont Camp. Commanding the Leong Khee Shuen Jeremy Hong parade was CPT Andy Loh, CPT Saranjit Singh was Parade 2IC and 2WO Kelly Yeo was Parade RSM. SLTC Yeo Soo Saravanan s/o Munusamy Lim Han Cong We Are One: Bin, Commander of the Army Command Systems Group (ACSG), graced the occasion as Witnessing Officer and Brandon Leow COL Percival Goh, Chief Signal Officer, was the Guest Of Honour. Ashwin Lee Facebook The Wolf Pack Keita Sin Representative PASSING ON THE BATON STORY | ASHWIN LEE Alastair Loe March PHOTOGRAPHY | JASON CHUA The parade was a grand occasion for the men of 10C4I, who proudly call themselves the ‘Wolf Pack’, to look back and reflect on how far the battalion has come over the past 5 years. Loved ones and past operational partners Appointment Incoming Outgoing were invited to watch the parade and celebrate this milestone. CO / SCH OF INF MTI LTC HO CHEE LEONG LTC CHEE PETER Our Army would like to wish the 10C4I ‘Wolf Pack’ Battalion all the best in their journey ahead. CO / 917 SIR MAJ TAN WEI KOK (CAH) -

CO / 430 SAR MAJ(NS) KE SIONG YEO -

RSM/OPS WO / 9 ISTAR BN 2WO(NS) TEOH CHIN KUEN 1WO WON SENG KAY

1WO NAGARAJAH S/O S RSM / 769 SIR 3WO(NS) RAYNER WEE JIAN DE NADARAJAH

ARMY NEWS is a monthly publication of the RSM / 861 SIR 3WO(NS) TAN CHEE KENG 2WO(NS) CHUA CHI SHIONG ERIC Army. The opinions and views in this newsletter are those expressed by the RSM / 4 SIR 2WO TAN BOON TEE 1WO LOW YEONG KUAN writers and do not reflect the official views of the Ministry of Defence. All rights reserved. MWO SARAVANAN S/O Subjected to the provisions of the Copyright BDE RSM (CAH) / 13 SIB MWO LEONG TENG KEE Act, 1986, no part of this publication may SHATIANNATHAN in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, RSM/OPS WO / 6 SIG BN 2WO CHEUNG WAI CHEUK 1WO BOEY KOK CHENG recording or otherwise) be reproduced or transmitted without prior written permission from the publisher. RSM / 2FCSSB 1WO ANG KOON MENG MWO CHIA KOK LEONG Visit us online! On 11 February 2015, 1st Guards Battalion Singapore Guards conducted a SAF-School Partnership Read Army News on the internet at *Amendments from the February issue - For the section “Passing of the Baton”: Programme (SSPP) at Raffles Institution (RI). The guardsmen engaged the students through various http://www.army.sg activities such as weapon displays, combat ration testing and the Night Walk where students got to use Have something you wish Appointment Incoming Outgoing 1GDS SSPP the Night Vision Goggles to manoeuvre in a pitch-dark room. Students expressed that the SSPP deepened their understanding about the Army. to share with us? BDE SM (CAH) / 54 SAB MWO LEE CHEW LENG MWO CHIN SHAI PIN @ Raffles If you have any articles to contribute or suggestions about our newsletter, contact us at : Institution [email protected] “This programme bridges the gap between the public and the army and clears any misconception that STORY | ALASTAIR LOE the students may have about the army. It also gives students an idea of what they might be going ARMY NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY | LOW KAI HENG through and what the army is like. At the end of the day, we are a conscript army; we need the public to (Suggestions and Feedback) FOLLOW US! 5 Depot Road, #08-10 be as knowledgeable as possible regarding what we do and how we carry out our missions,” LTA John- Tower B, Defence Technology Towers, facebook.com/oursingaporearmy @oursgarmy youtube.com/OurSingaporeArmy Singapore 109681 Paul shared his belief on why SSPP is important. Tel : 6277 0382/ 6277 0383 Fax : 6277 0381 @oursingaporearmy thesingaporearmy.tumblr.com pinterest.com/SingaporeArmy Army News | Around Our Army 4 Army News 5 Tough Men with Big Hearts!

STORY | KEITA SIN PHOTOGRAPHY | JASON CHUA

Approximately 1000 students of (College Section) visited the Army Museum Of Loaded with weapons - brooms and paint brushes - men from the Singapore (ARMS) for the SAF Schools Partnership Programme on 25 February. They were hosted by the men Commando Formation stepped forward to assist members of the public. of 1st Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR), where the students saw the different infantry equipment. ational Service goes beyond defending the sovereignty of NSingapore. On 23 January, NSmen from the Commando 1 SIR SSPP “After seeing the various equipment on show today, we learned that the army is pretty advanced and Formation volunteered their time during their last In-Camp- with HCI @ knowledgeable. Hence we feel safe as Singaporeans to have the SAF protecting our nation.” Training (ICT) in Project Silverhomes to bring the early festive Chinese New Year joy to a group of frail elderly living ARMS Shermaine Tan and Qu An Qi, two Year 1 students from Hwa Chong Institution in Chinatown. Coordinating with the Central Singapore STORY | ASHWIN LEE PHOTOGRAPHY | JASON CHUA Community Development Council, they cleaned, repainted, and decorated 45 homes belonging to seniors living on their own. They also engaged in lively conversation during the 6 hour operation.

LTC Ang Kwang Chien addressed the men before they started. “Serving the nation is not just about defending the country and we decided to serve in a different light today, which is to contribute to the less fortunate. Today’s event will be a very meaningful and humbling one to the unit. I hope that we can make the lives of the seniors more comfortable and most importantly, bring a big smile to their faces.”

LTA(NS) Conceicao Thomas Aloysius shared his thoughts with us too. “This is the last ICT for most of us and is definitely a significant milestone in our lives. This year, we decided to do something more meaningful. The elderly we are helping today do not have the youth and energy to carry out such large scale cleaning, and helping them is a good way of giving back to the society. Today, we are here to clean their houses and let them enjoy the festive season in a good and clean environment.”

Fresh mattresses were given to those whose old ones were in need of change. 3SG(NS) Karthigeyan said, “In the working 1SG(NS) Jeremy Ng, a platoon sergeant in 761 SIR, shared his thoughts, “Although they are young, it is important that world, some of us have no time to do such community service. they know defence is something everyone plays a part in, hence the term Total Defence. This is the first time that we have done something like this, and it is a special way to pass on the message. The support we have been given by the school I feel a sense of satisfaction cleaning the houses and decorating and the SAF has been great and one of the key factors in making the event a success.” them – this is not a boring thing and we also get to bond as a team.”

The event ended with a dinner with the elderly. Initiated and As part of their Total Defence Day Celebrations, Saint Andrew’s Primary School togther with the led by the NSmen, they demonstrated that besides defending the Fathers in Defence: Parents Support Group organised the “Fathers in Defence” event. The parents, which included some nation, they have a role in giving back to the community too. Saint Andrew’s 15 NSmen, set up stations to help the students learn about the defence of their nation. The stu- dents enjoyed themselves immensely at the various stations which included a dummy “grenade” Primary School Well done Commandos! STORY | BRANDON LEOW range and an obstacle course. They were also able to see their fathers in uniform and learn about PHOTOGRAPHY | LOW KAI HENG what comprises the defence of our nation. Army News 6 Army News 7 Introducing the Your Personal IPPT Companion in STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY | JEREMY HONG Your Pocket! You may have heard of the official MyIPPT app, which allows you to HOW IT WORKS track and book your IPPT sessions. CPL Sudeep Agarwal saw that, STORY | KEITA SIN and developed an app with the hopes of automating the tracking PHOTOGRAPHY | LEE XIANG RONG of your progress and helping his fellow soldiers achieve their IPPT There were booths set up to introduce our goals! ore than 400 participants were engaged during the formations to the participants. SIT-UPS MArmy Sponsorship Seminar 2015 conducted at Defence Technology Tower B on 31 January and 1 February. Talks targeted for Polytechnic and NITEC students were conducted to better Putting your iPhone on your inform them of the sponsorships that Our Army offers. stomach, it automatically calculates the amount of sit- Among those who attended the seminar was Tommy Ang ups you have done. Yi Long (20). Currently studying in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, he will be enlisting soon and decided to sign up for the seminar due to his curiosity towards the army. “I got to learn the military values that run within the army and also found out that the welfare of service personnel is well taken care of. The incentives offered are rather promising too, but I think that what is most important is to have the will to serve the nation and the people.” Student Tommy Ang finding out more about the SAF sponsorships. PUSH-UPS Apart from talks, a total of 15 booths were set up to display and introduce the different formations in Our Army to Using the iPhone’s proximity the participants. Participants had the opportunity to interact sensor, the app calculates with service personnel to clarify their doubts and concerns. the amount of push-ups Parents were also present at the seminar to lend a helping hand you have done by sensing the distance between you to their children in making the important decision. Having a By day, CPL Sudeep Agarwal serves with the Biodefence Centre under the Force Medical and your iPhone, which you son studying in the United Kingdom now, Mr Loh Sing Keong Protection Command. By night however, he is a budding developer, and has released several place below your face on the attended the seminar together with his wife. “The seminar is very apps in the Apple App Store. Amongst them, is the IPPT Trainer, an app that aims to help you ground. informative and I now know better on how my son can approach automate the tracking of your progress as you prepare for the new IPPT standards. the army,” he shared. Although CPL Sudeep had been programming for quite a while, he only just recently picked MSG Tan Bee Sian Cindy from G2-Army was stationed at up mobile development. After picking up a book about programming a year back, he started the Army Intelligence booth. Given the opportunity to interact Mr. Loh and his wife clarifying their doubts. development on his first mobile app, IPPT Trainer. He would arrive home from campat with participants, she said, “Many ladies are concerned about 6:30pm and start coding till midnight. To him, it was a project of passion, wanting to help issues such as hygiene and treatment in the army and I am glad to servicemen all over adapt to the new IPPT standards. be able to clarify their concerns. I tell them that trainings RUNNING will definitely be tough, however, the army is about The IPPT Trainer application itself has gone through changes. Initially, you had to put progressive advancement and it is possible to adapt to the Utilising the motion sensors your nose to the screen for it to detect a successful push-up, but CPL Sudeep found a more environment.” on your iPhone, the app is ingenious way to complete the same task. able to give you an accurate To find out more about the available army sponsorships, visit reading of your total distance Reactions to his applications have been positive, with his unit mates liking the app and the Army Recruitment Centre website at http://www.mindef. numerous five star reviews online. His superiors were also quite amazed, not only bythe ran and your pace per gov.sg/arc/, also, go to http://mindef.gov.sg/arc/media.html to quality of IPPT Trainer, but because they did not even know CPL Sudeep could create apps kilometre. download the Application Kits to the various schemes available in to begin with! “My superiors were quite supportive, and they started giving me feedback and the SAF. suggestions, and help point out any bugs,” he remembers. “It’s quite heartening to see them use the app.”

MSG Cindy Tan introducing our Army to a As the app itself says, IPPT Trainer is “Made by a serviceman, for servicemen”. Try it out participant. via the Apple App Store. Army News | Feature 9

Pok Pok AND AWAY! stories through illustrations STORY | SARAVANAN MUNUSAMY PHOTOGRAPHY | JEREMY HONG AND CONTRIBUTED BY LEE XIN LI

LEE XIN LI

Are you enjoying these beautiful illustrations on these pages? Meet the man behind these wonderful creations and find out what inspires him to produce such mesmerising pieces of art of Our Army. Army News | Feature 11

Lee Xin Li enlisted into Platoon was inspired by his personal and light- like I was. If you are interested to find 3, Leopard Company at Basic Military hearted take of the holy city though his out more about Xin Li and his works Training Centre (BMTC) in 2008. After sketches. It motivated me to finally start visit the links below. BMT, he was posted to SISPEC, the compiling my experiences on Tekong School of Infantry Specialists. After and come out with a few comics.” His Sayang Singapura graduating from SISPEC he returned to affiliation with BMT didn’t stop with Pulau Tekong as a section commander his personal illustrations, as his visual http://pokpokandaway.blogspot.sg in Leopard Company. aids for his platoon have been used https://www.facebook.com/ in LearnNet, a digital learning system PokPokAway Xin Li is the man behind the blog, ‘Pok in BMTC. Towards the end of his http://instagram.com/xinli29288 Pok and Away!’ a personal blog. The National Service, one of the companies name originated from a mascot chicken involved in LearnNet, LDR Pte Ltd, *Book Title that he bought from a flea market when invited him to join them after NS to he was in secondary school. Xin Li said, continue drawing for the LearnNet. “Pok Pok and Away was a random name that a friend of mine thought was catchy Xin Li’s primary interest is in and I thought when one reads the name, illustration, influenced by his childhood the sound offers a brief departure from encounters with the works of Georges seriousness.” His illustrations on Our Prosper Remi (Hergé) who authored the Army which could take anything from Tin Tin series of comics. Like cartoons one day to a few weeks are indeed mind- and comic books from childhood, blowing. illustration was a window for him to see things in a different perspective Throughout his national service, Xin including architecture and in his words, Li always brought his sketchbook along “it imparts a kind of human feeling to regardless of the training including river buildings made for inhabitation.” crossings! During waiting times and breaks, he would draw in his sketchbooks For any budding sketch artists as a way of documentation and to kill out there, here are some of the tips time. When he was posted back to Xin Li has to share, “Keep an open Leopard Company as a commander, he mind. Respect others. There is always introduced visual aids for his platoon, to something to learn from everyone, it help them familiarize with Live Range could be a new perspective or a new and Hand Grenade procedures etc. technique. Work hard. Keep sketching, start sketching. Don’t procrastinate On his army inspired illustrations, or wait for that “inspiration” to hit, Xin Li shared his thoughts, “I see momentum needs a beginning.” National Service as an integral part of Singapore’s society. I try to show that Beyond illustrations, Xin Li’s interests in my drawings”. His series about Pulau include food and travelling which is Tekong is one of his more popular series clearly exemplified in his blog. Do visit of sketches. Xin Li shared, “When I his blog and I believe that you will be picked up Guy Delisle’s Jerusalem*, I mesmerised with his illustrations just

Lee Kuan Yew, at Commonwealth Close, Blk 85-86, HDB’s third estate in Queenstown. The HDB, under Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and Mr. Lim Kim San, completed 1000 units of housing within 5 years.

The illustration is based on a photograph taken by Larry Burrows (1926 - 1971), a photojournalist from Life Magazine.

Army News | Feature 13

STORY | MELVIN LOO EXERCISE PHOTOGRAPHY | ALOYSIUS LUM & MELVIN LOO The SSPH In Action! The soldiers were from 286SA, a SSPH NS Battalion. They underwent their Field Artillery Training Evaluation Programme (FATEP) on the rolling plains of the Waiouru Training Area. The Gunners trained in gusty wind conditions and manoeuvred THUNDER WARRIOR in the unfamiliar and undulating terrain.

“Steel Rain in New Zealand, artillery live firing.” Shoot! The target is identified by a Forward Observer or the ARTHUR. The Shoot and Scoot! Manoeuvring across the undulating plains of the Waiouru Training Area, New Zealand, the Singapore Self Propelled fire mission is transmitted to the Howitzer (SSPH), also known as the Primus, arrived at its deployment site. Its barrel traversed into the firing Battery Command Post. The SSPHs position, ready to rain steel upon its target, at a moment’s notice. The Gunner pulled the firing lever and the gun went manoeuvre to the deployment ground off with a thunderous roar that shook the earth beneath it. This drill was repeated numerous times as the gunners and prepare to fire. Once the direction from the Artillery formation conducted their annual live-firing exercise: Exercise Thunder Warrior 2015 (XTW 15). and elevation of the gun is laid, all that’s left is the command to fire! Held from 16 to 28 January, this year’s exercise involved some 550 NSmen from the 286th Battalion, Singapore Artillery (286 SA) and the NSFs from 24th Battalion, Singapore Artillery (24 SA). Braving the cold summer, the gunners honed their Scoot! operational competencies and underwent an integrated Field Artillery Training Evaluation Programme (FATEP). Once the firing is completed, the SSPH Battery quickly moves to the next deployment ground, vastly decreasing the risk of counter fire! The Fire-finders and Weathermen of Our Artillery The Artillery is known as the “King of the Battlefield” for its firepower. To ensure that our rounds land on target, Gunners from 24SA operate the ARTillery HUnting Radars (ARTHUR) and Field Artillery Meteorological Systems (FAMS) to pro- DID YOU KNOW? vide accurate tracking of artillery rounds and meteorological Waiouru Training Area is approximately in 40km by 40km in size. The training area is larger than Singapore! measurements. While XTW is conducted during the summer season, temperatures drop to the single digits during the night!

FAMS Soldiers operating the FAMS will release a helium filled balloon to gather ARTHUR information on The targets can be located by the ARTHUR by weather conditions detecting rounds fired by the target. It determines the like wind direction, exact location of the target by retracing the trajectory air pressure, and wind of the round fired by the target. speed. The informa- tion is then passed to The ARTHUR deployed in XTW 15 also saw the guns to compen- operational deployment in Afghanistan from sate for the changes September 2009 to January 2011. in weather condition It detected incoming rocket attacks, providing to achieve accurate critical advance warning for soldiers to seek fires. cover!

Army News | Feature 17 The men fondly reminisced about their training regime during the short walk, even reenacting the events of their usual mornings. “FALL IN! FALL IN!” they shouted as they scrambled to form up. Up on the 5th and 6th floors, they walked along the corridors in small groups, having a good talk with each other that was long overdue. It was evident that their time at OCS left a great imprint on their lives as they were able to recount even the smallest details.

Platoon 6 took smaller Then... steps as they walked back towards the Officer’s Mr Wu Tze Chiang (left), Mr Jack Neo Mess. The nostalgia they (centre) and Mr Tan Keng Ghee (right) felt might have been were bunkmates back in the day. holding them back as they took a detour to Not your average platoon the cookhouse. Their raucous conversations The men from Platoon 6 seemed had dwindled into solemn to have been molded well by their murmurs as they spoke experiences in OCS as they went on about the past long gone. to great success in their endeavours.

and now... Heading back into the One of Singapore’s most well- Officer’s Mess, Platoon 6 known directors, Mr Jack Neo was had a lunch cum karaoke also a member of Platoon 6. As the session. They rocked out youngest member, Mr Neo was often to classics from the 70s made to sing for his platoon. His while bringing each other platoon mates often “arrowed” him up to speed in their post- whenever they needed drawings Ah Boys OCS years. for floor plans or maps as he was to extremely talented in the arts. Peng Kang Hill was the place where these men 17 years ago, Mr Jack Neo invited used to experience pain members of Platoon 6 to attend a sneak preview of “Money No Enough” and fatigue in their younger years. They gathered at the obstacle course at the foot AH KONGS (1998), the first of many films he of the hill and once again, they retold tales of years gone by. After exchanging would direct. During their reunion Steadfast against the test of time their last goodbyes and well wishes, the men of Bravo Company, Platoon 6 left, STORY | JASON CHUA in January, Mr Neo once again PHOTOGRAPHY | LOW KAI HENG with their bonds reformed stronger by the test of time. extended his invitation for them & CONTRIBUTIONS BY MR TAN KENG GHEE and their families to attend a sneak preview of 38 years ago, a group of “Ah Boys” were gathered as brothers-in-arms as part “I think the beauty of our friendship is that although we don’t “Ah Boys to Men III: of the 1977-1978 batch of Officer Cadets, members of Bravo Company, Platoon meet often, all it takes is a small chat on Whatsapp to get Frogmen” (2015) things going. Someone says something, it goes back and forth which premiered 6. On 17 Jan 15, these “Ah Boys”, now “Ah Kongs” gathered in Pasir Laba Camp, and suddenly it feels like yesterday all over again. We bonded in February. the place where they first met, for a heart-warming reunion ceremony. well I guess.” - Mr Tan Keng Ghee The event was planned by Mr Tan Keng Ghee, Head Even though it was their first time visiting in almost four Infantry Gunnery Tactical Simulators, a member of Bravo decades, the “Ah Kongs” had little difficulty in locating the Company, Platoon 6. During his career as a regular, the Officer’s Mess. According to them, the camp’s layout was Lieutenant Colonel was a Recce Commander and had basically the same back then, albeit less furnished. Once control over Bravo Block, where the men from Platoon 6 inside the mess, they took some time to catch up with each used to stay. Mr Tan was too busy to organise a reunion, other while waiting for everyone else to turn up. Mr Tan having to fly overseas for reconnaissance on a consistent then kicked off the activities with a speech and led everyone basis. After retiring and transitioning into the role of a out of the mess, towards Bravo Block. Defence Executive Officer, he had a little bit more time to organise and invite his old friends. Army News | Feature 19 “From the day we started, I knew that we needed a Remembering strong SAF and i believe that still remains today. Without a strong SAF, there is no economic future, Mr Lee Kuan Yew: there is no security.” Foundation of our Defence STORY | SARAVANAN MUNUSAMY -Mr Lee Kuan Yew, 2012 Mr Lee Kuan Yew, fondly referred to as Singapore’s founding father, passed away on 23 March at 3:18 am at Singapore General Hospital, age 91. His dedication and determination to serve Singapore will never be forgotten.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew is widely regarded as the man most the government, statutory boards or private sector when they instrumental in shaping Singapore, from the time he and left full-time service and went into the reserves. The bill was his political party colleagues pushed for self-government passed a month later. in the 1950s, to their quest for merger with Malaysia in the early 1960s, and their efforts to secure the country’s survival In 1971, Mr Lee proposed the SAF Overseas Scholarship after independence was thrust upon us on Aug 9, 1965. Mr scheme, which Dr Goh refined. Through the scheme, some Lee’s legacy is modern Singapore that we have today. For of the best students were recruited into the SAF over the millions of people within and without Singapore, his name is years. “Without a yearly intake of about 10 of our best synonymous with our modern city republic. students, the SAF would have the military hardware but without the brain power to use them to best To safeguard Singapore’s sovereignty, defence forces had to advantage,” Mr Lee said. Over the years, Mr Lee spoke of be built up. This need became more urgent when the British the importance of having a strong SAF on several occasions. suddenly announced they were withdrawing their forces from NS has since become an important part of in Singapore Singapore by 1971. Mr Lee proposed conscription, with life. By forging bonds among young Singaporeans from everyone playing a part to defend the country, as the best diverse backgrounds, it continues to play an invaluable role way to build up the . The National in nation-building. Service (NS) Bill was passed by Parliament on 14 March 1967. On 28 March 1967, the first batch of National Servicemen Our defence was certainly not built by Mr Lee alone. was called up. Together with Dr Goh Keng Swee, Singapore’s However, it is indisputable that without him, our defence first Defence Minister, Mr Lee laid the foundations of today’s will not have grown and become what it is today. Mr Lee strong and credible SAF. “National Service would bring dedicated his whole life to Singapore as he once famously political and social benefits...I wanted the defence plan to aim told journalists in 2011, “I have spent my life, so much of at mobilising as large a part of the population as possible, it building up this country. There’s nothing more that I need in order to galvanise the people in their own defence while to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful they had this strong feeling of patriotism as a result of recent Singapore. What have I given up? My life.” experiences,” Mr Lee wrote in his memoirs. Mr Lee, We Singaporeans will always be grateful for what To attract and retain talent in the highest echelons of the you have done and will continue to make Singapore a better SAF, Mr Lee tabled a legislation to amend the National Service place to live. Ordinance in February 1967 so that those who enlisted in the SAF as a full-time career would be guaranteed jobs in Thank you Mr Lee Kuan Yew, we salute you. Army News 20 Army News 21

This year’s exercise saw the soldiers from the Singapore STRENGTHENING DEFENCE TIES Armed Forces (SAF) and Royal Thai Army (RTA) participate in a series of activities such as professional sharing on weapon EXERCISE KOCHA SINGA 2015 systems and training exercises. Corporal First Class (CFC) Jagdevan Singh from 4 SIR shared, “I am very honoured to be STORY | SARAVANAN MUNUSAMY PHOTOGRAPHY | LEE XIANG RONG, LEONG KHEE SHUEN & JEREMY HONG training with my Thai counterparts and despite the language barriers, sharing is easy as they are fast learners.” The RTA soldiers also participated in a live firing session at the Multi- Mission Range Complex (MMRC). XKS underscores the close and long-standing bilateral defence ties between Singapore and Thailand. Our relationship with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) has always been warm and friendly Throughout the exercise, soldiers from both armies built strong through regular interaction including friendships through professional exchanges, training exercises bilateral exercises, courses, visits and and team building sessions. The exercise succeeded in its aim professional exchange programme. to strengthen friendship and enhance mutual understanding through professional exchanges and social interactions between both armies. CPT Thoranin Arrasuwan (Photo, Top Right), a company commander from RTA shared his thoughts on his counterparts, “I feel very proud to be chosen to be part of this exercise. Soldiers from 4 SIR are very friendly and kind as they treat us as their family. They always ask us about our welfare and ensure all is well for my men and me. Hence, we feel pretty much ince 1997, soldiers from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and at home.” Sthe Royal Thai Army (RTA) have participated in the annual bilateral exercise, Exercise Kocha Singa (XKS). This year, approximately 800 SAF and RTA soldiers from the 2nd Singapore Infantry Brigade (2 SIB) and 1st Infantry Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment participated in XKS 15.

The exercise began on 1 February in a ceremony co-officiated by Commander 6th Division (SAF), Colonel Wong Yu Han and Commanding General, 5th Infantry Division (RTA), MG Kunnawut Mokaew. In his opening address, COL Wong Yu Han said, “Over the next two weeks, our officers, specialists and men from both Armies will have the chance to interact with one another. By exchanging our cultures, practices and war-fighting capabilities, we will gain a deeper understanding of each other’s Armies and the common purpose on why we bear arms to serve our respective nations.” The exercise concluded on 10 February in a closing ceremony co-officiated by the SAF Chief of Army, MG Perry Lim and RTA Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Army, General Udomdej Sitabutr. Army News | Symbols of Our Army 23 Military Police Command

STORY | BRANDON LEOW & CONTRIBUTIONS BY 3WO JORDACHE CHAN, MP COMMAND

The SAF Military Police Command (MP Command) began in 1966 as the SAF Provost Company consisting of 129 person- nel stationed at Beach Road Camp. The School of Provost was also set up at the same time at Maju Camp. At that period of time, the unit came under the jurisdiction of HQ 1 Singapore Infantry Brigade. The implementation of National Service a year later would lead to a large increase in unit membership. The unit would then be moved to Hill Street Camp in 1970. The Singapore Armed Forces Dog Company and the Operations Company would be formed in the same year.

In February 1971, the three companies were merged officially to form the Singapore Armed Forces Provost Unit (SAFPU) and moved to Mowbray Camp at Ulu Pandan Road in July 1971. The Kranji Disciplinary Barracks was built in 1972, before being converted into a proper detention facility in 1977. The British Army Military Correction Centre was handed over to the SAF and renamed as the Tanglin Detention Barracks in 1972. Changi Detention Barracks opened in 1973, and Nee Soon Detention Barracks in 1974. All three facilities would be replaced with the SAF Detention Barracks which was opened on 29 March 1987.

The Security Company (SC) was added to the SAFPU, while the Special Investigations Branch (SIB) was formed in July 1973. In 1974, the sixth sub-unit, the 1st Reservist Provost Company, was formed, completing the current organisational structure of the unit.

The distinctive Military Police uniform was first introduced in 1983. In 1984, a 93-man unit was drawn from the ranks of the SAFPU, and formed the Silent Precision Drill Squad (SPDS). They trained for a performance for that year’s National Day Parade at the Padang, its historic debut performance broadcast live on Singapore television. The overwhelmingly positive public response led to the sub-unit becoming a permanent fixture.

The unit moved to a new camp in Kranji in 2002. In keeping with tradition, the new road leading to the camp was called Mowbray Road, and the camp itself retaining the Mowbray Camp name. On 1 September 2006, the unit was renamed the Singapore Armed Forces Military Police Command.

THE UNIT MOTTO ‘PRIDE, DISCIPLINE, HONOUR’ THE MUSKETS

The motto exemplifies the standards and qualities that the unit lives up to: The Muskets were the weapons the THE SHIELD Military Police of the past used. Though not in use anymore, the Pride: The SAF MP Command is proud to serve as the standard setter for the SAF both in The shield of SAF Military traditional musket weapon is still character and turnout. Police Command, officially commonly associated with the unveiled by former Chief of Military Police today. The muskets Discipline: It is the goal of the unit to strive for the highest standards of personnel and Defence, LG Ng Yat Chung on displayed in the logo symbolise two unit’s discipline in order to effectively enforce discipline within the SAF. 1st September 2006. The shield things true of the unit. Firstly, the contains four elements which unit treasures certain traditions and Honour: In carrying out its duties, the SAF Military Police always seeks to bring honour to carry great significance to the values it has inculcated over the years. the Nation, the SAF and the Military Police. SAF Military Police Command. Secondly, the Unit is an operational combat unit. Background Colours: The red and white background represents the national colours. It symbolises the allegiance the Unit has towards the nation of Singapore. Red symbolises the brotherhood within the SAF while the white speaks of the virtuous character of the Military Police. Army News | Health 25

About psychological care within Another distinguishable sign of depressives is a negative change in their func- the SAF tioning. ‘Functioning’ is how a person goes through daily activities; therefore a negative change in functioning would mean that they are no longer as efficient or Within the SAF, there are departments proficient as they used to be in the things they do. that specifically tackle psychological care, much like how there is a specialised for- mation for different forms of combat in the field. How do you help if someone is depressed? When trying to help a depressive, the most important part to consider is their These three departments listed below psyche. Depressives experience a weak connection to their social surroundings; are the SAF’s frontline against depression they feel alone and left out. Common thoughts belonging to depressives include ConqueringDEPRESSION the downward spiral and other psychological disorders. Let’s things like “I’m useless.” Or “I’m not needed at all.” They are aware of their emo- learn more about what they do. STORY | JASON CHUA tional and mental strife but are unable to do anything about it due to the depres- WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO sion that holds them back. Therefore, the easiest way to lend a helping hand is to Defence Psychological Department COL BERNARD LIM, LTC ADRIAN LOH (DR), MAJ create a nurturing environment. (DPD) SOH TECK HWEE (DR) AND MS AUDREY KONG Helping a depressive feel safe and gaining their trust takes away some of the The DPD trains and manages psycholo- hopelessness or helplessness they feel, making them less resistant to opening up. gists that are deployed to units as advi- sors to commanders. The commanders of It also helps to maintain an objective stance when talking to them to give them the idea that they are not being judged. units can seek their help if they encoun- ter problems when trying to identify underlying psychological issues in the Once the trust between the depressive and you has been established and they start unit. The aim of these psychologists is to to share their turmoil and pain with you, you should take it a step further and optimize the mental well-being of every introduce them to professional help. Seeking the help of a psychiatrist or profes- soldier in order to bring out their maxi- sional counsellor is the start of a long process of healing that will eventually help mum potential. Depression can be coined as the “common cold” of mental illnesses. In Singapore, them escape depression. - COL Bernard Lim it is estimated that 5.6% of Singaporean adults go through depression at some Psychological Care Centre (PCC) point in their lifetime. The PCC is a sub-unit of the Military Medi- cal Insitute (MMI) and shares its mission of delivering safe and quality healthcare What causes depression? through the provision of primary and Depression comes about when a person’s ability to cope with negative emotions is unable to match the stress he or she is specialist medical services. The PCC fur- undergoing. Anything and everything that happens to a person can cause them to be depressed, depending on their indi- ther specialises in that by specifically tar- vidual psyche. As far-fetched as it sounds, even something seemingly trivial can be a trigger for people that are not mentally getting psychological care by promoting conditioned. and protecting the mental well-being of In summary SAF servicemen through quality psychia- To reiterate, consistent communication with someone is essential in try and clinical psychology services. - LTC Adrian Loh (DR) How does one spot depression? order to tell if they are depressed. If you feel that someone is depressed Depression is by no means an open book. It is almost impossible to spot a depressive at first glance as consistent communi- or showing symptoms of depression, get in touch with them and let cation with them is needed to identify depression. There are however certain signs that can help to pinpoint depressives due SAF Counselling Centre (SCC) to a change in their behaviour and attitude. Listed below are some of the many symptoms that depressives may display. them know that you will be there for them. Introduce them to an environment that is non-judgmental and accepting. What a depressive The SCC seeks to maintain and enhance the psychological well-being of all SAF/ Obvious Symptoms Ambiguous Symptoms encounters on a day-to-day basis is constant emotional turmoil; they are MINDEF personnel through two major unable to help themselves unless someone does. Anybody and every- strategies. Firstly, the SCC educates ser- - Low mood body can and should play a part, to save someone from the downward vicemen and related parties to improve - Tearfulness - Increased irritability spiral of depression. their awareness and knowledge of psy- - Loss of concentration - Physical aches and pains chological issues as part of their preven- - Loss of motivation - Lack of control over temper tive measures. Secondly, the SCC enforces - Loss of interest in general rehabilitative measures by providing various forms of counselling services for personnel in distress. - Miss Audrey Kong Army News 26 Army News 27 LOST OPPORTUNITY REGAINED! STORY | CONTRIBUTED BY DANIEL CHIA PHOTOGRAPHY | CONTRIBUTED BY LTA(DR) KOH ZONG JIE, LTA(DR) STEVEN ZHANG LIBEN AND CPL MUHAMMAD FIRDAUS

Ex-National Shooter Leads Volunteers Management & Engagement in 28th SEA Games

missed the opportunity to organise the Southeast “I Asian (SEA) Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies (OCC) with my Artillery Formation in 1993 as I was in Ranger. the Singapore Shooting Contingent then. But now, after 22 years, I finally have the opportunity to do so!” said Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Shirley Ng Peck Yui, the veteran Ironman. ex-National shooter.

STORY | LEONG KHEE SHUEN She was and is still a shooter. Currently a Doctrine Warrant Master Sergeant. PHOTOGRAPHY | CONTRIBUTED BY MSG STEVE KWA Officer in Headquarters Singapore Artillery (HQSA), 2WO Shirley has previously represented Singapore in numerous Through his actions and achievements, MSG Steve is deemed as an inspiration to many. Notably, shooting competitions, regionally and internationally. Now, as MSG Steve is the first and only member of the Military Police to earn the coveted Ranger Tab. part of the organising committee for the 28th SEA Games “I believe in changing lives, one at a time. As a specialist in the Army, I believe that first and OCC, she manages volunteers’ engagement. 2WO Shirley in Khatib Camp in 1988 foremost, is to achieve mission success and the Commander’s intent.” “The 28th SEA Games is very special to me. As this time was like my entire Formation was on the SEA Games journey MSG Steve Kwa Rong De enlisted in June 2004, served participate in another SunDown Ultra Marathon of 100 km. round, I am involved in the SEA Games, not as an athlete but with me!” his national service as a Close Combat Instructor until The longest distance he has completed was a run of 160 km as a member of the organising committee for the OCC!” said his ORD in August 2006, receiving an “Outstanding” in 2012. the two-time SAFSA Best Sportsperson. 2WO Shirley recalled that during the 1993 SEA Games in his Certificate of Service. With a passion in Close Protection Opening Ceremony, she felt a strong sense of pride and and Policing work, MSG Steve re-enlisted in 2007, joining MSG Steve evidently displays aptitude, both in his Her first encounter with the air rifle was during a recruitment belonging sitting in the athletes’ gallery as a Singaporean and the Military Police Vocation. He was awarded School physical fitness and in his work. He always challenges drive organised by the Singapore Armed Forces Sports as an Artillery Gunner – watching the ceremony organised Best Trainee and Company Best PT in his Foundation himself and improves his fitness level year after year. In Association (SAFSA) in 1985. Never did she expect that the by her Formation, in her country. The most unforgettable Term during the Specialist Cadet Course. Subsequently, this way, he is able to inspire and motivate the people around recreational sport she signed up for then would turn into a moment for her during the ceremony was the lighting of the he was also awarded Best Trainee in the Military Police him to achieve what they might have deemed impossible. competitive sport for her. “I took up air rifle shooting with cauldron by our former National bowler, Grace Young. “I can Specialist course. Recently, he participated in an Adventure Training Award my friends by chance, however over the years, the interest and still remember clearly the scene when the cauldron was set Trip which saw his team cycling from Poland to Germany. passion in the sport grew in me and it became more than just alight. It marked the start of the Games!” His first appointment after attaining his chevrons in Retracing the history of the holocaust and visiting a recreational sport,” said the first air pistol markswoman to May 2008 was as a Close Protection Member of the concentration camps, his team covered long distances in qualify for Olympics since 1988. Besides participating in the SEA Games, 2WO Shirley Special Security & Protection unit, in charge of protecting cold weather over 7 days. (See Army News Issue 230, also represented Singapore in various sporting events such our Service Chief, and Key Appointment Holders Dec 2014) “In 1988, I was fortunate to be able to join the Artillery as the Southeast Asia Shooting Championship and even the (KAH) in MINDEF. MSG Steve was also the personal Family under the SAF Women Combat Trainer scheme and I Olympics. protection officer for the then-Chief Defence Force Currently, he is part of a team in the Military Police firmly believed that as an Artillery Gunner, our training led us Lieutenant General and former Chief Training School that is looking into transforming the to become stronger physically and mentally, which helped me Today, as Singapore prepares to host the 28th SEA Games of Army, Major General Chan Chun Sing. He was later curriculum, in-line with the latest learning andragogy tremendously in my shooting.” In the following year, with just in June this year, the veteran is involved as part of the OCC’s posted to Military Police Training School in August 2012 and SAF Learning Transformation effort. Well-liked four years of shooting experience, 2WO Shirley was selected Volunteers Management and Engagement (VME) committee. as a Platoon Sergeant and subsequently as a Platoon and respected by his subordinates and trainees, MSG Steve to represent Singapore for the first time in the 1989 SEA The VME committee manages over 1000 OCC volunteers Commander. is known for being candid, yet constructive in his approach. Games. from ushers to fun-packers. One of her key roles is to prepare, train and deploy our volunteers while concurrently engaging As an avid sportsman, he took part in various endurance “National Service is the last stage where the nation is able “The most memorable SEA Games I have participated in them to solicit feedback on this SEA Games journey. We races, most notably the first SunDown Ultra Marathon of 84 to shape its citizens directly, after which these men will go out was the 1993 SEA Games,” she recalled. “It was my third wish our veteran shooter, 2WO Shirley, an extraordinary km in 2008 and the Aviva Ironman in 2009. After nursing to society. Hence, I believe in enriching the experiences of SEA Games and was held in our homeland. Furthermore, success in her VME role and congratulate her on regaining himself back to recovery from a sports injury, he went on to the people serving in the organisation, especially the NSFs”. the Artillery Formation was tasked to organise the OCC. It her lost opportunity from 22 year ago! Army News 28 Army News 29 FROM OUR SOCIAL MEDIA

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MARCHING ON ALL DAY ALL NIGHT! IN YOUR WORDS

EXERCISE WALLABY 15 February 2015 25 February 2015 3 March 2015 9 March 2015 Total Defence Day 3GDS ATEC Stage 1 REDCON 1! Malaysian Defence The Rite of Passage Minister’s Introductory Visit

Tham Lim Hsiong Hassan Zaki Minoru Kawaguchi Kimo Lim Never again. What you can’t Don’t forget the drivers of We have too much to If I can do my NS again, I will ...FROM OUR SURPLUS I’M HAPPY TO SAY OF JERRY CANS. defend, you can’t claim Transport Hub East having to go complement each other. still want to be a Guardsman WE’RE HAVING A FREE-FLOW yours through the ATEC together with Defence has to be total too! OF DRINKS FOR TODAY’S EXERCISE... the guardsmen as one unit