ISSUE 233 MARCH 2015

IN THIS ISSUE: COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS OF THE SAF

PLUS+ THE EARLY DAYS: MR. WEE SOON KONG

WE REMEMBER THE COLLAPSE OF HOTEL NEW WORLD

#OurSgArmy 07 05

16 12

21 CONTENTS Around Our Army

06 3 WPU Homecoming 18th BMT(V) Graduation Ceremony 4 SEA Games Media Brief Dear Fellow Soldiers, Transport Formation Milestone Parade 25 Your generous contributions towards the Army Charity Drive 2014 exceeded our projected target. This sum will go a long way in helping our beneficiaries, namely The Features President’s Challenge, Community Chest, SAF Care Fund, and SAF Benevolent Fund. On 16 The Early Days: Mr Wee Soon Kong behalf of our Army, I want to thank you for your donations and willingness to partake in 8 The Collapse of Hotel New World a good cause, and we look forward to your continued support. 1 In This Issue 4 SAB Homecoming Run Warmest Regards, 5 MG 6 Passing The Torch 7 The Lion Within 8 SAF Cardiac Heart Centre 10 10 Emergency Ambulance Services (EAS) HRSSC Inauguration 11 18 12 SAF50@VIVO: Celebrating 50 Years of SAF Showcasing the SAF 20 21 Revisiting Our Past: Pulau Senang Symbols of Our Army: 22 SAF Ammunition Command 24 Road To Excellence: Our WOSpecs 25 A New Wave of Expertise and Innovation 26 Health: Understanding Lower Back Pain Army News 3

Editorial Board The Water Purification Delegation supporting the led flood relief efforts returned COL Alfred Fox the home to Singapore on 14 January. The team, which included SCDF & PUB engineers, was deployed for 2 weeks and COL Chua Boon Keat Editor Speaks provided more than 130,000 Litres of clean water to those affected by the recent floods in Kelantan. COL Paul Cheak LTC Kee Kian Boon CWO Ng Siak Ping march on towards our third month and in this issue, SLTC (NS) James Suresh e MAJ (NS) Sebastian Sim we take you to Vivocity where we engaged our Public through the SAF 50 exhibition. The presentation of Wweapons on board the RSS Endurance was very also Editorial Advisor poignant as it was timed to coincide with the time of Singapore’s surrender during BG Lim Hock Yu World War 2 . News Crew We remember the tragic episode of the collapse of Hotel New World in 1986, and Editor Head New Media the brave men who took great risks during the rescue attempts. Mel Ferdinands Dyson Ang We also speak to one of the pioneers from the early days of our Army. Thank you Deputy Editor Photographers Wilson Ng for writing to us to let us know about your grandfather’s incredible story. Melvin Loo Low Kai Heng Amos Poh And to all our readers, keep the stories coming! Assistant Jason Chua “I had the opportunity to distribute water to the villages, some of which were quite badly hit. Having Editors Mel Ferdinands Aloysius Lum Graphic Editor of Army News seen this devastation, I am glad that I was at least able to help relieve some of their worries, even if it was WPU Lee Xiang Rong Designers only a little. I also feel that Singapore is lucky that it does not have to face such a situation; however should Roy Chong something similar occur, I am confident we will be ready for it.” HOMECOMING Lim Wei Jian STORY | BRANDON LEOW Writers PHOTOGRAPHY | MATTHEW LIM Leong Khee Shuen Jeremy Hong 3SG Auzharie Bin Shakirin, part of the Singapore Water Purification Delegation Saravanan s/o Munusamy Lim Han Cong PASSING ON THE BATON Brandon Leow February Ashwin Lee Facebook Keita Sin Representative Appointment Incoming Outgoing Alastair Loe CO / 1 GUARDS LTC WONG PUI CHUAN LTC FAIROZ BIN HASSAN 18th BMT(V) Today marks the beginning of your life as a trained soldier. You can stand tall and proud to join the previous CO / BMTC SCHOOL 2 LTC EDDIE KHNG WEE LIANG LTC LEE BIN HWEE GRADUATION generations, who have come before you to serve NS and to do their part for Singapore. You are our new generation of CO / 3 ISTAR LTC JOHN LEW TZE WAH (CAH) LTC CHAN CHOON MENG (CAH) CEREMONY soldiers, continuing to ensure our security STORY | ASHWIN LEE and sovereignty. CO / 234 SA MAJ CHAN KUM TECK (CAH) - PHOTOGRAPHY | LIM WEI JIAN Reviewing Officer, Commander , BG Ong Tze-Ch’in CO / 294 SA MAJ CHOY WAI HONG (CAH) -

CO / ARTILLERY VOC TRG SCH AI SWO CHOONG KENG ON SWO LEE CHER PIN Army News would like to thank (from left) Koh Jian Le and Matthew Lim for their service and CO / 778 SIR MAJ (NS) LIM KIM SOON DANIEL LTC (NS) GOH KEE YONG contributions during their stint in Army News

ARMY NEWS is a monthly publication of the RSM / 324 SCE 3WO (NS) CAO YUEMING MSG (NS) LEE HOU KEONG . The opinions and views in this newsletter are those expressed by the writers and do not reflect the official views of RSM / 783 SIR 1WO NG CHIN HUN - the Ministry of Defence. All rights reserved. Subjected to the provisions of the Copyright MWO SIVAGNANAM S/O MWO SELUASUNDRAM S/O Act, 1986, no part of this publication may SSM / BMTC SCH 1 in any form or by any means (electronic, OTHIRAPATHY NAGALINGAM mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced or RSM/OPS WO (CAH) / 3 ISTAR BN 2WO CHAN HON GALVIN - transmitted without prior written permission from the publisher. Visit us online! Read Army News on the internet at *Amendments from the last issue: For the section “Passing of the Baton”, the outgoing officer for 56 http://www.army.sg SAB was 2WO(NS) Larry Pee Kah Liang. For the article on 3WO Tee Kar Lin, her name was mispelled. We apologise for the errors. Have something you wish to share with us? If you have any articles to contribute or suggestions about our newsletter, contact us at : [email protected] FOLLOW US! ARMY NEWS (Suggestions and Feedback) facebook.com/oursingaporearmy @oursgarmy youtube.com/OurSingaporeArmy A total of 510 servicemen from the 18th Basic Military Training (Vocational) graduated from their training 5 Depot Road, #08-10 @oursingaporearmy thesingaporearmy.tumblr.com pinterest.com/SingaporeArmy phase in Camp on 8 January. Tower B, Defence Technology Towers, Singapore 109681 Tel : 6277 0382/ 6277 0383 Fax : 6277 0381 3 Army News 4 Army News 5

LAUNCH OF SEA GAMES 2015 STORY | BRANDON LEOW PHOTOGRAPHY | LEONG KHEE SHUEN “The is honoured to be organising the OCC once again. Building on our experience from organising the Ceremonies for the 1993 Games, we look forward to staging an inspiring and spectacular show to kick off the 28th SEA Games. After 22 years, some of the veterans who were involved in the previous SEA Games will bring their experience to contribute as advisors and volunteers. We look forward to harnessing the energies and capacities of these diverse groups of individuals and making their participation a meaningful and memorable journey.”

Chief Artillery Officer, COL Lawrence Lim, Chairman of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 28th Sea Games 4 SAB HOMECOMING RUN

STORY | CONTRIBUTED BY 4 SAB PHOTOGRAPHY | KEITA SIN & JASON CHUA

On 15 Dec 2014 at exactly 0412* hours, 4th Singapore Armoured Brigade (4 SAB) conducted its inaugural ‘Home-coming run’ as the Terror Brigade returned to Sungei Gedong Camp (SGC), after being away since 2003. Carrying the Brigade flag, the commanders and soldiers of 4 SAB ran 14.6km from Camp II to SGC. The route was planned to recollect memories by running past Keat Hong Camp where 4 SAB was founded, eventually, arriving at the Home of Armour.

Chief Armour Officer, COL Kenneth Liow, welcomed 4 with my friends allowed me to feel like I am part of the Armour SAB back to SGC by officially opening the new 4 SAB building, Brigade Family.” marking a new chapter in the long history of our nation’s first Ever imagined travelling around the globe? Through the support, diligence and professionalism of these Armour Brigade. servicemen, the Transport Formation successfully moved the Army over a combined distance of 900,000km In his remarks to the unit, Commander 4 SAB, COL Yew over the course of their National Service! That is equivalent to about 22 rounds around the earth! Chee Leung said “today, as we were running here, one word Upon reaching the new premises, the entire 4 SAB gathered came to mind – the word TEAM – which is also an acronym for at the parade square for a symbolic flag raising ceremony at ‘Together, Everyone Achieves More’. At the end of the day, the first light. This was followed by the first-ever Brigade PT Attended by family members, friends and commanders of Transport Formation, the inaugural Transport Formation army is about people and the 4th Brigade is about a team; it is session. Collectively, the members of the Terror Brigade Milestone Parade was held at Sembawang Camp on 17 Jan 15. The Milestone Parade commemorates the transition of about everyone coming together and contributing. It is not just achieved 40,000 push-ups, sit ups, jumping jacks and over-head our Full-Time National Servicemen (NSF) into the next phase of their national service as Operationally Ready National Transport about the equipment, but is also about the men behind them. It claps respectively to signify what the Brigade can accomplish Servicemen (ORNS). is about man, machine, and spirit.” Formation together. 3SG Aakash M Khot, section commander from 3rd SAF TPT BN said, “My time in service has given me the time to reflect Milestone To end off the homecoming run, a Brigade Connect was Such Brigade exercises allow soldiers to understand that they and reconsider what was most important to me as an individual. I now have a greater appreciation on how the army conducted with everyone who participated. The simple act of Parade do not fight just a or a company, but they are part of a having the entire Brigade connecting and cheering as one was a operates and the selfless dedication and commitment required as a soldier.” STORY | SARAVANAN MUNUSAMY PHOTOGRAPHY | LIM WEI JIAN larger system, the brigade; they fight as one. LCP Muhammad special opportunity to build camaraderie and team spirit in the Ariffin Bin Azmi from 12C4I shared “Running and exercising Army News would like to thank all our new NSmen for their support and commitment to National Service and wish Terror Brigade. them all the best for their future endeavours. Transport Formation - Moving the Army! * The time 0412 was chosen to signify the united movement of 4SAB and 12C4I

4 FEBRUARY 2015 5 Army News 6 Army News 7 THE LION WITHIN STORY | ASHWIN LEE PHOTOGRAPHY | LEE XIANG RONG

This Chinese New Year, don’t be surprised to see an Indian lion dance performer effortlessly pulling off moves. Offering something different to this ancient cultural performance is LTA 3,770 graduating recruits were on parade with 400 NSmen from 694 SIR and 695 SIR on a united front at The Float @Marina Bay. Suresh Ravidran, a Liasion Trainer in the Artillery Institute. Since he was in primary school, LTA Suresh had been interested in Chinese mythology when he began reading about ancient Chinese Passing the Torch folklore. He was equally intrigued by lion dance. “Whenever it was Chinese New Year or if there was some performance in my STORY | ASHWIN LEE & BRANDON LEOW neighbourhood, I would quickly rush out to catch it. However I PHOTOGRAPHY | ALOYSIUS LUM & LEE XIANG RONG 04/14 never had an avenue to join and I pretty much assumed as a child that I would not fit in. I gave up the thought of joining when I The 04/14 Basic Military Training Graduation to push your limits and excel.” was very young. Still there was always that interest in me,” said took place on 10th January 2015 at the Float @ LTA Suresh. This passion however was realised in 2008, when a LTA Suresh has not looked back, practicing hard and honing Marina Bay. This parade marked the graduation As one new chapter begins, another draws to Republic Polytechnic schoolmate, Jason Chua, introduced LTA his skills for the past 6 years. Now he even knows how to of the Basic Military Training (BMT) for 3,770 a close. Standing tall alongside the 04/14 BMT Suresh to his group, the Chee Seng Kong Dragon and Lion play instruments like the gong, cymbals as well as balancing the CPT (NS) Jason Seow recruits. This was an integrated parade as the Cohort was 400 NSmen from 694 SIR and 695 Dance Activity Centre. Big Flag! handing over the recruits were with NSmen from 694th Battalion, SIR who had completed their Operationally state flag to his Singapore Infantry Regiment (694 SIR) and Ready National Service cycle. These NSmen The going was tough initially. “Initially I was very self-conscious LTA Suresh maintains that his passion for this Chinese former student, 695th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment had taken the responsibilities of Protection of and tried to ignore people looking at me. Now if you ask me, traditional sport is no big deal, though he hopes to see a more REC Luzerne Cheng (695 SIR) who were having their Stand-down Installation duties. I kind of forgot this fact and when people stare, I would be open-minded society in future. “People are generally amazed parade. The parade commander was LTC Nur like ‘what are they staring at…oh yeah that’s right I am Indian,’” when they find out what I do, but I honestly don’t think it’s a Effendi Bin Esa, Commanding Officer of A symbolic moment for the integrated says LTA Suresh with a wide grin. Those sceptical impressions big thing. We tend to confine our minds associating a sport or Basic Military Training Centre School 3, the parade was when CPT (NS) Jason Seow of 694 from others did nothing to hinder his focus though, as he learned art with a specific ethnicity. If we can break away from these parade regimental sergeant major was 2WO SIR handed over the state flag to his former as fast as he could with the staunch support of his teammates. stereotypes and recognise art in its true form, we may begin to Leonard Ling, Company Chief Trainer, Apache student at Swiss Cottage Secondary School, Within less than a year, LTA Suresh became proficient enough see more racial integration amongst other art forms and races as Company, BMTC School 1 and the Reviewing REC Luzerne Cheng from Ninja Company. to participate in a national lion dance competition. Since then, well. I guess this is what makes us uniquely Singaporean.” Officer was Mr Christopher De Souza, Member This practice signifies the handing over of NS of Parliament for Holland- GRC. duties from one generation to next. As CPT The parade marked the end of their Basic (NS) Seow put it, “To pass on the responsibility Military Training and the start of the next from an outgoing serviceman to an incoming chapter in their NS. one and to tell him, ‘Now it’s your turn. Make us proud,’ marks an extremely symbolic occasion. In his speech, Mr Christopher De Souza, Hence, I feel deeply honoured to be a part of Member of Parliament for Holland-Bukit it. It serves as a proud moment to let the entire Timah GRC addressed the recruits, “To the nation witness the importance of national recruits on parade, welcome to the kinship that service and just how seriously we as soldiers has stood guard in the defence of Singapore treat it. Everybody is responsible for protecting since its independence. Generations of NSmen our nation.” before you have demonstrated dedication and integrity, and we will count on you to live up to Our Army congratulates the graduating this proud tradition. Your presence here today, is recruits and is thankful to the NSmen of 694 evident of your ability, drive and determination SIR and 695 SIR for their service to the nation.

6 FEBRUARY 2015 Army News 8 Army News 9 The SAF Cardiac Screening System Cardiac screening is an essential part of medical screening in the (SAF) that all pre-enlistees SAF Cardiac Heart Centre and servicemen have to undergo before they are enlisted and deployed for military training and operations. With the SAF Cardiac Fitness Centre (SCFC), the SAF now has a dedicated one-stop facility that provides specialised tests in accordance to SAF cardiac screening protocols which are aligned with international guidelines. On 16 Jan, the SAF Cardiac Fitness Centre (SCFC) was unveiled by Second Minister RISK FACTOR SCREENING for Defence Mr . Located SAF Medical Centre or Medical Classification Centre within the new 12-storey National Heart Centre Singapore building, the SCFC is a (1) ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG): 1 Generates a tracing of the heart’s electrical dedicated one-stop facility that serves impulses and rhythm. Abnormalities in the ECG pre-enlistees, SAF Regulars and SAF may suggest the presence of a wide variety of Operationally Ready National Servicemen heart diseases. who have been referred to by SAF Medical ASSESSMENT OF (2) BLOOD TESTS: 4 Officers to undergo specialised cardiac CARDIAC FITNESS Identifies the presence of risk factors like Diabetes screening investigations to determine their SAF Medical Centre or Mellitus and High Cholesterol that put individuals cardiovascular fitness. Medical Classification Centre at higher risk of heart disease.

STORY | LEONG KHEE SHUEN PHOTOGRAPHY | JASON CHUA WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM (3) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: DEFENCE MEDIA CENTRE An examination by an SAF Medical Officer may identify abnormalities, such as heart murmurs, which require specialist Before every Singaporean son gets to serve our country, evaluation. SPECIALIST all of us undergo a pre-enlistment medical screening at the CONSULTATION3 Medical Classification Centre located at CMPB. Cardiac Individuals who Pre-enlistees and servicemen will be referred for selected screening is a key component of medical screening in the SAF Cardiac require further specialised cardiac screening tests depending on the type of Fitness Centre SAF that all pre-enlistees and servicemen undergo before cardiac examination abnormality detected during Tier 1 Risk Factor Screening. they are enlisted and deployed for military training and operations. This ensures that servicemen are deployed according to their medical fitness so that they can undergo tough and rigorous training and conduct operations safely. SPECIALISED CARDIAC SCREENING TESTS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY: During my pre-enlistment screening, it was found SAF Cardiac Fitness Centre Provides information about the heart such as its size, that I had an abnormal Electrocardiogram (ECG) reading 2 pumping capacity and presence of structural defects. and I was subsequently referred to NHCS for more specialised cardiac screening. The entire process took EXERCISE ECG (TREADMILL): about 5 months before my PES grading was decided. With Assesses the heart’s ability to the establishment of the SCFC, the dedicated cardiac respond to physical exertion in a screening infrastructure will allow for faster cardiac safe and controlled environment screening as more pre-enlistees and servicemen can be by recording continuous ECG scheduled for specialised cardiac investigations within the tracings, blood pressure and heart same amount of time, as compared to the former system rate during exercise on a treadmill. of decentralised specialised screening process. STRESS IMAGING OF THE HEART Thus, medical clearance for operations and training (STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AND MIBI SCAN): activities such as IPPT can be determined quicker Assesses the heart’s ability to respond to physical exertion and more efficiently, allowing the SAF to maintain This one-stop facility, conveniently situated at a centralised CT CORONARY CALCIUM SCORE: through direct visualisation of heart contraction (Stress its operational readiness by minimising deployment location, allows for pre-enlistees and servicemen to go Measures the amount of calcium Echo) and blood flow to the heart (MIBI Scan) during downtime. Moreover, housing the specialised cardiac through tests and complete their consultations within the deposits in the coronary arteries of exercise. screening tests within the SCFC gives pre-enlistees and same facility. Cardiac Fitness is constantly evolving and the heart that lead to a narrowing of servicemen greater convenience as they no longer have to the SAF continues to refine its cardiac screening system to the arteries in Coronary Heart Disease. travel to various healthcare facilities such as SAF Military provide robust and quality screening, leveraging the latest Medicine Institute and the different restructured hospitals. advances in cardiac screening technology. Army News 10 Army News 11 Enhancing MedicalCare: INAUGURATION OF MINDEF/SAF Emergency Ambulance Services HR SHARED SERVICES

STORY | BRANDON LEOW PHOTOGRAPHY | LEONG KHEE SHUEN CENTRE (HRSSC) As part of the SAF Emergency ambulance, whilst receiving appropriate Medical Support System (EMSS) review, medical care en-route. On 15 Jan 15, distinguished guests, friends and colleagues in the HR the SAF Emergency Ambulance Service community had witnessed the inauguration of the MINDEF/SAF (EAS) was conceived to provide more The EAS teams will take over from HRSSC at HQ Medical Corp Auditorium. The vibrant ceremony, which expeditious medical evacuation in SAF the medics on scene to evacuate the marked the merger of the MINDEF/SAF HR Services Centre (HRSC) training areas for serious casualties. The casualty from the pre-designated Casualty and National Service Services Centre (NSSC), was officiated by Guest- EAS was launched on 19 January 2015, Collection Point (CCP) directly to pre- of-Honour, Director National Service Affairs, BG(NS) Tung Yui Fai. enhancing the existing outfield medical designated hospitals while providing the A command symbol resembling a blazing touch was also handed to evacuation system. appropriate en-route care. This allows for Head HRSSC, SLTC Lee Yem Choo by Commander PERSCOM, COL advanced resuscitative care to be brought Clifford Keong. The SAF EAS serves to augment to the field. Each EAS Team comprises the existing casualty evacuation system. a three person crew certified by the In BG(NS) Tung’s address, he highlighted that as our servicemen are In accordance to the Training Safety National Resuscitation Council (NRC) better educated and have greater exposure to information technology, they Regulations, some outfield exercises and they operate from six EAS bases are more outspoken and expect greater transparency of their transactions do not require the manning of a SAF located in strategic SAF camps around and interaction with MINDEF. Their enquiries have increased and are Ambulance and Medical Officer. In the island. Each EAS team will be able to becoming more complex, spanning over different NS and HR functional the past, serious casualties for outfield reach training areas within their range in areas. To improve our NS/HR administration and delivery, it is essential training activities not supported by 11 minutes. to establish a “one-stop” services centre, which adopts a customer-centric an SAF ambulance and SAF Medical approach in its service delivery. Therefore, BG(NS) Tung described the Officer (MO) had to be sent to the The SAF EAS will strengthen the SAF’s merger of HRSC and NSSC as a “natural marriage of two competent and nearest medical facility for stabilisation existing medical support and evacuation complementary entities”. before they were transferred to the system. EAS paramedics are well trained, It allows continuity of appropriate care nearest restructured hospital. With the being able to provide the same level of from the CCP to the hospital as there HRSSC’s two new capabilities; an NS/HR Implementation Branch to SAF EAS, all serious outfield casualties medical care as a Medical Officer. is an immediate transfer from medic oversee the implementation of HR policies in harmonising the HR admin in these outfield exercises can now be to paramedic. This allows for critical processes, and a Case Management Branch to ensure more efficient and directly evacuated from sixteen pre- ME4 Koh Ping Wah, Formation resuscitative care to be brought to the effective feedback and enquiry management, will ensure greater efficiency, designated Casualty Collection Points Sergeant Major, HQ Army Medical field and augments the EMSS as the effectiveness in the administration of our NSmen and Regulars. (CCPs) in the SAF training areas to the Services shared his thoughts “The EAS casualty can be brought directly to the nearest restructured hospitals by the EAS is an enhancement to the current system. hospital in the shortest time possible.” The ceremony was subsequently brought to its height in a finale, led by Dy Head HRSSC LTC(NS) Koh Tong Seng, through a dance performance, reflecting HRSSC’s five core values, represented by mathematical operators.

In order to bring our services to a higher level, it is important for the policy staff, Services’ department planners and ground NS/HR practitioners to work closely together. As aptly mentioned in BG(NS) Tung’s speech, “our cooperation and support will go a long way to strengthen our NS and HR management system, so that our servicemen and women can focus their energy and effort in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.”

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY | CONTRIBUTED BY HRSSC HRSSC’S Core Values + - x ÷ = Put People Take Away Keep No Division Equality Together Prejudice Multiplying Army News 12 Army News 13

The opening of the exhibition was a bright affair as families came to VivoCity to celebrate 50 years of defence. There were numerous static and hands-on displays, attractive prizes and even a guided tour on board a Landing Ship Tank (LST). There was a new experience for everyone. For some of the men manning the booths, it was a new experience interacting with the public. Defence Minister, Dr opened the exhibition on board the LST RSS Endurance.

The exhibition hosted Singaporeans from all walks of life, including students, parents, elderly and even the occasional tourist, all of whom had a positive experience during SAF50@Vivo. “It is exciting, we hardly get to see these weapons and vehicles, the mock-ups are also very interesting. From the exhibition we learn that defence is to be worked for. What we see today is what behind the scenes, the reason for our security, and it is not to be taken granted for,” Ms Jillynn Wee, mother of 4 children, shared her views after visiting various booths at VivoCity.

The exhibition rolled on during Valentine’s To mark the last day of the exhibition and commemorate Total Defence Day, Day as families and ‘lovebirds’ as well came a Weapons Presentation Ceremony was held on board the RSS Endurance SAF to visit the various booths and board the for recruits of the 9th Battalion Singapore infantry Regiment (9 SIR). This RSS Endurance to view the equipment and ceremony, held for the first time on board an LST, is significant as these performances which included a Naval Divers recruits were presented with their rifles for the first time. It signifies taking on Boat PT showcase. Local celebrity Noah Yap responsibility not only their rifles but also for the defence of the country as was on board to host and entertain the National servicemen. The ceremony was held at 6.20pm, the time that the 50 visitors. He was soon joined by his section British surrendered to the Japanese in 1942. mates from the cast of the movie series. The actors had a great time Present at the commemorative event were Second Minister for Defence Mr @ with the crowd and posed to take countless Chan Chun Sing, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General , photos with eager fans. Smiles galore! Chief of Army Major-General Perry Lim, senior SAF officers and pioneers. After the Weapons presentation Ceremony, the guests present viewed VIVO the ceremonial sunset, a long standing naval tradition on board the RSS Celebrating 50 years of SAF Endurance. The four days at VivoCity was a learning experience for everyone involved and many of the visitors were able to have a greater insight into what the SAF is STORY | ALASTAIR LOE, ASHWIN LEE, BRANDON LEOW & SARAVANAN MUNUSAMY made of. PHOTOGRAPHY | KEITA SIN, AMOS POH, JEREMY HONG, LIM HAN CONG & LIM WEI JIAN SAF50@VIVO Army News 17 reader Wilson Ng wrote to Army News to tell us about his grandfather, ONE OF THE FIRST PIONEER The Early Caught amidst desperate times, Mr Wee took on a job Malaysia as part of some pact, and were left with nothing BATCHES IN OUR ARMY . Days: as a truck driver to support himself. A couple of years but those obsolete bolt-action rifles which could not work This is his story. Mr.Wee Soon Kong later a British Officer named Dennis who knew Mr Wee, properly,” recounts Mr Wee. contacted him. “Major Dennis recognised me, and we discussed a possible return to the army,” recalled Mr Wee. After independence, Mr Wee lost his day job as a driver STORY | ASHWIN LEE PHOTOGRAPHY | CONTRIBUTED BY WILSON NG Mr Wee eventually heeded his words and volunteered and thus stayed on in the army for more than 10 years. He to return to the army. This time, he was among one of trained new recruits, which included gangsters recruited the first pioneer batches posted to the 20th Singapore off the streets and volunteers, through their 3-week BMT Artillery Battalion (volunteer Malaysia), ‘Romeo’ Battery, at what was then Kallang Airport, before the National based at Beach Road Camp. Mr Wee worked Monday to Service Act was established in 1967. Following that, he Friday on his day job and reported for training every moved on to be a Transport Supervisor in the Transport weekend. “I felt a certain sense of relief to be back in the Unit until he left the force for personal reasons. ack in the 1950’s, life was tough. force. Fortunately most of my basic soldiering skills were Singapore was under Brit- still fresh in my head,” said Mr Wee. He would also join Today, Mr Wee has left the life of a soldier behind him Bish rule and still reeling after his battalion for annual live-firing exercises in Gunung and resides comfortably in a Marsiling flat with his wife. the shock of the Japanese invasion. Hassan, Malacca, for up to 3 weeks. He remembers fondly The remaining few friends that stayed behind with Mr Mr Wee Soon Kong was just another how different training was back then compared to now, Wee to defend Singapore have moved on, leaving him as young man, looking to survive and “The training area never had clean water, so we had to one of the remaining few who have seen and shared the eke out a living. At the time, it wasn’t bathe in the dirty and muddy river water and cope with birth of the Singapore Army. As an army, it is important the itchiness afterwards,” said Mr Wee with a laugh, “We that we remember the men like Mr Wee, who came While strolling along Bras Basah Road also brought along anti-rust tablets to decontaminate the before us and gave everything to ensure a brighter future oneeasy day to find in 1958, a stable Mr Weejob in happened Singapore. to drinking water which the local factory supplied us with for this nation. chance upon a wallpaper advertise- in these big, old-looking metal barrels!” ment of the Army, and decided to give it a shot. Within weeks he passed his 1965 was a significant year. Singapore was on the IQ Test and was among one of the verge of achieving independence from Malaysia. Some st Sin- time that year, Mr Wee was on an exercise in Malacca gapore Infantry Regiment (1SIR) as when news broke out abruptly. The whole battalion was afirst Recruit batches earning to enlist a salary in theof $60 1 per given 24 hours to return to Singapore. “We did not want month. Money wasn’t the only thing to get caught in the middle of a complicated situation, so that mattered to him though, “I was we got moving,” explained Mr Wee. It wasn’t over yet; about 2 weeks later the battalion was mobilised to defend tough training and felt a true sense of key installations on the mainland and islands around it happy to be in the Army, I enjoyed the like Pasir Panjang and Power Stations, as there However, not everyone agreed. His were concerns of some possible foreign opposition to belonging there,” recounts Mr Wee. Singapore’s stance on independence. “Fortunately there were no serious exchanges. But we did have to fire a few father clung on to the mantra back warning shots at approaching enemy boats,” spoke Mr Mr Wee (forth from left) and his buddies of ‘R’ Battery taking cashthen afterthat “aonly good 6 months boy will in never the army. join Wee of his time defending the islands. a wash in the river at Gunung Hassan back in the day. the army”, and bailed him out with After Singapore’s successful independence, Malaysia issued an ultimatum to the soldiers: allowing them to return and live in Malaysia by their own choice; however in doing so they would have to relinquish all affiliation with Singapore. Mr Wee said, “It was completely up to the individual, no hard feelings. Most of my comrades “Appreciate the food, medicine, weapons and facilities felt that they could live a better life in Malaysia so they left Singapore for good. Only a handful of us chose to stay at your disposal today, as all of you are very lucky. in Singapore. After all I had been through in learning Always take your training seriously as you never know to fight and defend this country; the decision was what the future holds.” straightforward for me.” The armed forces were now left with less than half the number of soldiers it had before independence, and crates of weapons were leaving (standing, second from right) Patrolling the mainland too. “We had to return our fully automatic weapons to and islands around Singapore. Army News 19 C LL E THE O A P S OF Lian Yak Building HOTEL NEW WORLD: Hotel New World STORY | JASON CHUA remembering bravery in service PHOTOGRAPHY | CONTRIBUTED BY CENTRE FOR HERITAGE SERVICES tunnellingExpatriate intoMRT the construction volatile wreckage, specialists risking who theirhailed lives from Britain, Ireland and even Japan lent their expertise by On 15 March 1986, at 1126 hours, the six-storey Lian Yak Building, better emerged, exhausted, another would dive right in to take his The list of SAF units then involved in the place.to reach Their any actionssurvivors left they a deep could impression find. Once on one Dr. of Lim, them who known to most as the Hotel New World, collapsed upon itself, disintegrating rescue operation:

within a minute. The tragedy had come to put Singapore’s military, civil 1. 41 SAR 9. G4 MINDEF defence, police and medical resources to the test. calledFollowing them the“the efforts bravest of men the experts,I have ever Dr. Limmet”. along with other 2. 46 SAR 10. HQ MS SAF Medics entered the chaos themselves. Despite knowing 3. 3 Guards 11. HQ TPT 4. GSMB a slight misstep would cause a cave-in, these men crawled 12. 1 TPT Bn 5. SOCE 13. 1 Signals Bn “The collapse of such a building is unprecedented,” 6. 30 SCE 14. HQ RSAF Rescue operatives from the SAF sprang - then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. manoeuvre in the tunnels. Their goal was to extricate any 7. 35 SCE 15. 120 Sqn survivorson all fours, they into found, the darkness. or if that Theywasn’t barely an option, had any they space would to 8. G3 MINDEF 16. GEB provide them with immediate medical attention such as doses Why did the building collapse? SARinto action,and a medical mobilizing team numerous were among units the to aid in any method possible. 30 SCE, 41 An investigation conducted after the the lightning-fast response of the military of morphine or intravenous drips. The last survivor was finally collapse revealed a fatal error in the structural very first to arrive on the scene. Thanks to engineer’s calculation of the building’s rescued after being buried for more than 80 hours. structural load. He had calculated the within an hour after the disaster. The quick building’s live load (weight of potential personnel, a Command Post was set up At the end of the 4-day rescue operation, 17 survivors had furnitures, fixtures and inhabitants) but the been pulled out from the wreckage and the death toll stood at building’s dead load (weight of the building establishment of the Command Post led to - 33 people. More than 500 personnel from the SAF, the SCDF, itself) was completely omitted from the calculation. greater efficiency and effectiveness of the mettlethe Fire of Service Singapore’s (now militarymerged withand paramilitary SCDF) and foreign organisations. experts strengthunits present and expertiseat the site. to Engineers the rescue from efforts ci had been involved in the rescue. The operation had shown the This meant that the building was unable asvilian well. organizations such as SMRT lent their - to even support it’s own weight upon tanceSeeing of reservists, Total Defence office into workers every andSingaporean. even students lending completion. their aid in any method possible had also seeded the impor What of it now?

the time, was one of the most prominent heroes during the week-long rescue operation. Dr. Lim servicemen who were on site 29 years ago. It is these qualities On 28 March 1991, five years after the BG (Dr) Lim Meng Kin, then an LTC, who was Chief Medical Officer of the SAF Medical Services at thatLet should us always persevere remember within the every courage serviceman, and tenacity then of and the now, collapse of Hotel New World, construction to ensure that the Singapore Army is ready, decisive and work commenced on the site for a new hotel. was placed in command of the medical rescue operation, a duty which he fulfilled to his greatest respected. The Fortuna Hotel opened in 1994, boasting abilities. seven-storeys and 85 rooms and is still there to this date.

LTC (Dr) Lim Meng Kin During the Operation Army News 20 Army News 21 Showcasing the SAF Revisiting OUR past: Pulau Senang Peace cannot be taken for granted, and STORY | BRANDON LEOW while we safely carry out our day to day tasks, there are groups of soldiers who In Singapore, every location has a past history and a story to be told. Besides the more famous locales, there are constantly ever-ready to protect our are also other areas that many do not know about; one of these is the island of Pulau Senang. Now used as a nation. “live-firing” area by the RSAF, it is difficult to imagine the island’s storied past.

The island of Pulau Senang is located 24 kilometres south of Singapore. This quiet area became the subject of a penal experiment in the 1960s. Spearheaded by Police Officer Daniel Stanley Dutton, whose belief that through he Civil Service College’s Governance and Leadership work, even the most hardened criminal could be brought back to the right side of the law. “All our evils can be Programme (GLP) is a milestone programme designed conquered by hard work: we can sweat the evil out of us.” This was a statement once made by Dutton to Alex Tfor newly-appointed Director-level officers in the Josey. He attempted to prove this by setting up a colony on the island, which was built and maintained by pris- various Ministries and Statutory Boards, and aims to equip oners who had a good behaviour record in before being sent to the island. them with a holistic perspective of public sector governance, public sector leadership and management skills. As part Dutton began the experiment with 50 prisoners in June 1960; this number would grow to more than 300 of the GLP, SAFTI MI and 2nd People Defence Force before the failure of the experiment. In the beginning, things were going well, prisoners knew that heading to (2PDF) hosted the 32 participants from the 19th GLP’s visit the island was the only way that they had any chance of heading back to normal society and put on their best to the 2PDF/Island Defence Task Force (IDTF) at Clementi behaviour in their efforts to be sent there. Dutton recommended those prisoners he felt were reformed to the Camp on 27 January. Work Brigade, from there, the inmate would sent back to normal society.

Participants were introduced to the operations and Conditions on the island were some of the best in the world for a prison; inmates had access to cinema, educa- capabilities of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). SSG Vincent Ang Jie Feng, from 39 Singapore Combat tional facilities and recreational facilities among other things. The failure of the experiment was due to Dutton’s The IDTF, Military Police Command (MP Command), underestimation of the power of secret society and that he did not take into account the inability of all men Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives Defence Engineers, shared his knowledge of CBRE to the participants. to see as he did. Despite the good conditions of the island, Dutton required the inmates to work hard. Many of Group (CBRE) and Medical Response Force (MRF) prepared He shared, “Through the showcase today, we managed to show these men had joined the gangs because they did not want to work hard. Dutton also believed there was no booths to demonstrate their capabilities. Vehicles such the participants that the SAF is ever-ready for emergencies. as the Forward Command Post from IDTF and Medical Having such sessions also improves our networking so that way that the inmates would ever turn on him. This over confidence would be his undoing. Decontamination and Treatment Vehicle from MRF we are able to tap on each other’s intelligence when needed.” were set-up. Unfortunately, a riot took place on 12 July 1963. Before that, informers had been telling Dutton that the men The visit concluded with a dialogue session between the were conspiring against him, he dismissed these as fallacies. However, he reported these rumours to Major K-9 dogs and toughness of the anti-riot suit were displayed participants and Chief of Army, MG Perry Lim. Mr Lim Peter L. James, then Director of Singapore . Despite assurances from James that reinforcements would at the MP Command booth. Capabilities of MP Command, Hong Huai, a Director-General from the Ministry of Foreign be sent, Dutton insisted he had control of the situation. After lunch time, the prisoners began their riot, result- such as how they deal with riots in military installations, and Affairs shared his thoughts with us. “Today’s session was ing in the deaths of Dutton and three of his assistants as well as the destruction of much of the island. A total of the control and restraint of detainees in Detention Barracks useful in reinforcing the concept of SAF and showing how 64 detainees were accused of murder and rioting. The , took 5 months, ended with 18 men found guilty of were presented. the key installations in Singapore are being protected. The murder and hanged in Jail on the morning of 29 October 1965. Another 29 men found guilty of rioting, dialogue with MG Perry Lim allowed us to be frank and and the rest were acquitted. Pulau Senang was then declared out of bounds for the next 5 years and was later raise matters to him that are not usually spoken off. He was used by the Singapore Armed Forces for military exercises. very forthcoming with us and this helped us have a better understanding about SAF.” The motivations behind the riot are up to now still unclear, there was no clear objective. Escape was impossible due to the Coast Guard and during when police reinforcements landed on the island, many of the detainees gave themselves up. Behind the inmates were the leaders of the Chinese Secret Societies, STORY | KEITA SIN members of which were among the detainees, who may have had their own agenda. The truth may never PHOTOGRAPHY | JEREMY HONG & LIM HAN CONG be known, only those involved would be sure of it. Army News 22 Army News 23

Symbols of our Army: Colours The colours symbolise the respective services, conveying the synergy and inter-dependency SAF AMMUNITION among the Army, Air Force and Navy. The cumulating point of the crest represents the convergence of ideologies and goals, creating a COMMAND common identity emphasising the integrated nature of our command. The origins of SAF Ammunition for Navy’s precision guided serve, store, maintain, equip and Command (SAFAC) can be traced munitions. sustain our Army, Navy and Air Flame Insignia to the SAF’s Weapon Ammunition Force with ammunition ranging This symbolises our desire to be and Optical Base formed in The SAF Ammunition Base from small arms bullets to guided the epitome of reliability, efficiency February 1967. Later that year, transformed into the SAF missiles. and professionalism in the SAF. Pasir Laba Ammunition Depot was Ammunition Command on 1 April It also signifies our continuance officially opened for storage of 2004, after Ammunition Branch SAFAC also operates the strive towards organisational ammunition and explosives from HQ Supply & Transport Underground Ammunition Facility, excellence, specifically our to support the SAF’s training came under its fold, with LTC Tan the only facility in the world with unwavering learning spirit. needs. Nam Seng appointed as its first ISO container handling capability commander. for ammunition. Ammunition Flames Subsequently, the first SAF-built engineers from SAFAC participate This symbolises our dynamic ammunition depot, Rifle Range In April 2006, Air Force Armament routinely in overseas live-firing nature and ability to adapt in the Road Ammunition Depot, was Base as well as relevant specialist exercises and lead large-scale face of challenges. completed in December 1970. On officers from Air Logistics fireworks displays at national 6 March 1971, the SAF Ammunition Department and Naval Logistics events, such as Southeast Asian Ring Base was officially inaugurated Department also came under Games 2015 and National Day This symbolises the cutting-edge and MAJ Wong Geok Seam was SAFAC to realise the SAF’s vision of Parade. technology and state-of-the-art appointed as its first Commanding a ‘one-stop’ ammunition storage, ammunition which we deliver to our war-fighters. Officer. As a testament to its operational support and specialist A world-class ammunition service quality, SAF Ammunition staff function for all three services organisation, recognised by Base became the first Army unit to in the SAF. advanced militaries around the achieve ISO 9002 certification in world as a leading benchmark, July 1994. On 23 May 2006, former Chief of SAFAC continues to strive towards Defence Force, LG , being a pillar of confidence for In the meantime, as the SAF’s officially inaugurated. SAFAC as a the SAF as the Heart of the SAF’s ammunition inventory grew in Joint unit and commissioned its Firepower. types and sophistication, the RSAF logo. Subsequently, in Apr 2011, formed Air Force Armament Base SAFAC was transferred into Combat on 1 November 1985 and CPT Service Support Command William Pereira was appointed as (CSSCOM) to achieve even greater Did you know? its first Commanding Officer. operational and administrative MG (NS) Lim Neo Chian served as synergy for the SAF. Commanding Officer of the SAF With depots in Tengah Air Base Ammunition Base in 1979 and and Air Base, Air Today, SAFAC is structured with an was later appointed as the Chief of Force Armament Base provided ammunition Senior Specialist Staff Army from 1992 to 1995. ammunition storage, maintenance Officer HQ and two ammunition and operational support services bases, namely General Support to all Air Force units, as well as Ammunition Base and Central storage and maintenance facilities Ammunition Base. Together, they Logos of the SAF Ammunition Base (left) and the Air Force Armament Base (right) Army News 24 Army News 25

On 28 November, Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman officiated at the 8th Singapore Armed Forces A NEW (SAF) Senior Military Experts Appointment Ceremony at SAFTI Military Institute, where 50 servicemen and servicewomen were WAVE OF appointed as senior military experts. Four-army personnel involved were ME4 Lie Hong Qing, ME4 Chew Chuan Hao, ME4 Loh Quek Khim and ME4 Lim Boon Hua. It was definitely a special evening for them as shared by ME4 Lie EXPERTISE Hong Qing, “I am very proud to be here today together with my fellow course mates.” He added, “ This ceremony is a recognition of our efforts over the past year and I am glad to celebrate it with my loved ones.” It was an even more special evening for ME4 Chew & Chuan Hao who received the Sword of Merit from Dr Maliki. ME4 Chew shared his thoughts, “I am very happy that I received the STORY | CONTRIBUTED BY HQ ARMOUR award, especially receiving it in front of my family. I will like to thank PHOTOGRAPHY | CONTRIBUTED BY 3WO LIM YUAN SZE INNOVATION my course mates for this recognition and also my family for their support throughout the course.”

STORY | SARAVANAN S/O MUNUSAMY During his speech, Dr Maliki highlighted the increased importance ROAD TO PHOTOGRAPHY | ASHWIN LEE for the military experts’ deep specialisation in niche areas due to expanding threats to the nation’s security. Addressing the graduates, he said, “Your specialised knowledge and deep expertise in areas such EXCELLENCE as engineering, intelligence and cyber are more valuable than before in today’s security environment, as we see increasingly transnational 3WO Lim Yuan Sze, Derrick (above, left) from Institute of and complex challenges such as natural disasters, cyber attacks and Armour started his army career in 2002 when he enlisted into terrorism. In addition, Dr Maliki urged the graduates to continue Armour, 40 SAR. After serving National Service for a year, he to learn and innovate. He said, “We will look to you, as Military decided to sign on as a regular. Experts, for the innovative solutions that will provide the SAF with the leading edge and enable us to pre-empt tomorrow’s challenges so FROM LEFT: the SAF can stay ahead of the curve”. Upon completing his Basic Section Leader Course in SISPEC, Gunner Course, Warfighter Course (WFC) and Joint Foundation ME4 LIE HONG QING 3WO Lim Yuan Sze attended the Tank Commander Course Leadership Course (JFLC). ME4 CHEW CHUAN HAO The appointment ceremony marked the completion of the Military where he obtained both the Golden Bayonet and Best Knowledge ME4 LIM BOON HUA Domain Experts Course, which trains military experts to take on Award. This course set his foundation in the army and after 3WO Lim Yuan Sze then took on the role of a Platoon ME4 LOH QUEK KHIM roles in the SAF where in-depth expertise is required, in areas such which, he began his first tour as a CUB Commander followed by Commander (PC) in Armour Training Institute (ATI). He was as engineering, intelligence and military medicine. The training platoon sergeant at 46 SAR. then selected to attend the 20 week Joint Leadership Course (8 conducted during the course develops and hones the military experts’ weeks of Warrant Officer Phase and 12 weeks of Combined leadership competency, military domain knowledge and specialised He said, “I was fortunate to be able to work under many Phase) where he attained the Distinguished Graduate Award. skills. The newly appointed military experts will move on to assume outstanding WOspecs and officers. From them, I learnt many The phases included modules on War-fighting skills, Leadership command or staff appointments in their professional areas. valuable skills and knowledge.” At 46 SAR, the main highlight and Understanding Context. “The lectures and tutorials of his tour was the opportunity to be selected as one of the were excellent learning platforms and they taught me a lot of Also present at the ceremony were Chief of Defence Force core group to receive training on Leopard tanks in Germany. important skills as I progressed with the SAF. Now, I am better Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng, senior SAF officers as well The experience was an eye-opener and it is something that he still equipped with vital skills and knowledge, but I also learnt to be a as families and friends of the graduates. holds on to very dearly. more effective leader in my area of service.”

With the exposure in Germany, 3WO Lim Yuan Sze helped in Last year, 3WO Lim Yuan Sze was given the opportunity the setting up a new Armour Battalion- 48 SAR. His appointment to be part of the organising committee for the Armour 45th as Operations Sergeant required him to set the foundation Anniversary Parade. “I was the Assistant Organising Secretariat in terms of the training needs which included monitoring and had the privilege to work alongside outstanding officers and of results and booking of training resources. “My tour as an WOspecs as they conceptualised and planned one of the most Operations Sergeant provided me with the opportunity to look significant events in Armour.” at things more strategically as I have a better understanding of the operations in the unit.” It was also this exposure as an 3WO Lim Yuan Sze will be pursuing his diploma in Business Operations Sergeant that enabled him to clinch the Best Student Management at Nanyang Polytechnic, under the sponsorship Award when he attended the Armour Company Sergeant Major of the CLASS Award. “I am looking forward to further Course (ACSM). After 2 years as Operations Sergeant, he upgrading myself as I am confident that with the knowledge assumed command as a Company Sergeant Major (CSM). The and experience gained, I would be able to contribute further to highlights of his tour as a CSM include the German Master the organisation.” Army News 26 Army News 27 UNDERSTANDING LOWER STRETCHES

BACK PAIN STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY | JOSEPH LIM, PHYSIOTHERAPIST, SPAC/HQ AMS

Our quarterly feature to keep yourself healthy and fighting fit! In this issue, tips on how to ensure your back is well-rested and pain-free!

KNEE TO CHEST HEEL SIT Lower back pain (LBP) can be due to overuse of the back muscles or sudden awkward movements, that result in back Bring both knees to chest. Gently pull legs towards chest. Hold for 30 secs. Kneel and sit back onto heels. Reach forward. Hold for 30 secs. Repeat 3 times. Repeat 3 times. muscle strains or back ligaments sprain. Injury to the back leads to pain, swelling and inflammation around the area.

To prevent unnecessary movements of the spine, back muscles react by contracting or going into spasm. Prolonged muscle STRENGTHENING - ALTERNATE ARM & LEG RAISE spasm can cause the back to be weaker and stiffer. In addition, Lift up left arm and right leg. Hold for 10 secs. Now lift up right arm and overall fitness may also decline because of fear of activity. left leg. Hold for 10 secs. Repeat 5 times. Do 3 sets. What Causes Back Pain • Direct impact (e.g. a fall) • Improper lifting techniques KNEE ROLLING & TRUNK ROTATION PRONE PUSH UP • Poor posture With feet on the floor, slowly roll knees to one side. Increase the stretch by twisting Lift upper body off the floor. Keeping arms straight. Keep pelvis flat and look • Physical inactivity upper body to the opposite side. Hold for 30 secs. Repeat 3 times. straight ahead. Hold for 20 secs. Repeat 3 times. • Reduced back flexibility STRENGTHENING - FOREARM PLANKS • Weak abdominal and back muscles • Repetitive stress/loading on the back Lift body away from the floor. Keep body straight and flat. Hold for 30 secs. Repeat 5 times. Do 3 sets. • Overweight

CAT-CAMEL In 4-point position, ensure shoulders are in line above wrists and hips in line above the knees. Keep elbows straight. Look up and create a curve in the back. Hold for 10 secs. Look between the thighs and curve back up, contracting abdominal muscles. Hold for 10 secs. Repeat 3 times. STRENGTHENING -ABDOMINAL CURLS STRENGTHENING -BRIDGING (DOUBLE LEG) Slowly lift up trunk till shoulder blades are off the floor. Keep elbows open and neck Lie on your back with knees bent. Lift buttocks off the floor. Maintain a straight in neutral position. Repeat 10 times. Do 3 sets. body. Hold for 10 secs. Repeat 10 times. Do 3 sets.

How Do I Prevent Back Pain

LIFTING STANDING OR WALKING Bend knees and not the back, keep the weight close to the body and back upright. When standing for long periods, rest one foot on a slight elevation to decrease muscle tension. Walk with good posture, keeping chin and stomach tucked in.

SITTING HAMSTRING STRETCH PIRIFORMIS STRETCH Sit in a chair with the thighs fully supported on the seat and both feet flat on SLEEPING When standing for long periods, rest one foot on a slight elevation to decrease Lift your right leg to about 90 degrees. Interlock your fingers behind your right Bend your left knee on the floor, cross your right leg on the left knee. Interlock your the floor. Back should be flushed/well rested against the back of the chair thigh. Attempt to straighten your lower leg. Hold for 30 secs. Repeat for the left leg. fingers behind your left thigh. Gently bring your left knee towards your chest. You for optimal support. muscle tension. Walk with good posture, keeping chin and stomach tucked in. Repeat 3 times. should feel a stretch on your right gluteal region. Hold for 30 secs. Repeat for the left side. EXERCISE Repeat 3 times. Exercise regularly to stay trim and fit. A healthy weight will cut down unnecessary strain on the back. Back strengthening exercises will also help to keep the back strong and healthy.

SINGAPORE IS BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF...

In Your Words 250115 Tough men with big hearts! Kok Weng Pang - I suppose they (Commandos) are more willing to clean up now for the needy than when they were students. NS is developing characters of love and respect for the less fortunate. ------

270115 Strengthening Ties - Joint Adventure Training Arsyad Brony - Looks Great! Can’t wait to serve my country! ------The -SG: Fast and Furious The 010215 Singapore Army Style! SAF Specialist Receives Honour Graduate Award (Posted on 070215) in US Course THE Pao Pai Tse - Truly deserving of ...PIXELS, GUARDING the award. Proud to have you in THE BUILDING BLOCKS the team! OF OUR CITIES. SINGAPORE ARMY FACEBOOK ------facebook.com/oursingaporearmy 030215 It’s Dangerous, we are trained for it. Han Jinyuan Larry - When in doubt What’s Hot! ,you should always ask your trainers THE “DOWN”TOWN EXPRESS , there’s nothing to be embarrassed about because when the time What’s Trending! comes , you be the one to go in . Viral! WHaT’s Been there , done that . ------080215 Never Again! “On this day in 1942, Japanese troops crossed GREENS, CREATING A SAFE into Singapore from SANCTURY FOR DEVELOPMENT. Johor, landing on Sarimbun Beach.” Yeong Chun Wei - Yes conscription will not guarantee victory but we Never Again! shouldn’t go down without a fight.

“On this day in 1942, Japanese troops crossed into Singapore from Johor, landing on Sarimbun beach.” (Posted on 080215) Congratulations to all graduating recruits!

#OurSgArmy #POPLoh (Posted on 100115) AND EARTH, PROVIDING THE SUPPORT FOR THE YEARS TO COME. TEAM INSERTED! @oursingaporearmy

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