PEOPLE

Day out with my Army dad

06 Oct 2025

In this year’s PIONEER Kids special, Rayyan, Rizqi and Raissa spend a special day at Nee Soon Camp Shooting Range with dad 3WO Muhamed Firdaus.

Day out with my Army dad — It was a special day at the range for 3WO Muhamed Firdaus (second from right) and his family.

Story by Lee Kah Kit

Photos by Chai Sian Liang

The shooting range was filled with giggles instead of gunfire when 3rd Warrant Officer (3WO) Muhamed Firdaus Bin Tarmidi, 40, brought his three kids for a visit to Nee Soon Camp.

As Chief Shooter of the SAF Shooting Contingent, he’s gearing up for the ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM) in November.

But for a day, it was all about sharing with his little ones – 12-year-old Rayyan, seven-year-old Rizqi and six-year-old Raissa – what Dad does in green.

All smiles as 3WO Muhamed Firdaus shows off his everyday weapon – the Rainier Arms AR-15 Carbine – to his kids, and Rizqi (second from right) aims the rifle for a taste of what it’s like to be a sharpshooter.

Practice makes perfect: 3WO Muhamed Firdaus demonstrating the training systems that he uses to help level up his proficiency with the weapon. His kids can’t wait to get some hands-on experience with it!

Mini soldier-in-training: Raissa (second from right) attempts to aim down the scope with proper shooting form, along with a little assistance from Dad.

“Can you hear me?” 3WO Muhamed Firdaus cheekily tries to test whether Raissa’s earmuffs are working, as they gear up to watch his live-firing training.

Stable as a rock: The kids look on as 3WO Muhamed Firdaus (right) takes on an unusual shooting stance, customised for his own comfort to shoot with utmost precision.

He’s locked in: 3WO Muhamed Firdaus is in the zone as he strikes with accuracy and speed. These two factors are essential in competition shooting. (Fun fact: AARM returns to Singapore this November after eight years!)

Full marks! The family checks out the results of 3WO Muhamed Firdaus’s shots.

3WO Muhamed Firdaus teasing his daughter Raissa (left) as he says “You asked me why my workplace had no aircon? Now you know!”

NERF battle: The best part of the day for the kids as they get to do their own “live firing” with NERF guns! Guess who was the best shooter?

Here's our special PIONEER Kids treat: Spot all the teddy bears in this post for a shot at getting SuperPark gift vouchers worth $120! Leave your answer here: go.defencepioneer.sg/pnrkids25gw
Challenge ends 17 Oct 2025, noon.

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