Down the line

Ever wonder what it feels like to be a top-secret agent like in Mission Impossible? Well, look no further than the Rappelling Training Facility (RTF).

Situated within the Airborne-Trooper Training Facility (ATF) at Pasir Ris Camp, the RTF is where soldiers hone their skills to operate at varying heights and tackle challenging scenarios. 

These scenarios include buddy rappel (simulating a casualty who has to be piggybacked); stretcher rappel (when a casualty sustains an injury and has to be secured to a stretcher); the Australian rappel (where they walk facing the ground to avoid obstacles); and heli-roping from an 8-storey height (to simulate a high obstacle typically present on sea vessels). 

Managed by the Special Operations Tactics Centre, the RTF comprises three main clusters. The Basic Training Cluster features a 60-degree and 90-degree slope to simulate cliff rappelling. 

The Intermediate Training Cluster includes a 5-storey and 8-storey aircraft mockup for heli-rappelling and roping training, as well as structures designed for rappelling into a window or corridor.

At the Advanced Training Cluster, trainees use various anchor points situated around the RTF for urban climbing training.

From trainee to instructors

So who undergoes training at the RTF? Selected troopers taking part in the Rappelling Qualification Course (RaQC) or Rappelling Instructor Course (RaIC).

The 3-day RaQC equips trainees with essential skills – from mastering knot-tying and hitches to preparing a secure seat harness to executing dynamic rappelling techniques from different structures.

Trainees also gain hands-on experience in performing precise commands and drills that are tailored to specific helicopter platforms, ensuring they are mission-ready for any scenario

The RaIC, on the other hand, is a comprehensive and advanced programme designed to train and certify individuals as proficient instructors.

During this 3-day course, they learn safety, leadership and instructional skills in order to teach and guide trainees through various rappelling scenarios.

After completing the RaIC, they serve as instructors for RaQC trainees as part of on-the-job training.

All-in-one facility

Last December, the RTF turned 10 as part of the ATF – an all-weather facility for airborne, roping and rappelling training that was launched by defence minister Dr Ng Eng Hen back in 2024.

The ATF also includes the Parachute Training Facility, where Commandos undergo the Basic Airborne Course in a realistic and safe environment.

Do you think you have what it takes to be a rappeller?

Watch how the Commandos hone their heli-rappelling skills!