Down the line

https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/2bfc39f6-5a2f-47ef-976a-5d3ce9be7f25/13jan25_news1_photo164fecb37-a700-4eca-ad56-c47f78fa8b73.jpg?sfvrsn=eeb433a3_1 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/13jan25_news1
Down the line https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/13jan25_news1
13 Jan 2025 | OPS & TRAINING

Down the line

It was built to train soldiers in tower and helicopter rappelling insertions as well as fast roping. Join us as we check out the Rappelling Training Facility!

//STORY BY DARREN KHO /PHOTOS BY LOH YU ZE

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). 

The outdoor portion of the RTF includes a 5-storey-high aircraft mock-up and two cliffs of varying gradients.  

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.

Making it look easy: An experienced instructor executing the hair-raising Australian rappel (where a soldier descends while facing the ground) off the steep 7-storey-high cliff slope.

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

This 5-storey-high aircraft mock-up allows trainees to simulate rappelling from a helicopter.

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.

Rappellers simulating the procedure for stepping off a H225M helicopter grounded mock-up.
Rappellers doing a load test to ensure the ropes are secured correctly and safely to the anchor points. A load test must be conducted for every rope tied to an anchor point before training commences. 

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!

Suggested Reading
Cover story
20,000 SOLDIERS TO TRAIN ANNUALLY AT NEWLY OPEN SAFTI CITY
OPS & TRAINING
13 Jan 2025

Phase 1 of SAFTI City – the SAF’s next-generation smart training facility – was launched by Dr Ng on 19 Mar.

Feature
S’PORE TROOPS TRAIN WITH US MARINES IN BILATERAL EXERCISE
OPS & TRAINING
13 Jan 2025

About 800 troops from the SAF and USMC took part in this year’s Exercise Valiant Mark, a 10-day joint exercise that concluded with an urban assault at SAFTI City.

DIS SETS UP TWO COMMANDS TO COUNTER CYBER THREATS
OPS & TRAINING
13 Jan 2025

With an alarming rise in the frequency, sophistication and scale of cyber threats, it is more important than ever for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to enhance its digital defence capabilities.

GROWING STRONGER TO GRADUATE AS OFFICERS
OPS & TRAINING
13 Jan 2025

At first glance, 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Khaireen Bin Misrawi appears no different from any other Singaporean boy going through National Service (NS).

Cover story
SISTERS IN ARMS
OPS & TRAINING
13 Jan 2025

One's got her feet firmly on the ground, the other's hungry for adventure – CPT Rebekah Abbott and CPT (Dr) Hannah Abbott share the joys of growing up and signing on with the military.

Cover story
FOUR WOMEN, 4 SERVICES, 19 YEARS OF SISTERHOOD
OPS & TRAINING
13 Jan 2025

Meet ME6 Toh Bao-En, LTC Nah Jinping, LTC Tong Wei Lynn and SLTC Tung Wanling.

Feature
NS ALLOWANCE TO INCREASE FROM 1 JULY 2025
OPS & TRAINING
13 Jan 2025

The increase is among a series of various measures to enhance the National Service (NS) experience and recognise servicemen’s contributions. 

Cover story
SAF TO GET NEW INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLE, 2 MORE SUBMARINES; BUILD UP UNMANNED CAPABILITIES
OPS & TRAINING
13 Jan 2025

Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen highlighted the SAF’s long-term approach to building a next-generation fighting force, during the Committee of Supply debates on the defence budget. 

Feature
SAF SET TO EXPAND PULAU TEKONG TRAINING AREAS; SAFTI CITY OPEN FOR TRAINING
OPS & TRAINING
13 Jan 2025

Pulau Tekong will be expanded to stretch 10km, and is part of the SAF’s investments in training infrastructure for more effective and realistic training.

Combat medic learns to save lives in SAF-SCDF attachment
OPS & TRAINING
13 Jan 2025

LCP Chen Anhong stepped up to treat patients and provide emergency medical services during his six months with the SCDF.