4 SIR BAGS TOP NE AWARD

Route marches are nothing out of the ordinary to many recruits, but for recruits from the 4th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (4 SIR), these marches took them through Singapore's history.

Besides arranging for the unit to present recruits with their rifles at the Kranji War Memorial, 4 SIR organised route marches last year in Sarimbun, where Singapore battled the Japanese during World War II. Subsequent route marches also took recruits past East Coast Park, the Marina Barrage and the heartlands.

"We wanted recruits to see the economic success of Singapore that our forefathers contributed towards, and know that as soldiers they are protecting Singaporeans' way of life," explained Captain Kelvin Chia, the National Education (NE) coordinator in 4 SIR who organised these events.

2nd Sergeant Tee Chze Hao, a Platoon Sergeant from 4 SIR, commented on how he felt being part of the unit's NE activities: "They served as a good reminder to us about why we are doing National Service. It helps soldiers find their own meaning in their service."

In recognition of their NE efforts, 4 SIR was crowned the winner of the Chief of Defence Force (CDF) NE Excellence Award, winning for themselves $5,000 worth of NE credits to fund future NE initiatives. This is 4 SIR's second win as they took home the prize when the award was first launched in 2009.

The other three finalists - the Underwater Demolition Group from the Naval Diving Unit, 112 Squadron and the Officer Cadet School - each received $1,000 worth of NE credits.

CDF Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong presented the awards to representatives from these units on 21 Jul at the SAFTI Military Institute.

According to 112 Squadron's NE coordinator Lieutenant Tan Yi Kai, organising NE events that are both engaging and interesting was what led his unit to emerge as an award finalist.

He gave the example of how his unit's visit to the Changi Murals in March was well received by his colleagues: "We even had the privilege of hosting an ex-POW (Prisoner of War) during that visit... It was really moving to hear about his experiences and the hardships and terror of war, and more importantly, what losing a war entails."

When asked what motivates him to organise NE events in his unit, 1st Warrant Officer Tan Hong Boon, the NE coordinator in the Underwater Demolition Group, replied: "Singapore is a small country; our independence depends solely on our will to protect our country, and this is strengthened through training and strong NE values instilled in our people."