6 DS MED BN AND 140 SQUADRON SCORE TOP 10 HITS

"I like to go for In-Camp Training!"

If you think you heard wrongly, you certainly haven't. This is what SSG (NS) Mohammed Kamil Bin Abdul Raman truly feels.

SSG (NS) Kamil is an engineer with ST Aviation Services Co Pte Ltd.

But when it's time for his annual In-Camp Training (ICT), he morphs into the Company Sergeant-Major (CSM) of the 6th Direct Support Medical Battalion (6 DS Med Bn), which has been awarded the Best National Service (NS) Combat Service Support Unit this year.

"ICT can still be stressful because we have to go for our outfield exercises but it is different from the stress we get from work, which is our rice bowl," he says with a laugh.

"ICT is fun. We can meet up with our friends and since it s only once a year, it s like a gathering," added the 35-year old.

His Commanding Officer (CO), LTC (NS) (Dr) Jason Yap, can attest to that.

"The camaraderie among the guys is amazing. There are days when they come back for ICT and there is no need for to stay in, but they actually volunteer to stay in so that they can catch up with one another," he said.

LTC (NS) (Dr) Yap is into his fourth year as the CO and he feels that NS is necessary.

"NS plays a significant role in the defence of Singapore. If there is a chance for us to serve, we should."

The battalion's main wartime role is to serve as the link between the fighting forces at the front and the hospitals at the back.

LTC (NS) (Dr) Yap explains: "Essentially, we re like an ambulance brigade. We bring the injured back, take care of them and make sure they survive before sending them to the surgeons."

With such strong esprit de corps and bonding between the NSmen, it is no surprise that 6 DS Med Bn has won the award for ten times.
Ospreys soar again

Equalling 6 DS Med Bn's record is 140 Squadron, which operates the F-16 C/Ds.

Despite strong competition, the Ospreys, as 140 Squadron (140 SQN) is affectionately known as, managed to win the Best Fighter Squadron for a record tenth time. Their previous wins came in 1985, 1987, 1991 to 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2002.

To determine the Best Fighter Squadron award, the various squadrons were judged on several aspects.

An audit on their flying operations was conducted. They also took part in Exercise Hotshot, a weaponry competition. The squadron's passing rate in the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) and logistics readiness were also taken into consideration.

LTC Vincent Leong, CO of 140 SQN, was very proud of his squadron for winning the award.

According to LTC Leong, the win will not affect the squadron in any way. "As the SAF undergoes a 3G transformation, the command chain might change slightly but 140 SQN s way of fighting will always remain."

"The joy of working with this group of guys is knowing that they have a sense of belonging to the squadron and dedication to their job."

Such is the personnel's dedication that a few days before Exercise Hotshot, the Weapons Load Crew and some squadron members returned to camp on a Sunday to perfect their routines.

SSG Tan Thiam Chye is one of the Weapons Load Crew members.

"There are six of us in the crew but when we practise our routine of loading the weapons, the rest of the squadron has to work harder during training because they have to cover the jobs vacated by the six of us."

"Going back was totally voluntary and we really didn t want to disappoint the rest of the guys," SSG Tan added.

Next up for the Ospreys is the National Day flypast. Three F-16 C/D aircraft will be taking part, so look out for them on 9 Aug.