'BADGE' YOU DIDN'T KNOW THIS!
PHOTO // Teo Jing Ting
The Singapore Artillery
The red background signifies firepower, while gold and blue represent loyalty and royalty respectively.
Motto
On 22 Feb 1888, the Singapore Artillery was formed. It lays claim to being the oldest formation in the SAF, hence its motto In Oriente Primus, which means "First in the East".
Did you know?
The pair of crossed cannons, a common representation of Artillery units worldwide, was incorporated into the design of the logo by General Artillery Headquarters in 1967.
Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF)
As a protector of the seas, MSTF is personified by Triton, the mythological Greek God, also known as the Messenger of the Deep. The conch shell and the trident represent the MSTF's first principle of deterrence, and the use of decisive force as a last resort. The three converging waves that Triton rides on signifies MSTF's collaboration with the SAF as well as national and international partners.
Motto
Frontline 24/7 speaks of the formation's undying mission to defend Singapore.
Did you know?
MSTF used to be known as Coastal Command (COSCOM). Formed on 1 Nov 1987, COSCOM played a critical part in ensuring maritime defence. It was subsequently restructured on 19 Jan 2009 to become MSTF.
In place of Triton in its logo was a stingray. Quiet and swift in its strikes, this sea creature signified the defensive yet potent nature of COSCOM's operations.
Air Defence & Operations Command (ADOC)
The light and dark hues of blue symbolise the 24/7 nature of ADOC's roles and missions, while the radar screen overlay signifies their vigilance in defending Singapore's skies. The arrowhead symbolises ADOC as the sharp edge of the RSAF - it is responsible for the planning, command and control, and execution of the full spectrum of peacetime operations.
Motto
Vigilant and Ready reflects the Command's readiness in responding to operations in both peace and war.
Did you know?
ADOC can trace its roots to the Singapore Air Defence Artillery (SADA), which was formed in 1979. SADA was integrated with the Air Force Systems Command in 1995 to form the Air Defence Systems Division (ADSD). On 5 Jan 2007, as part of the 3rd Generation RSAF transformation, ADSD was restructured into ADOC. It was the first of five Commands to be stood up in the RSAF.
Commandos
Instead of the conventional rectangle which most formation badges sport, the Commandos' is in the shape of a shield. Introduced on 1 Dec 1981, the winged bayonet insignia symbolises that the Commandos are an elite airborne combat unit. The green background is a representation of their Army origins while the gold border marks the formation as an elite force.
Motto
The powerful For Honour and Glory motto is a reminder to achieve success in all missions they take up for the honour and glory of the Commandos Formation, the SAF and Singapore.
Did you know?
When the unit was first raised on 1 Dec 1969, 1st Commando Battalion (then called SAF Regular Battalion) was represented by a red rectangular badge with five stars and a crescent moon. It was subsequently renamed SAF Commando Unit in 1971 and 1st Commando Battalion a year later.
Naval Diving Unit (NDU)
The three waves embody the maritime environment that the divers operate in. The colours - crimson, navy blue and sky blue - represent the support that NDU provides to all three Services, as well as how the divers can operate on land, from the air and at sea.
Motto
Nothing Stands In Our Way was adopted as NDU's motto in 1995. It expresses the resolve of Naval Divers to overcome any obstacle in their missions.
Did you know?
There have been three versions of the NDU formation badge; each variation was designed by divers from that era. The first logo had a sawfish, chosen for its resilience and daunting form. This logo was used till the 1970s.
Participation Command (PC)
The three groups within the Command - Divisional Air Defence Group, Helicopter Group and Tactical Air Support Group - are symbolised by the three gold wings. The silhouettes of a missile, fighter jet and helicopter branching out from a single trail reflect the integration needed for successful air missions.
Motto
PC oversees the RSAF's helicopters, divisional ground-based air defence systems and tactical air support agencies - Air Force elements that work most closely with Army and Navy units on air-land and sea-air operations. Its role is to deliver air power to decisively influence ground and maritime battles. Hence its motto - Integrate and Dominate.
Did you know?
The third RSAF Command to be launched, PC was inaugurated on 4 Jan 2008. It brought together components such as helicopter units from Sembawang Air Base, divisional air defence units from the former ADSD and air terminal units from the former Tactical Air Support Command under a single Command.
