COMMANDOS CLINCH 16TH BEST COMBAT UNIT AWARD
// REPORT by Chia Chong Jin
// PHOTOS by Chai Sian Liang
The soldiers of 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn) continued their winning ways this year and clinched their 16th consecutive Best Combat Unit award in this year's Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition. This is the unit's 33rd win since the competition began in 1969.
To Major (MAJ) Fabian Pwi, Commanding Officer of 1 Cdo Bn, the key ingredients for this year's success were the strong sense of ownership within the unit and a "leave no man behind" mindset instilled into every soldier.
"It is important that every soldier has the confidence that they will come home safely, and that the unit and their buddies are always looking out for them," said MAJ Pwi.
"This confidence enhances the commitment of every soldier to give their best during training and operations."
The Commandos are experts in specialised operations such as airborne operations, reconnaissance and raid missions. The training to become a Commando is known to be one of the toughest in the Singapore Armed Forces.
Training is tough but safety remains a priority. 2nd Warrant Officer (2WO) Seah Zhiquan, Regimental Sergeant Major of 1 Cdo Bn said: "We train them hard, but most importantly, we train them in a safe, realistic and progressive manner to make sure that they are able to achieve the required standards."
It is amid tough training that strong bonds are forged. Recalling a gruelling 72km route march, Commando Leader 3rd Sergeant (3SG) S Harshavarman said: "The thought of giving up crossed my mind halfway through the march.
"But when I looked around me, I saw my fellow company mates pushing on though they were also tired and I knew I couldn't just give up. We encouraged each other and completed the march together."
"After receiving my red beret on the completion of the 72km route march, I felt immensely proud to belong in this family of Commandos…and the motivation from my parents and friends shaped me to be who I am today."
