DEFENCE COMMITTEE SEES AIR DEFENCE CAPABILITIES AT FLAMING ARROW CHALLENGE

Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman and members of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) saw how the Air Force sharpened its air defence capabilities at this year's Flaming Arrow Challenge, when they visited the event at the SAFTI Live Firing Area on 18 Jan.

The Flaming Arrow Challenge, held from 9 to 20 Jan, is an annual Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) competition that tests the operational readiness and platform competencies of the GBAD units in air defence operations.

It is one of seven annual Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Command Challenges which test the proficiencies of service personnel, and help them hone their skills by pitting them against one another in the competitions.

In the Flaming Arrow Challenge, a team of 22 is selected from each GBAD battalion to participate in six GBAD operations-related events, such as aircraft engagement and small arms handling. At least half of the team comprises Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen).

Seeing the challenge for the first time, ACCORD member Divian Nair, Founder of "We are Majulah" Initiative and Chief Executive Officer of Storyteller Productions, said: "It was extremely thrilling. It started off with evasive manoeuvres on the helicopters, and we got to look at the weapon systems put in place for air defence, which really left me with a sense of assurance of the operational readiness of our servicemen."

Mr Douglas Foo, President of Singapore Manufacturing Federation, agreed with Mr Divian and said: "The visit was indeed enriching and insightful. Most importantly, it feels like a homecoming to me because I was in GBAD during my NS."

On the numerous changes he had seen in GBAD over the years, Mr Foo said the one change that stood out for him was this: "(Previously), there were (mainly) Regulars, but now there are a lot more NSmen, operating the weapon systems. I also see that there is an increase in the amount of resources put in by the RSAF to train servicemen to handle the different weapon systems."

Commander Defence Air Group and Chairman of Flaming Arrow Challenge 2017 Organising Committee Colonel (COL) Alvin Yeo Hian Leong commended the NSmen on their efforts in the challenge. He said: "We are very heartened and pleased that our NSmen are very committed to their in-camp training (ICT).

"In fact, this year, we saw some NSmen holding key appointments volunteering their time to help out in this (competition). So, I feel very lucky to have such a dedicated bunch of NSmen."

Taking part in the challenge was Corporal First Class (CFC) (NS) Oh Cheng Kok, an Air Defence Weapon Operator from 163 Squadron. He said: "It's very exciting because I get to see different weapon systems. (The competition) also helps to remove any sense of complacency in the squadron because when we see other squadrons working hard, we want to work even harder and outdo them!"

It was this competitive spirit that drove him and his team to "prepare intensely over a one-week period before the challenge". He added: "It was a good refresher course for NSmen like myself."

First-time participant 2nd Sergeant (2SG) Vikneshwaran S/O Santhra Mohan, Firing Unit Commander in 3rd Defence Artillery Battalion, spoke about the challenges that he faced: "I have a few NSFs (Full-time National Servicemen) under my command, and whenever a new batch of NSFs comes in, I have to train them and explain the rationale behind the things we do."

He added: "Everybody - no matter if he is an NSman, NSF, Regular or civilian - has to realise this: that everything we do, we do it for the defence of the nation and we will always give our best."