GRASSROOTS LEADERS IMPRESSED BY SAF COMBAT ENGINEERS' CAPABILITIES

It was an eye-opening visit for 110 grassroots leaders who visited the Singapore Combat Engineers (SCE) at Seletar East Camp on 26 Feb.

The SCE played a vital role in rebuilding Meulaboh, which was stricken by the tsunami on Boxing Day 2004.

With the coastline of Meulaboh badly destroyed, the SCE created two beaching sites, which allowed for relief supplies and subsequent assistance to reach the coastal town via sea access.

They also helped cleared debris, created inland roads and constructed helicopter-landing pads, which were utilised by both the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and foreign air forces to bring in aid.

The grassroots leaders saw at first-hand the equipment and capabilities employed by the SCE in the humanitarian relief operations in Meulaboh.

Some of the equipment on display included the bulldozers, excavators and shovels used to clear debris, as well as the water purification unit that churned out clean drinking water for the people affected by the tsunami.

They also viewed a mock-up modular building that was built in Meulaboh as a relief support centre.

Mr Ramasamy Subramaniam, a grassroots leader from Sembawang GRC, was impressed with what he saw.

"The tsunami took place on 26 Dec, and by 28 Dec, they were operationally ready to move out," said Mr Subramaniam. "Their readiness is really something we should admire."

Apart from understanding the SCE's efforts in Meulaboh, the community leaders got a better understanding of the training, operational functions and capabilities of the SCE.

They also experienced riding on the BRONCO, an All Terrain Track Carrier, and the COMET, a raft capable of both land and water manoeuvres. They saw engineer bridges such as the Foldable Longspan Bridge and BIONIX-launched Bridge, and viewed a demonstration on the handling of Chemical, Biological, Radiological Explosives (CBRE) threats.

In addition, the grassroots leaders got an insight into the third-generation SAF, where the SCE would make use of unmanned platforms, remote controlled robotic platforms, remote sensors and other technological equipment.

"I'm very heartened by the fact that they are very forward-thinking and have purchased machinery and equipment for the future," said Mr Subramaniam (left).

"They are preparing for the would-be soldiers in ten years' time. And that's really commendable."

For Ms Larina Ho (left), a grassroots leader from Tanjong Pagar GRC, the visit was certainly an eye-opener.

"I believe people know that the SAF is very well-equipped, but I didn't know that it's so high-tech," said Ms Ho.

"The soldiers are fantastic. Before they go into the army, they are just like boys. But from there, they are involved in things like the humanitarian efforts for the tsunami-affected regions."

"I think that they will gain a lot of experience and will be extra prepared in future if disasters hit us, especially since Singapore is so small, and you never know what will happen," she added.

Hosted by Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and the Environment and Water Resources, the visit aims to update grassroots leaders on the SAF's capabilities.