Honour of guarding the nation

The troopers of 9th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (9 SIR) serve to protect the nation's key civilian installations (KINs), patrolling Changi Airport, Jurong Island and Sembawang Wharves.

With a similar routine day in, day out, there is a tendency of getting complacent during peacetime.

"So we do not let complacency or any lax attitude get to us," said CPL K Surendran. "We make sure that we keep doing our duties with vigilance; and this is enforced through our commanders and our fellow troopers."

For instance, no potential threat can be disregarded. During the full-time national serviceman's time with 9 SIR, CPL Surendran has dealt with his fair share of security scenarios from handling suspicious baggage at the airport to doing coordination with the Police Coast Guard when an unauthorised vessel entered the waters near Jurong Island.

As part of training for his security duties, CPL Surendran underwent baton drills, chemical defence drills as well as various urban operations that simulated real-time operations.

The 19-year-old feels proud to be guarding these KINs as "any incidence at these places could compromise the safety of Singapore":

"I'm entrusted with the huge responsibility of guarding Singapore to make sure that everyone can sleep peacefully at home so I feel that it is a great honour and privilege to be part of 9 SIR."