NEW COMMANDER FOR 2PDF COMMAND

Sirens wailed and flashes of blue and red lights lit the parade square as operational vehicles from the 2nd People's Defence Force (2PDF), Military Police Command and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives (CBRE) Defence Group performed a drive past as a parting salute for Brigadier-General (BG) Teo Jing Siong.

He was at the 2PDF Change of Command Parade at Clementi Camp on 25 Feb, to pass on the baton of commanding 2PDF to Colonel (COL) Lam Shiu Tong.

At the parade, he reminisced about his past three years as Commander 2PDF, with the command's participation in search operations for Singapore's most-wanted fugitive Mas Selamat Kastari among the key highlights.

"During the 9 months of operation, I saw the best that the SAF is capable of. Our people stepped up to the plate and showed the steel that was hidden beneath the usual peace time routine and training."

"I am fully confident that when there is a mission, our National Servicemen will be able to fight off any threats."

Expressing his appreciation for his fellow servicemen, BG Teo said: "I want to thank all of you for making 2PDF the best formation in the SAF and most importantly, making it a place where you will be proud to call home."

Hailing from the combat engineers family, BG Teo began his service in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in the 30th and 35th Battalion, Singapore Combat Engineers (SCE). Among his many appointments, he has served as Commanding Officer (CO) 35 SCE, a branch head in the General Staff, and Chief Engineer Officer.

Under his leadership, the operational masterplan to transform 2PDF into Island Defence Task Force was approved in 2009. This plan will position 2PDF as a headquarters for homeland defence and security operations in Singapore.

During his tenure as Commander 2PDF, BG Teo led the command in various security operations for large-scale events, such as the Singapore Air Show, National Day Parade, as well as the Youth Olympic Games last year.

The command also participated in bilateral training exercises with the People's Liberation Army from China, and hosted visits by delegates from China, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.

BG Teo will conclude his 29-year journey in the SAF on 31 Mar, and will embark on another with ST Electronics come 1 Apr.

Incoming commander COL Lam is a Commando who has served in the SAF since 1987. His previous appointments include Commanding Officer 3rd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, Head of General Staff, Headquarters Commandos and Chief Commando Officer.

He also headed the Home Quarantine Enforcement and Inspectorate Section as part of the SAF SARS Task Force during the SARS outbreak in 2003.

As COL Lam assumes command of 2PDF, he will hand over command of the Commandos in a parade on 4 Mar.