ONE YEAR, ONE SAF

The SAF saw its capabilities grow in scope and integration over the course of this year. PIONEER looks back at some of the highlights of 2007.

Through networking and tri-Service integration, the SAF has evolved into a fighting force capable of meeting challenges in a dynamic strategic landscape.

Advanced technology and unmanned systems allow platforms and personnel to work with one another across land, air and sea, ready to respond to the expanding range of operations.

As Singapore continues to survive in an uncertain, increasingly complex security landscape, the SAF continues to close in on achieving its vision of One SAF.

O: Operationalising the first spiral of the third-generation SAF

While the SAF has done much in developing new operational concepts and experimenting with force-multiplying technology over the past few years, it has moved towards achieving real operational capability.

In January, the Air Force began a major revamp that will boost its integration with the Army and Navy, making it more flexible and capable. Initially structured by location, it is being regrouped into five distinct commands in phases.

The first to be launched was the Air Defence and Operations Command, its high-readiness core and main agency for planning, controlling and executing all air operations.

This was complemented by the Networked Air Defence scheme, which debuted in April and allows for quicker, more effective response to aerial threats by linking sensors, weapons and command-and-control systems.

May saw the inauguration of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Command, the first Air Force command to be staffed by personnel from all three Services.

As the SAF's centre of UAV expertise, it will hone and operationalise various aspects of UAV operations. Hermes 450 UAVs will also join its existing fleet of Searcher drones.

In the same month, the Navy commissioned its first Formidable-class stealth frigate. The RSS Formidable, launched in France in 2004, has advanced combat systems that gives it an edge in all dimensions of naval warfare.

In September, the Army unveiled its newly acquired Leopard 2A4 tank to the public at the Army Open House. With superior mobility, protection and firepower, it will supplement the Army's current SM1 tanks and provide a baseline for future upgrades.

Hardware is just one of many components that make up the Army's networked capabilities, which the 3rd Singapore Division displayed in a system integration exercise in October.

Digitised networking allows frontline troops to communicate in real-time with commanders in mobile command posts, and gives everyone access to the full battlefield picture.

Not only does this improve situational awareness, it also facilitates inter-Service integration and lets the Army draw on the unique capabilities of the Air Force and Navy.

Such air-land integration was shown at this year's Exercise Wallaby as well, where armoured vehicles and helicopters worked together to capture 'enemy' territory.

Beyond wartime operations, the SAF has proven to be a contributing member of the global community and sent two five-man teams to aid in reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.

The dental team established the first dental clinic at the hospital in Bamiyan province, while the engineering team led local contractors in constructing bridges and other projects.

N: Nurturing first-class people in a world-class organisation

People are the SAF's most vital resource, and it remains committed to strengthening the training of its leaders and servicemen, maximising the potential of each soldier.

In February, the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives (CBRE) Defence Group gained a new training village at its headquarters in Seletar Camp. This latest facility lets CBRE troopers train in an urban setting and refine their skills in areas that are essential in support of special operations.

The Specialists and Warrant Officers Institute, commissioned in March, oversees the SAF Warrant Officers School and the School of Infantry Specialists in Pasir Laba Camp.

With the roles of warrant officers and specialists shifting with the evolution of the SAF, they will be groomed to work in partnership with commissioned officers.

Besides leadership development and professional training, they will also be able to upgrade themselves academically under the expanded Continuous Learning Academic Study Scheme.

Under this scheme, up to 60 deserving candidates a year will be sponsored for full-time degree studies at recognised schools.

The training needs of Operationally-Ready National Servicemen, too, are fulfilled with the opening of the Infantry Training Institute in August.

Its facilities in Jurong Camp II include rooms for computerised lessons and a business centre, as well as open-concept accommodation to allow for greater cohesion.

In October, the SAF Medical Corps and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) signed an agreement that will see them collaborating in the field of traumatology. Under this agreement, all NS and regular medical officers will attend the two-day Definitive Surgical Trauma Care course at TTSH as part of their professional training.

The SAF Medical Corps will also hold a military module of this course, focusing on combat injuries and performing surgery in a spartan set-up.

With trauma management a main concern of the SAF Medical Corps, such initiatives will raise the field surgical capabilities of the SAF's combat support hospitals and naval ship hospitals.

E: Engaging our people towards stronger commitment and greater excellence

The SAF's third-generation transformation involves more than just the latest weapon systems and infrastructure.

To truly succeed, it also needs the commitment of its people so that it can harvest the fruits of integration and force modernisation.

As Singapore marked the 40th anniversary of NS this year, various events were held to pay tribute to the efforts and dedication of some 700,000 NSmen who have served and still serve NS.

In particular, the Army Museum of Singapore, which was officially opened in September, honours the work of pioneering soldiers and their legacy of peace and security.

These men certainly include the soldiers of the 50-year-old 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) who had to enforce internal security during the turbulent 1950s and '60s.

The contributions of the SAF's servicewomen, too, were remembered in the exhibition Women in the Armed Forces - The Spirit of Patriotism, which was held at the Suntec City Entertainment Centre atrium in June.

What was your most memorable SAF moment in 2007? We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].