SAF 2009 CHANGING TO BE READY

Besides delivering troops safely to the front line, the BMS-enabled Terrex ICV can provide soldiers with anup-to-date picture of the battlefield.

As the year draws to a close, PIONEER looks back at nine milestones the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has marked in the past 12 months.

Since the SAF embarked on its 3rd Generation journey in 2004, the term "transformation" has become an oft-used buzzword to describe the many changes taking place in the organisation as it works at becoming a modern and networked fighting force.

One critical aspect of these ongoing efforts is building up a broad set of capabilities for a variety of missions.

In an interview with the media on SAF Day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean said: "The SAF today is capable of carrying out a wider spectrum of activities... Our main mission still remains the defence of Singapore. We're the ultimate guarantor of Singapore's independence and sovereignty. But with the 3rd Generation SAF, we also have another important role to play, which is to contribute to regional peace and stability."

And as the complexity of operations and technologies increase, so too have the demands on our servicemen and women. Bearing this in mind, the continual training and development of its people remains a top priority for the organisation.

With the addition of advanced hardware, revamps of its organisational structures and the introduction of new initiatives, progress certainly seems to be the name of the game for the SAF in 2009.

Sharpening our defence edge

As a small fighting force, the acquisition and incorporation of sophisticated equipment and systems play a vital role in making the most of the SAF's limited manpower resources. However, the edge the SAF gains is not from just the capabilities of each platform, but also the synergy from networking these individual pieces.

To provide a swift and precise response in tackling threats such as terrorism and piracy, the SAF has adopted an inter-Service, multi-agency approach in its operations. Integration is clearly the key word behind the formation of new command structures, which can tap resources from across the Services.

1. Integrated task forces

Defending Singapore against all security threats requires a multi-agency effort, and integrated task forces like the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and the Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) provide exactly that.

Capable of marshalling assets beyond the Navy, the former will "look at maritime security challenges holistically and foster tighter coordination among the ground units", said former Commander MSTF Rear-Admiral Tan Wee Beng. Since its inauguration on 19 Jan, the MSTF has validated its capabilities, working with other key maritime agencies like the Police Coast Guard in exercises such as Exercise Deep Sabre II, a multinational Proliferation Security Initiative exercise held from 27 to 30 Oct.

Similarly, bringing together the crack troops of the Commandos and the Naval Diving Unit under one unified command, the SOTF - which was set up in July this year - allows the SAF to sharpen its response in special operations, counter-terrorism and anti-piracy operations.

The latest edition of Exercise Northstar, an annual counter-terrorism drill, held over three days in July saw an impressive multi-agency show of force as 2,000 personnel from 15 agencies - including the SOTF and other homeland agencies such as the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force - worked closely to contain and neutralise a simulated terrorist attack.

2.Infantry troop carrier

Not just a "battle-taxi" with enhanced protection and mobility, the locally-designed Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) is the latest piece of the puzzle in the Singapore Armys networked system of urban operations.

Launched on 5 Sep at the official opening of Army Open House 2009, the Terrex ICV connects to air and land forces via the Battlefield Management System (BMS) and the Advanced Combat Man System. "With the Terrex ICV, we can bring all the SAF's combat resources to sustain and support the infantryman at the sharp end of the fight," said Colonel (COL) Lim Hock Yu, Chief Infantry Officer and Commanding Officer, 9th Division/Infantry.

Capable of carrying up to 13 soldiers, the 24-tonne Terrex ICV boasts speeds of up to 105kmh on normal terrain. All active infantry and guards battalions will begin training to operate the vehicle from February next year.

3. Long-lasting submarine

The launch of the RSS Archer - the first of two submarines purchased from the Royal Swedish Navy - on 16 Jun marked a significant milestone in the development of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) underwater capabilities.

Sporting a modern suite of combat and sensor systems, these vessels can detect and engage targets at double the distance compared to their Challenger-class predecessors.

A larger weapon load of nine torpedo tubes also means that they can deliver a heavier punch against potential threats. The endurance and stealth capabilities of the Archer-class boats were also extended with a unique Air Independent Propulsion System, which allows them to stay submerged for twice as long.

4. Airborne early warning

The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) sensor capabilities were given a boost when the Air Force received its first Gulfstream 550 Airborne Early Warning (G550-AEW) aircraft on 19 Feb.

Acquired to replace the ageing E-2C Hawkeyes, this new platform is endowed with a longer flight endurance of nine hours and higher operating altitude of 41,000 ft. Its advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array radar also allows a greater detection range of over 200 nautical miles.

Providing the RSAF with sharper "eyes" to detect, identify and track aerial threats at greater distances, these jets are set to enhance Singapores networked air defence system. The delivery of the other three G550-AEW planes ordered is expected to be completed over the next two years.

Mission-ready: kicking into action

The SAF's training and operational readiness were put to the test through myriad exercises and operations both at home and abroad. These training sessions ensure that the SAF remains prepared and is able to bring out its full capabilities in a coordinated manner.

Recognising the fact that stability in other parts of the globe has a significant impact on Singapore's own peace and security, the SAF continued to participate in multinational operations in the region and around the world. Not only did 2009 mark the SAF's furthest overseas deployment to date with its mission to the Gulf of Aden, the year also saw the SAF swinging quickly into action during a neighbouring country's time of need.

On top of contributing to international stabilisation efforts and making a difference to the lives of others, our servicemen have returned stronger and more confident, having gained valuable operational experience that will put them in good stead for future missions.

5. Quake relief mission

When a 7.6-magnitude earthquake rocked West Sumatra on 30 Sep, the SAF responded promptly, sending humanitarian aid and relief supplies, a 54-strong medical team and a 30-member engineering team.

During the two-week operation, the medical team performed more than 100 surgeries and treated over 1,000 Accident & Emergency cases. The engineering team constructed two medical clinics in the towns of Pariaman and Padang to replace those damaged by the earthquake.

6. Missions to the Gulf

Over a series of 11 deployments since 2003, about 1,000 SAF personnel have taken part in multinational stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. From providing air-to-air refuelling to logistics support to protecting key oil terminals in the Northern Arabian Gulf, the SAF's contributions "represented small but niche capabilities which were operationally useful to the coalition effort", said Mr Teo at an Overseas Service Medal presentation ceremony on 20 Mar.

Even as the missions to Iraq wound down, the SAF undertook a new challenge to combat the growing threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden. In support of international counter-piracy efforts, an SAF task group was sent on a three-month deployment to the hotspot as part of the Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151). Following this successful mission - in which the task group proved to be an effective deterrent with no pirate attacks occurring in its area of operations - a Singaporean naval officer, supported by a core command group, will take command of CTF 151 from January to March next year.

7. Integrated strike missions

More than 540 soldiers and airmen from the SAF took part in Exercise Forging Sabre, an air-land integrated strike exercise conducted at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in the United States from 1 to 24 Nov.

Involving a wide range of sensor and shooter assets that included F-16 fighter aircraft, Apache attack helicopters, Searcher Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and STrike ObserveRs Mission teams - the integrated live firing held on 17 Nov was orchestrated by the Division Strike Centre and the Air-Land Tactical Control Centre.

The exercise also saw the maiden participation of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Not only is the HIMARS highly responsive and capable of firing its full weapon-load of six rockets within 45 seconds, it can also engage targets from a long range of up to 70km. Look out for the full story on the exercise in the next issue of PIONEER.

Keeping up a spirited defence

In the face of all these cutting-edge technologies and large-scale missions and exercises, the continued success of the SAF remains squarely on the shoulders of its men and women.

In an interview with the local media on 31 Aug before the opening of Army Open House 2009, Chief of Army Major - General Neo Kian Hong emphasised that it is not high-tech hardware, but the "hearts and minds of our people" which matter most in the defence of a country.

"You can have a lot of solid equipment, but are you willing to fight for your country? Are you willing to serve your nation? That is the key idea."

He added: "In the end, we must make sure that all our people are committed."

Defending Singapore is not just about the efforts of military personnel. A "whole of nation" support provides the SAF with the strong foundation needed to protect Singapore against any threats that may arise.

8. What will you defend?

Adopting a multi-platform, multi-channel approach, this year's Total Defence campaign comprised myriad activities - including an online video contest, a musical revue and a short film project for students - which asked Singaporeans to reflect on what they hold dear and the part they play in the nation's defence.

"While we do our utmost to avoid armed conflict, make no mistake - should Singapore come under attack, the SAF will defend Singapore. And should that happen, all of us whether or not we are in the SAF, will each have our part to play, as the entire nation is mobilised," said Mr Teo at the Total Defence event on 15 Feb.

9. Improving for the people

To match the added demands of the 3rd Generation SAF with the rising aspirations of its people, several human resource initiatives were rolled out this year to provide more opportunities for professional and personal development.

Apart from enhancements to existing Officers' and Warrant Officers' career schemes, which will allow Regulars to enjoy more fulfilling careers, the introduction of the new Military Domain Experts Scheme (MDES) was announced by Mr Teo on 14 May, and is expected to take effect in April next year. "The new and enhanced career schemes will allow the SAF to keep people who have a breadth of experience coupled with the depth of knowledge," said Brigadier-General Chan Chun Sing, Chief of Staff-Joint Staff.

National servicemen were not forgotten. Increased allowances, enhanced connectivity to the workplace during In-Camp Training and an IPPT-in-your community programme are just some of the perks put forth by the Fifth Committee to Recognise the Contributions of Operationally Ready National Servicemen to Total Defence or RECORD V. These proposals are "not intended to fully compensate for all the contributions made by our National Servicemen...but are simple and tangible ways of expressing the nations gratitude to them", noted RECORD V chairman, Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, on the acceptance of all 18 recommendations by the Singapore Government on 11 Sep.