TOP-CLASS SOLDIERS

The annual Best Unit Competition is a test of combat readiness, operational excellence and administrative efficiency. It pits Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) units against one another in friendly competition. PIONEER delves into the inner workings of this year's winning units.

Best Combat Unit
True fire within - 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn)

As the raid specialists of the SAF, the Commandos are trained to operate deep within enemy territories. Airborne drops, helicopter landings and coastal assaults are everyday tasks for a Commando. These skills also make up the public face of the formation. But the men of 1 Cdo Bn will tell you that it is their mental tenacity which sets them apart.

"It is our people who make the difference. Their level of motivation, desire to excel, ability to take hardship and determination to go beyond their limits are the things that set 1 Cdo Bn apart from the rest," said Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Leung Shing Tai, Commanding Officer (CO) 1 Cdo Bn.

"We are ordinary people asked to do extraordinary tasks. We are able to do these tasks because of our sheer determination and mental strength," added 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Chang Chia Jone. A full-time National Serviceman (NSF), 2LT Chang leads 11 men as a detachment commander.

Winning the Best Combat Unit (BCU) title for an unprecedented 24th time this year, the Commandos' claim to being the elite soldiers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is one almost set in stone.

"I would be lying if I said there was no pressure," said LTC Leung. "Although many say it is a given that the Commandos will win the BCU title, we still put in our best effort to train the soldiers well," he added.

And what soldiers the battalion has. Said Corporal RanveerVerma: "As a Commando, we are expected to fight harder, walk further and last longer than any other soldier on the battlefield... Our culture of excellence stems from the arduous training that toughens up both our mental and physical states."

Added 2LT Chang: "Whenever Commandos are faced with daunting challenges, we ask ourselves: If not us, then who?"

Best Ship Award
Familial ties - RSS Stalwart

An ability to stay focused on their mission and the desire to be the best were the two traits that won frigate RSS Stalwart the Best Ship title. Staying true to their ships motto "Determined to Win", the sailors proved their mettle in the United States.

Deployed to the Naval Air Station North Island in the US for more than six months in the past year, RSS Stalwart was tasked with raising a new capability for the SAF. Together with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), they trained to integrate the recently-acquired Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopters with the ship's operations.

During this time, the crew made significant sacrifices, said Operations Officer MAJ Tan Yong Chye. "It was difficult being away from family for so long, and it was especially tough for those of us who had children," said MAJ Tan.

Supporting and encouraging each other along the way was one of the ways they pulled through. "We are all very close. I know about my crews' challenges, both at work and at home," said MAJ Tan.

And it was when the crew had to celebrate Chinese New Year (CNY) on board ship that MAJ Tan really appreciated the bond shared by everyone. With plenty of Yusheng (a sweet and sour CNY dish of raw fish and vegetables) whipped up by the ships chef, they even invited the RSAF detachment to join in the celebrations.

"The RSS Stalwart is family to me and it felt good to be able to extend this warmth and camaraderie even to other Services," said MAJ Tan.

The commanders also made the effort to constantly motivate the crew. Regular updates on the progress of the helicopter integration meant that each and every crew member knew exactly what was happening each day. "With those talks, the crew found meaning in what they were doing and we were all able to stay focused on the tasks ahead," said MAJ Tan.

In turn, these updates enabled supervisors such as Military Expert (ME) 2 Soh Fu Jian to translate their commanders' directions with clarity to the rest of the crew.

"In the end, the crew - myself included - knew that everything we did contributed to the greater success of our integration training," said ME2 Soh.

Best Fighter Squadron
Everyone counts - 140 Squadron

For 140 Squadron (SQN), a sense of belonging is one of the crucial factors which enabled it to clinch the title for a record 12 times since its first win in 1985.

Stood up in 1970, 140 SQN also has the distinction of being Singapore's first air defence fighter squadron. From the Hawker Hunters they first flew, the squadron has advanced to the F-16C/D - lightweight, multi-role fighter aircraft.

"The Best Fighter Squadron award is testimony to the men and officers of 140 SQN, their dedication and commitment to doing their best 24/7, constantly meeting challenges and setting new standards," said Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Kwan Kum Wah, Commanding Officer 140 SQN.

Besides carrying out air defence and operational taskings, the squadron has the unique role of training newly-minted pilots into full-fledged fighter pilots. With so much on their plates, it helps that the bond within the squadron is strong.

For Dedicated Crew Chief 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Mark Liu, this inclusive nature of the squadron has contributed to a positive National Service (NS) experience. "There is no keeping issues to yourself here. From the senior commanders to my immediate superiors, the doors are always open," he said.

In the past two years, three servicemen who previously served their NS in 140 SQN have signed on to become RSAF regulars. All three have indicated that they wish to re-join the squadron once they complete their training at the Air Force Training Command.

Looking out for each other's well-being is another pillar of 140 SQN. Pilot Lieutenant (LTA) Kenneth Cheng recognises the hard work which the crew put in. "We're not just colleagues but friends since we rely on each other to keep everyone safe. Without this mutual care, the squadron will fall apart," he said.

Recalling an exercise in Thailand, LTA Cheng recounts how the the ground crew had to work late into the night to prepare the fighter planes for a training mission the next day. "There has been a lot of hard work over the past year and winning the title is testimony to the dedication of the crew," he said.