EXPERIENCE 3RD GEN SAF WITH NEW SDC EXHIBIT

Always dreamed of being in command of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and leading your troops to victory? Or interested in the operating the advanced assets used by the 3rd Generation SAF?

If so, head down to the Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC) to play your part in mission success with Battlefield Command. Jointly developed by the SAF and SDC, this interactive exhibit features authentic lingo used in the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with sophisticated graphics of locally-produced weaponry such as the Primus self-propelled howitzer.

"I am pleased that the SDC has collaborated with the SAF on this new exhibit to introduce complex 3rd Generation SAF concepts to servicemen and students as well as the general public, so that we bring the common man, the man in the street, into what we are trying to do within the SAF," said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, when he launched the exhibit on 18 Sep.

To create a realistic and enjoyable experience for Battlefield Command players, SDC even conducted focus group sessions with students from secondary and tertiary institutions.

"There was a lot of participation, from the game developers right down to the end-user, everyone was involved in the making of the exhibit. With Battlefield Command, I believe we can tell a stronger story of how the 3rd Generation SAF works," said Peh Yee Joo, Director Exhibits Development SDC.

This consultative approach has resulted in enhanced audio effects which are pumped out by a powerful speaker system, as well as improved realism through "force feedback" that simulates the impact of players receiving "hits".

Comprising four networked consoles, the exhibit allows visitors to role-play as tank operators, pilots and sailors, as well as the overall commander of the mission. Up to four players can participate in each game which lasts approximately nine minutes.

Each of the players will represent the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the overall Task Force Commander. How closely they work together to fulfil the mission will determine how well they score at the end of the game.

Officially opened in 1996 at an initial cost of $70 million, the SDC is an education and entertainment-centric attraction that aims to share the Singapore story and inspire Singaporeans to contribute to the nation.

Located at 510 Upper Jurong Road, it is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 9am to 6pm. Admission rates apply. For more information, visit www.sdc.com.sg.