HONOURING A GLORIOUS 40TH FOR THE COMMANDOS

What does it take to be a member of the elite Red Berets from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)?

It is a Combination Of Mind, Muscles And Nerve During Operations (COMMANDO), according to Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) (Ret) Clarence Tan.

One of the pioneers who started the unit in 1969 with a small crew of less than 30 regulars, this veteran spoke to cyberpioneer during the SAF Commandos' 40th anniversary celebration on 8 Dec at Pasir Ris Camp.

Looking back over the years, LTC (Ret) Tan shared that he was proud to see the Commandos grow in numbers and witnessing the "new generation" building on the firm foundation of their predecessors and growing from strength to strength.

"The operating environment today is also a lot more complex - besides anti-hijacking operations, we have to learn how to deal with threats such as suicide bombers and terrorists who use improvised explosive devices," added Colonel (COL) Eidik Yeo, who was Chief Commando Officer from 2003 to 2006.

Noting the importance of adapting to these challenges, he cited the example of the recently established Special Operations Task Force (SOTF). "We must never be complacent and always try to think ahead. It's good that the commandos have developed a more integrated tri-Service approach working in the SOTF."

From proving their mettle in operations such the 1974 Laju incident, when the Commandos were tasked to escort terrorists out of the country to Kuwait in exchange for the safety of the hostages; the rescue of hostages held on board SQ117 in 1991; to clinching the coveted title of SAF Best Combat Unit this year for the 23rd time, the Commandos certainly have a long list of achievements.

But as Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Desmond Kuek said in his keynote address at the anniversary parade, "Being top, respected and elite is not a given."

"To reach there and stay there requires diligence, perseverance and vision. The past 40 years of excellence will not guarantee the next 40 years, unless we continue to be nimble and dynamic enough to continually change and improve to stay relevant," LG Kuek emphasised.

For Second Sergeant (2SG) Chia Chun Keong, an Operationally Ready National Serviceman (NSman) from 10th Commando Battalion, this determination and desire to excel is one of the defining qualities of the Red Berets.

"The biggest takeaway I've gained is learning the importance of mental strength over physical skills. No matter how tired we were, or the trying situations we were put into, we'll push on and complete the mission we were tasked with," said the Company Sergeant Major.

"As NSmen, we still pride ourselves in setting an example and leading our juniors, showing them that nothing is impossible and anything can be done if you put your mind to it."

Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) 2SG Muhammad Hisam from 1st Commando Battalion agreed, adding: "Being a commando is also about the camaraderie between everyone in the unit. Going through the tough training and accomplishing the missions together with my men gives me a great feeling, and I've also gotten to experience many exciting things like rappelling, the airborne course, or even flying an unmanned aerial vehicle."

As one of the Guard of Honour participants in the anniversary parade, 2SG Hisam enthused: "The commandos have a very rich history, so being part of this parade is a big thing for me.

"Maybe in 10 years time, I'll be sitting down in the stands and be a part of the the Commandos' 50th anniversary!"

In line with the formation's 40th anniversary celebration, a commemorative book was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean.

Entitled "40 Years of Honour and Glory", it showcases photos that portray the training, operations and daily lives of the SAF Commandos. These photos were selected from the 480 entries that were received during an inaugural photo competition held within the formation from Oct 2008 to June this year.