PM LEE VISITS SAF TROOPS TRAINING IN BRUNEI

"We cannot possibly do this in Singapore I think this is a unique environment which you cannot duplicate in Singapore," said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, during a visit to the Singapore Armed Force (SAF) soldiers undergoing jungle and survival training in Temburong, Brunei on 6 Oct.

As part of his visit, Mr Lee observed soldiers from the 6th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (6 SIR) as they executed drills and practised their tactics in the undulating terrain of the Temburong jungle. He also witnessed the treatment of a simulated casualty at a Battalion Casualty Station set up in the woods.

"They come here, they learn about the jungle. They also toughen themselves up. They learn about themselves. That's something very valuable," he said.

Mr Lee also noted that a lot of attention was put on the soldiers' safety. "If anything happens, we will make sure that the doctors are there, all the rescue is in place. I think that the system is working well."

Commanding Officer of 6 SIR, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Raymond Koh, added that in addition to emergency safety measures, troops go through progressive training to prepare them for the challenges.

"Safety-wise, soldiers who come here will first acquire new skills and knowledge and acclimatise themselves to the environment. Soldiers who don't complete this phase won't be allowed to proceed to the next mission fighting stage."

In the many years that the SAF has been training in Brunei, it has also been careful to keep the sustainability of the jungle in mind.

Said Mr Lee: "I asked the soldiers, the trainers, about the sustainability because they have been training here for so many years, you want to make sure you do not thrash the jungle. That (it) is taken good care of, that is maintained."

For example, the troops have pouches to carry the blank cartridges that are fired so as to not litter the jungle.

"We do what we can to make sure that (the jungle) is kept in good condition, not just for future trainees, but to keep the jungle the natural environment it is," said Mr Lee.

He concluded his time in Temburong by planting a neem tree in the camp. During his visit, he was accompanied by his wife, Madam Ho Ching, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Melvyn Ong and other senior SAF officers.

Mr Lee was in Brunei from 5 to 7 Oct to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam's Accession to the Throne.