SAF SERVICEMEN AWARDED MEDALS FOR COUNTER-ISIS AND HAZE ASSISTANCE EFFORTS

In recognition of their contributions in the multinational coalition against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), 76 Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) servicemen were awarded the Overseas Service Medal (OSM).They received the medals from Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen in a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence on 25 Jan.

In his address, Dr Ng thanked the servicemen, noting that their efforts represented small but niche capabilities that had been useful for the coalition.

Over the past year, the SAF deployed Intelligence Fusion Officers, and an Imagery Analysis Team to the Middle East to provide intelligence analysis support.

The support was vital for monitoring ISIS activities and targeting their strongholds in Iraq and Syria.

A KC-135R air-to-air refuelling tanker was also deployed to perform refuelling operations for coalition aircraft, enabling them to stay longer in the air for missions.

Protecting Singapore

ISIS has carried out over 60 attacks in 20 countries worldwide. Even neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, with majority Muslims populations, have been targeted.

Earlier this month, Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, was rocked by a terrorist attack, for which the ISIS had claimed responsibility. Eight people were dead, and at least 20 were wounded.

On why the SAF's contribution was important to the security of Singapore, Dr Ng said: "We join this fight because if we do not triumph over extremist terrorism, the danger and risks to our citizens here will only grow."

To stop the radicalising influence of terror groups, the SAF has been involved in multinational counter terrorism operations since 2007. For six years, the SAF was deployed in Afghanistan against Al-Qaeda.

Dr Ng said ISIS posed an even greater threat to the region, having inducted as many sympathisers in the region in the last three years as Al-Qaeda did in 10 years.

"As Jakarta and the rest of Malaysia show, if the danger is brought to our doorstep, I expect all SAF units to be alert and to see this as part of your core mission to protect citizens here. This is our duty, and this is our mission," he said.

Combating haze

At the ceremony, Dr Ng also presented the OSM to 33 servicemen - from the Army and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) - who helped to fight the haze last October.

During their two-week deployment in Sumatra, Indonesia, they worked with a six-man Disaster Assistance and Relief Team from the Singapore Civil Defence Force, in aerial fire-fighting operations.

The RSAF Chinook helicopter, attached with a 5,000-litre heli-bucket, discharged more than 400,000 litres of water and extinguished over 50 hot spots. Two C-130 aircraft were also deployed to transport the personnel and their equipment.

With the air quality index soaring as high as 1,200, the team had to brave the thick haze and poor visibility.

One of the SAF personnel who took part in the fire-fighting effort was 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Tan Jian Hui, the only Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) in the team.

The 24-year-old had volunteered for the operation. He was inspired by a senior NSF who took part in the search-and-locate operation for the missing AirAsia flight QZ8501 early last year.

As the Aviation Material Specialist, 3SG Tan had to ensure that there were sufficient spare parts required for the maintenance of the Chinook helicopter.

On what the OSM meant to him, he said: "This OSM is a bonus, because my main objective was to experience a real operation, and contribute toward the operation."

Always ready

Dr Ng noted that the professional performance and operational readiness of the servicemen in both operations had raised the standing of the SAF as a credible defence force.

He said: "Many went beyond the call of duty and volunteered for these missions. This included an NSF who stepped forward to contribute to our fire-fighting efforts. I believe that both personally and as a unit, you have learnt many valuable operational lessons from these deployments that you should share with others."