SHOWCASING THE MEN IN GREEN AND THEIR MACHINES AT AOH 2009

At the official opening of the Army Open House 2009, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean was all smiles as he unveiled the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) latest acquisition, the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV).

Following an exciting live tactical demonstration to highlight the capabilities of the 3rd Generation SAF on Sep 5, Mr Teo officially launched the Terrex ICV by affixing the license plate on the vehicle.

Following that, he was brought on a guided tour of the premises where he tried his hand at some of the exhibits and sophisticated weaponry on display.

The Army Open House provides families with an excellent opportunity to spend some quality time together while learning about the vast capabilities of our country's defence force.

Among the families which visited the Army Open House this year was Mr Chiang Ming Yu, 40, who brought his two sons Ebernezer, 8 and Eliezer, 7 to learn more about the army.

"I thought that this was a splendid opportunity to bring my boys to witness the capabilities of the army. Its not every day that we get this chance to look behind the scenes to see how the army works," said Mr Chiang.

The prowess of the SAF at the Army Open House was not lost on the young ones. Six-year-old Yong Zhe Tong was absolutely enthralled by the live demonstration at Leaders Square.

"I was scared by the explosion at first but very happy when the men in green caught the bad guys," he told cyberpioneer happily.

"I want to be just like him when I grow up," said Zhe Tong, pointing to a nearby soldier.

The Army Open House 2009 is held at Pasir Laba Camp and ends on 7 Sep, so don't miss out on this chance to witness the Army's superior capabilities and weaponry!

Check out the highlights of the Army Open House. Find out how you can win attractive prizes in the cyberpioneer-Army Open House 09 Photo and Video contests.

PIONEER makes a splash at the Army Open House 2009

If you have not already done so, be sure to check out the PIONEER booth at the Army Open House. Situated at Our World, the booth is difficult to miss with eye-catching life-sized posters and a huge flat screen TV featuring cyberpioneer TV videos.

Mr Teo stopped by the booth while on his tour of Army Open House, to officiate the launch of the newly-revamped PIONEER magazine.

As loyal readers might already know, PIONEER magazine recently went through a spanking makeover for its August issue. Filled with snazzy and eye-catching graphics, this is one magazine not to be missed.

Boasting a slew of new lifestyle elements, the new PIONEER boasts a fresher look with a more contemporary look and feel.

New sections to the magazine include travel, personal well-being and even a movie guide. A portion of the magazine is also dedicated to submissions by readers.

Visitors to the Army Open House who stopped by the PIONEER booth were full of praise for the revamp.

"I love the newly incorporated Personal Best section which comprises of practical health and fitness tips. The graphics also render the magazine a more engaging read," said Mr Phua Ze Yong, a teacher currently undergoing training at National Institute of Education.

Similarly, 15-year-old Shermaine Quek was fascinated by the fresh look of PIONEER.

"Even though I m a girl, I love the informative defence articles in the magazine. They keep me up to date with the country s defence news and with the inclusion of the new sections, there is even more reason to pick up a copy," she said.

Visitors to the booth were also treated to a sight of hunky cover boy, Corporal (CPL) Dominic Nakamura, who posed for photographs and gave away signed copies of the August issue.

When asked how he felt to see his face plastered on the front cover, CPL Nakamura said modestly that he never expected it.

"I feel lucky and honoured to be on the cover! After all, it s not every day you get to be on the cover of a magazine that is so widely read," he said.

Look out for the September issue of PIONEER coming to you soon!