WHAT IS THE TROOPING OF COLOURS?

https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/articles/milestone/2023/4-july-2023/04jul23_news1_photo1.jpg?sfvrsn=e682e0cf_1 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/what-is-the-trooping-of-colours
WHAT IS THE TROOPING OF COLOURS? https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/what-is-the-trooping-of-colours
04 Jul 2023 | MILESTONES

WHAT IS THE TROOPING OF COLOURS?

It's an ancient tradition to show off the flags of a military's regiments.               
//Story by Benita Teo //Photos by Kenneth Lin & Chai Sian Liang

The Trooping of Colours is a rarely seen ceremony carried out by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) on special occasions such as important anniversaries. It was last performed eight years ago to at the SAF50 parade commemorate 50 years of national defence.

On 1 Jul this year, the Trooping of Colours was performed again at the SAF Day Parade, where the State Colour of each Service was carried and trooped across the parade square. This time, it was to welcome the new Service – the Digital and Intelligence Service that was formed last October – whose marching contingent and State Colour was seen at the parade for the first time.

But what exactly is the Trooping of Colours, and how is it performed?

The Trooping of Colours is a military custom that dates back to 17th-century England when the Colours of a regiment were used as a visible rallying point in battle. These brightly coloured flags were trooped in front of the soldiers to ensure that they recognised their own regiment. Later, the practice was adapted by the British Army to mark the monarch's official birthday in an annual display of pomp and pageantry.
Today, the Colours are emblems of loyalty and courage, and signify the high battle readiness of the unit.
The SAF Military Police (MP) Command Guard-of-Honour (GOH) contingent takes on the role of Colours escort, escorting the State Colours as they move through the parade.

The MP Command GOH contingent marching through the DIS GOH contingent during the Trooping of Colours. As part of the ceremony, the Colours escort marches through the GOH contingents, passing in between the rows of soldiers.

As they pass through, the GOH contingents stand at "present arms" position. This signifies the pride and respect of every man in the unit and formation for the Colours.

The MP Command GOH undergoing training ahead of the SAF Day Parade. When paying compliment, the guards at the four corners of the escort face outward to signify all-round protection for the Colours being trooped.

The Trooping of Colours is the only occasion when the Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (saluting) is given the privilege of drawing his ceremonial sword, to show the highest form of compliment being paid to the Colours before they are trooped.

Military Police Corporal First Class Mohamad Ammar Raiyan Bin Mohamad Azmi, 21, was part of the Colours escort. The Full-time National Serviceman, who had also marched in the SAF Day Parade last year, said training was intensified to better prepare them for the Trooping of Colours.

"Last year, we started training in late May but this year we started in April. We had to work harder because this is not something we do often or are familiar with. But I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride marching with my friends and completing the parade because we are welcoming the new Service into the SAF."

It's not just the Colours escort who had to train for the Trooping of Colours; the other GOH contingents also had to familiarise themselves with the ceremony.

"The GOH contingents must stand in the hormat or 'respect' position while the Colours are trooping past. This takes about 15 minutes. They must also make sure they look straight ahead and not allow their eyes to rove around when the Colours escort is marching between the rows," said 1st Warrant Officer George Tay, 47, chief trainer for the Republic of Singapore Navy GOH contingent.

Suggested Reading
Cover story
20,000 SOLDIERS TO TRAIN ANNUALLY AT NEWLY OPEN SAFTI CITY
MILESTONES
04 Jul 2023

Phase 1 of SAFTI City – the SAF’s next-generation smart training facility – was launched by Dr Ng on 19 Mar.

Feature
Fighting the G-monster
MILESTONES
04 Jul 2023

What special gear do pilots wear to keep themselves flying fit?

Cover story
15 FACTS ABOUT THE F-15SG
MILESTONES
04 Jul 2023

From safeguarding Singapore’s skies to flying the flag high in multinational exercises, the RSAF’s F-15SG fighter jet is a force to be reckoned with.

Feature
S’PORE TROOPS TRAIN WITH US MARINES IN BILATERAL EXERCISE
MILESTONES
04 Jul 2023

About 800 troops from the SAF and USMC took part in this year’s Exercise Valiant Mark, a 10-day joint exercise that concluded with an urban assault at SAFTI City.

SAF CELEBRATES 60 YEARS WITH ROVING EXHIBITION
MILESTONES
04 Jul 2023

The SAF60 Exhibition Showcase commemorates six decades of commitment and dedication in safeguarding Singapore’s security.

DIS SETS UP TWO COMMANDS TO COUNTER CYBER THREATS
MILESTONES
04 Jul 2023

With an alarming rise in the frequency, sophistication and scale of cyber threats, it is more important than ever for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to enhance its digital defence capabilities.

GROWING STRONGER TO GRADUATE AS OFFICERS
MILESTONES
04 Jul 2023

At first glance, 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Khaireen Bin Misrawi appears no different from any other Singaporean boy going through National Service (NS).

Cover story
SISTERS IN ARMS
MILESTONES
04 Jul 2023

One's got her feet firmly on the ground, the other's hungry for adventure – CPT Rebekah Abbott and CPT (Dr) Hannah Abbott share the joys of growing up and signing on with the military.

Cover story
FOUR WOMEN, 4 SERVICES, 19 YEARS OF SISTERHOOD
MILESTONES
04 Jul 2023

Meet ME6 Toh Bao-En, LTC Nah Jinping, LTC Tong Wei Lynn and SLTC Tung Wanling.

Feature
NS ALLOWANCE TO INCREASE FROM 1 JULY 2025
MILESTONES
04 Jul 2023

The increase is among a series of various measures to enhance the National Service (NS) experience and recognise servicemen’s contributions.