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FEATURE

WHY FORGING SABRE IS ONE OF SAF’S MOST COMPLEX EXERCISES

OPS & TRAINING

08 Oct 19

SAF tests smarter technology to enhance its sense and strike integration at the biennial exercise.

TOP STORY

COMMANDOS BAG 19TH STRAIGHT BEST COMBAT UNIT TITLE

MILESTONES

28 Jun 22

1st Commando Battalion marks its 50th anniversary with its 36th Best Combat Unit win.

TOP STORY

SHE'S ALWAYS UP FOR A CHALLENGE

PEOPLE

29 Mar 21

Captain (CPT) Julianah Jamal, 37, took the leap 10 years ago and joined the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) after spending a few years in the mental healthcare sector. Find out why she loves life in the military – from taking on the Guards Conversion Course to grooming the next generation of SAF leaders.

FIRST BOMB DISPOSAL SCENARIO AT EXERCISE TIGER BALM

OPS & TRAINING

17 Jul 19

Soldiers from the Singapore Army and the United States (US) Army are training together in a simulated environment. Suddenly, enemy forces strike. Singapore and US are tasked to form a combined task force to take out the aggressors.

TOP STORY

MULTI-GEN MILITARY-FAM

PEOPLE

17 Jan 22

Cousins MAJ Vanderput Ian James Valence and 3WO Aeria Timothy James spill the beans on what it's like growing up in a large family with a rich military history.

SAF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO POLY, SOTA STUDENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME

MILESTONES

19 Jul 19

For the first time, the prestigious SAF Scholarship – second only to the President’s Scholarship – has been awarded to a polytechnic graduate and a student from the School of the Arts (SOTA).

RECOGNISING NSMEN FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO DEFENCE

MILESTONES

22 May 18

At the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) first International Maritime Review last year, Missile Corvette RSS Vengeance was among the fleet of naval ships from around the world.

CHASING HIS OLYMPIC DREAM

PEOPLE

01 Aug 18

While serving his National Service (NS), national sailor Corporal First Class (CFC) (NS) Ryan Lo clinched two SEA Games gold medals, and emerged the top Asian sailor.

FEATURE

783 SIR IS THIS YEAR'S BEST NS UNIT

MILESTONES

22 Jun 21

Professionalism, commitment and a sense of purpose among their citizen soldiers – these are the qualities that led to 783 SIR's Best NS Unit award win in this year's SAF Best Unit Competition.

These combat engineers are "MOPP-ed up" for their Vocation Obstacle Course, which tests their operational endurance and proficiency in Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defence (CBRD).

Could you "tank" this? Watch how Armour soldiers build up their combat fitness and endurance in the Vocation Obstacle Course.

FEATURE

FROM TEACHER TO SOLDIER

PEOPLE

05 Jan 22

CPT Fionne Lai went from teaching primary school students to guiding soldiers. Eight years on, she's still enjoying every minute of being a soldier and a teacher.

BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR COMMANDOS

OPS & TRAINING

07 May 20

The Red Berets continue to be on 24/7 standby to quickly respond to contingencies, and to train new batches even during the circuit breaker period.

FEATURE

COMMANDO, DOCTOR & NATIONAL HURDLER

PEOPLE

06 Jun 22

This 27-year-old commando medical officer did Singapore proud by winning a silver medal in 110m hurdles at the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam in May – this was Singapore's first medal at the event since 1989.

TOP STORY

CRITICAL OPERATIONS MUST CONTINUE AS S’PORE FIGHTS COVID-19: DR NG

OPS & TRAINING

29 Jun 20

MAINTAINING CRITICAL CAPABILITIES, RESUMING TRAINING AND BEEFING UP RESOURCES TO MEET NEW SECURITY CHALLENGES &NDASH; DEFENCE MINISTER DR NG ENG HEN OUTLINES PLANS FOR THE SAF DURING AND AFTER THE PANDEMIC.

TOP STORY

KIDS TRY: COMBAT MEDIC

PEOPLE

08 Oct 21

Do sisters Puteri Nur Qalesya, 9, and Puteri Nur Qaifa, 8, have what it takes to be little combat medics? In PIONEER's Children's Day special, they visit the SAF Medical Training Institute, where many soldiers like their father, Major Muhammad Redza, go to learn basic life-saving skills.

TOP STORY

SHE'S A LEONHEART AT BMTC

PEOPLE

19 Nov 19

SHE WAS THE LONGEST-SERVING WOMAN IN THE SIGNAL FORMATION AND HAS NOW JOINED BASIC MILITARY TRAINING CENTRE (BMTC) TO MAKE AN IMPACT AS ITS OLDEST FEMALE COMMANDER.

BOWL AMBITION

PEOPLE

03 Dec 18

National bowler Corporal First Class (CFC) (NS) Alex Chong doesn't give up easily.

FROM NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SOLDIERS TO ROUGHING IT OUT WITH THEIR FELLOW TROOPERS, THESE WOSPECS LOVE THEIR JOBS.

TOP STORY

TOUGH TRAINER, TRUE LEADER

PEOPLE

03 Sep 21

LTA Chia Kok Siong is known to be a stern trainer who wants to build up and prepare his cadets to become competent officers.

FEATURE

PLATOON SERGEANT WITH A HEART

PEOPLE

05 Apr 22

1SG (NS) Ralph Lim, who heads food charity Mummy Yummy, hopes to inspire more people to step up and help those in need.

FEATURE

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A RED BERET: CHIEF COMMANDO OFFICER

PEOPLE

05 Dec 19

Chief Commando Officer Kenny Tay shares his personal story of joining the Red Berets, and what it means to helm this elite unit.

The Commandos take on their Vocation Obstacle Course as a 12-man detachment in a test of teamwork and synergy.

TOP STORY

72KM, 72 HOURS: ROAD TO THE RED BERET

OPS & TRAINING

02 Dec 19

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO DON THE RED BERET AND BE CALLED A COMMANDO? FOR THESE TRAINEES, IT&RSQUO;S ABOUT THE MAGICAL NUMBER &LDQUO;72&RDQUO;.

FEATURE

MEET THE SAF'S ONLY FEMALE GROUND FORWARD AIR CONTROLLER

PEOPLE

04 Mar 20

She's come a long way since dropping out of her Officer Cadet Course in 2016.

FEATURE

OUTFIELD NIGHTINGALE

PEOPLE

12 Jan 22

Never too late to pursue your passion: In PIONEER's "From Desk to Field" series, find out why ME4 Nur Fadilah Bte Jubir, a former nurse and SAFVC volunteer, traded her scrubs for green fatigues!

FEATURE

SHAPING GUARDSMEN'S LIVES

PEOPLE

28 Jun 23

This Guards officer provides tough love (read: training) for his soldiers. Promoted to Senior Lieutenant Colonel on 1 Jul, he is ready to take on more challenges.

FROM FLYING IN THE SKIES TO LEADING ON THE GROUND

PEOPLE

10 Sep 22

As an air stewardess at Scoot, Lieutenant (LTA) Cindy Loo used to work in the skies and travel to many different countries almost every day. However, she gave it all up in 2021 to pursue her aspirations of becoming a soldier.

TOP STORY

S'PORE ARTIST CREATES NOSTALGIC MINIATURE SOLDIER MODELS OUT OF CARDBOARD

PEOPLE

11 Jan 21

FEATURE

STEPPING FORWARD TO SERVE

OPS & TRAINING

01 Aug 18

Three years after the setup of the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), PIONEER takes a look at how some of the SAFVC Volunteers (SVs) from the first cohort are doing.

FEATURE

ICT AMID COVID-19 CRUCIAL TO MAINTAINING SAF'S OPERATIONAL READINESS: ZAQY

OPS & TRAINING

26 Aug 21

NSmen from 488 SAR continue to train amid COVID-19 effectively and safely.

FEATURE

BRO, I'VE GOT YOUR BACK

PEOPLE

15 Mar 22

These twins were inseparable growing up. Now they chart their own path as part of different Services in NS, while giving each other moral support.

NEW SAF OFFICERS READY TO LEAD

MILESTONES

17 Jun 18

Just three months after graduating from university, she was already earning a high four-figure monthly salary from her first job as a financial adviser.

TOP STORY

Q&A WITH SAF TRANSPORT INSTRUCTOR

PEOPLE

07 Apr 21

1WO Sahrin Bin Abdul Rahman gives the low-down on the SAF Cross Country Driving Circuit (CCDC) and being a Transport Operator instructor.

UPLIFTING MIGRANT WORKERS' LIVES, ONE PHOTO AT A TIME

PEOPLE

21 Nov 22

This commando NSman started a social enterprise that provides free camera rental and training for migrant workers.

TOP STORY

BMT RESUMES WITH STRICTER CHECKS WHEN BOOKING IN

OPS & TRAINING

26 May 20

THE SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES (SAF) IS IMPLEMENTING STRICT MEASURES TO ENSURE RECRUITS' SAFETY AND WELL-BEING BEFORE RETURNING TO TRAINING AT PULAU TEKONG.

295 SA is Best NS Artillery Unit for 2nd year in a row

MILESTONES

30 Jun 23

The win marks a fitting end for the battalion, as they complete their 10-year NS cycle this year.

SMART CAMP, SAFETY APP: INNOVATIONS TO IMPROVE NS EXPERIENCE

TECHNOLOGY

09 May 19

Enter camp after a contactless fingerprint scan; draw weapons and stores on your own using facial biometric scanning; choose your menu before you enter the cookhouse.

SAF ASSISTS HOME VACCINATION EFFORTS

OPS & TRAINING

15 Sep 21

Medics from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) have been putting their medical training to good use by assisting with home vaccination efforts targeted at the elderly and homebound individuals.

FEATURE

HE'S FIT TO TEACH

PEOPLE

07 Sep 22

Despite his tough exterior – and the tough training he dishes out – Commando 2WO Lam Wai Keung believes in encouraging his trainees.

DESPITE TOURETTE'S, HE HOPES TO LEAD AND INSPIRE OTHERS

PEOPLE

17 Feb 21

The uncontrollable twitches first started for 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Dexter Choo at the age of 14. Back then, he did not understand what it was – and neither did his family and friends.

FOLLOWING IN MY GRANDFATHER & DAD'S FOOTSTEPS

PEOPLE

15 Dec 19

2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Daniel Choo has big shoes to fill – his grandfather is Singapore's first defence chief and his dad, a top graduand from Officer Cadet School (OCS).

TOP STORY

YES, I’M A FEMALE RSM

PEOPLE

08 Mar 21

2nd Warrant Officer (2WO) Tan Hui Wen, 38, Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of 8 SIR, shares how she pushes herself to excel throughout her 18 years in the Army.

IN THE LAST OF PIONEER'S CHILDREN'S DAY SPECIAL, 8-YEAR-OLD ADAM AQEEL AND 6-YEAR-OLD DANIYAL ELMAN GET HANDS ON WITH THE TERREX AND FIND OUT WHAT THEIR FATHER, 2ND WARRANT OFFICER MUHAMMAD SHAHRUL, DOES AS A TRAINER IN THE MOTORISED INFANTRY TRAINING INSTITUTE.

TOP STORY

MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO THE LIVES OF HIS SOLDIERS

PEOPLE

25 Mar 22

This Guards officer helps his soldiers to become the best version of themselves.

FEATURE

2020: SAF YEAR IN REVIEW

COMMUNITY

30 Dec 20

While many may be glad to say goodbye to 2020, there has been some bright spots in this rollercoaster of a year. PIONEER takes a look back at positive and uplifting MINDEF/SAF stories as Singapore soldiers trudge on through the COVID-19 pandemic.

FEATURE

HUNTING FOR THE BEST

TECHNOLOGY

25 Oct 19

Earlier this year, the Singapore Army unveiled their newest Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) – the Hunter.

TOP STORY

TOP NSF & NATIONAL PADDLER

PEOPLE

10 May 22

FEATURE

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HIS SOLDIERS' LIVES

MILESTONES

30 Jun 22

SLTC Muhammad Helmi Bin Khaswan, one of 778 MINDEF and SAF to be promoted this year, enjoys shaping people's lives – this is what drives him as an SAF officer.

FEATURE

TRAINING SOLDIERS, TOUCHING LIVES

PEOPLE

01 Oct 21

MAJ Muhammad Redza Bin Mohd Asri treats his soldiers like his siblings, is not afraid to ask for brutally honest feedback and enjoys making a difference in his trainees' lives.

FEATURE

BUILDING A STRONGER ARMY FOR THE FUTURE: BG NEO

COMMUNITY

26 May 22

Chief of Army Brigadier-General (BG) David Neo shares the Singapore Army's plans to transform training methods and shape its next-generation capabilities, with more activities resuming as Singapore moves into the COVID-19 endemic phase.

OVERCOMING THE ODDS TO BECOME A SPECIALIST

PEOPLE

12 Nov 21

Being diagnosed with possible muscle dystrophy did not stop this newly-minted specialist from pursuing his passion to becoming a combat-fit soldier.

FEATURE

716 SIR NAMED BEST NS INFANTRY UNIT FOR 2 PDF

MILESTONES

28 Jun 22

This is the second consecutive win for the infantry battalion.

TOP STORY

BEST COMBAT UNIT: WINNING IS IN THE COMMANDOS' DNA

MILESTONES

22 Jun 21

The soldiers of 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn) have done it again! This elite fighting force has clinched its 18th consecutive Best Combat Unit award in the Singapore Armed Forces' Best Unit Competition.

FEATURE

SELF-TAUGHT SNEAKER ARTIST TURNS HOBBY INTO SUCCESSFUL HOME BUSINESS

PEOPLE

13 Apr 21

3SG (NS) Ryan Tham taught himself to create art out of shoes during his free time in NS.

LEARNING TO LEAD, EXCEL AND OVERCOME

MILESTONES

14 Sep 20

He received a rude culture shock when enlisting into National Service (NS) in October last year, having never stepped foot in Singapore.

LEADERS WHO INSPIRE, EMPATHISE AND MOTIVATE

MILESTONES

24 May 18

Being the first in the family to enter command school is always a proud moment. For 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Mohamed Iqbal Bin Abdul Hamid, this accomplishment was made even more significant as he was the first of six boys to do so.

TOP STORY

COMMANDOS TAKE DOWN 20TH STRAIGHT BEST COMBAT UNIT WIN

MILESTONES

29 Jun 23

This is 1st Commando Battalion's 37th Best Combat Unit win.

NDP MOBILE COLUMN CELEBRATES SINGAPORE'S STRENGTH

COMMUNITY

29 Jun 19

Fifty years ago, Brigadier-General (BG) (Ret) Colin Theseira was one of the 36 officers who participated in the inaugural Mobile Column.

SAF ARMOUR MARKS GOLDEN JUBILEE WITH COMMISSIONING OF NEW HUNTER VEHICLE

MILESTONES

11 Jun 19

It is stronger, more lethal and provides all-round protection for its soldiers.

FEATURE

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN IN THE FORCE

PEOPLE

08 Mar 22

This International Women's Day, we take a look at a female mentor-mentee duo who serve in the Military Police and find out how they’ve made a difference to other women in the force.

BEATING THE HEAT FOR SOLDIERS IN TRAINING

TECHNOLOGY

11 Jan 23

Soldiers in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) face the unique challenge of training and operating in Singapore's sweltering heat.

FIRST IN HIS FAMILY

PEOPLE

08 Sep 21

To most, becoming an officer of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) would already be a huge honour. But for 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Muhammad Ilham Rizqullah Bin Rohaizad, being commissioned holds special meaning for him as he is now the first in his extended family to become an officer.

TOP STORY

GUARDSMAN, FATHER, ROLE MODEL

PEOPLE

14 Jun 22

This Father's Day, PIONEER finds out how a former Guards Formation Sergeant Major indirectly inspired his son to sign on, and how he runs a strict regime both in camp and at home.

FEATURE

SIZE DOESN'T MATTER: SMALL ARMS IN THE SAF

TECHNOLOGY

09 Mar 20

The Singapore Assault Rifle (SAR) 21, P226 pistol and Section Automatic Weapon Mark 3A – watch this video for a quick rundown of small arms used by infantry soldiers in the Singapore Armed Forces!

TOP STORY

COMMANDOS WIN BEST COMBAT UNIT FOR 17 YEARS RUNNING

MILESTONES

24 Jun 20

Don't repeat your mistakes, be a better version of yourself - this is 1st Commando Battalion's (1 Cdo Bn's) secret for their Best Combat Unit win.

FEATURE

SCALING HEIGHTS WITH MAJOR S. UTAMA

PEOPLE

20 Dec 19

Champion rock climber Major (MAJ) S. Utama shows you how to conquer a climbing wall.

THE ENGINEER WHO DREAMED OF BEING A SOLDIER

PEOPLE

20 Jan 21

In the second of PIONEER's "From Desk to Field" series, Captain (CPT) Azri bin Haron tells us why he left his dream job as a chemical engineer and joined the Army.

READY TO MENTOR THE NEXT GENERATION

MILESTONES

04 Jul 18

He was among the first in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to see the F-15SG in its natural skin and train on the aircraft.

FEATURE

FOCUSING ON THE FUNDAMENTALS

OPS & TRAINING

23 Oct 19

This year's Exercise Wallaby training may have been slowed down by a fire ban, but the troops are making the best of the situation.

FEATURE

Q&A WITH CONSECRATION RSM

MILESTONES

29 Jun 21

2WO Hong Wei Quan, Consecration Regimental Sergeant Major for this year's SAF Day, answers all your questions about military Colours and the Consecration of Colours ceremony.