Singapore Armed Forces Commando Formation
Encyclopedia
The Singapore Armed Forces Commando Formation (CDO FN) is an elite branch of the Singapore Armed Forces
(SAF). An offensive unit, it specialises in pre-emptive operation
s involving small groups of specially trained soldiers in enemy territory. Designed to be executed quickly in anticipation of a reaction by the enemy, these commando
operations are normally short-term and intensive due to their lack of service support in hostile environments.
The commandos are usually entrusted with two main roles. Strike missions may involve firefights with the enemy and the destruction of specific enemy targets. Reconnaissance missions are conducted by smaller groups of commandos who may need to camp for longer periods surveying the target in enemy territory.
In recognition of the consistently high training and operational standards in which the formation has achieved over the years, its one and only active battalion, 1st Commando Battalion (1CDO), has won the Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition
's "Best Combat Unit Award" for a record 25 times since the competition was introduced in 1969.
and MAJ James Chia, were given the task to begin recruiting eligible candidates from any unit in the SAF, thus forming the SAF Regular Battalion on 1 December 1969 under the direct command of the Ministry of Defence
. CPT Tham Chee Onn was selected as acting Commanding Officer
for the new unit of 20 men, with nine other officers assisting him. MAJ Tan subsequently joined the unit as its Commanding Officer, who was responsible for establishing its training programme. A second recruitment drive was launched in early 1970 particularly aimed at beefing up the strength of officers.
In early 1971, the unit was renamed as the Singapore Armed Forces Commando Unit. The red beret
s for the unit were introduced on 3 May 1971 with the SAF's initiative in replacing the jungle hats with berets across all units. Red was chosen as it was synonymous with many other special forces
around the world. It is also the official beret colour for paratrooper
s.
On 16 July 1971, the unit moved from its first home at the old School of Infantry Specialists's Advance Specialist Training Wing building at Pasir Laba Camp
to Changi Camp. At the same time, the unit was renamed as the 1st Commando Battalion (1 CDO BN), with one company fully composed of regular soldiers.
With National Service (NS) introduced in Singapore in 1967 and constituting a large part of the SAF's manpower, the talent pool from which the unit could draw from was greatly restricted. Thus, the decision to allow full-time national servicemen (NSFs) to join the unit was made in 1972, and on 15 January 1973, the pioneer batch formed the new Second Company under the command of CPT Gwee Peng Hong and with 2WO Kiong Kian Khoon as the Company Sergeant Major
. The success of the first company helped to accelerate the program and the establishment of the Third, Fourth and Fifth companies from July 1973 to January 1975 under the command of CPT Boon Hon Lin, CPT Lim Siang Tong and LTA Dominic Teo respectively. Sixth company or "Wolf Company" was formed in 2005 with CPT Arnold Low as Officer Commanding and 2WO Kasinathan as Company Sergeant Major.
With its six companies, consisting of one regular company and four NSF Rifle companies, and a headquarters company involving men from both regular and NSF servicemen, the 1 CDO BN was restructured and placed under the command of the 3rd Division in April 1975. It came under the command of the newly formed 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade (7SIB) together with two Guards
battalions in 1977 under an initiative to turn 7SIB into an elite formation, and received its state and regimental colours on 22 January 1977 by the then Minister for Defence, Goh Keng Swee
, on behalf of the then President
Benjamin Henry Sheares
.
On 1 July 1980, the 1 CDO BN was transferred out again when the decision was made to turn 7SIB into a Guards formation, and it came under the direct command of Headquarters Infantry. The Headquarters School of Commando Training (SOCT) was established on 1 October 1980, and took over the command of 1 CDO BN. The newly reorganised unit was presented with a new formation sign by then Acting Chief of the General Staff, BG Tan Chin Tiong, incorporating the Winged Stiletto
as the new emblem of the Commandos and with the new unit motto, "For Honour and Glory".
The all-regular composition of the 1 CDO BN's First Company meant it was entrusted with critical counter-terrorism
responsibilities, as well as helping to train their NSF counterparts. It began to induct NSFs from 17 December 1984 under the command of CPT Yeo Lai Huat with 2WO Nathan as the Company Sergeant Major, however, thus turning 1 CDO BN into a full NSF Battalion. First Company also began training in a new operation requirement for long range recon patrolling as well as divisional disruptive operations for the first time, giving the army the capability to see on the group and verify enemy manoeuvres at long distances from friendly lines. In 1986, another tradition of the Commandos was created when the stiletto was presented to graduants of Second Company during their Red Beret Presentation ceremony in December 1986, a practice which has been continued ever since.
The need to form a governing policy-making body since the mid-1980s led to the establishment of Headquarters Commandos in November 1989, and received its state and formation colours from the then President
Wee Kim Wee
on 20 October 1991. The Changi Camp facilities began to restrict the unit's growth, and BG (NS) Lee Hsien Loong
, the current Prime Minister
, instructed for the "best camp in the SAF" to be built nearby at a site near Sungei Selarang east of Loyang. The new camp, Hendon Camp, was officially inaugurated on 27 January 1994 by the then Chief of Defence Force, LTG Ng Jui Ping
, and remains its home till this day.
The Singapore Commandos was the first SAF unit to have an alliance with a foreign unit, the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
, in 1982. An annual Alliance Parade was first held on 14 March 1982, until the return of the unit to New Zealand
on 2 August 1989. Ties are maintained, however, by the annual exchange of officers since 1993.
The Commandos are a regular feature in the SAF's major parades and events, such as the annual Singapore Armed Forces Military Tattoo and the Singapore Armed Forces Day Parade. They also appear in various national events, including the National Day Parade
where they form one of the four guard of honour
contingents after winning the Best Combat Unit awards in the preceding year. They have appeared in various mass display segments, often by displaying their rappeling skills. The Singapore Armed Forces Parachute Team
has appeared in the parade since 1989.
Commandos have also formed up the Guard of Honour for important visitors to the Istana, although this task has been increasingly taken over by the Singapore Armed Forces Military Police Command due to the irrelevance to its official duties.
Singaporeans increase. After successfully completing an interview, the candidate will be enlisted into a company and go through his Basic Military Training
phase.
s, or known locally as "Operationally Ready National Servicemen" (NSmen), form the largest manpower source for the Commando Formation, as is the case for the rest of the SAF. NSmen are similarly called up for In-Camp Training (ICT), and receive refresher courses where necessary at the School of Commandos
, including the two-day Basic Combat Training course that is conducted several months prior to the commencement of the ICT itself. NSmen are expected to meet the same standards in the annual individual physical proficiency test
(IPPT) as their NSF and regular counterparts.
, which every Commando trainee will pass through at least once since compulsory courses, such as the Basic Airborne Course, are conducted there. It takes about one year to train a newly enlisted soldier into a full-fledged commando, with specialists and commanders requiring an even longer time to train.
(BMT) in Pasir Ris Camp, the Commando Training Institute (CTI). While the training syllabus is largely similar to that of regular BMT conducted SAF-wide, these recruits are pushed further, with constant reminders of their roles as elite soldiers. Putting much emphasis on physical fitness. As a result, the unit, for example, has an unbroken record of 100% passes in the annual marksman
ship tests.
Upon successful completion of the BMT, candidates who display unsuitable attributes may be posted out to other units, which may include attitude, aptitude, and medical reasons. Remaining individuals undergo Basic Commando Training (BCT) and upon completion are categorized and sent to specialized Vocational Training (VT) courses namely the Leader, Demolition & Boatmen, Signal, Medic, Sniper and Weapons Course. Physical training becomes increasingly demanding, as commando trainees have a higher physical fitness level to attain as compared to their peers.
s, medical specialists, weapons specialists, small boat operators, sniper
s, and demolition experts. Outstanding trainees from the BMT and BCT may be trained as Section Leaders at the Commando Training Wing
. All trainees must also go through the Basic Airborne Course at the Parachute Training Wing
, where they earn their silver wings after five jumps, of which two must be conducted after dusk.
Skills taught during vocational training are then fused with skills taught in the BCT, with the aim of building trust and team bonding between members. These are put to the test when the company goes on its overseas exercise in Brunei
, where multiple exercises are conducted in jungles over several weeks of intensive training.
Upon their return to Singapore, the trainees mark the completion of their one-year-long training stint with a 72 km route march, and become full-fledged commandos. The Red Beret Presentation ceremony is held as part of their Passing Out Parade, and the newly trained commandos will then begin operational duties, where further training may also be conducted on more advanced and specialised skills.
, which was formed as the Commando Training Centre (CTC) in 1982 before being given its present name in January 1994. It comprises two wings, namely the Commando Training Wing
(CTW) and the Parachute Training Wing
(PTW).
Courses conducted by the CTW include the Commando Section Leaders' Course (CSLC), the Commando Small Boat Operators' Course, the Commando Officer Conversion Course (COCC), and the Singapore Armed Forces Ranger Course. The PTW is responsible for the Basic Airborne Course, the Parachute Jump Instructor Course, the Military Free Fall Course, etc.
for the US Army Special Forces course, as well as the US Navy SEAL
course.
died during a Combat Survival Training course conducted by the Commandos on 21 August. Four commandos were charged in court a year later for carrying out the "dunking" procedure deemed inappriopriate for training purposes.
Other recent incidents include the death of a regular serviceman, 2SG Rajagopal Thirukumaran of the Singapore Guards, after a run during the selection for the Ranger course conducted by the CTW on 3 September 2003, and a heli-rappelling
incident on 14 July 2005 in which a regular commando, 1SG Shiva s/o Mohan, and a foreign serviceman were killed.
On 15 June 2005, another regular serviceman, 2SG Ong Jia Hui, 24, drowned during training, even though four instructors were within visible range from him at the Changi Naval Base
. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jun/15jun05_nr.html He was training as a member of the Maritime Counter-Terrorism Group in the SOF at the time of this death. On 20 June 2006, a 24-year-old commando died while undergoing training at a swimming pool in Hendon Camp.
During a night training exercise in Thailand
, two commandos were accidentally shot by hunting farmers. The soldiers, a regular and a full-time conscipt serviceman were lightly injured and recovered shortly after.
from the annual Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition
, due to the discovery of irregularities in late 2002 within the logistics records of one of the sub-units of the battalion. There were also discrepancies in the individual fitness test scores reported by two of the unit's specialist
s, who handle the stores. Army inspectors unmasked the cover-up during a logistics readiness inspection at the battalion. The inspection, which assess the level of competence of storekeepers in SAF units, is part of the selection process in the Best Unit Competition.
A ministry spokesman stated: "The SAF takes a serious view of such matters. As a result, the unit was disallowed from participating in the Best Unit Competition for the year. This is to uphold the integrity and high standards of the competition." Disciplinary action was reportedly taken against the individuals concerned.
.
, stormed several vessels with Vietnam
ese refugees intruding into Singapore's territorial waters, and kept watch on the refugees and crew until they were resupplied and escorted out of Singapore two and a half days later.
system on 29 January 1983, rescue plans included the activation of commandos to crawl along the suspension wires to rescue stranded passengers in a cable car, although it did not materialise after a successful rescue by air using the Republic of Singapore Air Force
's helicopters was conducted instead.
to the commandos involved in the operation, along with a unit citation to Headquarters Commandos.
The commandos have also participated in various competitions either as a unit, or on an individual basis. Two teams are typically registered to compete in the Singapore Marathon
, and in 1989, a platoon took part in the run in Full Battle Order, taking nearly 6 hours to complete. In 1991, SSG Francis Toh and SSG Robin Chan became the first Commandos to complete the Ironman Triathlon
in Hawaii
, United States
, doing so in 11 hours and 50 minutes.
Singapore Armed Forces
The Singapore Armed Forces is the military arm of the Total Defence of the Republic of Singapore; as well as the military component of the Ministry of Defence. The SAF comprises three branches: the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Navy...
(SAF). An offensive unit, it specialises in pre-emptive operation
Preemptive war
A preemptive war is a war that is commenced in an attempt to repel or defeat a perceived inevitable offensive or invasion, or to gain a strategic advantage in an impending war before that threat materializes. It is a war which preemptively 'breaks the peace'. The term: 'preemptive war' is...
s involving small groups of specially trained soldiers in enemy territory. Designed to be executed quickly in anticipation of a reaction by the enemy, these commando
Commando
In English, the term commando means a specific kind of individual soldier or military unit. In contemporary usage, commando usually means elite light infantry and/or special operations forces units, specializing in amphibious landings, parachuting, rappelling and similar techniques, to conduct and...
operations are normally short-term and intensive due to their lack of service support in hostile environments.
The commandos are usually entrusted with two main roles. Strike missions may involve firefights with the enemy and the destruction of specific enemy targets. Reconnaissance missions are conducted by smaller groups of commandos who may need to camp for longer periods surveying the target in enemy territory.
In recognition of the consistently high training and operational standards in which the formation has achieved over the years, its one and only active battalion, 1st Commando Battalion (1CDO), has won the Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition
Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition
The Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition is an annual competition which confers awards of recognition to the most outstanding units of the Singapore Armed Forces in combat readiness, operational proficiency and administrative excellence...
's "Best Combat Unit Award" for a record 25 times since the competition was introduced in 1969.
History
The effort to create an elite unit comprising regular servicemen began in earnest in 1967, when two officers, MAJ Tan Kim Peng ClarenceTan Kim Peng Clarence
Lieutenant Colonel Tan Kim Peng Clarence is a retired officer of the Singapore Armed Forces. He is mostly associated with his work in building up the Singapore Armed Forces Commando Formation during its infancy and early years.-Military career:...
and MAJ James Chia, were given the task to begin recruiting eligible candidates from any unit in the SAF, thus forming the SAF Regular Battalion on 1 December 1969 under the direct command of the Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (Singapore)
The Ministry of Defence is a ministry of the Government of Singapore entrusted with overseeing the national defence needs of the Republic of Singapore. It is the headquarters of the Singapore Armed Forces...
. CPT Tham Chee Onn was selected as acting Commanding Officer
Commanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
for the new unit of 20 men, with nine other officers assisting him. MAJ Tan subsequently joined the unit as its Commanding Officer, who was responsible for establishing its training programme. A second recruitment drive was launched in early 1970 particularly aimed at beefing up the strength of officers.
In early 1971, the unit was renamed as the Singapore Armed Forces Commando Unit. The red beret
Military beret
Berets have been a component of the uniforms of many armed forces throughout the world since the mid-20th century. Military berets are usually pushed to the right to free the shoulder that bears the rifle on most soldiers, but the armies of some European countries have influenced the push to the...
s for the unit were introduced on 3 May 1971 with the SAF's initiative in replacing the jungle hats with berets across all units. Red was chosen as it was synonymous with many other special forces
Special forces
Special forces, or special operations forces are terms used to describe elite military tactical teams trained to perform high-risk dangerous missions that conventional units cannot perform...
around the world. It is also the official beret colour for paratrooper
Paratrooper
Paratroopers are soldiers trained in parachuting and generally operate as part of an airborne force.Paratroopers are used for tactical advantage as they can be inserted into the battlefield from the air, thereby allowing them to be positioned in areas not accessible by land...
s.
On 16 July 1971, the unit moved from its first home at the old School of Infantry Specialists's Advance Specialist Training Wing building at Pasir Laba Camp
Pasir Laba Camp
Pasir Laba Camp is an installation of the Singapore Armed Forces. It is composed primarily of Army tenant units, apart from tri-service SAF Warrant Officer School...
to Changi Camp. At the same time, the unit was renamed as the 1st Commando Battalion (1 CDO BN), with one company fully composed of regular soldiers.
With National Service (NS) introduced in Singapore in 1967 and constituting a large part of the SAF's manpower, the talent pool from which the unit could draw from was greatly restricted. Thus, the decision to allow full-time national servicemen (NSFs) to join the unit was made in 1972, and on 15 January 1973, the pioneer batch formed the new Second Company under the command of CPT Gwee Peng Hong and with 2WO Kiong Kian Khoon as the Company Sergeant Major
Company Sergeant Major
A company sergeant major is the senior non-commissioned soldier of a company in the armies of many Commonwealth countries, responsible for standards and discipline. In combat, his prime responsibility is the supply of ammunition to the company...
. The success of the first company helped to accelerate the program and the establishment of the Third, Fourth and Fifth companies from July 1973 to January 1975 under the command of CPT Boon Hon Lin, CPT Lim Siang Tong and LTA Dominic Teo respectively. Sixth company or "Wolf Company" was formed in 2005 with CPT Arnold Low as Officer Commanding and 2WO Kasinathan as Company Sergeant Major.
With its six companies, consisting of one regular company and four NSF Rifle companies, and a headquarters company involving men from both regular and NSF servicemen, the 1 CDO BN was restructured and placed under the command of the 3rd Division in April 1975. It came under the command of the newly formed 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade (7SIB) together with two Guards
Singapore Guards
In the Singapore Armed Forces, the Guards are an elite infantry formation specializing in rapid deployment. Guards are known as elite heliborne troopers. They are well trained in heliborne operations and specialist combat skills that give them an added combat edge...
battalions in 1977 under an initiative to turn 7SIB into an elite formation, and received its state and regimental colours on 22 January 1977 by the then Minister for Defence, Goh Keng Swee
Goh Keng Swee
Goh Keng Swee was the second Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore between 1973 and 1984, and a Member of Parliament for the Kreta Ayer constituency for a quarter of a century. Born in Malacca in the Straits Settlements into a Peranakan family, he came to Singapore at the age of two years...
, on behalf of the then President
President of Singapore
The President of the Republic of Singapore is Singapore's head of state. In a Westminster parliamentary system, as which Singapore governs itself, the prime minister is the head of the government while the position of president is largely ceremonial. Before 1993, the President of Singapore was...
Benjamin Henry Sheares
Benjamin Henry Sheares
Benjamin Henry Sheares, GCB , was the second President of Singapore.-Early life:Sheares was born the second of six children in Singapore to a Eurasian family with an English lineage. His father Edwin H. Sheares, a technical supervisor of the Public Works Department, was born in England and raised...
.
On 1 July 1980, the 1 CDO BN was transferred out again when the decision was made to turn 7SIB into a Guards formation, and it came under the direct command of Headquarters Infantry. The Headquarters School of Commando Training (SOCT) was established on 1 October 1980, and took over the command of 1 CDO BN. The newly reorganised unit was presented with a new formation sign by then Acting Chief of the General Staff, BG Tan Chin Tiong, incorporating the Winged Stiletto
Stiletto
A stiletto is a knife or dagger with a long slender blade and needle-like point, intended primarily as a stabbing weapon. The stiletto blade's narrow cross-section and acuminated tip reduces friction upon entry, allowing the blade to penetrate deeply...
as the new emblem of the Commandos and with the new unit motto, "For Honour and Glory".
The all-regular composition of the 1 CDO BN's First Company meant it was entrusted with critical counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism in Singapore
Counter-terrorism in Singapore is a series of measures implemented in Singapore to detect and prevent terrorism, and to minimise damage from such terrorist acts should they occur. These measures involve all levels of society, including defence, internal security, border and infrastructure security,...
responsibilities, as well as helping to train their NSF counterparts. It began to induct NSFs from 17 December 1984 under the command of CPT Yeo Lai Huat with 2WO Nathan as the Company Sergeant Major, however, thus turning 1 CDO BN into a full NSF Battalion. First Company also began training in a new operation requirement for long range recon patrolling as well as divisional disruptive operations for the first time, giving the army the capability to see on the group and verify enemy manoeuvres at long distances from friendly lines. In 1986, another tradition of the Commandos was created when the stiletto was presented to graduants of Second Company during their Red Beret Presentation ceremony in December 1986, a practice which has been continued ever since.
The need to form a governing policy-making body since the mid-1980s led to the establishment of Headquarters Commandos in November 1989, and received its state and formation colours from the then President
President of Singapore
The President of the Republic of Singapore is Singapore's head of state. In a Westminster parliamentary system, as which Singapore governs itself, the prime minister is the head of the government while the position of president is largely ceremonial. Before 1993, the President of Singapore was...
Wee Kim Wee
Wee Kim Wee
Wee Kim Wee GCB was the fourth President of Singapore from 2 September 1985 to 1 September 1993.-Early life:Born into a humble family, Wee Kim Wee was the son of a clerk, Wee Choong Lay and his wife Chua Lay Hua. His father died when he was eight...
on 20 October 1991. The Changi Camp facilities began to restrict the unit's growth, and BG (NS) Lee Hsien Loong
Lee Hsien Loong
Lee Hsien Loong is the third and current Prime Minister of Singapore. He is married to Ho Ching, who is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Holdings. He is the eldest son of Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew....
, the current Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Singapore
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore is the head of the government of the Republic of Singapore. The President of Singapore appoints as Prime Minister a Member of Parliament who, in his opinion, is most likely to command the confidence of a majority of MPs.The office of Prime Minister...
, instructed for the "best camp in the SAF" to be built nearby at a site near Sungei Selarang east of Loyang. The new camp, Hendon Camp, was officially inaugurated on 27 January 1994 by the then Chief of Defence Force, LTG Ng Jui Ping
Ng Jui Ping
Lieutenant General Ng Jui Ping was the 2nd Chief of Defence Force of the Singapore Armed Forces from 1992 - 1995.-Career:LG Ng Jui Ping spent a total of 30 years with the Singapore Armed Forces...
, and remains its home till this day.
Symbolism
Like many of its counterparts, the elite status of the Singapore Commando Formation utilises various artifacts or elements to build a unit identity and to foster greater camaraderie amongst its members. These include:- The Formation Motto: For Honour & Glory. This motto entreats each Commando to achieve each and every mission he undertakes for the honour and glory of the Formation and Nation.
- The Formation Insignia. Prior to 1981, Commandos wore flashes identifying them with the Formation to which they belonged. As part of the inauguration of HQ SOCT, the Winged Stiletto was introduced as the emblem of the Commandos. The wings and stiletto denotes their elite airborne status.
- The Red Beret, won by all Commandos is given great prominence, with a formal Red Beret Presentation ceremony held at the Passing Out Parade for all training graduants. Sometimes worn even when in battle gear in place of the jungle hat, they are also worn during military parades and formal ceremonies.
- The Stiletto Knife. Razor sharp from edge to edge, the Commando knife is a weapon well suited for silencing the enemy quickly and effectively. Otherwise known as the stilettoStilettoA stiletto is a knife or dagger with a long slender blade and needle-like point, intended primarily as a stabbing weapon. The stiletto blade's narrow cross-section and acuminated tip reduces friction upon entry, allowing the blade to penetrate deeply...
knife, or the Fairbairn and Sykes Commando DaggerFairbairn-Sykes fighting knifeThe Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife is a double-edged fighting knife resembling a dagger or poignard with a foil grip developed by William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes in Shanghai based on concepts which the two men initiated before World War II while serving on the Shanghai Municipal...
, it is unique to the Commandos and is just what they need in close quarter, one to one combat. The blade measures 20 cm and features the Commando Formation Insignia. - The Silver Wings. The Parachutist BadgeParachutist BadgeThe Parachutist Badge or Parachutist Brevet is a military badge awarded by the Armed Forces of most countries in the world to soldiers who receive the proper parachute training and accomplish the required number of jumps. It is difficult to assess which country was the first to introduce such award...
awarded upon successful completion of the Basic Airborne Course conducted by the Parachute Training WingParachute Training WingThe Parachute Training Wing is one of two training wings in the School of Commandos of the Singapore Armed Forces in Singapore specialising in airborne courses for the Commando Formation...
, School of CommandosSchool of CommandosThe School of Commandos is part of an army unit in the Singapore Armed Forces. It was established in 1967. The school moved to Changi Camp in 1971 and was renamed 1st Commando Battalion.-External links:*...
, is also known affectionately as the Silver Wings. First awarded to the pioneering graduating batch of 27 NSFs from Second Company, 1st Commando Battalion (1 CDO BN), it comprises a pair of outspread wings on both wigs of a deployed parachute, with the words "SINGAPURA" below the canopy. With the design sanctioned by 1 CDO BN's Commanding Officer, Tan Kim Peng ClarenceTan Kim Peng ClarenceLieutenant Colonel Tan Kim Peng Clarence is a retired officer of the Singapore Armed Forces. He is mostly associated with his work in building up the Singapore Armed Forces Commando Formation during its infancy and early years.-Military career:...
, it is differentiated by a crimson velvet backing for only for Commandos, while those of the Commando Parachute Jump Instructors have a golden velvet backing. The "red backing" signifies that only Commandos are operationally capable to jump into battles.
Traditions
1 CDO BN organises an annual Commando Skills-At-Arms Meet, where by companies vie for honours on an inter-section basis. A practice begun in 1992, it tests Commandos in executing a range of skills which may range from marksmanship, to demolition, and the completion of the Standard Obstacle Course in Full Battle Order. During Skills-At-Arms, a part of the camp will be cordoned off and made available to the public, so that the families and friends of the commandos are able to witness the event.The Singapore Commandos was the first SAF unit to have an alliance with a foreign unit, the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment is the main combat unit in the regular New Zealand Army. It was formed 9 January 1947 as the New Zealand Regiment with a single infantry battalion as part of the newly created infantry corps....
, in 1982. An annual Alliance Parade was first held on 14 March 1982, until the return of the unit to New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
on 2 August 1989. Ties are maintained, however, by the annual exchange of officers since 1993.
The Commandos are a regular feature in the SAF's major parades and events, such as the annual Singapore Armed Forces Military Tattoo and the Singapore Armed Forces Day Parade. They also appear in various national events, including the National Day Parade
National Day Parade
The Singapore National Day Parade is a national ceremony in Singapore that, as its name implies, includes a parade on Singapore's National Day on August 9, in commemoration of Singapore's independence that is usually held at the Padang , the National Stadium, various decentalized venues all over...
where they form one of the four guard of honour
Guard of honour
A guard of honour is a ceremonial event practice in military and sports as a mark of respect.-Military:In the military a guard of honour is a ceremonial practice to honour visiting foreign dignitaries, or the fallen in war, or a ceremony for public figures who have died.The commander is three paces...
contingents after winning the Best Combat Unit awards in the preceding year. They have appeared in various mass display segments, often by displaying their rappeling skills. The Singapore Armed Forces Parachute Team
Singapore Armed Forces Parachute Team
The Singapore Armed Forces Parachute Team is best known for its free fall displays at the annual National Day Parade held in Singapore since its first appearance in 1989 as a formalised team, as opposed to sporadic displays since the 1970s by members of the Singapore Commandos Formation and...
has appeared in the parade since 1989.
Commandos have also formed up the Guard of Honour for important visitors to the Istana, although this task has been increasingly taken over by the Singapore Armed Forces Military Police Command due to the irrelevance to its official duties.
Recruitment
From an all-regular unit, the 1 CDO BN became an all-NSF battalion on 17 December 1984, with equal expectations from the NSFs as with their regular counterparts. The recruitment process is thus equally stringent, with NSFs hand-picked through a vocational assessment, even before they formally begin their NS liability, this taking precedence over most other units of the SAF as well as that of other organisations. Medical examination reports and physical fitness results taken prior to enlistment were taken into account, amongst other criteria, and shortlisted candidates were subjected to more tests prior to selection. These criteria included above average intelligence and excellent eyesight, although the latter has been loosened somewhat as the number of myopicMyopia
Myopia , "shortsightedness" ) is a refractive defect of the eye in which collimated light produces image focus in front of the retina under conditions of accommodation. In simpler terms, myopia is a condition of the eye where the light that comes in does not directly focus on the retina but in...
Singaporeans increase. After successfully completing an interview, the candidate will be enlisted into a company and go through his Basic Military Training
Recruit training
Recruit training, more commonly known as Basic Training and colloquially called Boot Camp, is the initial indoctrination and instruction given to new military personnel, enlisted and officer...
phase.
NSmen
The reservistReservist
A reservist is a person who is a member of a military reserve force. They are otherwise civilians, and in peacetime have careers outside the military. Reservists usually go for training on an annual basis to refresh their skills. This person is usually a former active-duty member of the armed...
s, or known locally as "Operationally Ready National Servicemen" (NSmen), form the largest manpower source for the Commando Formation, as is the case for the rest of the SAF. NSmen are similarly called up for In-Camp Training (ICT), and receive refresher courses where necessary at the School of Commandos
School of Commandos
The School of Commandos is part of an army unit in the Singapore Armed Forces. It was established in 1967. The school moved to Changi Camp in 1971 and was renamed 1st Commando Battalion.-External links:*...
, including the two-day Basic Combat Training course that is conducted several months prior to the commencement of the ICT itself. NSmen are expected to meet the same standards in the annual individual physical proficiency test
Individual physical proficiency test
The Individual Physical Proficiency Test is a test of physical fitness used by the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force to determine the level of fitness of their members....
(IPPT) as their NSF and regular counterparts.
Training
Due to the operationally different requirements of the Singapore Commandos, training of Commandos to-be are conducted separately and away from that of other recruits, with basic training held at company-level at Hendon Camp. More advanced training is conducted at the School of CommandosSchool of Commandos
The School of Commandos is part of an army unit in the Singapore Armed Forces. It was established in 1967. The school moved to Changi Camp in 1971 and was renamed 1st Commando Battalion.-External links:*...
, which every Commando trainee will pass through at least once since compulsory courses, such as the Basic Airborne Course, are conducted there. It takes about one year to train a newly enlisted soldier into a full-fledged commando, with specialists and commanders requiring an even longer time to train.
Basic training
All newly enlisted commandos to-be undergo Basic Military TrainingRecruit training
Recruit training, more commonly known as Basic Training and colloquially called Boot Camp, is the initial indoctrination and instruction given to new military personnel, enlisted and officer...
(BMT) in Pasir Ris Camp, the Commando Training Institute (CTI). While the training syllabus is largely similar to that of regular BMT conducted SAF-wide, these recruits are pushed further, with constant reminders of their roles as elite soldiers. Putting much emphasis on physical fitness. As a result, the unit, for example, has an unbroken record of 100% passes in the annual marksman
Marksman
A marksman is a person who is skilled in precision, or a sharpshooter shooting, using projectile weapons, such as with a rifle but most commonly with a sniper rifle, to shoot at long range targets...
ship tests.
Upon successful completion of the BMT, candidates who display unsuitable attributes may be posted out to other units, which may include attitude, aptitude, and medical reasons. Remaining individuals undergo Basic Commando Training (BCT) and upon completion are categorized and sent to specialized Vocational Training (VT) courses namely the Leader, Demolition & Boatmen, Signal, Medic, Sniper and Weapons Course. Physical training becomes increasingly demanding, as commando trainees have a higher physical fitness level to attain as compared to their peers.
Vocational training
Commandos are assigned specific tasks when functioning as a section, and are thus trained to specialise in each of them. These roles may include signallerSignaller
In the armed forces, a signaller or signaleer is a specialist soldier or seaman or airman responsible for military communications. Signallers, aka Combat Signallers or signalmen or women, are commonly employed as radio or telephone operators, relaying messages for field commanders at the front line...
s, medical specialists, weapons specialists, small boat operators, sniper
Sniper
A sniper is a marksman who shoots targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the capabilities of regular personnel. Snipers typically have specialized training and distinct high-precision rifles....
s, and demolition experts. Outstanding trainees from the BMT and BCT may be trained as Section Leaders at the Commando Training Wing
Commando Training Wing
The Commando Training Wing is one of two training wings in the School of Commandos of the Singapore Armed Forces in Singapore. Established in 1974, it is primarily tasked with the training of military leaders in the Commando Formation...
. All trainees must also go through the Basic Airborne Course at the Parachute Training Wing
Parachute Training Wing
The Parachute Training Wing is one of two training wings in the School of Commandos of the Singapore Armed Forces in Singapore specialising in airborne courses for the Commando Formation...
, where they earn their silver wings after five jumps, of which two must be conducted after dusk.
Skills taught during vocational training are then fused with skills taught in the BCT, with the aim of building trust and team bonding between members. These are put to the test when the company goes on its overseas exercise in Brunei
Brunei
Brunei , officially the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace , is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia...
, where multiple exercises are conducted in jungles over several weeks of intensive training.
Upon their return to Singapore, the trainees mark the completion of their one-year-long training stint with a 72 km route march, and become full-fledged commandos. The Red Beret Presentation ceremony is held as part of their Passing Out Parade, and the newly trained commandos will then begin operational duties, where further training may also be conducted on more advanced and specialised skills.
Advanced training
Most advanced and leadership training course for commandos are conducted at the School of CommandosSchool of Commandos
The School of Commandos is part of an army unit in the Singapore Armed Forces. It was established in 1967. The school moved to Changi Camp in 1971 and was renamed 1st Commando Battalion.-External links:*...
, which was formed as the Commando Training Centre (CTC) in 1982 before being given its present name in January 1994. It comprises two wings, namely the Commando Training Wing
Commando Training Wing
The Commando Training Wing is one of two training wings in the School of Commandos of the Singapore Armed Forces in Singapore. Established in 1974, it is primarily tasked with the training of military leaders in the Commando Formation...
(CTW) and the Parachute Training Wing
Parachute Training Wing
The Parachute Training Wing is one of two training wings in the School of Commandos of the Singapore Armed Forces in Singapore specialising in airborne courses for the Commando Formation...
(PTW).
Courses conducted by the CTW include the Commando Section Leaders' Course (CSLC), the Commando Small Boat Operators' Course, the Commando Officer Conversion Course (COCC), and the Singapore Armed Forces Ranger Course. The PTW is responsible for the Basic Airborne Course, the Parachute Jump Instructor Course, the Military Free Fall Course, etc.
Special Operations Force
Members of the all-regular Special Operations Force (SOF) are specially trained to operate in long-range deployments and special missions. All team members are able to be inserted by air, land or sea, with specialised skills in demolitions, explosives and special tactics. Selected members are sent to the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
for the US Army Special Forces course, as well as the US Navy SEAL
United States Navy SEALs
The United States Navy's Sea, Air and Land Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's principal special operations force and a part of the Naval Special Warfare Command as well as the maritime component of the United States Special Operations Command.The acronym is derived from their...
course.
Accidents and safety issues
As is the case for other SAF units, training safety is accorded high priority, particularly due to the sensitivity in handling the well-being of national servicemen who constitute a large part of the Commando Formation. Serious training incidents are relatively rare, but they were also rarely publicised or discussed in the media until recently. In 2003, training safety standard began to come under increased scrutiny when 2SG Hu Enhuai of the Singapore GuardsSingapore Guards
In the Singapore Armed Forces, the Guards are an elite infantry formation specializing in rapid deployment. Guards are known as elite heliborne troopers. They are well trained in heliborne operations and specialist combat skills that give them an added combat edge...
died during a Combat Survival Training course conducted by the Commandos on 21 August. Four commandos were charged in court a year later for carrying out the "dunking" procedure deemed inappriopriate for training purposes.
Other recent incidents include the death of a regular serviceman, 2SG Rajagopal Thirukumaran of the Singapore Guards, after a run during the selection for the Ranger course conducted by the CTW on 3 September 2003, and a heli-rappelling
Air assault
Air assault is the movement of ground-based military forces by vertical take-off and landing aircraft—such as the helicopter—to seize and hold key terrain which has not been fully secured, and to directly engage enemy forces...
incident on 14 July 2005 in which a regular commando, 1SG Shiva s/o Mohan, and a foreign serviceman were killed.
On 15 June 2005, another regular serviceman, 2SG Ong Jia Hui, 24, drowned during training, even though four instructors were within visible range from him at the Changi Naval Base
Changi Naval Base
Changi Naval Base is the latest naval facility of the Republic of Singapore Navy and was built to replace Brani Naval Base. Located about 1.5 kilometres east of Changi Air Base and 3.5 kilometres east of Singapore Changi Airport, the base was built on 1.28 km² of reclaimed land, it was...
. http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/jun/15jun05_nr.html He was training as a member of the Maritime Counter-Terrorism Group in the SOF at the time of this death. On 20 June 2006, a 24-year-old commando died while undergoing training at a swimming pool in Hendon Camp.
During a night training exercise in Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, two commandos were accidentally shot by hunting farmers. The soldiers, a regular and a full-time conscipt serviceman were lightly injured and recovered shortly after.
Controversies
1 CDO BN was the subject of controversy in 2003 when it was barred by the Ministry of DefenceMinistry of Defence (Singapore)
The Ministry of Defence is a ministry of the Government of Singapore entrusted with overseeing the national defence needs of the Republic of Singapore. It is the headquarters of the Singapore Armed Forces...
from the annual Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition
Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition
The Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition is an annual competition which confers awards of recognition to the most outstanding units of the Singapore Armed Forces in combat readiness, operational proficiency and administrative excellence...
, due to the discovery of irregularities in late 2002 within the logistics records of one of the sub-units of the battalion. There were also discrepancies in the individual fitness test scores reported by two of the unit's specialist
Specialist (Singapore)
In the Singapore Armed Forces , Specialists are the group of ranks equivalent to non-commissioned officers in other armed forces. This term was introduced in 1993, for a more "positive" rank classification. In the SAF, Warrant Officers are not considered Specialists.Like many other modern...
s, who handle the stores. Army inspectors unmasked the cover-up during a logistics readiness inspection at the battalion. The inspection, which assess the level of competence of storekeepers in SAF units, is part of the selection process in the Best Unit Competition.
A ministry spokesman stated: "The SAF takes a serious view of such matters. As a result, the unit was disallowed from participating in the Best Unit Competition for the year. This is to uphold the integrity and high standards of the competition." Disciplinary action was reportedly taken against the individuals concerned.
Laju Ferry Incident (1974)
In times of peace in Singapore, the Singapore Commandos are rarely called into action, only occasionally activated to assist in major operations related to the maintenance of law and order. The outbreak of the Laju incident on 31 January 1974 involved four commandos in a 12-men party accompanying the four terrorists to KuwaitKuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
.
Operation Thunderstorm (1975)
On 8 May 1975, the Commandos, together with the Republic of Singapore NavyRepublic of Singapore Navy
The Republic of Singapore Navy is the naval component of the Singapore Armed Forces , responsible for the defence of Singapore against sea-borne threats and protection of its sea lines of communications. Operating within the crowded littoral waters of the Singapore Strait, the RSN is regarded as...
, stormed several vessels with Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
ese refugees intruding into Singapore's territorial waters, and kept watch on the refugees and crew until they were resupplied and escorted out of Singapore two and a half days later.
Cable Car Incident (1983)
When an accident struck the Singapore Cable CarSingapore Cable Car
The Singapore Cable Car provides an aerial link from Mount Faber on the main island of Singapore to the resort island of Sentosa across the Keppel Harbour. Opened on 15 February 1974, it was the first aerial ropeway system in the world to span a harbour. However, it is not the first aerial ropeway...
system on 29 January 1983, rescue plans included the activation of commandos to crawl along the suspension wires to rescue stranded passengers in a cable car, although it did not materialise after a successful rescue by air using the Republic of Singapore Air Force
Republic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the air arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command...
's helicopters was conducted instead.
Operation Thunderbolt (1991)
The commando's specialist unit, the Special Operations Force, is most well known for the rescue of all 129 passengers and crew when Singapore Airlines Flight 117 was hijacked on 26 March 1991. The successful operation led to the awarding of the Medal of ValourPingat Keberanian
The Pingat Keberanian , instituted in 1987,is a Singaporean decoration awarded to any person who has performed an act of courage and gallantry in circumstances of personal danger.-Description:...
to the commandos involved in the operation, along with a unit citation to Headquarters Commandos.
Recreation and sports
The physical operational requirements expected of each commando has a spin-off effect in their non-operational pursuits. The formation organises the Commando Biathlon annually, although it started off as the Commando Triathlon in 1984 until the exclusion of the cycling component in 1988 onwards to encourage all commandos to participate in it. The Commando Formation dominated the Singapore Armed Forces Sports Association's annual sports championships, having won five out of six times from 1988 to 1993.The commandos have also participated in various competitions either as a unit, or on an individual basis. Two teams are typically registered to compete in the Singapore Marathon
Singapore Marathon
The Singapore Marathon is an annual international marathon race which is held on the first Sunday of December in the city of Singapore. It is an IAAF Silver Label Road Race...
, and in 1989, a platoon took part in the run in Full Battle Order, taking nearly 6 hours to complete. In 1991, SSG Francis Toh and SSG Robin Chan became the first Commandos to complete the Ironman Triathlon
Ironman Triathlon
An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation consisting of a swim, a bike and a marathon run, raced in that order and without a break...
in Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, doing so in 11 hours and 50 minutes.
Assault rifles
- SAR 21, 5.56mm
- Ultimax 100Ultimax 100The Ultimax 100 is a Singaporean 5.56mm light machine gun, developed by the Chartered Industries of Singapore by a team of engineers under the guidance of American firearms designer L. James Sullivan. The gun is extremely accurate due to its low recoil.Work on a new light support weapon for the...
, 5.56mm - Colt M4A1M4 carbineThe M4 carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 designed by Eugene Stoner and made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle, with 80% parts commonality.It is a gas-operated,...
, 5.56mm - M16 rifleM16 rifleThe M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
, 5.56mm
Sniper rifles
- Steyr MannlicherSteyr MannlicherSteyr Mannlicher is a firearms manufacturer based in the city of Steyr, Austria. Originally a part of the Steyr-Daimler-Puch manufacturing conglomerate, it became independent when the conglomerate was broken in 1990.-History:...
sniper rifles, 7.62mm - PGM 338 (mini-Hecate), 8.6mm
- Heckler & Koch PSG1Heckler & Koch PSG1The PSG1 is a semi-automatic rifle designed by the German company Heckler & Koch of Oberndorf am Neckar.-Development:...
Pistols
- FN Five-seven, 5.7mm
- FN Browning Hi-PowerBrowning Hi-PowerThe Browning Hi-Power is a single-action, 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. It is based on a design by American firearms inventor John Browning, and completed by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale of Herstal, Belgium. Browning died in 1926, several years before the design was finalized...
, 9mm - SIG Sauer P226
- Vektor pistols
Others
- Singapore Commandos Website
- For Honour and Glory: A Celebration of Commando History (1969–1994)