New urban warriors
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The Army has taken yet another bold step in its efforts to transform into a third-generation (3G) force. Charlie Company from the 3rd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (3 SIR), has been named the first Urban Operations-capable company in the SAF. PIONEER finds out why it is necessary to build up this capability.
The enemy thinks he is well hidden in the room. But 40 metres away in another room, LTA Mohammed Sofian can see exactly where the target is.
Despite the thick smoke pouring in from the corridor, LTA Sofian's eyes do not fail him. In fact, he can even 'see' through walls.
No, LTA Sofian does not possess X-Men-like vision. He is armed with new equipment that enhances his ability to operate in an urban environment.
With a skilful flick of the joystick, a remote-controlled car zips around the corner and heads towards the room where the enemy is hiding in.
Back in the 'safe' room where LTA Sofian (left) and his men have stationed themselves, the commander checks the live images that are being sent from the camera mounted on the remote-controlled car.
Lower risks to soldiers' lives, higher situational awareness achieved: By using a camera-mounted remote-controlled car, soldiers can view what is unfolding in other locations on a hand-held monitor.
As the vehicle enters the enemy's room, LTA Sofian spots the target on the screen. He also notices some innocent civilians crouched in the background.
With a clearer picture of his area of operations, LTA Sofian is better informed of what has to be done to take out the enemy without putting the lives of the innocent civilians and his soldiers at unnecessary risk.
A scene taken from a movie? For LTA Sofian, a Platoon Commander from Charlie Company of 3 SIR, this mode of operations could well be a reality soon. After all, he is from the Army's first Urban Operations (UO)-capable company. -
Urban evolution
Last August, the 9th Singapore Division merged with the Infantry Formation to form 9 Div/Inf.
One of its new tasks was for the Army to experiment with more efficient ways of operating in an urban environment.
Since December, soldiers of this 'C' Company have been testing out new equipment suitable for UO.
For example, besides using the camera-mounted remote-controlled surveillance car to 'see' further to get a clearer picture of the area of operations, soldiers are experimenting with the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and camera-mounted robots.
Soldiers are also trying out tools like sledgehammers and battering rams to gain quick access through locked doors and into rooms (To find out more about some of the equipment currently on trial with 3 SIR, see box story on the right).
Officer Commanding of 'C' Company, CPT Alvin Tan (right), revealed that new doctrines and operations in an urban landscape were also being worked out.
He said: "We first started training a few individuals, working out how soldiers should stand, where they should position themselves and how to handle their weapons in UO."
"Next, we explored how soldiers should position themselves when operating in larger groups, from a section, then a platoon, and finally up to company level."
Within a platoon, soldiers could also be re-structured to form smaller teams.
CPT Tan rationalised the need for this, explaining that this configuration was more suitable for UO: "The area of operations is more confined, and soldiers need to perform concurrent tasks, say clearing more than one room at a time, to overwhelm the enemy. "
He added: "Breaking the sections into smaller teams further empowers each soldier. He takes more ownership in the mission as he becomes more aware of his role and responsibility. Team dynamics is definitely enhanced."
In late February, a UO demonstration was put up to showcase some of the equipment and processes tested. And while CPT Tan stressed that these processes were still under trial and training was still in the formative stages, he was excited about these new ways of operation.
Urban: Complex
According to Commander 9 Div/Chief Infantry Officer, COL Winston Toh (left), UO poses many challenges but is something the Army should prepare itself for.
"Urbanisation is occurring rapidly world-wide. In time to come, the urban terrain will become the conventional terrain and UO becomes the conventional fight," said COL Toh.
"From past conflicts and even with the current situation in Iraq, you can see that UO is a very complex operation and soldiers are faced with far greater challenges."
" In UO, walk through a few unfamiliar alleyways and you can become lost. With so many walls around, communication signals can also be unclear," he added.
"In addition, the psychological demands on soldiers are high. The enemy can pop up from many places, like the window, the roof, even sewage pipes, so soldiers must be very alert."
"Civilians are also usually present in the theatre of operations. We do not want to put these innocent people in harm's way. Hence, soldiers need to positively identify who is the enemy and who is the civilian," said COL Toh.
CPT Tan said: "While the basics of infantry operation apply, in UO, you must be enterprising, adept and use what is available in the landscape to your advantage. So, for instance, soldiers can use drains to approach the objective."
With so many factors to manage, soldiers must be properly equipped and organised, to give them greater situational awareness to make informed decisions.
Hence the experiments that are currently going on in 3 SIR.
COL Toh explained that the aim is for greater situational awareness that enhances the troops' confidence, preserves forces and reduces collateral damage.
Fighting in built-up areas (FIBUA) is not new to our soldiers. So how is that different from UO?
"FIBUA is conducted at a more tactical level, where we
teach soldiers basic drills or procedures to clear a room,"
said COL Toh.
"In UO, it is not just the Infantry's presence. In a UO battlefield, combined arms are involved, including elements of intelligence, information operations, communications, civil-military relations, combat support...It is a much more complex and integrated operation," he added. -
The new urbanites
According to COL Toh, the plan is for 3 SIR to become a UO-capable battalion by next year. Along the way, UO processes will be shared among soldiers in other sectors of the Army.
And going by the feedback from soldiers on the ground, it certainly indicates that they are excited by, and support, the direction the Army is heading.
CPL Terence Leong, a Weapons Specialist with Headquarters, 9 Div/Inf, who is involved in the testing and evaluation of some of the UO equipment, said: "Operating in an urban environment is quite new to most soldiers. Hence it is good that the Army sees the importance of operating in this landscape, and is adapting processes to it, to equip soldiers to tackle the situation better."
LTA Sofian (left) feels that adapting to UO sends out a strong deterrence message. "When others see us suited up in full gear, complete with bullet-proof vests and UO equipment, it sends out a strong message that we are well-trained and prepared," he said.
Another soldier from 'C' Company, 3SG Toh Chin Jie, admitted that initial apprehension of using new equipment quickly gave way to curiosity and enthusiasm.
"In conventional operations, the equipment is normal. But in UO, it is new and refreshing! I don't think many of us in 3 SIR ever thought we would have the chance to use these new equipment!" enthused the Full-time National Serviceman (NSF).
CPT Tan is happy to note the positive feedback from his soldiers. "They are excited about the new equipment. They often see such technology on television, and now they have it in their hands. Morale is high, and they are proud to be able to use the equipment."
He added: "Taking this technology-savvy approach is right. After all, soldiers these days are very comfortable using such equipment; it is almost intuitive for them. Thus, the UO concept is becoming a reality for them and they are interested to see how it will play out."
In fact, some soldiers have even suggested possible technologies and processes to explore, including heat sensor, more wireless and lightweight communication devices and even penetrating radar.
Reflecting on the progress made in UO, COL Toh said: "From FIBUA to UO, it has been quite a big leap. Changes now are not limited to the Infantry and that highlights the entire Army's emphasis on UO."
"We hope to continue with this pace of development, to move our soldiers closer towards the goal of being a 3G force. It is important for them to use and train with some of the equipment because they must see and feel this 3G force coming. And with the progress made by 3 SIR, they are now seeing the 3G force in operation."
FIBUA vs UO: What is the difference?
In FIBUA, soldiers learn only basic drills, like how to clear a room tactically.
In UO, much more integrated elements like intelligence (with the use of UAVs and surveillance balls) and communications (using new wireless communication devices and technology) are involved. Hence situational awareness is greatly enhanced. -
Tools of the trade
Soldiers of 'C' Company of 3 SIR have been experimenting with these new equipment that may become the tools they use for UO in the near future.
Surveillance Ball
Small and lightweight, this ball has a wireless camera inside that can scan the surrounding with unlimited 360 degrees rotation.
The ball is thrown into an enclosed space, say a room, and using a remote viewer and controller (above), you can scan the room for hostile personnel before deciding on further action.
Long and short crowbar, sledgehammer, battering ram
Using these tools, locks and doors will no longer hinder troop movement and entry into rooms.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Even when they are one to three kilometres away from the area of operations, soldiers can now have a bird's eye perspective of the location with the live images shot with a camera mounted in the model helicopter.
Commanders can thus plan ahead and deploy their men more efficiently.
Portable ladder
Light and compact, this ladder can be easily extended to about three metres or one storey high in less than a minute, allowing soldiers to access higher levels quickly and easily.
Telescopic IR Sighting System
Need to find out what potential dangers lurk on the level above? With a small camera mounted on its tip, the infrared pole is a suitable tool for soldiers before they move one level up. The pole also has night vision capabilities.
Round Corner Firing System
A small camera mounted on the SAR 21 rifle and a viewer allow the user to see and fire at the enemy around corners. Since only the barrel of the gun protrudes out, the user's hands and head remain safely behind the wall, unexposed to enemy fire.
-cyberPIONEER -
They exhibited their skills during the opening ceremony of the Army PRIDE Day just last thursday
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Interesting..you were there?Originally posted by deathscythe99:They exhibited their skills during the opening ceremony of the Army PRIDE Day just last thursday -
My unit organisedOriginally posted by LazerLordz:Interesting..you were there?
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wah...battering ram and thor hammer....like we have never seen them b4...its used for over a decade in SPF liao....
when the time comes see u got the time to deploy and use anot....u think they wait for u to deploy all ur arsenel, end up is still the classic FIFO...technology how good also can't match the quality of the men in cqb/fibua, its the deciding factor...always.
speed and element of surprise is important -
i was there on friday @ SAFTI. but too bad rained very heavily that day.Originally posted by deathscythe99:They exhibited their skills during the opening ceremony of the Army PRIDE Day just last thursday
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The article, while interesting, misses the most important points. How are the men training? Are they using Simunitions? Airsoft? Or god forbid BLANKS.
What about Comms? 732 with that shitty headset? Or the new walkie talkie?
And why the F are they still painting their faces and hands? -
Ahh.Originally posted by deathscythe99:My unit organised -
IMO, I'm not too sure about the remote controlled cars. I think it's quicker if they were to use that money to train the men further and maybe get fibre-optics (ala opti-wand for those SWAT 4 players). Why no flashbangs?
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the car is a sure give away with the noise and the car itself....on paper it is invincible and effective and surely work, on paper lah and on paper only.Originally posted by palmerised:IMO, I'm not too sure about the remote controlled cars. I think it's quicker if they were to use that money to train the men further and maybe get fibre-optics (ala opti-wand for those SWAT 4 players). Why no flashbangs? -
The surveillance ball might not be a very wise idea, IMHO, it would be better to use a extendable fibre optic camera that can go under the door or from the corner of a window.The element of surprise is gone when you throw that thing into a room.Originally posted by chunyong:the car is a sure give away with the noise and the car itself....on paper it is invincible and effective and surely work, on paper lah and on paper only.
And the remote control car seems too much like a toy, plus there will be sounds coming from it.Silence is paramount in hostage rescue.However, they are still trying to iron out the kinks in their ops..so give them a chance fellas..
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Does urban operations (UO) involve hostage rescue? I thought its just an extension/enhancement of what we do in FIBUA. Hostage rescue, if any at all, should be very limited.
The portable ladder looks good though - I remembered we had to run around with a full length ladder in the past. Also, the attachment for the rifle scope looks pretty good. -
I think they do engage in HR but as you said, not as much as STAR and other dedicated teams.But in a war zone, the UOC will be doing the room-to-room action, not STAR.Hmm..send them for STAR conversion course?Originally posted by bcoy:Does urban operations (UO) involve hostage rescue? I thought its just an extension/enhancement of what we do in FIBUA. Hostage rescue, if any at all, should be very limited.
The portable ladder looks good though - I remembered we had to run around with a full length ladder in the past. Also, the attachment for the rifle scope looks pretty good.
Agree that the ladder looks neat and the rifle scope is a nice addition. -
less than a min to make the ladder, why dun just use the standard ladder dat has been used since 2-3 decades ago....just stack and climb....less than 2 seconds.Originally posted by LazerLordz:I think they do engage in HR but as you said, not as much as STAR and other dedicated teams.But in a war zone, the UOC will be doing the room-to-room action, not STAR.Hmm..send them for STAR conversion course?
Agree that the ladder looks neat and the rifle scope is a nice addition.
got a story to summarise all this...
The USA spend alot of $ on research to develope a pen dat can allow the astronauts to write in space irregardless of position and finally they invented it....but wat did the Russians do ? they use pencil.....simple, gets the job done and millions saved.
the suvellience ball is useless, the 1st thing u toss into a room must be something to disorientate those inside so u can move in....a ball like dis will definitely get the hostages killed or they people inside will shoot at the door and the fool outside surely beehive liao...
no doubt the person who brought up the idea or invented it will get promoted but....i dunno if the UOC is 'going' in the right direction or not....seems to me dat their main aim is to flaunt technology niah.....
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flaunt technology? Please, even their UAV looks like something you can get from any RadioShack outlet (ala hobby shop). And any of you who've played with them helicopters, you'll know it's freaking noisy. I'll stick with the 'opti-wand'.
ladder looks heavy though but nice to have. -
The helicopter..seen it before in my friend's roomOriginally posted by palmerised:flaunt technology? Please, even their UAV looks like something you can get from any RadioShack outlet (ala hobby shop). And any of you who've played with them helicopters, you'll know it's freaking noisy. I'll stick with the 'opti-wand'.
ladder looks heavy though but nice to have.
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this LTA Sofian is a loser and a damm fucked up ocifer...Originally posted by wuming78:[i]
The enemy thinks he is well hidden in the room. But 40 metres away in another room, LTA Mohammed Sofian can see exactly where the target is. -
Fibre Optics cable is a must.Originally posted by palmerised:IMO, I'm not too sure about the remote controlled cars. I think it's quicker if they were to use that money to train the men further and maybe get fibre-optics (ala opti-wand for those SWAT 4 players). Why no flashbangs?
In fact, I posted that question to their CPT on duty there
He was dumbfounded.
Even the rifle with the 90deg scope also...I asked why not use fibre optics cable instead? More efficient, and enemy cant detect so easily. (imagine u see a barrel of an assault rifle sticking out )
The answer? Cos we needed to come out with something creative and cheap -
wah ..why personnal attack sia ..Originally posted by Marco_Simone:this LTA Sofian is a loser and a damm fucked up ocifer... -
bo bian, if u want promotion then must do something fanciful, work or not doesn't matter. must be stylo mylo....dats wat matters, dats all matters.Originally posted by deathscythe99:Fibre Optics cable is a must.
In fact, I posted that question to their CPT on duty there
He was dumbfounded.
Even the rifle with the 90deg scope also...I asked why not use fibre optics cable instead? More efficient, and enemy cant detect so easily. (imagine u see a barrel of an assault rifle sticking out )
The answer? Cos we needed to come out with something creative and cheap -
No shit? Stylo mylo so what? If it doesn't work then what's the point. If it's stupid but it works, it's not stupid. Hell you don't even need a fibre-optic to look around corners.. Mirrors would do the job nicely.Originally posted by chunyong:bo bian, if u want promotion then must do something fanciful, work or not doesn't matter. must be stylo mylo....dats wat matters, dats all matters. -
I doubt these guys are supposed to do Hostage rescue. As such i think equipment like the ball camera is a pretty good idea.
Iraq has exposed the shortcomings of normal FIBUA tactics. Grenades do not always work against an intelligent and determined enemy. This is esp so where the buildings have multiple rooms. Thus, as seen in the BBC documentary of the Marines in Iraq, you see the Marines basically leveling enemy held buildings.
I can therefore see the utility of the Ball-camera; Soldier believes that he has seen enemies in building, he lobs a ball through the window to confirm, and then calls in heavy firepower. The ball clearly has some advantages over a mirror or a fibre-optics camera in that the ball can be deployed over a greater range.
The use of the remote control car is a little far-fetched, but then there should be no comlpiants about having it as an option, ya?