Protectors of Peace
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Since last November, specially trained and equipped soldiers from the 6th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (6 SIR) have been deployed at various key installations throughout the island.
Do you have an eye for details? How much can you notice and remember?
PTE Soh Wei Siang was standing guard protecting a key installation when he noticed a person in a bus taking photographs of buildings in the installation.
Since unauthorised photography is not allowed, PTE Soh's senses were immediately sharpened.
Instantly, he mentally noted the person's appearance, his approximate age, his attire, his height, where he was seated in the bus, the bus' license plate number, and the direction the bus was heading.
All this was done in barely five seconds as the bus moved past and away from the 22-year-old Full-time National Serviceman.
PTE Soh then alerted his commanders and gave them a detailed description of the suspicious character.
They then contacted the Police.
Thanks to the information provided by PTE Soh, the SAF and the Police were able to quickly stop the bus and accurately identify the photographer and speak to him, to investigate the matter further.
It is this combination of alert soldiers and good co-operation with other security agencies like the Singapore Police Force and CISCO Guards, that keep vital installations like Jurong Island, Sembawang Wharves and Changi Airport safe from potential threats.
In the morning, 6 SIR soldiers are being trained for their role in POI operations: (1) Soldiers are trained to conduct body searches. (2) An unauthorised person has been spotted with a suspicious package in the installation! While a soldier keeps watch over the suspect, another cordons off the area and calls for back-up. (3 & 4) From cars to motorcycles, soldiers know how to conduct proper vehicle searches, identify vehicle bombs, and react correctly to such threats. -
In the afternoon, 6 SIR soldiers are on duty at Jurong Island: (5 & 6) At this watchtower observation post, soldiers keep a close watch over vessels entering and leaving Jurong Island. (7) Armed and ready, a soldier keeps his eyes peeled for anything amiss at the Jurong Island Checkpoint.
An Infantry battalion and more
Since late 2001, SAF soldiers have been patrolling key civilian installations to beef up security.
But faced with increased threats of transnational terrorism and low intensity conflicts, as well as part of a peace-time re-organisation, the Army felt that it would be necessary to dedicate and train an active battalion to meet the challenges of such threats and dedicated to the protection of installations (POI).
6 SIR was the battalion chosen for this important task. While its soldiers maintain basic Infantry capabilities, 6 SIR has certain unique characteristics.
"Essentially we have an enlarged force," explained Commanding Officer, 6 SIR, MAJ Wong Weng Kong (left).
"We have a Chemical, Explosive, Detection and Isolation (CEDI) platoon whose soldiers are trained to identify explosives and chemical devices accurately, and are able to isolate them safely before calling the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives (CBRE) team to mitigate the risk."
6 SIR also comprises a Provost platoon which means greater legal jurisdiction in certain areas. And there is a Surveillance platoon that explores technology to bridge gaps and limitations of the human eye.
"In addition, we have a Weapons platoon that trains our soldiers to use sniper weapons, shotguns and automatic grenade launchers. This enhances our firepower, so we can engage any perpetrators from short, mid or long range," said MAJ Wong.
Soldiers are sent for specialised skills training with the respective units. For example, the soldiers from the Provost platoon train at the School of Provost before returning to 6 SIR.
As dusk settles, soldiers in Sembawang Wharves provide seaward defence: (8 & 9) While the Police Coast Guard provides the first layer of defence, 6 SIR soldiers communicate regularly with them to provide additional protection against possible threats entering the basin at the wharves. (10 - 12) As most Singaporeans prepare to turn in for the night, the soldiers remain alert, patrolling the wharves, watching over the dark seas while adopting a vigilant watch during its many vehicular patrols. -
Forget-me-not
6 SIR's role is to protect designated military and key civilian installations as part of the Army's homeland security efforts.
Hence, the soldiers are trained in homeland security measures and are equipped with skills to provide vigilant around-the-clock watch.
What are some interesting skills that 6 SIR soldiers learn in their eight months of training?
MAJ Wong revealed that his soldiers are well-trained in rules of engagement, so they know how to approach different situations appropriately.
Another interesting skill is 'keep in memory' abilities.
MAJ Wong explained: "Through computer-aided programmes and role play, we help train the soldiers' cognitive and psycho-motor skills."
"Essentially, we want to strengthen their memories."
" The soldiers are trained to notice 'out of place' things and remember important details like vehicle models, license plates, height of the suspect, his clothing...We want them to report the details accurately so we can follow up quickly," said MAJ Wong.
While most suspicious characters turn out to be innocent but misinformed persons, MAJ Wong stressed that the action taken by PTE Soh was the right thing to do.
He said: "In security, we have to take every incident that is 'out of place', very seriously, because you never know where or who the real enemy is."
"And unlike conventional operations where soldiers can normally refer to higher command to make decisions, the nature of POI operations requires our soldiers to be more independent. Hence junior commanders and ground troops are expected to make split second on-the-scene decisions, for instance, deciding that the situation is not right and reporting it," MAJ Wong added.
Firm but effective
By patrolling and standing guard in civilian installations, 6 SIR soldiers come into contact with non-military personnel daily. MAJ Wong said that managing civilians requires important people skills.
He said: "We have thinking soldiers who understand the seriousness of their task, and know what are out-of-bounds areas when dealing with civilians. Hence they are able to respond effectively to civilians, to remain polite yet firm."
MAJ Wong continued: "There will always be a couple of civilians who become agitated or are unco-operative. But our soldiers have been able to calm them down and explained why certain actions must be taken or procedures followed. Most of the time, we get their full co-operation after we explain the rationale to them."
What about the relationship with commercial companies? How do they feel about military personnel guarding their compound?
MAJ Wong replied that perhaps, initially, there might have been some discomfort.
"But now, our civilian counterparts recognise the possible threats we face and how significant security is. They understand that the SAF, together with other homeland agencies, enhances the security of their areas.
They tell us they feel relieved when they see our soldiers, and are impressed by the professionalism and skills demonstrated by the soldiers."
MAJ Wong is also glad to note that 6 SIR has established strong ties with external agencies like the Police or the Coast Guard who protect the installations alongside the SAF troops.
"Through joint exercises, regular meetings and training, we understand each other's operating procedures and tactics better, and have built very close friendships and working relationships with other agencies," he said.
"We are able to enhance the inter-operability of the SAF with other homeland security agencies, and I am confident that, together, we have multiplied our effectiveness and efficiency to deal with any situations."
Protecting Singaporeans
Planning ahead, MAJ Wong hopes to leverage on technology as a force multiplier.
Working with relevant agencies, he said his soldiers are currently trying out new technology and procedures to boost their capabilities.
For instance, they are trying out tracking devices and surveillance systems like mobile cameras, to enhance their situational awareness and command and control of troops on the ground.
Simulators could also be used to enhance the soldiers' skills.
Six months after turning operationally ready, how does MAJ Wong evaluate his soldiers' performance?
He replied thoughtfully: "I am very proud of them. I can see that they understand the importance of their job and they take it very seriously. They have been able to adapt and learn among themselves, to enhance their knowledge."
"Furthermore, in public, they have been able to maintain a very positive image of the Army, yet deal with situations firmly and politely. All this shows that the training we give them is useful and the soldiers are motivated to do their job well."
What this all means is that the good work of 6 SIR soldiers allows for all Singaporeans to go about their daily routine, assured that there is a specialised and dedicated force that is effectively protecting key installations, indirectly protecting us all. -
2 PDF HQ reconfigured as Island Defence HQ
The security of Singapore's air transportation hub, port facilities and petrol chemical hub has been enhanced, with SAF soldiers conducting foot and vehicular patrols, adopting protective positions and keeping watch from observation posts at these civilian key installations.
The Army's 2nd People's Defence Force (2PDF) Headquarters has been configured as the Island Defence Headquarters (IDHQ). Working closely with Home Team agencies like the Singapore Police and Police Coast Guard, IDHQ's role is to monitor and respond decisively to security threats, particularly terrorist threats, to Singapore.
IDHQ maintains a round-the-clock national security picture, integrating the land, sea and air pictures with those provided by the Home Team agencies. It can also provide security support for high profile events taking place in Singapore.
In November last year, IDHQ's capabilities were enhanced with the introduction of the 6 SIR as the Army's first active Protection of Installation (POI) battalion.
Minister for Defence, Mr Teo Chee Hean, was briefed on these roles and functions of IDHQ when he visited Jurong Island on 20 May.
He witnessed a mock intrusion demonstration to see how the soldiers are able to respond quickly to threats, and was also introduced to some new equipment and procedures that IDHQ is currently experimenting with.
Speaking to the media after the visit, Mr Teo said: "The threat from terrorism is a long term one. What we need to do is to work together, the SAF together with the home team, in order to make sure that we can face this threat in the long term."
A speeding van carrying 'terrorists' and unknown chemical substances may have broken through the first line of defence at the checkpoint, but sharp metal spikes quickly puncture the tyres.
Soldiers and dogs enter the scene to bring down escaping 'terrorists' while soldiers from the Chemical, Explosive, Detection and Isolation platoon are brought in to determine what the chemical substance is.
-- Cyberpioneer -
that photographer is kan kuah kum gong and suay
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hm.. looking at this photo, the soldier is carrying 2 bags behind him. not sure what they contain (sectcomd bag? first aid?), but one thing is for sure - they are not quite accessible! how is he going to get anything from them without removing his LBV? -
6SIR again? isn't that too much exposure already.
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woohoo .. Pride of the Infantry !!!!!! why cannot ah ? My NS unit ..Originally posted by Gordonator:6SIR again? isn't that too much exposure already. -
never see them give so much exposure to the engineers.
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maybe you guys at Ngee Soon Camp have other toys that the SAF don't want others to know abt ?? like our Gundam Fighters..haha....just a joke.well but i think its more focused towards telling the JI and AQ(if any) abt our preprations and on going fight against terroism.Originally posted by Gordonator:never see them give so much exposure to the engineers.
Ermm with regards to CO 6 SIR.how come his beret isn't khaki ? I remembered during the ORD parade when my men orded, the incoming CO was a Guards Officer.anyone care to comment ? -
finally my unit.......
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The guards CO posted to 9Div after 1yr tour here....now replace my former 6SIR 9th mono S3Originally posted by one-niner:Ermm with regards to CO 6 SIR.how come his beret isn't khaki ? I remembered during the ORD parade when my men orded, the incoming CO was a Guards Officer.anyone care to comment ? -
erm...it is too much exposure.......Originally posted by Gordonator:6SIR again? isn't that too much exposure already. 
we are dealing like a bridage not like a norm unit....
busy like hell...... -
u 6SIR?Originally posted by duotiga83:finally my unit....... -
I think a BN is too small for the scale of operations that the SAF appears to want to carry out with 6SIR.Originally posted by duotiga83:erm...it is too much exposure.......
we are dealing like a bridage not like a norm unit....
busy like hell......
Maybe we might see a Urban Operations Brigade one day.
(PS:Good job Wuming7
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and 1 more thing: is EVERGREENOriginally posted by LazerLordz:I think a BN is too small for the scale of operations that the SAF appears to want to carry out with 6SIR.
Maybe we might see a Urban Operations Brigade one day. -
how come ? now even CO 1 yr tour ? or is he some SAF Scholar, so he has to move up ?Originally posted by duotiga83:The guards CO posted to 9Div after 1yr tour here....now replace my former 6SIR 9th mono S3 -
look at the rank of this soldier. (refer to Pioneer for bigger clearer pic). never knew there are still Private First Class (PFC) NSF around nowadays.Originally posted by wuming78: -
Indeed.
Local rank given to him before he gets his LCP? -
possible appointments held by pfc:
runners/linesmen/MG gunner/84 gunner/etc... -
local rank before LCP.Originally posted by LazerLordz:Indeed. Local rank given to him before he gets his LCP? they might as well give it to him. LOL!