Four guns to be used for Presidential Gun Salute at NDP 2006
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For the first time in the history of the National Day Parade, only four 25-pounder guns will be used in the Presidential Gun Salute compared to the traditional half a dozen guns.
The Presidential Gun Salute has been a mainstay of the National Day Parade: 21 shots fired within 3 minutes as a mark of respect to the President when he inspects the contingents in the stadium.
But unlike previous parades, the gunners will only be firing 4 guns and not 6 due to space constraints as a part of the site has been converted to a car park.
This has been factored into training drills to ensure everything is timed to clockwork precision.
Capt Lee Yi-jin, Battery Commander, Presidential Gun Salute, said: "We have less buffer when it comes to contingency plans, but as long as not more than one gun breaks down during the firing, it's actually very smooth. Four guns are more than enough, some of the changes, for example, would be we have to make the re-loading drill a bit quicker, that's the main difference, so that more guns are ready in case of any misfire."
The soldiers from the 21st Singapore Artillery started training in April, learning everything from gun drill to team work and even their posture.
3SG Devendran Ramalingam, Firer, Presidential Gun Salute, said: "During training, initially we were made to kneel on the concrete ground to train for up to 15, 20 and 30 minutes so as to prepare us, prepare our knees for the field in Kallang."
LCP James Onn, Ammo Loader, Presidential Gun Salute, said: "Coordination from the stadium to the command post and right to our guns, the timing and instructions have to be loud and clear so we can fire at the precise time."
They also made sure the 25-pounder guns weighing some 2 tonnes are fit for action, by polishing and maintaining them.
These guns are very old.
They are about 70-years-old and they were deployed to defend Singapore's coastline in the 1940s.
But they have been given a new shine with a fresh coat of paint and re-chromed parts ahead of the big day on August 9th. - CNA/ch
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Actually its budget constraint, but put in a nicer way.
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Originally posted by ditzy:Actually its budget constraint, but put in a nicer way.
couldnt agreed more after they bought the new toys -
If two or more break down then hallelujah!
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*nod headOriginally posted by martin_lim85: couldnt agreed more after they bought the new toys -
Should just use a CD, apmlifier and a fcukoff loudspeaker+subwoofer.Originally posted by ditzy:Actually its budget constraint, but put in a nicer way. 
Save money!
To EXCO NDP: I'll be expecting a cheque in the post soon for services rendered.