Mention the acronym "MP" to any Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) serviceman, and the first thought that comes to his mind will probably be "Military Police".
For 40 years, Military Policemen have been the symbol of law enforcement in the SAF and the mere mention of "MP" will send chills down the spines of most servicemen.
On 1 Sep, the Military Police corps gathered at the new Mowbray Camp to celebrate the unit's 40th anniversary.
From a humble force of two officers and 54 MPs in 1966, the unit has grown from strength to strength over the years and is now an important entity that helps to maintain discipline and regimentation in the SAF.
1 Sep also marked a milestone in the unit's history as the SAF Provost Unit was renamed the SAF Military Police Command (MP Command).
In his speech, Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Yat Chung said that like the 3rd generation SAF, the Military Police corps must exploit technology "more intelligently and be willing to restructure to better meet the demands that the SAF will place on the SAF Military Police Command".
"The name change is not intended to be just symbolic. It represents the aspirations of what the SAF Military Police corps needs to be to meet the demands of the SAF," added LG Ng.
Agreeing was Commander, SAF MP Command, Lieutenant-Colonel Chan Wei Gan: "We will be more integrated and networked, leveraging on technology to strengthen our core competencies and expanding our capabilities."
After a ceremonial parade to mark its 40th anniversary, several demonstrations were put up to showcase the capabilities of the new SAF MP Command.
Among the performances, the most impressive one was when the Close Protection (CP) team showed how they provide security protection to VIPs like foreign military dignitaries. In a simulated attack, the driver of the VIP's vehicle executed a 180-degree turn, which got the crowd standing up, before escorting the VIP to safety.
Master Sergeant (MSG) Shamala Sithambaram is one of the few military policewomen in the SAF MP Command. As Station Warrant of Mowbray Station, MSG Shamala is proud to be an MP.
"I've been an MP for close to 26 years. I was 'born' an MP and am still an MP now," she said.
"Our vocation is different from other vocations. We're unique as we are the only law enforcers in the SAF. We are expected to uphold discipline and regimentation in the SAF."
MSG Shamala also felt that she had become a more confident person, as her job requires her to deal with external agencies like the Singapore Police Force and Central Narcotics Bureau, and at times, members of the public.
And her birthday wish for the new SAF MP Command?
"We want to be the best formation in the SAF! Hopefully, we can win a Best Unit award one day too." - CyberPioneer 06/09/06
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/news/2006/September/06sep06_news.html
