80-740: The Singapore Armed Forces Band (commonly known as the SAF Band ) form the musical arm of the Singapore Armed Forces . Consisting of the flagship SAF Central Band and the SAF Ceremonial Band, the SAF Band provides musical support for key events such as the National Day Parade, SAF Day Parade, Passing Out Parades, Change of Command Parades and other military duties. Other than discharging ceremonial duties,
160-467: A motorised infantry battalion, with the Army announcing its plan to convert three more battalions to motorised infantry such that there would be one motorised infantry battalion in each of its three divisions. 4 SIR was dissolved on 3 March 2020 after its last mono-intake became operationally ready on 17 January 2020. On 13 August 2021, the last mono-intake of 6 SIR became operationally ready. 6 SIR
240-604: A "Physical Employment Status" (PES), which will be used as a guideline to determine for which vocation groupings they are deemed suitable. PES A and PES B1 (combat-fit) recruits go through a nine-week Basic Military Training (BMT) program, held at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) on the offshore island of Pulau Tekong . Recruits who are considered obese , are required to attend a 19-week PES Bp BMT weight-loss program. PES B2 formally PES C1 (fit for some combat vocations) recruits will go through
320-633: A captain by the commission and led the band to its first overseas visit in 1964: the band's visit to Kuala Lumpur as part of the Independence Day Parade on 31 August that year. A year after, WO1 Ahmad was appointed the Singapore Armed Forces Director of Music, becoming a lieutenant, and later as captain. He led the new SIR Band to the very first National Day Parade on the Padang the following year. By 1968,
400-530: A large pool of conscripts (also known as Full-time National Servicemen, or NSFs) in the active and reserve forces, with about 50,000 reaching military age annually. In recent years, the SAF has also taken on a more active role in counter-terrorism efforts. Prior to Singapore attaining its independence as a nation state , the British colonial force defended Singapore. The Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps (SVRC)
480-415: A maximum of 40 days per workyear for national duties, refresher trainings, mobilisations, upgrading courses and individual physical fitness tests and conditioning, depending on their NS unit deployment. Prior to enlistment, pre-enlistees (recruits) are required to attend a medical examination ( PULHHEEMS ) to determine their medical status to assess vocational suitability postings. They will then be issued
560-624: A maximum of seven weeks each time at the Bergen-Hohne Training Area and other locations. Under the Singapore Armed Forces Act, the president of Singapore has the authority to raise and maintain the SAF. The president also has the power to form, disband or amalgamate units within the SAF. The Armed Forces Council (AFC) administers matters relating to the SAF under the Singapore Armed Forces Act. The AFC consists of: Military offences are governed by
640-742: A musician sergeant with the army, and a part of the SIR Band, was then studying at Uxbridge at the RAF School of Music for Director of Music training. He graduated the next year and soon joined the RSN Band as its director. CPT Ahmad retired from his post in May 1979. In 1981, SGT Terry Seah Cheong Lock, who started his military music career earlier in 1975 with the Singapore Armoured Regiment Band, returned to Singapore from
720-529: A nine-week modified BMT programme at BMTC. PES C and PES E recruits (non-combat-fit) undertake a nine-week modified BMT program in BMTC School V at Kranji Camp II, where serviceman undergoing a four-week modified BMT programme before being deployed to various combat service support vocations such as Admin Support Assistant (ASA), Transport Operator, and Supply Assistant (SA). All servicemen, with
800-493: A number of US military vessels visit Singapore. The US Navy's Task Force 73/Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific is now located at Sembawang. The MOU was amended in 1999 to permit US naval vessels to berth at Changi Naval Base , which was completed in early 2001. Singapore's defence resources have also been used for international humanitarian aid missions. They included United Nations peacekeeping missions in areas such as Kosovo , Kuwait and East Timor , participation in
880-650: A restructuring of the bands within the Ministry of Defence for more effective distribution of manpower. From 1994, the different bands within the SAF Band operated at different camps and locations. The SAF Central Band and SAF Band HQ(RSNB) were by the time of the merger in Tanglin Camp, Parade Band B (RSAFB) in Tengah Airbase and Parade Band A (SIRB) in Pasir Laba Camp, as they formerly represented
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#1732791078266960-641: A second lieutenant (2LT) In 1975, the 3 SIB Band soon moved to Jurong Camp, the 3rd Division headquarters. In January 1977, Tonni Wei joined the MDC and Alan Teo returned to his old post. By February, 3 SIB Band became the SIR Band yet again, and Teo joined the now renamed Band of the Republic of Singapore Navy-the former 2 SIB Band-to Sembawang Camp and the RSN School of Naval Training. The SIR Band would later relocate itself at Jurong Camp that May. Peter Yan, then
1040-483: A silver or gold standard in a physical fitness test have an additional two months reduction, serving 22 months of NS effectively. Upon completion of their NSF stint, servicemen are considered as having reached their Operationally-ready Date (ORD) and are known as Operationally-ready National Servicemen (NSmen). Almost all NSmen go through a 10-year reservist cycle of military training with their assigned unit deployment. Almost all NSmen are obliged to be called up annually for
1120-568: A source of controversy over the years. Malays were virtually excluded from conscription from the beginning of the draft in 1967 until 1977 and, after the policy was eased, were assigned mainly to serve in the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force , and not active combat roles. In 1987, Lee Hsien Loong (then Second Minister for Defence) stated that "If there is a conflict, if
1200-520: A three-man team. At present, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is one of the largest employers of engineers and scientists in Singapore and the SAF continues to devote considerable resources to defence research and development (R&D) and experimentation—5% and 1% of the defence budget, respectively. Singapore's education system has also produced national servicemen who can be trained to operate SAF's sophisticated platforms and systems. In Sep 2008,
1280-527: A very high level of capability" and are "all integrated into a single cohesive fighting force." Armed Forces Day is commemorated by the SAF annually on 1 July, with a parade held at the SAFTI Military Institute . On 1 July 2018, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen announced that the SAF would transition from its current third-generation technologies to fourth next-generation technologies by overhauling its arsenal . On 27 February 2019,
1360-468: A wind orchestra, the SAF Central Band the SAF Central Band delivers performances in various capacities. Other than being a concert wind orchestra and a ceremonial marching band, the band also often reconfigures itself into other smaller groups, including chamber and jazz ensembles. In 2022, the SAF Central Band launched the highly successful National Education School Outreach Programme, where
1440-692: Is also considered to be the predecessor of the artillery formation of the Singapore Armed Forces. In 1901, additional non-artillery units were set up, including a Chinese infantry company, Eurasian infantry company, and the Singapore Volunteer Engineers, leading to the force being renamed as the Singapore Volunteer Corps (SVC). It assisted in suppressing the 1915 Singapore Mutiny . In 1921, the SVC
1520-809: Is assisted by the four chiefs of the respective services, who are two-star generals/admirals by establishment. The SAF has a Sergeant Major who currently holds the rank of CWO. The CDF is also supported by the Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, the Joint Operations Directorate, Joint Plans & Transformation Department, the Joint Manpower Department, the Joint Logistic Department, the Joint Intelligence Directorate, and Office of
1600-632: Is part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements , whose other members include the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia . Designed to replace the former defence role of the British in Singapore and Malaysia, the arrangement obliges members to consult in the event of external threat against Malaysia and Singapore. To this end, an Integrated Air Defence System is set up in Butterworth, Malaysia involving
1680-408: Is responsible for the design and development of the following military hardware: The SAF's first-generation army uniform was named Temasek Green from the simple flat green uniform, with brown and blue colours being used for the navy and air force's uniforms respectively. This was followed by the second-generation uniform, which used a patchy camouflage pattern for the army, while using overalls for
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#17327910782661760-459: Is similar to the proportion for eligible non-Malays." Women are exempt from full-time National Service in Singapore, but can sign on as a career soldier in both combat and non-combat roles. The range of positions available to women has been expanded gradually. In July 2007, the SAF held an exhibition highlighting the contributions of women in the armed forces. In recent years, some women have taken higher positions, such as BG Gan Siow Huang , who
1840-414: Is the highest ranking female officer and the first female General in the SAF. In 2014, a governmental Committee to Strengthening NS established a SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC). The SAFVC enables women, first generation Permanent Residents and new citizens to contribute to national defence and strengthen support for NS. Volunteers undergo a four-week course to gain basic military skills and values. Under
1920-628: Is the largest formation of the Singapore Army , comprising six active battalions —the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 8th and 9th Battalions, Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR)—based in Clementi Camp, Kranji Camp III, Maju Camp, Mandai Hill Camp, Selarang Camp and, an undisclosed number of reservist battalions. The Infantry formation shares the same command as that of the Singapore Army's 9th Division . The Infantry formation started with
2000-404: The 2005 Nias–Simeulue earthquake , the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake , Hurricane Katrina , and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake . Singapore's spending on military hardware has enabled the SAF to advance from a defensive and defeatist "poisoned shrimp" strategy to a forward defence military strategy in tandem with sustained economic growth . Since the 1980s the government of Singapore has maintained
2080-516: The Enlistment Act 1970 , conscription is mandatory for all "persons subject to [the] act", defined as those who are not less than 16 years and 6 months of age and not more than 40 years of age, with some exemptions and with no specific bias to gender. In practice however, it is only compulsory for all Singaporean men who have reached 18 years of age, and are not deferred or exempted for certain reasons, to be conscripted in military service. NS
2160-714: The Gurkha Contingent for guard mounting at the Istana , the official residence of the president of Singapore. Two years later, 1 SIR received its regimental colours. In 1962, the 2nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (2 SIR) was formed. From 1963 to 1965, when Singapore was part of Malaysia , the Singapore Infantry Regiment was renamed the Malaysian Infantry Regiment. The two battalions were called to serve during
2240-564: The Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation , with 1 SIR and 2 SIR deployed to Sebatik Island , Sabah and Labis , Johor respectively. When Singapore gained independence in 1965, the regiment was renamed back to the Singapore Infantry Regiment. Two years later, two more battalions—3 SIR and 4 SIR—were formed when National Service (NS) was introduced in Singapore. Over the years, four more battalions—5 SIR, 6 SIR, 7 SIR and 8 SIR—were created. In 1977 and 1978, 7 SIR and 8 SIR were converted to
2320-765: The Multi-National Force – Iraq , sending military equipment and personnel to assist in the humanitarian rescue and relief efforts in Indonesia after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami , and the United States after Hurricane Katrina , sending medical supplies and personnel in response to the earthquake in Nepal and establishing medical and dental assets for use by the Afghan people. The Republic of Singapore Navy contributes to anti-piracy efforts in
2400-783: The National Coat of Arms which was launched on 3 December 1959 together with the National Flag and National Anthem at the installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara at the City Hall steps and adopted by government agencies nationwide. Below the logo is a banner inscribed with the Band's motto, "In Harmony". The logo was designed by MAJ Tonni Wei and SSG Goh Poh Wah. The unit is made up the SAF Band HQ and two operational bands:
2480-752: The Singapore Infantry Regiment March , later became the Singapore Army's official march. Lt. Edward Crowcroft of the York and Northumberland Brigade Band succeeded WO1 Roy in September 1962 as Bandmaster and Director of Music. By November, it became the Singapore Infantry Regiment Band, and WO1 Arthur Edward Hollowell, DOM of the Band of the Parachute Brigade, replaced Lt. Crowcroft. He became
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2560-563: The United States Congress approved, with the option to acquire a further eight more and beyond. This acquisition is significant as "Singapore will fly the most advanced fleet of fighters in its region" which reflects its security relationship with the United States . Furthermore, Singapore stands out from all the other countries in Southeast Asia with its technological sophistication and equipment that "operates at
2640-559: The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Guards formation. 8 SIR was re-created later as an Infantry battalion. On 15 January 1980, the Singapore Army set up the HQ Infantry to oversee all infantry doctrinal and training matters up to the battalion level. On 17 August 2004, the HQ Infantry merged with the 9th Division (9 DIV) to form the HQ 9 DIV/Infantry. In May 2011, 2 SIR was converted into
2720-953: The Gulf of Aden off the eastern coast of Somalia as part of the 25 nations coalition Combined Maritime Forces . Several of the SAF's top officers have thus overseas operational military experience. Singapore was the only Asian country to contribute assets and personnel to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and had participated in Operation Gallant Phoenix since May 2017. Many of the Singapore's air units are located abroad such as: No. 130 Squadron in Australia, No. 150 Squadron in France, or joint USAF - RSAF 425th and 428th Fighter Squadron . Since 2009, up to 90 soldiers annually are sent to Germany for exercises of
2800-819: The Inspector-General of the Armed Forces. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has five rank schemes for active and reservist personnel, with a sixth for the auxiliaries of the SAF Volunteer Corps . The SAF has a unique rank structure as an integrated force, ranks are the same in the Singapore Army , the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), and the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS). The SAF utilises technology as " force multipliers ", especially in
2880-476: The Istana, performing for Presidential events and all State Welcome Ceremonies for visiting foreign dignitaries. Recognised as one of the most prolific military bands in the world, the SAF Central Band has performed in numerous countries including Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, Scotland, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, and
2960-662: The NDP and major military events such as the Open Houses as well as their concerts. By 1982, the SAR Band (4SIB Band) was soon relaunched as the Republic of Singapore Air Force Band, and would later move to Tengah Air Base. The SIR Band was also relaunched as the Singapore Army Band, but the band's new name and image never caught on. In 1986 the RSN Band welcomed its first lady musician. Their first appearance together in
3040-791: The NDP was in 1987's edition in the Padang conducted by the SAF's first Senior Director of Music MAJ Erwin Dragon, with another joint performance in 1990. 1988 saw the rebirth of the SAF Music Board and the formation of the SAF Symphonic Wind Band. The SAF Band was formed in 1994 from men and women of the Singapore Infantry Regiment Band, Republic of Singapore Air Force Band and Republic of Singapore Navy Band. The formation of SAF Band come in
3120-470: The Parade Bands were renamed as the SAF Ceremonial Band to reflect their duties more accurately. The logo of SAF Band is a combination of the three services within the armed forces. Light blue signifies the air division, red signifies the land division and deep blue signifies the sea division. They are all united within the lyre, which is a universal symbol of military musicians. The logo is topped with
3200-611: The SAF Band also presents public concerts that aim to bring a wide range of music to the populace. They also seek to build up the band's music repertoire into an extensive array of styles and variety. Singapore's military music would begin a year before it became self-governing. The formation of the Singapore Military Forces Staff Band on 1 June 1958 spelled the beginning of the nation's love affair with military bands. From this core group of 45 musicians would come five generations of military musicians from
3280-406: The SAF Central Band and the SAF Ceremonial Band. The SAF Band HQ is led by Senior Director of Music, ME6 Philip Tng and Regimental Sergeant Major, ME3 Gilbert Lim. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Central Band was formed during the merger of the tri-service bands in 1994 to serve as the nation's premier military band. Staffed by professional military musicians, the SAF Central Band is often seen at
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3360-633: The SAF Central Band generates goodwill, strengthens defence relations with foreign armed forces, and furthers Singapore's defence policy space. Made up of Full-time National Servicemen (NSF) and Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), the SAF Ceremonial Band supports the monthly Istana Changing of the Guards Ceremony, Specialist Cadet School (SCS) Graduation Parade, Officer Cadet School (OCS) Commissioning Parades, Guard of Honour (GOH) Parades for visiting dignitaries and other internal SAF ceremonies. The Ceremonial Band's two sections continue
3440-602: The SAF and the Enlistment Act in the Singapore Statutes. However, civilian offences (e.g. against the Penal Code) may also amount to a military offence. Offences may be prosecuted by military prosecutors, through the military justice system, or through the civilian judicial system. The SAF consists of four service branches: The SAF comprises seven standing task forces: Supporting the combat role of
3520-429: The SAF are other governmental organisations of MINDEF, such as the Defence Policy Group, the Defence Management Group, the Defence Technology Group, and the Defence Science & Technology Agency. Within these groups are the Central Manpower Base , Defence Cyber Organisation, and the Military Security Department . Domestic technology companies also play a role in building up Singapore's military capabilities, particularly
3600-460: The SAF as a modern and technically proficient armed force that is capable of conventional warfare on land. The SAF's declared mission statement is to "enhance Singapore’s peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor". The SAF's policy towards Malay people , who share religious and ethnic ties with Singapore's largest neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia, has been
3680-409: The SAF has assisted the United Nations to oversee and supervise the electoral process in countries such as Cambodia , Ethiopia , Namibia and South Africa . It has an approximate active strength of over 51,000 full-time personnel and is capable of mobilising over 252,500 reservists (also known as National Servicemen, or NSmen) in the event of national exigencies or a full-scale war. It also has
3760-406: The SAF in Singapore has developed extensive links with armed forces from other countries. In recent years, there has also been an increased emphasis on peacekeeping and international emergency relief operations. Notable are the SAF's contribution to the peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan , East Timor , the Persian Gulf , as well as the disaster response in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake ,
3840-436: The SAF in Singapore was to pose a reasonable deterrence to the two historically hostile neighbours of Singapore. Singapore became known as the "most heavily armed country on earth" when it purchased light tanks , M113 armoured personnel carriers , A-4 Skyhawks , and F-5 fighter aircraft in the mid-1970s. In the 1980s the SAF in Singapore armed itself to attain the capability to defend Singapore's maritime lifeline. In
3920-518: The SAF is called to defend the homeland, we do not want to put any of our soldiers in a difficult position where his emotions for the nation may be in conflict with his religion." Military analyst Sean Walsh claimed that "official discrimination against the Malay population remains an open secret". The Ministry of Defence contests the charge, noting that there are "Malay pilots, commandos and air defence personnel" and stating that "the proportion of eligible Malays selected for specialist and officer training
4000-436: The SAF officially opened its Murai Urban Training Facility (MUTF) to hone the SAF's networked urban operations capability. The MUTF resembles a typical town and allows the soldiers to train realistically in an urban setting. In the same month, the SAF's new combat uniform, as well as the Advanced Combat Man System , were also unveiled for the first time. The country also has an established military manufacturing industry that
4080-426: The SIR Band at HQ 1 Singapore Infantry Btn., Beach Road Camp. They both later moved to HQ 3 SIB at Ulu Pandan Camp and later at 5 SIB at Portsdown Camp, and by 1972, the latter band was led by a Republic of Singapore Police officer, WO1 Ervin Dragon. By January the next year, a new band, the NSF (National Service-Full-time) Band, was formed at Telok Pagu Camp at Changi. WO2 Alan Teo became its first conductor. May saw
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#17327910782664160-400: The UK after graduating from the Royal Air Force School of Music in England. He was commissioned as an officer upon his return, as well as being appointed the new Director of Music of SIR Band. CPT Terry Seah Cheong Lock led the band for 13 years, up to 1994. As the 1980s progressed the public image of the bands was positive indeed, reinforced with increased participation of the service bands in
4240-717: The United States of America. In 2023, the SAF Central Band was deployed to perform in Arizona, in conjunction with the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Peace Carvin II Detachment. On the domestic front, the SAF Central Band is an integral part of the annual National Day Parade. Through its popular "Chamber Repertory" and "In Harmony" concerts at the Esplanade Concert Hall, the SAF Central Band has collaborated with many notable conductors, composers, and instrumentalists including Alan McMuray, Douglas Bostock, Frank Ticheli , Evelyn Glennie , Jan Van der Roost , Toshio Akiyama, Yasuhide Ito, Eric Whitacre , Hardy Mertens , Philip Sparke, James Barnes , Steven Mead and Tsung Yeh. Other than being
4320-501: The advice of the Cabinet . Since its inception, the SAF has been involved in various operations, both domestically and abroad. These include peacekeeping missions in places such as Afghanistan , Iraq , Nepal and Timor Leste as well as disaster relief operations in various countries, including the 1970 Bhola cyclone , 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami , Hurricane Katrina , 2008 Sichuan earthquake , April 2015 Nepal earthquake , Hurricane Harvey , among others. In addition,
4400-417: The area of C4I integration, which will enable its various units to fight in an integrated manner. The Army, Air Force and Navy are linked via advanced data-links and networks to enable coordinated attacks and support for various units and forces. Technology is an important element in the SAF's transformation into a 3rd Generation Fighting Force. The SAF acknowledges that technology is crucial for overcoming
4480-618: The army and navy. The third and current generation of combat uniforms, commonly known as the No. 4, uses digital camouflage with base colours green, blue, light grey and dark grey for the army, air force, navy and DIS respectively. In June 2018, the SAF introduced a new variant of the uniform for combat units, which provides more effective cooling in a manner similar to the ones issued to US army personnel for tropical climates. The SAF's desert-camouflage uniforms are only issued to personnel deployed overseas to countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Singapore Infantry Regiment Infantry
4560-404: The band made its first recording under his direction. By that time now LTA Ahmad was also responsible for the Band of the People' Defence Force, the official band of the armed forces' volunteer component. After different names, the band was dissolved in 1974 and personnel were given to the other bands. At the same time, the Band of the Singapore Armed Forces was formed, with joint headquarters with
4640-445: The band promotes National Education and Commitment to Defence through music at various secondary and tertiary institutions. As musical ambassadors of Singapore and the SAF, the SAF Central Band fosters close relations with the local and international populace. The SAF Central Band projects the professionalism of the SAF and rouses the spirit of the nation in peacetime and war. Through its international reach and captivating performances,
4720-465: The best air force and navy in Southeast Asia." Singapore's wealth allows it to acquire and make the best equipment available as well as incorporate high-end technological equipment into its nation military forces. The SAF is also called "the most technologically advanced armed forces across the Association of Southeast Asian Nation states". A key recent example was Singapore's decision to acquire four Lockheed Martin's F-35B Joint Strike Fighters , which
4800-401: The collection of reusable masks. The SAF also deployed manpower to assist in manning thermal imagery machines at the airport to screen travellers with symptoms. The SAF was also involved in managing COVID-19 cases in foreign worker dormitories and at isolation facilities Deterrence and diplomacy have been the fundamental tenets of Singapore's military defence policy. Through the years,
4880-500: The command and control of operations involving several battalions. Singapore has consistently supported a strong US military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. In 1990, the US and Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which allows the US access to Singapore facilities at Paya Lebar Air Base and the Sembawang wharves. Under the MOU, a US Navy logistics unit was established in Singapore in 1992; US fighter aircraft deploy periodically to Singapore for exercises, and
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#17327910782664960-414: The country. A component of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the armed forces have four service branches : the Army , Navy , Air Force , and Digital and Intelligence Service . An integrated force , it is one of the most capable, robust, technologically sophisticated and powerful militaries in the Southeast Asia region. The SAF is headed by the chief of defence force , appointed by the President , on
5040-456: The country’s armed services. WO1 Frederick Roy, the 15th/19th Hussars bandmaster became the first Director of Music of the SMFSB, a duty he did until 1962. The band's main duty then was as musical support to the Singapore Infantry Regiment 's activities. One of his young musicians, SSGT Abdullah Ahmad, was sent to the Royal Military School of Music for further training, later becoming a warrant officer upon graduating. The band's first composition,
5120-430: The creation of the 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) on 12 March 1957 when Singapore was moving towards self-government . On 4 March 1957, young men born and raised in Singapore were recruited to serve in 1 SIR. Out of 1,420 applicants, only 237 were accepted for training. 1 SIR was intended to be combined with another battalion to form a regiment. After Singapore's self-governance in 1959, 1 SIR replaced
5200-473: The exception commandos, naval divers and service support vocation units, will complete their BMT at BMTC. Initially, commissioned officers were drawn exclusively from the ranks of Singaporeans who had completed their GCE A levels or embarked on tertiary studies. While the requirements have since been revised, the SAF has still been criticised for "using a promotion system that is based more on education and scholarships than on proven competence". Singapore
5280-405: The first name change for the bands. They were renamed as Alan Teo, by then a captain, left the DOM post at 2 SIB band by July that year, to join the then newly created SAF Music and Drama Company. Tonni Wei, then a sergeant and playing with one of the bands, was then studying at the Royal Military School of Music, graduating in October 1976 to become the bandmaster of 2 SIB Band, was commissioned as
5360-450: The government-linked ST Engineering (formerly known as Chartered Industries of Singapore), which has designed and built SAF weaponry and equipment. The position of Chief of Defence Force was established in 1990, with the inaugural holder being Winston Choo , who was previously Chief of the General Staff. The SAF is headed by the CDF, a three-star General by establishment and the only active SAF General that can hold three-star rank. He
5440-410: The guidance of the Israeli military advisory team, the SAF established its organisation, doctrine, training, as well as its equipment, and arsenal . The SAF in Singapore benefited from conscription and massive public spending. In the mid-1970s, the SAF in Singapore had a force of 300,000 soldiers, including regular soldiers, conscript soldiers, as well as reserve force soldiers. The political purpose of
5520-406: The heritage of the bands of the Singapore Infantry Regiment and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. The SAF Band had also represented Singapore at international music festivals. These include: Singapore Armed Forces The Singapore Armed Forces ( SAF ) are the military of the Republic of Singapore , responsible for protecting and defending the security interests and the sovereignty of
5600-554: The hijackers gave their ultimatum to have their demands fulfilled at 6.15am SGT of the following morning, Commandos from SAF's Special Operations Force (SOF) stormed the plane, killing all hijackers and rescuing the hostages. During the SARS outbreak in 2003, SAF paramedics were deployed at Changi Airport to screen incoming passengers from places hit by SARS. The SAF also deployed 220 servicemen with operations such as screening, contact tracing and enforcing home quarantine orders. The team also managed other major operations, such as
5680-399: The limitations of Singapore's small population. Having consistently had one of the largest defence budgets in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore has focused on maintaining its spending on sophisticated and superior weaponry. Research and experimentation to develop a technological edge began as early as 1971, even though the SAF then had only rudimentary capabilities. The effort started off with
5760-462: The mid-1980s Singapore purchased eight F-16 fighter-bombers , demonstrating the intent to maintain the SAF as unrivalled in Southeast Asia . In the early 1990s the SAF in Singapore attained the military force necessary to defend Singapore up to 1,000 miles at sea, and therefore respond if necessary to any conflict in the region. Singapore has been described as "a military powerhouse with
5840-434: The office of Inspector-General of the Armed Forces was set up to ensure that safety protocols are applied and enforced throughout the military following the death of Aloysius Pang , who was the fourth training related fatality in 18 months after 2017. On 15 March 1986, the six-storey Hotel New World collapsed. SAF soldiers aided in rescue operations, working alongside members of the Singapore Civil Defence Force to remove
5920-611: The quarantine of 1,500 staff from the Institute of Mental Health. In 2004, the Singapore Armed Forces also responded to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami . During the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020, SAF servicemen were called upon to pack and transport masks, conduct tracing calls, and check compliance with stay home notices. MINDEF personnel also ran the National Call Centre to address public queries on
6000-568: The rubble. RSAF UH-1H helicopters were on standby at the nearby Farrer Park football field to evacuate rescued victims to the Singapore General Hospital. On 26 March 1991, Singapore Airlines Flight 117 was hijacked by four Pakistanis en route to Singapore. Upon landing in Changi Airport at 8:15pm SGT, the hijackers demanded the release of several Pakistan Peoples Party members. Negotiations faltered, and after
6080-572: The stationing of officers from the 5 countries at its headquarters. In 1975, President Chiang Ching-kuo and Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew signed an agreement code-named "Project Starlight" (星光計畫, also known as Hsing Kuang), wherein Singaporean troops could conduct training exercises in Taiwan. These exercises, engaging as many as 10,000 troops at any one time, provided officers a chance to simulate wartime conditions more closely and gain experience in
6160-536: The three branches of the SAF before their 1994 merger which resulted to these bands playing for the SAF at various events, including their participation in the National Day Parade as regular participants and arrival honours ceremonies at the Istana. These sections combined in November 2003 after the completion of renovations work to the 'White House', the former British Officers’ Mess in Nee Soon Camp. In 2009,
6240-505: Was combined with other volunteer forces from Malacca and Penang as the Straits Settlements Volunteer Force (SSVF). During World War II the voluntary military forces of Singapore sustained heavy casualties. The voluntary military force of Singapore was reestablished in 1949. In 1965 an Israeli military advisory team arrived in Singapore, which would remain in the country for the next nine years. Under
6320-542: Was first created in 1854 as a private organisation, with the governor serving as its first Colonel . It was later gazetted in 1857. However, participation in the SVRC was weak and it was disbanded on 16 December 1887 in favour of forming an artillery corps instead. This was to be the Singapore Volunteer Artillery (SVA), which was formed in 1888 to operate the gun emplacements around Singapore, and
6400-491: Was initially three years for commissioned officers and two years for other ranks, but it was later revised to two years and six months for soldiers with the rank of Corporal and above, and two years for those with the rank of Lance Corporal or lower. In June 2004, NS was shortened to two years for all Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), regardless of rank, due to changes in population demographics, manpower requirements and technological advancements. Combat fit NSFs who obtain
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