INFANTRY SPECIALISTS' SCHOOL RETURNS TO BIRTHPLACE AT PASIR LABA

The Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) School of Infantry Specialists (SISPEC) has moved from Pulau Tekong to Pasir Laba Camp (PLC) - the place where it was 'born' almost 40 years ago.

As one third of the Specialist and Warrant Officer Institute (SWI), SISPEC is now located with the other two schools of SWI - the School of Infantry Weapons (SIW) and the SAF Warrant Officer School (SAFWOS).

Commanding Officer of SISPEC, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Wong Weng Kong, said the move back to Pasir Laba meant that the training of the Warrant Officers and Specialists (WOSPEC) Corps would henceforth be conducted in the same complex.

By having these three schools in the same location, we are now able to create a true home for the WOSPEC Corps, he said.

LTC Wong said this also allowed for a strong bond to be forged between the Warrant Officers and the trainees at SISPEC.

We are now able to share experiences more directly and very quickly between the Warrant Officers and the trainees at SISPEC. This form of informal learning is very powerful because it gives the trainees a better perspective of leadership in the Army.

Agreeing with LTC Wong, Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Sofian Bin Rohani, a platoon commander in Alpha company said: With SISPEC returning to its home in PLC, sharing of valuable experience between trainers and trainees of the three schools will be enhanced, and bonds among members of the Army s WOSPEC corps will be further strengthened.

In addition, the three schools now provide an integrated learning curriculum for members of the WOSPEC Corps.

On practical benefits, LTC Wong said that PLC offered enhanced training opportunities: The area around here will expose our trainees to a more diverse environment. We will continue to provide demanding and challenging training that will help raise the competence and confidence levels of our trainees.

Intangible benefit

To mark the return to PLC, a SISPEC Time Capsule was laid in a specially-designed landmark at the camp on 28 Feb.

Under the hot afternoon sun, soldiers stood ramrod straight as they watched mementoes of special value being placed carefully inside the capsule. And as the soldiers broke out in song when the capsule was sealed, their pride was unmistakable.

These soldiers are the latest batch of trainees who reflect SISPEC's core mission of producing effective Section Commanders, Platoon Sergeants and Company Sergeant-Majors.

Coming back to PLC returns us to our roots and heritage. Heritage and tradition are two things that are vital in the military. So this intangible benefit is very significant, explained LTC Wong.

The SISPEC Time Capsule landmark was built to commemorate this return of SISPEC to its rich heritage.

Mementoes that narrate the history of SISPEC were placed in the capsule.

First Warrant Officer (1WO) Michael Pereira, Officer Commanding, Foxtrot Company contributed the three previous logos of the school and the current SISPEC logo that was designed in 1992, to the capsule.

The logos are to let the younger generation know of our roots. When people see these logos, they will know of the changes that SISPEC had undergone in the past, he said.

He added that it was the job of older Warrant Officers to share with future trainees the rich heritage and history of SISPEC when the capsule is reopened 20 years later.

The opening of the capsule in 2026 will also give SISPEC commanders and men a sense of perspective when they reflect on the history of SISPEC and its rich heritage.

But for the present, the capsule will serve as an inspiration for all in SISPEC to carry on its proud tradition of producing first-class section leaders who will go on to become first-class platoon sergeants, company sergeant-majors and warrant officers.

SISPEC had its beginnings in 1966 when the SAF Training Institute (SAFTI) was formed and housed at Pasir Laba Camp.