NS ARMOUR UNIT CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL COMPANY LIVE-FIRING

The ground trembled as Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tanks raced across the vast German terrain. Bright orange balls of flames exploded across the desert as the tanks took turns to take down both moving and static targets. It was a sight to behold as the targets were eliminated.

Such achievements may not be new to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), but to the Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) tankees from Headquarters Armour, it was all they had been training for. Over 150 NSmen were taking part in Exercise Panzer Strike 2017 in Oberlausitz Military Training Area, Germany, from 19 Sep to 1 Oct.

Watching the inaugural company live-firing on 29 Sep (GMT +1) was Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Perry Lim, who commended the NSmen on their professionalism.

He said: "I was very impressed by their sharp gunnery skills during the live-firing. These NSmen don't do this on a day-to-day basis; and to be able to acquire that level of capabilities is an achievement."

He was also heartened by the commitment of the unit, adding that NSmen formed the backbone of the Singapore Armed Forces.

"It's not easy for them to leave their jobs for two to three weeks to come here for military training. But they are in very good spirits. They obviously enjoy each other's company, and they are a lot more effective fighting together, after knowing each other for so many years."

Exercise Panzer Strike 2017 almost felt like a gathering of long-time NS buddies. This was their 7th In-Camp Training (ICT). The last time these tankees trained in Germany, they were still fresh-faced Full-Time National Servicemen.

Commanding Officer (CO) Major (MAJ) (NS) Ryan Tan explained: "The guys are putting everything they have learnt in the past eight years into this exercise -- two years of (full-time) NS, six years of ICT -- it is the ultimate test of their professional capability as an NS armour unit." The 35-year-old is Vice-President of Mergers and Acquisitions and Strategy in StarHub.

Apart from the platoon and company live-firing, the large training area, which is a quarter of the size of Singapore, provided an opportunity for the NSmen to practise their command and control, and test out different manoeuvres.

For Platoon Commander Lieutenant (LTA) (NS) Goh Si Liang, the exercise was an eye-opener as it was the first time that he commanded four tanks during the platoon live-firing. He had to have oversight of the positions of the tanks, which was no easy task, as the tanks were far apart, spread out across the vast landscape.

"Unlike in Singapore, where I can easily spot all the tanks, I now have to rely on the different tank commanders to inform me of their locations. Whenever there's a target, I can assign which tanks to fire so that there will not be any cross-firing," said the 30-year-old, who is an event organiser at Black Vine Pte Ltd.

Using live rounds also meant that LTA (NS) Goh could make a decision to re-shoot, should the tanks miss a target, as opposed to seeking permission before re-engaging when training in Singapore.

He explained: "If you miss, the next action is to re-fire and hit the target. I can make the call on the ground and it feels very realistic. This gives me a sense of empowerment, and I definitely feel more confident after this exercise, knowing that all our years of training have paid off."

For tank loader Corporal First Class (CFC) (NS) Tarun Jayaram, the challenge was to load as fast as he could.

"During live-range, targets can pop up anytime and anywhere, so if there's a need to repeat fire on a target that we missed, or engage a new target, we are ready within seconds," said 28-year-old freelance band director.

Having trained with his crew for nine years, CFC (NS) Tarun shared that the chemistry and communication within the unit was almost instinctive. Whether it was an understanding between gunner and loader, or simply as friends, the relationship was strong.

He said: "A lot of times when my gunner is about to ask me to do something, I already know what to do. It happens very often. He just has to say my name, and I will perform the task." Corporal (CPL) (NS) David Koh could attest to that: "We know each other's habits and quirks very well. So when I require CFC (NS) Tarun to do something, I just need to say, 'get this done', and he will do it automatically."

The 28-year-old gunner added that training in the vast terrain allowed him to hone his scanning skills, as he often had to scan a larger area to spot targets. The land constraints in Singapore simply do not allow him to do so.

The investment analyst, who is working in an asset management firm, explained: "I'm able to use the full capabilities of scanning, and there is an element of surprise when the target pops up and we fire. As a gunner, this trains my flexibility and it's a test of how well I can adapt to the different scenarios."

Training and honing of skills aside, the exercise also brought back good memories for these NSmen. As CFC (NS) Tarun put it: "It's good to be back and see that we're still maintaining our competencies that we developed during our (full-time) NS days. Being NSmen, we don't do this every day and it's reassuring to know that we haven't lost our touch."

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