READY FOR THE LEOPARD

It is difficult to write about the Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tank (MBT) in comparison to anything else that has come before it. The 55-tonne colossus outclasses other tanks that the Singapore Army has ever used, and for good reason too - this is the latest acquisition, specifically intended to replace them.

Thus, it was a momentous occasion when the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) pioneer batch of Leopard Tank trainees conducted their Passing Out Parade on 27 Sep, marking the end of their basic Trades Course and their formal investiture as tank crewmen.

The men from 1st Company, 48th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment (48 SAR), had commenced their Trades Course in August, when they were fresh out of Basic Military Training.

The course trained them to be proficient in their individual roles as tank gunners, loaders and drivers.

None of them had ever worked on, or expected to work on, a tank.

Speaking to cyberpioneer, Private (PTE) Tarun Jayaram said he was "surprised at first" to be given the responsibility of a gunner. Since then, the 19-year-old has clocked numerous training hours at the turret trainer, a life-sized simulator of the Leopard's turret.

"It takes some getting used to, but after going through training and with dedicated instructors, we've all gotten to know our roles very well," he said.

PTE Tarun, who was awarded Best Gunner of his entire cohort, was also selected to serve as Parade Commander for the parade.

This was in line with what appears to be the Company's modus operandi to put their trainees first. It is a philosophy that is shared by all its instructors and well appreciated by their young wards.

"The instructors are very caring," said PTE Marcus Leow. "If we can't finish something in time, they'll stay back with us to practise and help us until we get it."

Similar sentiments were echoed by his fellow trainees, such as PTE Nicholas Antoine Lai.

"The Leopard Training Section instructors are very good, considering we're their first batch," he said. "They're not much older than us, but they command our respect."

A good number of the trainees' instructors were newly-commissioned officers and specialists, who were themselves new to the operational procedures of a Leopard tank.

However, they still managed to build a team of tank crewmen who are proficient, and work with one another in a seamless fashion, ensuring that they fulfill the SAF's operational requirements.

For Officer Commanding Captain Matthias Goh, the parade was a milestone to remember.

"I'm delighted because they're the first batch of tank crewmen to have acquired the necessary set of skills. It's been a very exciting journey," he said.

"Not only have we all learnt new things about the tank, but also new things about ourselves."

Thanking the instructors for their efforts was Commanding Officer 48 SAR, Lieutenant-Colonel Ng Chia Yong, who was present at the parade.

"Today really belongs to the men and commanders of 1st Company," he declared proudly.

"Their determination, perseverance and self-belief have led them to become a foremost Company in the SAF."