SAF'S CHEMICAL DEFENCE GROUP TURNS FOUR

"When I saw more people overtaking my buddy and me, my competitive side just took over," said Second Lieutenant (2LT) Loo Yong Ping from the 36th Battalion, Singapore Combat Engineers (36 SCE). "We ended up marching faster."

The full-time National Serviceman was describing his experience in the first-ever Diamond Challenge, organised by the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives (CBRE) Defence Group.

Held on 19 Oct at Seletar Camp, this annual event was part of birthday celebrations for the CBRE Defence Group, which turns four this year.

Since its inception, the group - comprising personnel from 36 SCE and 39 SCE - has worked with other local agencies on counter-terrorist efforts, and has been on stand-by for major events in Singapore.

Over 260 soldiers competed in the Diamond Challenge, which was also open to other SAF units. The challenge was adapted from the two-part CBRE Combat Fitness Test that the group's personnel take twice a year to keep themselves in tip-top condition.

Suited up in full protective gear, with face mask and gloves, participants had to first complete a 2-km route march in pairs within 30 minutes.

This was followed by a 2-km run in physical training attire and combat boots while wearing the face mask.

Chief Engineer Officer Colonel (COL) Teo Jing Siong flagged off both races with a turning rattle, which was used to warn soldiers of chemical attacks in World War II.

The top three runners were from 39 SCE. With a combined time of 17 minutes and 38 seconds, Private (PTE) Ong Yong Roy emerged the overall winner.

PTE Toh Hong Ta clocked 18 minutes to come in second, while PTE Glenn Tay came in third with 18 minutes and 14 seconds.

Chief of Army Major-General Desmond Kuek joined the group in a practice run the week before, as he was unable to attend the actual competition.

Such practice runs are just one component of the group's weekly training regime, which includes playing sports while wearing the face mask.

Still, the Diamond Challenge proved to be quite a workout, even for those who are used to wearing the protective garb.

"There is always this urge to remove all the equipment and breathe fresh air," said 39 SCE's Third Sergeant (3SG) Lai Jun Nan.

"But when you fight the urge and complete the entire race, you feel you've achieved something good."

COL Ho Kong Wai, Commander of the CBRE Defence Group, hopes that all the contestants will remember this sense of achievement for the rest of their lives.

Addressing them at the end of the event, he said: "I hope the Diamond Challenge will be a positive experience that will stay with you, even after you have left the Army."