SAF WELCOMES NEW ADDITION TO THE FAMILY - FIRST MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BATTALION INAUGURATED

After gruelling months of training, the 1st Battalion, Military Intelligence (1 MI Bn) celebrated the 'coming of age' of its capabilities with an Inauguration Parade on 29 Sep.

Formed barely a year ago, 1 MI Bn's role is to provide intelligence to the Singapore Armed Forces Action Group, for increased situation awareness and better decision making, as well as conduct experiments and field trials of new intelligence equipment.

In his speech at the Inauguration Parade, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Desmond Kuek was full of praise for the pioneering batch of the battalion, comprising regulars and full-time National Servicemen.

He said: "You [specialists] help the battalion to build its capabilities today...your hard work and dedication are well-appreciated and this moment is dedicated to you."

Third Sergeant (3SG) Brandon Toh (left) felt honoured and proud to be in the first Military Intelligence unit.

"We set all the standards for the weapons and sensors that may be used by future soldiers," he said, adding that he had the opportunity to test equipment that other soldiers might not have seen before.

3SG Toh has already been involved in operations supporting major events this year, like the 4th Shangri-La Dialogue on regional maritime security, the 117th International Olympic Committee Session and National Day Parade.

The Inauguration Parade also saw MG Kuek presenting 1 MI Bn insignias to the battalion's key appointment holders, as well as signing the inauguration plaque and presenting it to Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Kuan.

The key features of the Military Intelligence unit's insignia are a flying bat and a yellow triangle.

The bat serves as an inspiration to the Military Intelligence unit because of its strong senses and high manoeuvres during flight which bear a resemblance to the sort of operations in which the unit engages.

The yellow triangle, with the numeral one at the top, represents the 1st Battalion, Military Intelligence.

The motto, 'First In', is a constant reminder to the battalion of its mission to provide timely and accurate information and the desire to be a cut above the rest.