TMP

Singapore

Singapore's Commandos

Commandos Emblem

When LTC (Ret) Clarence Tan and LTC (Ret) James Chia were put in charge of the recruitment of Commandos in 1967, the idea of forming a regular company of handpicked troops was but in its infancy. A group of 10 regular Officers and 20 other ranks then came together under the name of Regular Battalion on 1 Dec 1969. It was housed at the corner of SATI where the then SISL (now SISPEC) occupied.

As the unit grew in size, it became obvious that it was a matter of time before a larger premise was necessary. This shift was effected on 16th July 1971 when the SAF Commando Unit moved to Changi Camp and was renamed 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn).

1971
With a growing strength and a need for a better identity, they were renamed the SAF Commando Unit. This was also the year when SAF changed the standard head-dress from jungle-hats to berets. Since the red beret is universally symbolic worldwide of elite airborne troops it was selected as the head-dress for the SAF Commandos.

1973
The enlistment of the first batch of National Service C ce. They pressed on and to date, the SAF Commandos comprise an active Battalion, a NS Battalion, a School of Commando and a Command Headquarters.

1977
On 22 Jan 1977, the Commandos received the State as well as the 1 Commando Battalion Regimental Colours.

1981
1981 saw the inception of the Headquarters School of Commando Training (SOCT), the adoption of the winged bayonet emblem and the motto 'For Honour and Glory'.

A Stiletto, a double-edged killing knife with sharp point, made famous by British Commandos during WWII, was also presented with the red berets. SAF Commandos from 2 Company were the first Singapore Armed Forces' Commandos to be presented with the Stiletto, in 1986.

1991
On 20 Oct 1991, the HQ Commando Regimental Colours were received, and it marked the epitome of skills, strength and efficiency of the Commando Formation.

1993

Hendon Camp, home of the Commandos was officially inaugurated on 27 Jun 1993 by the then Chief of Defence Force, LG Ng Jui Ping. The opening of the camp was a grand affair, signifying the coming of age of an elite formation.

The Men of the Red Berets

	Commandos are the raid specialists in the army. They strike mostly under the cover of darkness and employ various means to get to their target undetected. They are thus adept at infiltrating enemy territory using airborne raids, helicopter assaults or sea landings. All Commandos learn the use of assault boats and other light vessels for stealthy infiltration into enemy territory. Commandos will usually operate at small unit level, to carry out raids on important targets.
Travelling by boat allows silent entry and exit to and from enemy territory, thus lessening the chances of detection. Reconnaissance (or recce) operations are something the Commandos can do much better than the average soldier. Such operations demand high combat fitness, stamina, drive and mental agility and push them to their limits.
	Commandos on recce patrol avoid contact with enemy forces but are expected to observe and report enemy activities and terrain information until their mission is accomplished. As such, the Commandos are adept at living off the land. Commandos can also sabotage enemy installations and are thus well trained in various skills like demolition, signals, and medical aid. Most Commandos are usually cross-trained in various skills and arms used so that they can take over each other's functions if necessary.
Training Parachuting
	The common brotherhood of the Red Berets is derived by the experience of parachuting. No Commando wears the Red Beret without having previously earned the parachutist wings. The Commando BAC entails a total of five parachute descents. Three of these will be executed in daylight, whilst two are executed in darkness. To successfully graduate from the course, Commando trainees are required to execute a day and night combat equipment jump each.
Ranger
	The SAF Ranger Course is a 65-days course that aims to develop small unit leadership to the highest levels. It exposes the trainees to a robust course of instruction, deliberately structured within the parameters of emotional, mental and physical stress. Throughout the course, attention is paid to the command and control capability of Ranger students, as well as their ability to perform otherwise simple task under the worse possible conditions.
The Ranger thus finds himself constantly watched over and supervised in a realistic and extremely demanding field environment. Motto The motto "Honour and Glory" entreats each Commando to achieve all missions he undertakes for the Honour and Glory of the Commando Formation, the SAF and Singapore. Insignia

1. Green Background
It is an indication of an infantry unit.

2. Stiletto Knife
The Stiletto is predominantly a killing knife with a very sharp point. It derives its origin from the British Commandos who used it to great effect in the Second World War. Since 1986, all Commandos are presented with the Stiletto upon receiving the Red Beret.

3. Gold Ribbon/Border
It represents the unit as an elite outfit.

4. Winged Bayonet
The wings and bayonet denotes the elite airborne status of the Commandos.