As the Indo-Pacific faces heightened security tensions, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is promoting readiness and excellence among its personnel through programs and initiatives such as the Best Unit Competition, designed to foster camaraderie and operational preparedness.
The long-running competition recognizes distinction in combat readiness, operational proficiency and administrative performance. “The recognition and awards offered to the units are a display of the unit’s excellence, and a badge of pride and prestige for servicemen both past and present,” Thomas Lim, a senior analyst with the military studies program at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, told FORUM. The initiative also strengthens connections among unit members, he said.
Air Force, Army and Navy units collected top honors in the 2024 competition, which concluded in late June.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s 142 Squadron was recognized for “readiness and operational excellence” in its response to a bomb threat aboard a Perth, Australia-bound Scoot Airlines flight in October 2023. Squadron fighter jets escorted the aircraft, with 362 passengers and nine crew members aboard, to a safe landing at Singapore’s Changi Airport.
“We are deeply honored to be awarded the Best Fighter Squadron title. This is a testament to the hard work, dedication and team spirit of each member in our squadron,” said Lt. Col. Wilson Wee, commanding officer of 142 Squadron.
The Singapore Army’s 1st Commando Battalion achieved its 21st consecutive Best Combat Unit award, a demonstration of its consistently high performance in specialized competencies such as airborne operations and reconnaissance. “Being a commando means daily commitment to the culture of excellence. Everything we do, we do to the best of our abilities,” said Lt. Col. Kok Yi Long, the battalion’s commanding officer.
The Republic of Singapore Navy littoral mission vessel RSS Indomitable was named Best Maritime Security Unit for the first time, demonstrating exceptional operational readiness and safety while maintaining high performance under a demanding schedule.
“If anything, this award seals my belief that it is truly the little things that matter — the extra hour we put into training, the small acts of care we provide for each other,” said Maj. Jaime Liew, the ship’s commanding officer.
The competition has a significant impact on morale and readiness, cultivating a sense of pride and achievement among service members, Lim said. “The preparation processes for such competitions foster a stronger sense of camaraderie between personnel by providing a common objective for all members,” he said. “Shared experiences during training and preparation create lasting interpersonal bonds, enhancing teamwork and cohesion.”
Other SAF force-enhancing programs include: the Soldier Strong Initiative, which rewards physical and mental fitness; awards for top-performing national service members; innovation and learning awards; and the SAF Recreation Association, which provides recreational and social activities to promote camaraderie and morale among military personnel and their families.
“The fact that such competitions also recognize areas such as administrative excellence provides motivation for all parts of the SAF to work towards an objective that is more inclusive by design,” Lim said.
