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1 Jan 1975 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the SAF - the emergence of the 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade (7 SIB). Two months later, it moved from its original location at Headquarters Singapore 3rd Infantry Division (HQ 3 DIV) to Seletar West Camp. At that time, there were only four officers, five specialists and a few clerks. On 24 Dec 1975, the first Brigade Commander of 7 SIB, COL D R Jambu, PPA, was appointed.
1976
A year after her inception, 7 SIB took command of the Infantry Training Depot (ITD) on 1 Jan 1976. The 7th and 8th Singapore Infantry Regiments (SIR) came under its command on 9 Feb 1976. On 1Jul 1976, 7 SIB was officially declared operational. In view of its operational role, ITD was removed and the SAF Guards Unit (SAFGU) was added to the remaining 2 battalions.
1977
On 14 Nov 1977, the late President Benjamin Sheares presented the Inauguration Plaque to the Brigade Commander, then COL Kwan Yue Yeong, during a ceremony held at SAFGU, Portsdown Camp. This signified the official opening of 7 SIB.
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1978
SAFGU was renamed 1st Battalion Singapore Guards (1 Guards) in 1977. A year later, 8 SIR was renamed 2nd Battalion Singapore Guards (2 Guards). 7 SIB was accorded elite status on 1 Apr 1978. The sub-units then included 1 Guards, 2 Guards, School of Commando Training, 1st and 10th Commando Battalions. 7 SIR was transferred to 3 SIB.
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 |  | | | | Guards Beret (top) and Cap Badge Backing (below) | | | |
1979
On 6 Apr 1979, a special parade was held at 1 Guards with the Chief of General Staff (CGS), then MG (NS) Winston Choo, presenting the beret with the new Cap Badge Backing to 7 SIB. CGS explained that the backing was designed for the use of the Guardsmen as a symbol of elitism.
1980 - 1983
On 1 Jul 1980, the Commando sub-units were transferred out. 7 SIR was reverted to 7 SIB and renamed as 3rd Battalion Singapore Guards (3 Guards). On 31 Jul 1980, the men of 7 SIB were presented with Stable Belts,another symbol that the men deservedly earned for their excellence in training, performance, discipline, conduct and bearing. The then President Devan Nair presented 1, 2 and 3 Guards Battalion with their regimental colours on 11 Jun 1983 at Jurong Stadium.
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1989
The old Colours of SAFGU, 7 SIR and 8 SIR were retired. The presentation of the Guards Tab to the Guardsmen on 23 Jun 1989 marked another milestone towards the recognition of the Guardsmen. 9 Jun 1994 saw the Guards vocationalists honoured with the distinctive Guards Khaki Beret.
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1991 - 1996
On 17 Dec 1991, the 7th Brigade Training School (7 BTS) came under the command of 7 SIB. However, from Sept 1996, all Basic Military Training (BMT) were taken over by Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC), and 7 BTS was closed down. 11 Oct 1994 marked the formalisation of Guards as a formation. A parade was held at Nee Soon Camp to mark the inauguration of HQ Guards as Senior Specialist Staff Officer (SSSO) HQ with the Chief Guards Officer (CGO) at the helm.
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Last updated on 13 Nov 2006
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