With 61 years of rich history, the Infantry Formation is without a doubt one of the oldest serving formations in Our Army. As part of their anniversary celebration, a series of exhilarating events were held to commemorate the event. Held at SAFTI 300m Range, the Infantry Shoot was held on 14 August whereby the participants had the chance to try their hands at the different Infantry weapons through live-firing. 

Infanteers participating in the Infantry Shoot.

Fast forward three days to 17 August, the Infantry March started at Changi Beach, where the Sook Ching Massacre occurred decades ago. The march brought together all Infanteers in Our Army. From Changi Beach, the Infanteers marched to Selarang Camp, Home of the Infantry. The march served not only to foster a stronger sense of camaraderie among the Infanteers, but also reminded each and every Infanteer that they serve to protect the nation and those dearest to them.

The Infanteers marching with pride as they made their way to Selarang Camp.

The day was far from over, however, and after reaching Selarang Camp, the Infanteers participated in the gruelling Infantry Combat Physical Training, where various stations were set up to test their strength and resilience. From the Standard Obstacle Course to a Stretcher Race in the Mobilisation Equipping Centre to Leopard Crawling in the mud, the Infanteers tested their limits to complete the challenge.

Infanteers giving their all as they complete each station at the Infantry Combat Physical Training.

The celebrations would not be complete without the lighting of the Infantry Flame. Led by the Infantry senior leadership, the roaring flame symbolises the spirit of the Infanteer, and that it will continue to burn strongly as they strive to defend our nation. With that, the anniversary celebrations came to a close, and an Infantry Makan (dining) was held for the Infantry tribe. 

The lighting of the Infantry Flame, led by Commander, 9th Singapore Division / Chief Infantry Officer, COL Andrew Lim.

In his address to the tribe, Commander, 9th Singapore Division / Chief Infantry Officer, COL Andrew Lim stressed the importance of coming together and honouring the work and dedication of past Infanteers. "We do the tougher things in life. Part and parcel of doing what we do is about celebrating what it means to be fellow brothers and sisters in arms. In Infantry, we are all ordinary people, but every time when we come together, we achieve extraordinary outcomes. Even within Infantry, it’s not just Infantry vocationalists; we have Guards, Commandos, you name it! We celebrate this diversity and ultimately, Infantry is always about the people next to us."

"I always tell people that a military organisation without a sense of history, without a sense of tradition, is a military organisation without a soul. There are many things like this Infantry March that was started by our predecessors. We are where we are today, whether as a SAF, as an Army, as a nation, as Infantry, or as a tribe, because of all the sacrifices, hard work, dedication and commitment of the Infanteers that came before us. The Infanteers who have dedicated their entire lives to ensure this country continues to stay safe, and can continue to prosper" he said.

COL Andrew Lim addressing the Infantry tribe.

Forging Ahead!

Written By: CPL Marcus Teo
Photography By: LCP Cyril Tang