A vital formation of Our Army, the Combat Engineers employ state-of-the-art machinery to deliver responsive support. Wherever the Army goes in the battlefield, the Combat Engineers are not far behind. From clearing minefields and bridging gaps to constructing minefields and anti-tank ditches, Combat Engineers constantly provide Our Army with mobility, countermobility and survivability advantages to overcome the enemy forces. 

This year, the 38th Battalion, Singapore Combat Engineers (38 SCE) was once again recognised as the Best Combat Engineer Unit and Best Combat Support Unit for their exceptional combat readiness, operational proficiency and administrative excellence. 

38 SCE is no stranger to the awards presented as they have consecutively been awarded the Best Combat Engineer Unit and Best Combat Support Unit for six and five years respectively. Let's hear from the unit how they managed to achieve such great feat!

2LT Feng Xin Yuan, Platoon Commander, 38 SCE

Sharing his thoughts on the unit's achievements, 2LT Feng Xin Yuan, Platoon Commander, 38 SCE, feels a sense of pride and attributes their success to the close communication they have with their commanders. "I am proud that we have attained this award and I think one of the key reasons is because of the close communication we have with the commanders, men and fellow soldiers. Our commanders regularly engage us to find out if we have any safety concerns about every single training conducted and also discuss among themselves how to enhance the safety measures currently in place." 

CPL Somil Mahesh Batavia, Armoured Pioneer, setting up concertina wires to fortify the area.

During his time in 38 SCE, CPL Somil Mahesh Batavia, Armoured Pioneer, shared that he feels a strong sense of camaraderie within the unit, and this fuels his driving force every day. "It feels like every single one of us is part of a big family. This creates a lot of cohesiveness within the unit and motivates us to work hard outfield. I feel that this is important because we are far away from home most days of the week, and with this second family in the unit, it gives us support to get our daily work done."

3SG Yeo Kai Jie, Section Commander, 38 SCE, ensuring that safety is being observed by his troopers.

3SG Yeo Kai Jie, Section Commander, 38 SCE, values the bonds forged between him and his men. He shared that it is only through these strong bonds that they are able to complete missions effectively and efficiently. 

"I try to be a mentor and friend to my troopers. Out in the field, as a Section Commander, I work very closely with my troopers when we work on things like mine cluster clearing. Such tasks require a strong bond for us to work well. This is why I spend a lot of time to know my men, their personalities and how they can work together effectively. I also always place safety as the top of my priority, and make sure that my men follow all safety procedures before any trainings or exercises."

It is certainly not easy to maintain the best standards every year. Teams which have achieved the Best Combat Engineer Unit and Best Combat Support Unit turn operational and each year, a new group of NSFs is presented with the challenge of retaining their title. Only with the best systems and training in place are they able to keep up with the ever changing Army landscape and continue to be an inspiration to others.

Advance and Overcome!

Written by: LCP Gershwin Lim 
Photography by: PTE Wilson Foo and 38 SCE