Fact Sheet: Conferment of Regimental Colours

Conferment of Colours in the SAF. Colours in the SAF promote espirit de corps and instil pride and loyalty in our soldiers. There are two types of Colours in the SAF – the State Colours and the Regimental Colours. State Colours are awarded to the three Services and SAFTI Military Institute, while Regimental Colours are conferred upon units and formations that have attained operational capability or made commendable achievements.

Past Conferment of Colours. Prior to SAF Day 2018, the most recent conferment of Regimental Colours was at SAF Day 2013 to Maritime Security Task Force, SAF Military Police (MP) Command, and 48th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment. 

Recognising Contributions to Homeland Security. For SAF Day 2018, the Regimental Colours will be conferred upon the Army Intelligence Formation, 8th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (8 SIR) and 9th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (9 SIR) in recognition of their contribution to homeland security.

Army Intelligence Formation

History. The Army Intelligence Formation was established in July 2013. It traces its professional roots back to 1966, when the SAF's Department of Military Intelligence was formed. To better support our defence needs, the Department of Military Intelligence was reorganised to the Combat Intelligence Department in 1975, G2-MINDEF in 1976, G2-Army in 1987, the Combat Intelligence Group in 2005, and finally the Army Intelligence Formation in 2013.

Contributions. The Army Intelligence Formation is responsible for Intelligence capability development, and the human capital development of Intelligence professionals in the Army. It has improved the training of Army and Joint Intelligence professionals to better address the increasing challenges of Intelligence operations. The formation has contributed to various operations, both locally and overseas. They include providing support to local high security events with Intelligence Surveillance Teams, deploying Imagery Analysis Teams in Afghanistan for Operations Blue Ridge and in Kuwait for the Defeat-ISIS coalition; and supporting SAF humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts during the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, 2009 Sumatra earthquake, and the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. The red background colour represents the Army, whilst the white background colour reflects the purity and objectivity of Army's Intelligence assessments, and the professionalism of its people.

 
Figure 1: Headquarters Army Intelligence Regimental Colours

8th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (8 SIR)

History and Contributions to Homeland Security. 8 SIR was established on 11 Jan 2010, and its role is to deploy for security operations at SAF camps and continually maintain the high operational readiness of its security troopers. To date, the unit has been deployed for security operations for over 8 years on a 24/7 basis. Security troopers had been successful in deterring potential threats to our camps, and on numerous occasions, had prevented unauthorised entry into camps. 8 SIR continues to maintain the highest levels of readiness and capability in 24/7 operations to safeguard our camps. The maroon background reflects the values of professionalism and courage adopted by the unit in undertaking its operations.

Figure 2: 8 SIR Regimental Colours

9th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (9 SIR)

History and Contributions to Homeland Security. 9 SIR was established on 11 Jan 2010, and is the Army's dedicated unit for operations to protect Key Installations (KINS). 9 SIR is responsible to raise, train and sustain security troopers deployed at KINs as part of the Island Defence Task Force. The unit has been deployed on security operations for over 8 years, clocking at least 30 weeks of duty a year. To date, 9 SIR has completed over 50 operational deployments to protect military and civilian KINS such as Jurong Island, Singapore Changi Airport and Sembawang Wharves. 9 SIR maintains the highest levels of readiness and capability in 24/7 operations to safeguard KINs. 9 SIR works closely with other homeland security agencies to deal with security incidents, and has been successful in deterring potential threats to KINs. The orange background reflects the values of vigilance and resilience adopted by the unit in undertaking its operations.

Figure 3: 9 SIR Regimental Colours

More Resources

President Halimah Officiates at SAF Day Parade