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DAY ONE AND THE FIRST SIX WEEKS
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SEVEN
The scenario was of a platoon in advance contacting a strong enemy section, the conduct of a
quick battle procedure, the breeching of a wire obstacle and an assault with live ammunition.
On the morning itself, SAFTI was abuzz with excitement. There was a lot of to-ing and fro-
ing, sprucing up and double-checking of everything. Something out of the ordinary, beyond
even that of the impending presence of Dr. Goh, was clearly about to occur. Before Dr. Goh
arrived, there was a full turn out from MID: the Minister of State, Mr. Wee Toon Boon, the
Permanent Secretary, Mr. George Bogaars, Director, General Staff, Mr. Tan Teck Khim, the
Chief Israeli Advisor, several senior Directors of MID Divisions and the redoubtable Mr. Ho
Pak Thoe from PWD. Director, SAFTI received Dr. Goh when he arrived a little earlier than
initially provided for, but all the guests still remained in the holding area. Then came another
official state car and everybody perked up. It turned out to be the Prime Minister, Mr. Lee
Kuan Yew, although nothing had been mentioned of his presence in the official programme
that had been distributed.
It was truly a red-letter day for SAFTI, with both the Defence Minister and the Prime Minister
attending its opening ceremony. The guests were taken by Land Rover to a covered viewing
stand on a hill feature overlooking what was to be known as Four-Track Junction and Good
Morning Hill, the demonstration area.
The Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and Dr. Goh Keng Swee watching the live-firing demonstrations.