Sharing the sweltering Singaporean sun, soldiers from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Marines from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) stood in line as Parade Commander, CPT Ong Yan Han, Operations and Training Officer, 1st Battalion, Singapore Guards (1 Gds) commenced the opening ceremony of Exercise Valiant Mark 2019 (XVM 19) on 15 Apr.
Following the ceremony, the SAF and USMC showcased and exchanged weapons in their arsenals, prompting lively discussion among them. The enjoyment and excitement were evident during the weapon showcase and professional exchange.
A Marine trying out the Man-portable Anti-Tank, Anti-DOoR (MATADOR) weapon, which has both anti-armour and anti-brick wall capabilities, making it perfect for urban operations.
They also tried their hand at the SAR-21 Modular Mounting System (MMS).
We had the opportunity to speak to one of the exercise participants, LCP Hwa Jia Le Jarrod, Second-In-Charge, Platoon 1 Section 3, 1 Gds, who shared that the USMC was as excited about the weapon professional exchange as them. "When we were sharing our different weapons, and experiences with one another, the Marines found themselves enjoying the firing of our Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century (SAR-21)."
LCP Hwa Jia Le Jarrod, Second-In-Charge, Platoon 1 Section 3, 1 Gds
Putting Their Knowledge to the Test at MMRC Close Quarters Battle and 100m Shooting Range
Entering a room may sound like the simplest thing in the world — but not when it comes to room clearing in military operations. We arrived at the Multi-Mission Range Complex (MMRC) to observe the Room Clearing Exercises conducted, and the amount of planning and coordination required left us in awe.
In teams of seven, Marines from the USMC breached and cleared each room. We could hear them shouting,
"Room 1, clear!"
"Room 2, clear!"
No stone was left unturned and every room was cleared swiftly and decisively.
The day got even more exciting as we proceeded to the viewing gallery of the 100m shooting range.
Mimicking urban terrain and different situations, the shooting range had targets on two levels, as well as a night and day shoot. Despite using an unfamiliar weapon like the M4 Carbine, the soldiers of 1 Gds performed brilliantly, excelling in both the simulated day and night shoots, displaying a high level of comfort with the USMC's staple weapon.
Our SAF soldier shooting at the range with the M4 Carbine.
We spoke to CPT Nazirul Raffick, Officer Commanding, Alpha Company, 1 Gds, who was heavily involved in the events at MMRC. He shared his delight on the performance of his fellow soldiers when using the M4 Carbine. "Even though they were firing a relatively new weapon, they were still able to get good scores. This shows that our emphasis on soldier fundamentals is working. Regardless of what weapon we are using, the marksmanship principles still remain for our soldiers. This is definitely very heartening because I know they can perform in any situation whenever the need arises."
CPT Nazirul Raffick, Officer Commanding, Alpha Company, 1 Gds
Prep Work Makes the Dream Work
Time flew and soon, we were inching closer to the Finale Mission. We were there to observe as the commanders from 1 Gds carried out their planning for the final mission, which will take place at Murai Urban Training Facility (MUTF).
Meticulous in their planning, the commanders went through their approach thoroughly for the final exercise.
Commanders from 1 Gds going through their battle plans.
On the final mission day, morale was at a climax, with all the past two weeks of training leading up to this final operation. In this mission, personnel from the SAF and USMC were tasked to work hand-in-hand to infiltrate and take control of an urban terrain.
At the crack of dawn, the mission began. Reminiscent of a Hollywood action movie, troops from both forces stormed into the buildings. The aroma of gunpowder and sweat from the troops filled the air as the sound of gunfire echoed throughout the compound.
In teams of seven, the troops entered the buildings and cleared each room. One by one, the buildings were taken over.
The troops also mounted the General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) on the ledge of the buildings, and all we could hear was the clinking of bullet shells off the floor, as the sound of the GPMG pierced the air, providing cover for troops to approach the next building.
Soldiers providing cover fire for troops to advance.
USMC troops advancing their position to the next target.
SAF troops approaching the building from multiple entry points.
Working hand-in-hand, troops from both forces eventually captured the whole compound. With the last building taken over, the mission was declared a success and the exercise officially over. Despite strong resistance, the professionalism and teamwork displayed by the combined SAF and USMC force proved too much for the opposition, and the mission was concluded swiftly and successfully.
We got the opportunity to speak to some participants of XVM 19 after the Finale Mission and realised, like us, they were equally impressed.
LTA Dylan Lee, Platoon Commander 2 Alpha Company, 1 Gds shared with me, "There were many cherished memories with the USMC from this exercise. Some memorable moments included going through tough and muddy terrain together and having the common experience of going through Singapore's outfield experience. However, nothing can beat the Finale Mission where the sight of their assault from one building to another - the aggression and tactical sense was really awe-inspiring."
LTA Dylan Lee, Platoon Commander 2 Alpha Company, 1 Gds
As the exercise came to an end, we found ourselves lucky to be able to participate in XVM 19 and witness such action happening 'live' in front of us. This is definitely an experience we will never forget and will keep with us for life.
Written by: LCP Goh Gen Sheng and REC Douglas Toh
Photography by: PTE Wilson Foo and PTE Gerald Ng
