An 11-week course, the 22/18 BWF-PS course saw its new batch of specialists deepen their skill sets and boost their confidence before taking up the role of platoon sergeants. The course is designed to instil warfighting skills and leadership qualities in its trainees through various modules to ensure they are holistically trained; physically, technically and mentally. The course is structured into 4 modules to meet the multifaceted training needed, Small Arms Coaching Course (SACC), Physical Training Commander Course (PTCC), Jungle Survival Training, and SAF Instructor Course (SIC). These 4 elements complement one another to reach the common goal of developing the specialists to be competent platoon sergeants who are able to lead, instruct and train their men in the fundamentals of Warfighting.

Mastering Firearms - Small Arms Coaching Course (SACC)

The SACC is geared towards equipping trainees with the fundamentals of firing small arms and the skills to coach their men in the future. During the SACC, trainees went through in-depth technical handling of various arms such as Singapore Assault Rifle (SAR) 21, SAR 21 M203 Grenade Launcher, Section Assault Weapon (SAW) Mark 3A, and the Man-portable Anti-Tank, Anti-DOoR (MATADOR). On top of that, they went through live-firings to put what they have learnt to practice and familiarise themselves with the weapons. With their trainers, they were able to study the firing patterns and increase their firing accuracy by learning how to tackle some of the common mistakes. Only by being proficient in firing and coaching techniques can the trainees impart the fundamentals of firing to their men.

Just-in-time training to refresh their fundamentals during the SACC.

Firing of the SAR 21 M203 Grenade Launcher.

3SG Saroja D/O Nedunjezhian, 5th Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (5 SIR), shared how she became more confident in her firing skills through the SACC which in turn moulded her into a better trainer in firearms to her men. "The way they taught us was very detailed, I was able to enhance my fundamentals of shooting for the small arms. Being familiar with the weapons is essential to me as a soldier, and as a future platoon sergeant, I think it is important for us to first know and master the skills we have to impart to our men."

3SG Saroja D/O Nedunjezhian, 5 SIR.

Training Smart & Training Safe - Physical Training Commander Course (PTCC)

Trainees were taught human anatomy, physiology, principles of training and conditioning as well as heat acclimatisation to help them better understand how to train a soldier's fitness effectively. It also taught them to prevent injuries through efficient training methods, allowed them to understand the theories of physical training, as well as demonstrated a wide range of exercises, both aerobic and anaerobic, that can be done in any setting, be it in the weight room or outfield.

Trainees bring briefed on the various physical exercises during the PTCC.

ME1-2 Azmi bin Aziz, SAF Medical Training Institute (SMTI), shared how the PTCC was something he found essential and how it will help him train his men. "In the PTCC we were given the opportunity to plan and conduct our events such as our physical training sessions and circuit training that I found very beneficial to me when I become a platoon sergeant. Now I know many exercises we can do with weights in the gym or with our field packs in the outfield. In addition, we were also trained on the right way to perform each exercise to prevent injuries. This is something I think is important."

ME1-2 Azmi bin Aziz, SMTI.

Conquering the Wilderness - Jungle Survival Training

For 2 days, trainees braved the elements and went through their Jungle Survival Training. In groups, they were tasked to apply several techniques they had learnt to thrive in a jungle setting. From building an A-frame shelter to setting a monitor lizard trap, trainees were equipped with the various techniques of surviving in the jungle with minimal resources. They also had to navigate through the uneven terrain in the jungle with their heavy field packs. The training brought out the resilience vital in a Warfighter and prepared them for the 9-day jungle survival phase in Brunei for their Jungle Confidence Course (JCC).

Setting up the monitor lizard trap during the Jungle Survival Training.

Securing the foundations of an A-frame shelter.

Carving a fork for meal consumption.

3SG Sng Shan En, 41st Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment (41 SAR), who was awarded JCC top graduate in the course shared how the jungle survival training was essential in preparing them for the challenging JCC. "It helped me build my mental resilience and fighting spirit. After completing the JCC, I realised how well the Jungle Survival Training prepared us both technically and mentally."

3SG Sng Shan En, 41 SAR.

Understanding Every Soldier - the SAF Instructor Course (SIC)

Trainees were taught learning theories such as behaviourism, connectivism, cognitivism and constructivism which allows them to improve themselves as instructors. Understanding the role of an instructor, learning how soldiers behave and thereafter, being able to adapt their teaching styles to best suit every soldier's needs, trainees learnt during the course how they could bring lessons across effectively. As class participation was encouraged, both trainers and trainees had the opportunity to discuss collectively to deepen their understanding and clarify doubts. With the newly acquired soft skills, specialists are empowered to be effective educators to soldiers in Our Army.

Trainees discussing with the lecturer on learning theories during the SIC.

3SG Sng Shan You, 41 SAR, shared how the SIC allowed him to improve as an instructor to impart knowledge effectively. "Through the SIC I feel that I have learnt many teaching methods and tools to help me be a better instructor to my men. Before the course when I was tasked to teach my men something, I didn't know the different ways to engage and help increase memory retention. Now I know how to structure my lessons differently depending on what works best for my men."

2SG Sng Shan You, 41 SAR.

Warfighter, Trainer and Leader

It is often said that our Warrant Officers and Specialists (WOSpecs) are the backbone of Our Army, they play a crucial role in carrying out operations, missions and training. Upon completion, the specialists who graduated from the 22/18 BWF-PS course are now ready to partner with their platoon commanders as platoon sergeants to maximise the potential of every soldier. These specialists are not only warfighters and trainers, but also leaders for their men to look up to. We like to congratulate the graduates and wish them all the best in their respective units as they train and lead Our Army's next generation of soldiers.

With Pride We Lead!

Written By: REC Gershwin Lim
Photography By: CPL (NS) Benjamin Lim, CPL Brandon Kit, PTE Joel Tan and REC Nicodemus Kee