Commandos win Best Combat Unit for 17 years running
Don't repeat your mistakes, be a better version of yourself - this is 1st Commando Battalion's (1 Cdo Bn's) secret for their Best Combat Unit win.// Story Teo Jing Ting
// Photos Kenneth Lin & courtesy of the Singapore Army
Airborne operations, sharpshooting skills, reconnaissance and raid missions - they are known for their proficiency in specialised operations.
It probably comes as no surprise that the 1 Cdo Bn has once again clinched the overall Best Combat Unit award in the annual Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Best Unit Competition (BUC). This marks their 17th consecutive victory and 34th win since the competition began in 1969.
In top form
What does it take to continue that winning streak?
"We pay a lot of attention on generating lessons learnt and making sure that we don't commit the same mistakes. This ensures that we will always be better than yesterday and that this year will always be better than last year," explained Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Fabian Pwi.
The 37-year-old added that with the unit's focus on safe and real training, it has become a culture for the commandos to give their best in every task.
"Whatever task we are given, be it combat or administrative, I'm confident that we will live to up to being the SAF's best (in) that we are not only professional, but operationally ready and capable (of conducting a) full spectrum of operations."
Adaptable to any operation
For 2nd Sergeant (2SG) Timothy Prakash, being part of the win has been one of the most defining moments of his National Service (NS).
"Winning the BUC is a testament of our hard work. The commando formation is an elite force in the army and I'm proud and honoured to be part of it."
The 22-year-old Commando Leader even extended his NS to help out with COVID-19 operations. His original ORD (Operationally Ready Date) was in May.
"I chose to volunteer because I think it is good that we all come together to help our country," said 2SG Prakash.
He volunteered to be part of the security team deployed at Amoy Quee Camp, one of six camps converted into Community Recovery Facilities to provide housing and care for migrant workers.
Although this was a different kind of operation from what he was trained in, he still gave his all.
"Doing security (operations) is not what we are used to, so I was a little worried that we might not be able to meet their requirements."
"But my training in 1 Cdo Bn has taught me to adapt to any kind of operation or task, so I was able to fulfil my role confidently."
Fighting as one
For fellow NSF Corporal First Class (CFC) Marcus Hooi, it’s the camaraderie and teamwork that has made his journey of being a commando especially meaningful.
The 20-year-old Commando Fighter shared that although the exercises were physically and mentally challenging, they were bearable because he was not going through them alone. His officers, sergeants and buddies were by his side - crawling in the mud, going through swampy waters and walking long distances together.
"When we are out there, I see my officers crawling in the mud leading us into our mission," said CFC Hooi.
"These acts of togetherness (make it) very fulfilling and encouraging. It is us, fighting as one, that makes being in the commandos memorable."
