SAF's integrated task force will allow quick response to terrorist threats
By
Jermyn Chow
The Special Operations Task Force will see the Special Operations Force, the Naval Diving Unit and other SAF combat forces integrated to leverage their cross-domain capabilities and expertise in response to a spectrum of security threats. -- PHOTO: MINDEF
CRACK units of the Singapore Armed Forces - the Army's Commandos and Special Operations Force, and the Navy's divers - will be brought together under one command to tackle terrorist threats.
Previously, these units operated independently. The newly-formed Special Operations Task Force, however, will mix and match the different capabilities of Singapore's elite soldiers to muster a faster, sharper response to varying threats.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who gave details of the new structure in an interview ahead of SAF Day, which falls today, said it would allow the special forces to work together much more cohesively and effectively.
Integration, he noted, is important, because dealing with terrorists requires bringing guns to the fight on land, in the air and over the sea, and could involve storming buildings, aircraft and ships.
The units involved in the reorganisation have sophisticated capabilities in one or more of these areas. Said DPM Teo, who is also the Defence Minister: 'We need to bring together these capabilities, develop them in a much more complete, coherent manner.'
The new set-up will be headed by the current Chief Commando Officer, Colonel Lam Shiu Tong.
The SAF's latest reorganisation follows similar exercises in the Army, Navy and Air Force to better police Singapore's borders, waters and airspace.
Grouping special operations forces under a single command has been done in other countries, like the United States. One of the American command's primary objectives is to capture or kill terrorists.
In a wide-ranging interview which touched on several issues, DPM Teo also said Singapore shares good bilateral relations with its global and regional partners, such as the US, China and Asean.
He also dwelled at length on the transformation of the SAF into a more potent fighting force, a journey that began in 2004. 'You can now see the shape of this third-generation SAF,' he said.
Please read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.
