Cruise down Marina Bay in military raft at Army Open House

SINGAPORE - Visitors to the first Army Open House in five years will be taking a cruise across Marina Bay this weekend on a military raft.

The M3G craft is usually used by the Singapore Army’s combat engineers to build bridges for military operations. It will be ferrying visitors on the Marina Bay waterway, starting from the shore near the F1 Pit Building, where the Open House is held. 

Visitors will also be able to take a ride in the Chinook helicopter - known for bearing the Singapore flag during National Day celebrations - and other military vehicles like the Terrex and Bionix.

They can also take part in a simulated firefight using the SAR21 rifle.

Visitors will break up into teams to defend or advance a flag, and go on a mission using night vision goggles to pick out targets in a pitch-dark room.

This year's events will take place over three weekends, with the main exhibition at the F1 Pit Building from May 28 to 30, and two in the heartland at Punggol from June 3 to 5 and Bishan from June 10 to 12.

The main event will be broken up into several zones - the "battle rides" zone, where visitors can ride on military vehicles; the "soldier strong" zone, which includes an obstacle course; and the "be a marksman" zone, where visitors can try out the SAR21 rifle in simulated firefights and at a firing range.

There will also be an "our army platforms zone", where visitors can see more than 20 army vehicles such as tanks.

Visitors can also take their own drone to pilot at the indoor drone arena, while children can navigate a mini-obstacle course and experience camouflage face-painting at the kids' zone.

Entry is free but tickets are required. Only those for the May 30 exhibition at the  F1 Pit Building are still available at this website.

Themed "Generations of Strength", the Open House this year coincides with the 55th anniversary of national service in Singapore.

Visitors can learn about the evolution of the mandatory obligation for men to be conscripted and the achievements of national servicemen at the event, which is usually organised in conjunction with significant defence milestones.

The showcase will feature in all three of the physical exhibitions as well as a virtual one, which will be accessible at this website till June 12.

The virtual exhibition features online games as well as pictures and information about the Army's various initiatives, capabilities and equipment.