46-569: The Artillery is a formation of the Singapore Army , comprising four active battalions—the 20th, 21st, 23rd and 24th Battalions—and an undisclosed number of reservist battalions. The primary role of the Artillery formation is to deliver timely, accurate and effective fire in support of the manoeuvre force to accomplish missions. As an indirect fire support system, the gunners rely on the forward observer and target acquisition elements to provide
92-538: A force-multiplier and a means to sustain combat power given Singapore's population constraints. Jointness across four branches of the SAF is integral to the Army's warfighting doctrine. Joint operations undertaken with the Navy and Air Force include amphibious landings and critical disaster relief operations in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami . The Army has
138-722: A stealth aircraft like the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit strategic bomber can attack a target without needing the large numbers of escort fighter aircraft , electronic-warfare aircraft , Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses , and other supporting aircraft that would be needed were conventional bombers used against the same target. Precision-guided munitions (PGM) give an immense multiplication. The Thanh Hoa Bridge in North Vietnam had been only mildly damaged by approximately 800 sorties by aircraft armed with conventional unguided bombs , but had one of its spans destroyed by
184-634: A 12-plane mission, of which 8 carried laser-guided bombs . Two small subsequent missions, again with laser-guided bombs, completed the destruction of this target. Precision-guided munitions are one example of what has been called the Revolution in Military Affairs . In World War II, British night bombers could hit, at best, an area of a city. Modern PGMs commonly put a bomb within 3–10 meters of its target (see circular error probable ), and most carry an explosive charge significant enough that this uncertainty
230-521: A Boyd-style OODA iteration to deal with a new threat. Replacement training units (RTU) were "finishing schools" for pilots that needed to know not just the school solution, but the actual tactics being used in Vietnam. Referring to close air support, "In the RTU, new pilots learned the rules of the road for working with a forward air controller (FAC). The hardest part was finding the small aircraft as it circled over
276-519: A combined arms, tri-service affair involving the Navy and Air Force. Because training space is limited in Singapore—artillery fire would quickly traverse the island—some military exercises are conducted overseas. Reservists periodically train abroad, their units regularly evaluated for combat readiness. The Army also trains bilaterally with some host nations, and military exchanges are frequent. Training
322-420: A grand battle coordination in the air". The use of small numbers of specialists to create larger effective forces is another form of multiplication. The basic A Team of US Army Special Forces is a 12-man unit that can train and lead a company-sized unit (100–200 men) of local guerrillas. Deception can produce the potential effect of a much larger force. The fictitious First United States Army Group (FUSAG)
368-548: A massive force multiplier that can turn any engagement in favour of those that have the aircraft carrier. Carriers can hold different type of aircraft to different usage meaning the force multiplier can vary depending on the specific task at hand. Airborne tanker aircraft, such as the Boeing KC-135 are a very significant force multiplier. They can carry fuel so bomber and fighter aircraft can take off loaded with extra weapons instead of full fuel tanks. The tankers also increase
414-491: A technically proficient, relatively well-educated draftee pool and officer corps (non-commissioned and commissioned) reflective of the population at large, and has sought to leverage this to ease its transition into a more sophisticated, networked fighting force. Combat readiness is a linchpin of Army policy, and military exercises up to divisional level are conducted many times yearly, simulating full-spectrum operations, up to and including full-scale war. Divisional war games are
460-742: Is " Yang Pertama Dan Utama " ("first and foremost" in Malay). Two stalks of laurel flank the escutcheon. The laurels are green for the Singapore Army and gold for the Singapore Armed Forces . The Singapore Army has participated in peacekeeping operations overseas. In the aftermath of the Gulf War , Singapore contributed to the United Nations Iraq–Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM) formed in 1991. From May 2007 to June 2013,
506-606: Is a force multiplier." Morale , training, and ethos have long been known to result in disproportionate effects on the battlefield. Psychological warfare can target the morale, politics, and values of enemy soldiers and their supporters to effectively neutralize them in a conflict. Protecting local cultural heritage sites and investing in the relationships between local civilians and military forces can be seen as force multipliers leading to benefits in meeting or sustaining military objectives. Ranged weapons that hit their target can be far more effective than those that miss. That
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#1732844378684552-479: Is billed as "tough, realistic and safe," with a premium on safety, given the sensitivity of military deaths in a largely conscript army. Following the revolution in military affairs , and in tandem with modernising its weapons systems, the Army is forging a transition to a more network-centric fighting doctrine that better integrates the Air Force and Navy. The Singapore Army originated with two infantry battalions,
598-417: Is critical to this, and NCW's ability to disseminate information to small unit leaders enables such tactics. Network-centric warfare can provide additional information and can help prevent friendly fire but also allows "swarm tactics" and the seizing of opportunities by subordinate forces. ( Edwards 2000 , p. 2) defines "a swarming case is any historical example in which the scheme of maneuver involves
644-575: Is effectively voided. See the use of heavy bombers in direct support of friendly troops in Afghanistan, using the technique of Ground-Aided Precision Strike. Fighter aircraft coordinated by an AWACS control aircraft, so that they can approach targets without being revealed by their own radar, and who are assigned to take specific targets so that duplication is avoided, are far more effective than an equivalent number of fighters dependent on their own resources for target acquisition. In exercises between
690-468: Is in charge of counter-terrorism and homeland security , and two are army operational reserves (AOR). The three combined arms divisions are the 3rd Division (3 DIV), 6th Division (6 DIV) and 9th Division (9 DIV), each of which has active and reserve units that are operationally ready and capable of being mobilised in the event of war. The 2nd People's Defence Force (2 PDF) is in charge of counter-terrorism and homeland security , including
736-569: Is why rifled muskets for infantry and rangefinders for artillery became commonplace in the 19th century. Two new weapons of World War I , barbed wire and the machine gun , multiplied defensive forces, leading to the stalemate of trench warfare . Aircraft carriers, such as the USS Gerald R. Ford , can carry more than 75 aircraft with fuel and ammunition for all tasks that an aircraft carrier should need like air to air, air to naval and air to ground missions. When deployed, aircraft carriers are
782-549: The 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR), which was formed in 1957, when Singapore was still under British colonial rule. After Singapore's independence on 9 August 1965, the Singapore Army Bill was passed in Parliament on 23 December 1965, and National Service (NS) was subsequently introduced in 1967. Mostly made up of conscripts, the Singapore Army can mobilise all operationally-ready military reservists in
828-449: The 1st and 2nd Battalions, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR and 2 SIR), which were respectively formed in 1957 and 1962 when Singapore was still a British colony. After a merger with Malaysia which resulted in separation in 1965, Singapore passed the Singapore Army Bill in Parliament on 23 December 1965 and gained complete control of the two battalions from Malaysia in January 1966. At
874-615: The Pas de Calais , against what was a nonexistent force. FUSAG's existence was suggested by the use of decoy vehicles that the Allies allowed to be photographed, fictitious radio traffic generated by a small number of specialists, and the Double Cross System . Double Cross referred to turning all surviving German spies in the UK into double agents , who sent back convincing reports that were consistent with
920-552: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). On 1 June 1967, the 20th People's Defence Force (Artillery) was redesignated as the 20th Singapore Artillery Battalion (20 SAB) and assigned to operate the 120mm Light Tampella Mortar , which Artillery units were subsequently equipped with in the 1970s. In 1978, the Artillery Training Centre (ARTC) was created to replace the Artillery Reserve Administrative to meet
966-680: The General Staff, there is also a Chief Systems Integration Officer and a Head of the Army Information Centre. The commanders of Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Combat Service Support (CSS), the four main divisions , the two operational reserve divisions, the 15 formations of the Army, and the SAF Volunteer Corps also report to the Chief of Army. The Army has six divisions, of which three are combined arms divisions, one
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#17328443786841012-519: The Germans experimented with what were called "storm tactics" in which a small group of highly-trained soldiers ( stormtroopers ) would open a salient through which much larger forces could penetrate. That met with only limited success by breaking through the first lines of defence but lacking the staying power to break the opposing forces entirely. The 1939 blitzkrieg , which broke through with coordinated mechanized ground forces with aircraft in close support,
1058-531: The Indian and US air forces, the Indian pilots had an opportunity to operate with AWACS control, and found it extremely effective. India has ordered AWACS aircraft, using Israeli Phalcon electronics on a Russian airframe , and this exercise is part of their preparation. Officer and pilot comments included "definitely was a force multiplier. Giving you an eye deep beyond you". "We could pick up incoming targets whether aircraft or missiles almost 400 kilometers away. It gives
1104-570: The Island Defence Task Force (IDTF), Joint Task Force (JTF), Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) and the Army Deployment Force (ADF). Force multiplication In military science , force multiplication or a force multiplier is a factor or a combination of factors that gives personnel or weapons (or other hardware) the ability to accomplish greater feats than without it. The expected size increase required to have
1150-519: The National Service (Amendment) Act, introducing National Service ( conscription ) for all able-bodied young men aged 18 and above. In June 1967, the Singapore Army introduced its first artillery battalion, the 20th Singapore Artillery Battalion (20 SAB). Two new infantry battalions, the 3rd and 4th Battalions, Singapore Infantry Regiment (3 SIR and 4 SIR) were formed in August 1967. In November 1968,
1196-505: The Sergeant Major of the Army. The General Staff consists of six branches from G1 to G6, as well as a National Service Affairs Department handling National Service issues, and an Army Safety Inspectorate. The six branches handle issues relating to personnel (G1), intelligence (G2), operations (G3), logistics (G4), plans (G5) and training (G6). The G1, G2, G3, G5, and G6 branches are each headed by an Assistant Chief of General Staff. Among
1242-612: The Singapore Army deployed about 500 personnel to join the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in maintaining stability and assist in reconstruction in war-torn Afghanistan . Since 2014, the Singapore Army has provided logistical support to the international coalition in the War against the Islamic State . The Army is headed by the Chief of Army, who is assisted by the Chief of Staff – General Staff and
1288-650: The Singapore Army's first armoured battalion, 41st Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment (41 SAR), was formed. This was followed by the creation of the 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn) in December 1969. In 1972, Parliament passed the Singapore Armed Forces Act to reorganise and consolidate the Singapore Armed Forces ' disparate commands and administrative functions. The emblem's escutcheon reads " Tentera Singapura " (meaning "Singapore Army" in Malay). The national coat of arms sits in its interior. The motto
1334-531: The Singapore Artillery contributed to United Nations peacekeeping operations by deploying 492 personnel and radar-locating weapons to Afghanistan. The Singapore Artillery celebrated its Centennial in 1988. Gunners in the Artillery formation have different specialisations. Gunners using the M142 HIMARS , SSPH Primus , SLWH Pegasus and Field Howitzer 2000 batteries are trained to maintain and operate
1380-421: The convergent attack of five (or more) semiautonomous (or autonomous) units on a targeted force in some particular place. "Convergent" implies an attack from most of the points on the compass." Another version of "swarming" is evident in air-to-ground attack formations in which the attack aircraft do not approach from one direction, at one time, or at the same altitude, but schedule the attacks so each one requires
1426-519: The decision-making process that Boyd contended applies to business, sports, law enforcement and military operations. Boyd's doctrine is widely taught in the American military, and one of the aims of network centric warfare is to "get inside his OODA loop." In other words, one should go from observation to action before the enemy can get past orientation, preventing him from ever being able to make an effective decision or put it into action. Small unit leadership
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1472-517: The enemy artillery. Gunners in the Field Artillery Meteorological System sections specialise in providing timely and accurate atmospheric data, such as wind speed and direction, in order to increase the accuracy of artillery fire. Singapore Army The Singapore Army is the land service branch of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The largest of the four branches of the SAF, the Singapore Army traces its origins to
1518-435: The event of war or national exigencies. The mission of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is to deter armed aggression, and to secure a swift and decisive victory should deterrence fail. The Army is also tasked with conducting peace-time operations to further Singapore's national interests and foreign policy. These range from disaster relief to peacekeeping, hostage rescue and other contingencies. The Army views technology as
1564-558: The fighters would set up a circle, called a wheel or "wagon wheel", over the FAC, and wait for him to mark the target. Once the target was marked, the flight leader would attack first. Napoleon is well known for his comment "The moral is to the physical as three to one." Former United States Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell has said: "Perpetual optimism
1610-407: The junior commander, are now widely used by modern militaries because of their force multiplication. Originating from German concepts of Auftragstaktik , those tactics may be developing even more rapidly in the concept of network-centric warfare (NCW) in which subordinate commanders receive information not only from their own commanders but also from adjacent units. A different paradigm was one of
1656-638: The protection of key military and civilian installations around Singapore. It is also responsible for the coordination and secondment of military resources to civilian agencies in the event of a civil emergency. The two AOR divisions are the 21st Division (21 DIV) and 25th Division (25 DIV). The Army has 15 formations: Ammunition Command , Armour , Army Intelligence , Army Medical Services , Artillery , Combat Engineers , Commandos , Guards , Infantry , Maintenance and Engineering Support , Military Police Command , Personnel Command , Signals , Supply , and Transport . The Army has task forces such as
1702-456: The range and time loitering within or near the target areas by off-loading fuel when it is needed. Tankers can also be used to rapidly deploy fighters, bombers, SIGNET, Airborne Command Post, and cargo aircraft from the United States to the areas where they are needed. The force multiplier of a KC-135R can be anywhere from 1.5 to as much as 6 when used near the target area. At one extreme,
1748-465: The results of the theories of John Boyd , the "high-low mix" in which a large number of less expensive aircraft, coupled with a small number of extremely capable "silver bullet" aircraft, had the effect of a much larger force. Boyd's concept of quick action is based on the repeated application of the "Boyd loop", consisting of the steps Boyd's concept is also known as the OODA Loop and is a description of
1794-463: The same effectiveness without that advantage is the multiplication factor . For example, if a technology like GPS enables a force to accomplish the same results as a force five times as large without GPS, then the multiplier is five. Such estimates are used to justify the investment for force multipliers. Notable historical examples of force multiplication include: During the First World War ,
1840-431: The target area. The fast-moving fighters used directional finding/steering equipment to get close enough to the slow, low FAC until someone in the flight could get an eyeball on him—a tally-ho. Once the FAC was in sight, he would give the fighters a target briefing—type of target, elevation, attack heading, location of friendlies, enemy defensive fire, best egress heading if hit by enemy fire, and other pertinent data. Usually
1886-715: The target's location, which is then passed to the command post to direct the gunners to fire. The unofficial motto of the Artillery formation is "Once a Gunner, Always a Gunner!" The Artillery formation traces its origins to 22 February 1888, when it was created as the Singapore Volunteer Artillery Corps by the British Armed Forces . After Singapore gained its independence in 1965, Minister for Defence Goh Keng Swee tasked Captain Mancharan Singh Gill with building up an artillery battalion for
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1932-569: The time, the Singapore Army had only the two infantry battalions and the old Singapore Volunteer Artillery Corps . Months later, the Army had a reserve force , the People's Defence Force , which was formed from an old volunteer unit mobilised for service during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation . A third battalion, the 10th Battalion, People's Defence Force (10 PDF), was raised as a volunteer infantry reserve battalion. In 1967, Parliament passed
1978-525: The training requirements of reservists . Since 1988, the Artillery formation has undergone rapid modernisation in training, operations and weapons development when the Singapore Armed Forces partnered with ST Kinetics and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to acquire and/or develop new equipment such as the Field Howitzer 88 and SAFARI Weapon Locating Radar . From 2007 to 2013,
2024-547: The weapon systems to deliver precision fire. Gunners in the STrike ObserveR Mission (STORM) batteries are in charge of coordinating air strikes and artillery fire to deliver maximum damage to enemies in a target area. Gunners in the Field Artillery Target Acquisition batteries maintain and operate radars designed to locate enemy artillery and provide early warnings or opportunities to counter-fire on
2070-550: Was portrayed to the World War II Germans as the main force for the invasion of Europe. Operation Bodyguard successfully gave the impression that FUSAG was to land at the Pas de Calais , convincing the Germans that the real attack at Normandy was a feint. As a result of the successful deception, the Normandy force penetrated deeply, in part, because the Germans held back strategic reserves that they thought would be needed at
2116-573: Was vastly more effective. Towards the end of the Second World War , the German Army introduced Kampfgruppe combat formations, which were composed of whatever units happened to be available. Though poor quality ones generally constituted the major part of them, they often performed successfully because of their high degree of flexibility and adaptability. Mission-type tactics , as opposed to extremely specific directives, which give no discretion to
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