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Our Army Customs Traditions

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Page 1: Our Army Customs Traditions
Page 2: Our Army Customs Traditions

Foreword from Chief of Army

Message from SAF Sergeant Major

Note from Sergeant Major of the Army

Preface

Editorial Committee

Our Beginnings 1

Military Etiquette and Decorum 19

Colours, Standard and Pennant 31

Ceremonial Dress and Pageantry Display 59

Parade and Ceremony 81

Mess Customs 91

Military Dining-In 99

Military Wedding 111

Do You Know...? 115

Bibliography 133

Reference 135

Origins of Military Words 137

Special Thanks 145

Index 147

Contents

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced in anyform or by any means, without their prior permission of the Ministry of Defence

First Published April 2006

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Foreword fromChief of Army

Our Army is as much a part of ourdefence capability as it is a nationalinstitution. Over the past 40 years,it has remained steadfast inhelping to turn boys to men, andfostered a sense of mission andvalues in both regulars andnational servicemen. As wecontinue our journey to the 3GArmy, it is timely to take stock ofsome of the heritage, customs andtraditions that define us. Althoughwe are a relatively young Army,some of our existing practices canbe traced back to the years ofcolonial rule, and to the sharedroots and identity of militaryorganisations across the world.

These customs and traditionsprovide an anchor to the past. Theyare constant reminders of wherewe have been, and how we havearrived here. They are the veryelements of the military professionthat distinguish us and convey therichness of our Army’s tapestry,embroidered with the history andexperience of our units andformations. This connection withthe past will lend our soldiers asense of meaning and purpose,even as they journey into thefuture.

Our ceremonies, rituals andsymbolism are not alwaysunderstood or appreciated by oursoldiers and commanders today.Even as we do away with excessiveregimentation and move towardsa more progressive style ofleadership, we must comprehendwhy we do some of the things thatwe do, before we decide to keep orchange them. This book providesuseful answers to the questionsthat our soldiers will have aboutour customs and traditions, andwhy we keep some of them eventhough they may seem dated. Asour Army transforms to face thefuture, it will better inform andinspire future generations ofsoldiers and leaders about ourheritage even as they seek tocreate new paths of their own.

MG DESMOND KUEK BAK CHYEChief of ArmySingapore Armed Forces

Even as we doaway withexcessiveregimentationand movetowards a moreprogressive styleof leadership, wemustcomprehend whywe do some ofthe things thatwe do, before wedecide to keepor change them.

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The observance of the customsand traditions of the Army is anintegral part of military life andtheir retention will continue greatlyto the maintenance of esprit decorps.

The words ‘customs’ and‘traditions’ hold importantmeaning for soldiers.

The Army’s customs include thepeople, events and ideas from thepast that influence the present.Customs are often manifested inceremonies, museum exhibits,memorials on Army installationssuch as named streets, buildings,or landmarks.

Traditions are daily visiblereminders of our Army’s corevalues and proud heritage. Theyremind us of the need for units towork together so that traditionscan be fostered and perpetuated.You will be surrounded by, and bepart of the tradition as long as youare associated with the Army.

A strong well-defined culture builton the past traditions and historyof the Army is critical to a healthymilitary organisation. A vibrantmilitary culture is so vital, if absentor weak, may have a devastatingimpact on the military’s readiness.

So what is a healthy militaryculture? It is a recipe of manyingredients that provide a basicframework for our moral andorganisation values. Additionally,it is the rich Army historyinterwoven with customs,traditions and a “warrior spirit”.Over time it will evolve and matureinto the foundation of ourorganisational principles.

Throughout the course of ourmilitary history, the Army hasdeveloped a distinct culture thatportrays an identity to its membersand the general public. Servicemembers throughout the Army donot consider themselves as part ofa generic Armed Forces butinstead identify themselves byvocations, eg. Infantry, Armour,Artillery, etc.

Thus, I am confident that we liveby the Army’s customs andtraditions and embrace them in ourdaily life as our own. We must notonly understand them; we mustbelieve in them, model them in ourown actions and teach others toaccept and live by them.

Message fromSAF Sergeant

Major

We must notonly understandthem; we mustbelieve in them,model them inour own actionsand teach othersto accept andlive by them.

SWO GUNGASAF Sergeant MajorSingapore Armed Forces

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The Army customs and traditionsprovide the rationale behind itspast practices and a roadmap forthe future. As such, we must notonly continue to preserve thecustoms and traditions of theArmy, but also understand itssignificance.

The intent of this book is to sharethe pertinent practices, customsand traditions as reference materialthat provides information thatconnects us with the past to thepresent.

Customs and traditions haveplayed a crucial part in shapingand developing the Army. In theprocess of this development andtransformation journey, the Armyhas certainly grown in stature.This is partly because we haveinherited the richness of Britishpractices during the period ofcolonial rule. In order to continuegrowing, we must satisfy our thirstfor knowledge and understand therationale for specific practices.

A proud tradition is to a militaryorganization what “being from agood family” is to an individual.First, it is a thing you are born with

or without; you can’t really feel anypersonal credit for having it, nor anypersonal chagrin for not having it.Second, and much more important,unit or family traditions serve acommon purpose of setting astandard to live up to.

In conclusion, I wish to extend mypersonal appreciation to theEditorial Committee for theirprofessionalism, determinationand perseverance in compilingthis book.

SWO FRANCIS NGSergeant Major of the ArmySingapore Armed Forces

Note fromSergeant Major

of the Army

A proud traditionis to a militaryorganization what“being from agood family” is toan individual.First, it is a thingyou are born withor without; youcan’t really feelany personalcredit for havingit, nor anypersonal chagrinfor not having it.

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PrefaceSingapore, being a young andvibrant nation for almost 40 yearshas a good harvest of inheritancefrom our forefathers who lived offthis land way before we everexisted. Many influences werebrought down by foreigners likethe British, Dutch, Chinese,Malays, Indians and others. Allthese nationalities, races and theirreligion have a great impact onwhat we practice today. However,changes have been made over timeto suit our modern society.

We sometimes get confused with“Old Wife’s Tales”. These storieshave great bearing to some of ourpractices which has logicalmeanings and accepted eventoday. These accepted practicesbecame our customs andtraditions.

We have tried to answer as manyqueries as possible. It was greatfun delving into the archivestrying to find answers to thequestions that were posed. Theidea for this book was conceivedfrom those faded and crumpledpapers on the early historical files.

We have never tried settingdeadline trying to complete thistask. We reckoned this would takea long time because the research,questioning and the interviewing ofthose who were instrumental increating customs and traditions ofone kind or another proved

We sometimesget confused with“Old Wife’sTales”. Thesestories havegreat bearing tosome of ourpractices whichhas logicalmeanings andaccepted eventoday. Theseacceptedpractices becameour customs andtradition.

never-ending, but tremendouslyfascinating.

In this book, what we have tried todo is to tell the story of, and thestory behind the principal customsand traditions of the Army. Thereare many that we must haveoverlooked, or have had to omit.

We hope that some of our readerswho know of customs andtraditions prevailing in our Armymay highlight their views andperspective so that we can includethem in later editions of this book.So let’s begin our journey together.

We have defined the three mainideas in this book as follows:

Customs: The usual ways ofbehaving or acting.

Traditions: The handing downfrom generation to generation ofcustoms, beliefs, etc.

Heritage: Anything that has beentransmitted from the past orhanded down by tradition.

With this understanding now, itgives us more meaning andinterest in our heritage wherecustoms and traditions wereformed.

Happy reading.

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EditorialCommittee

Advisor : SWO S. CHANDRAN

Chairman : MWO PETER ESTROP

DY Chairman : 2WO OLIVEIRO EDWARD

Secretary : 1WO NICHOLAS TAN

Research Team : MWO GORDON CHITRAN

MWO SUNDARAJ

MWO KARAMJIT SINGH

MWO AMAR SINGH

1WO KOH JIN JEE

1WO PUNNIYA

1WO TAN CHIN TECK

1WO GAFOOR

1WO TEO CHYE SENG

1WO LEE BOON YONG

1WO SUNDRAM

1WO RAYMOND KEE

1WO JUDE VINCENT

2WO ABDUL RAZAK

2WO PETE SEENIVASAN

2WO OLIVEIRO LAWRENCE

2WO CHRIS CHER

3SG SATHIYA MOORTHY

CPL ALAGAPPAN BALAMURUGAN

PTE NIGEL NG ZHEREN

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Our Beginnings

The Birth of SAF

The Ministry of Interior andDefence

SAFTI – Singapore Armed ForcesTraining Institute

Officer Cadet School – FirstIntake of Officer Cadets

SAFTI Military Institute

SAFTI Pioneer RegimentalSergeant Majors

Singapore National Flag, Anthemand State Arms

National Flag

National Anthem

Guidelines on playing theNational Anthem

State Arms

SAF Crest

National Service

Oath of Allegiance

SAF Pledge

Code of Conduct

SAF Core Values

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First 1 SIR logo inaugurated on 4March 1957. The logo used was oneof a lion standing on a tower. Thisfirst logo was reminiscent of Britishinfluence with its richness andgrandeur.

Our Beginnings 3

THE BIRTH OF SAF

After more than 100 years of Britishcolonial rule and two tumultuousyears under the MalaysianFederation, Singapore was left tofend for herself. It was a time ofgreat uncertainty as the leaderswere faced with the enormous taskof charting the path of our nationaldestiny. Nevertheless, Singaporewas determined to not onlysurvive on its own, but tosucceed.

An urgent priority afterindependence was to build upSingapore’s own defensecapability. Singapore’s very firstbattalion of regular soldiers, the 1st

Bn. Singapore Infantry Regiment(1 SIR) was formed on 12 March1957 against a backdrop ofimpending self-government.Together with 2 SIR, which wasraised from 1962, this was the onlydefence Singapore had in the post-independence years.

It was with that in mind that thethen Prime Minister, Mr Lee KuanYew and other Ministers appealedto Singapore citizens to supportNational Service.

The passing of the NS(Amendment) Act in mid-Mar 1967was a turning point in the lives ofSingaporean males. Between 28March 1967 and 18 April 1967,

registration began in earnest at theCentral Manpower Base (CMPB)for the first batch of citizens whowere born between 1 January 1949and 30 June 1949 – some 9,000 ofthem. This marked the beginningof the citizen army and also thestart of National Service as a wayof life for the male citizens ofSingapore.

The start of National Service ledto many of 1 SIR’s experiencedcommanders being called upon totrain National Servicemen. InOctober 1968, 1 SIR joined theranks of 3 and 4 SIR in trainingnational servicemen and by theend of 1969, 1 SIR had become afully operational national servicebattalion.

Singapore wasdetermined to notonly survive on itsown, but tosucceed.

1 SIR was based at GuillemardCamp since January 1969, togetherwith the Volunteers, provided thesimple foundation around whichour modern armed forces tookshape.

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Singapore youths sign up for National Service at CMPB

The second logo of 1SIR was instituted onMarch 11, 1961

Only the top 10 per cent of the 9,000were chosen for two years of full-time military training in two newNS army battalions – the 3rd and 4th

Bn. Singapore Infantry Regiments(3 and 4 SIR) at Taman JurongCamp. The first batch of enlisteesfull-time military service reportedfrom 17 August 1967. A total of 450men were absorbed into eachbattalion with formal trainingcommencing on 11 September1967.

In an attempt to re-envision theidentity of the battalion, a secondlogo was instituted on 11 March1961.

“First and Foremost” has come along way from being the motto ofour pioneer battalion to become

the guiding principle of the wholeSAF representing victory andmerit in all our endeavors.

The SAF Crest of today bears astrong resemblance to 1 SIR’slogo. The guiding principle of theSAF is reflected on the ribbon –“YANG PERTAMA DANUTAMA” (FIRST ANDFOREMOST) signifying victoryand merit in all endeavours. Thelaurels surrounding the crest are asymbol of honour, glory, excellenceand virtues that the SAF strivescontinuously to achieve.

Those who were not selected forfull-time military service served inthe Peoples’ Defence Force (PDF),the Vigilante Corps and SpecialConstabulary.

With the announcement havingbeen made of the British pullingout her forces from Singapore, itbecame more imperative toaccelerate our military build-upand attract more resources fordefence.

THE MINISTRY OF INTERIORAND DEFENCE

Many of us are familiar with theold Police Headquarters at Pearl’sHill in Chinatown. However, notmany may know that in November1965, the newly set-up Ministry ofInterior and Defence, now known

With theannouncementhaving beenmade of theBritish pulling outher forces fromSingapore, itbecameimperative toaccelerate outmilitary build-up

4 Our Beginnings

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MID’s home in Pearl’s Hill

as Ministry of Defence, occupiedthe site which continued to be itshome until 1972.

The Ministry of Interior andDefence (MID) was set upamidst tumultuous politicaldevelopments in 1965. FollowingSingapore’s hasty and unexpectedseparation from Malaysia,Singapore gained independenceon 9 August 1965 almostovernight. Of the various nation-building problems that confrontedour political leaders, one of themost pressing and urgent taskswas to build a defence force fromscratch.

Dr Goh Keng Swee was tasked tohelm the newly establishedMinistry in Aug 1965 as the firstDefence Minister.

The build-up of the SingaporeArmed Forces was no easy taskwhich was made worse by thelack of internal expertise andexperience. The periodimmediately following the set-upof the ministry was one of frenziedbut careful planning andgroundwork. Large scalerecruitment brought the regularSingapore Infantry Regiments andthe mobilised Volunteer Forces upto strength. After intensivetraining, they formed the firstSingapore Infantry Brigade. At thesame time, People’s Defence Force

training camps was set up to trainvolunteers and to build up newvolunteer battalions. In February1966, the Jurong Military School(now known as the SAF TrainingInstitute or SAFTI) was set up andin June of the same year, the firstintake of young men started theirOfficer Cadet training. By the timeSingapore celebrated her firstNational Day on 9 August 1966, thehard work and dedication of MIDwere evident in the young butpromising Armed Forces.

The build-up ofthe SAF was noeasy task whichwas made worseby the lack ofinternal expertiseand experience.

On 11 August, 1970, the Ministryof Interior and Defence was splitinto two ministries – the Ministryof Defence (MINDEF) and theMinistry of Home Affairs. InFebruary 1972, MINDEF movedfrom Pearl’s Hill to Tanglin Complexat Napier Road. The latter servedas MINDEF’s headquarters untilApril 1989 when the ministryshifted to its present site at BukitGombak.

Today, MINDEF continues tobe the Joint and ServiceHeadquaters for the Army, Navy

Our Beginnings 5

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Tanglin Complex served as MINDEF’s headquarters from 1972 to 1989

and Air Force, providing policydirection, managerial andtechnological support for the SAF.

SAFTI – SINGAPORE ARMEDFORCES TRAINING INSTITUTE

On 18 Jun, 1966, Singapore ArmedForces Training Institute (SAFTI)was officially declared open by DrGoh Keng Swee, then the Ministerfor Defence. The institute was alsopresented with its formation signof a torch (signifying education)and scimitar (denoting militarytraining) during its officialopening.

The need for a military institutearose when defence became oneof the main priorities for Singaporein 1965. This institute was to trainofficers to lead the new corps ofmen who were to form theSingapore Armed Forces.

SAFTI had its humble beginningsin the Jurong Primary Schoolwhere it was then informally knownas the Jurong Military Institute.

The first course conducted wasa three-month Instructors’Preparatory Course held from 14February 1966.

As works began on a permanenthome for SAFTI at Pasir Laba, thefirst batch of 300 recruits arrived atthe institute on 1 June, 1966.

A few special-to-arms trainingschools also had their beginnings inSAFTI. These included schools,Artillery, Engineers, Armour,Signals, Infantry Weapons andMilitary Medicine.

OFFICER CADET SCHOOL(OCS) – FIRST INTAKE OFOFFICER CADETS

The Officer Cadet School (OCS)is widely known amongSingaporeans, and is oftenassociated with prestige andleadership. Graduands of OCShave every reason to feelimmeasurable pride with havingcompleted nearly a year ofintensive and often gruellingphysical training as well as mentaland psychological testing tobecome the future leaders of theSingapore Armed Forces.

Today, officer cadet training isdone at the SAFTI MilitaryInstitute (SAFTI MI) in Jurong.Established in February 1996,

This Institute wasto train officers tolead the new Corpsof men who were toform the SigaporeArmed Forces.

6 Our Beginnings

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Applicants wererequired to sit for an IQtest

SAFTI MI was then known as theSAF Training Institute or SAFTIand was originally housed inJurong Primary School.Immediately after Singaporegained independence, one of themost compelling tasks faced byour leaders was to build a crediblearmed forces. Hence, the primaryaim of SAFTI was to train officersand non-commissioned officers(NCOs or Specialists as they areknown today) to lead the theninfant SAF.

To attract the best of the nation’syouth to join, the Ministry ofDefence mounted a massiverecruitment campaign in May1966. The response wasoverwhelming with some 2500young men applying. Of these,500 were short listed and calledup for selection. The selectionprocess was rigorous andthorough, and included writtentests, IQ tests, interviews andphysical fitness tests. Theprocess was meticulous to sieveout those with the necessarymental attributes, physicalendurance and determination to

qualify for OCS. Such were the highexpectations of the officer cadetcourse! On 1 June 1966, the firstintake of officer cadets was receivedinto SAFTI.

Today, the spirit of Officer Cadettraining remains unwavering in itsprimary aim to produce futureleaders for the SAF. Emphasis isplaced on technical knowledgeand its application; physicalaptitude including physicalfitness, dexterity with weapons,alertness, and combat skills; andthe spiritual foundation that willprevail over the trials in thebattlefield. Officer Cadet trainingis as much a test of physicalstrength as it is a test of mentalattributes such as tenacity,determination and sheer will

Today, the spirit ofOfficer Cadettraining remainsunwavering in itsprimary aim toproduce futureleaders for theSAF.

The arrival ofthe firstbatch ofrecruits onJune 1, June1966

Our Beginnings 7

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Dr. Goh Keng Swee at the official opening

SAFTI Crest

power. This is often the mostchallenging task for OCS – to impartthe abstract value system thatenables the cadet to push himselfbeyond his perceived limits andsustain him as a commander in theface of seemingly overwhelmingodds.

Officer cadet training, from itsrigorous selection process to itsmulti-faceted training anddiscipline, ensures that there willalways be men and women whohave what it takes to lead andcommand within the SAF.

SAFTI MILITARY INSTITUTE(SAFTI MI)

By the 1980s, the SAF hadexpanded significantly andSAFTI’s training facilities at PasirLaba were no longer adequate tocope with the increasing demandsof training. At the same time, asthe SAF came of age, there was agrowing recognition of the needfor greater integration in thetraining and professionalism ofofficers from the three Services (i.e.Army, Navy and Air Force). In1987, the proposal for a newinstitute – the SAFTI Military

Institute was announced. Hence, theconstruction of the SAFTI MilitaryInstitute at its present site.

The name ‘SAFTI’, so well knownas the professional trainingground of SAF leaders, wasadopted for the Military Institute.In his ground-breaking speech on9 June 1990, then Prime MinisterMr. Lee Kuan Yew said that for thepioneers of SAFTI, the difficultprocess of nation-building evokedan instinctive and consciouscommitment to the ideals ofindividual excellence and nationalresponsibility.

He further added that thesepioneers understood the choicesthat confronted them and did theirbest to share in the creation of acorps of men driven to excel forthe nation. This, in essence, is thespirit of SAFTI MI. This spirit ofthe pioneering batches is not onlypreserved but also much alive asthe SAFTI MI continues to trainand produce leaders of stamina,courage and drive.

SAFTIFormation Sign

The name‘SAFTI’, so wellknown as theprofessionaltraining groundof SAF leaders,was adopted forthe MilitaryInstitute.

8 Our Beginnings

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The New SAFTI MI

First intake of SAFTI recruitsundergoing the fitness test.

On 25 August 1995, the institute wasofficially opened by then PrimeMinister Mr Goh Chok Tong

- “This Institute is not just acollection of buildings for thetraining of military officers. It is anational institution, embodyingour will to defend our nation, ourdetermination to fight to preserveour freedom and our way of life, ifthe need ever arises. It is a symbolof how far we have come as anarmed forces and as a nation.” Hesaid emphasizing SAFTI’s statusas an institution for the people.

Located on 88 hectares of landalong Upper Jurong Road, theSAFTI Military Institute isarguably the most impressive if notthe most imposing structure of allSAF buildings. From the redterracotta of the main buildings tothe cascading terraces at theCadet Dining Hall, SAFTI MI is ahandsome complex indeed.Although its history is relativelyshort, compared to other moreestablished and prestigiousmilitary institutes such as

Sandhurst in England or USA’sWestpoint, SAFTI MI’s significanceto the SAF is clear.

SAFTI MI builds upon SAFTI’stradition of providingprofessional, rigorous anddisciplined training for Army, Navyand Air Force officers. Through itstri-service training, SAFTI MI aimsto forge common bonds andcommitment among fellow officers,and build an integrated SAF.

SAFTI PIONEERREGIMENTAL SERGEANTMAJORS

From left: WO1 Shamsudin B. Shadan, WO1 Hong Seng Mak,WO1 Ali Pawiro, WO1 Sng Cheng Chye

“It is a nationalinstitution,embodying our willto defend ournation, ourdetermination tofight to preserveour freedom andour way of life, ifthe need everarises.”- Mr Goh Chok Tong

Our Beginnings 9

In all SAF camps, the RegimentalSergeant Major (RSM) is ahighly respected and oftenfeared figure. This is even moreso in SAFTI which is held in awefor the high standards ofdiscipline and regimentation setby the RSMs. Among the mostprolific RSMs in SAFTI’s history

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were WO1 Shamsudim B. Sadan(the 1

st RSM), WO1 Hong Seng

Mak (better known as “Tiger”Hong), WO1 Ali Pawiro andWO1 Sng Cheng Chye. WhileWO1 Shamsudin, “Tiger” Hongand WO1 Sng were strict, no-nonsense and fastidious to afault when it came toregimentation and discipline.However, WO1 Ali Pawiro wasregarded by most as anendearing and fatherly figure.Regardless of their differingstyles, all shared the same highstandards and unflaggingdedication. As RSMs, theyinculcated respect for authority,reverence for the national flag,deference for ceremonial placeslike the parade square, and theimportance to maintain a strictmilitary bearing. To date, thesevalues remain the very essenceof the martial spirit which SAFTIinculcates in each graduate fromits schools.

SINGAPORE NATIONALFLAG, ANTHEM AND STATEARMS

On 30 November 1959, theSingapore National Flag, Anthemand State Arms Ordinance, wereintroduced. This ordinanceprovided for the regulation of theuse, display and performance ofthe State Arms, State Flag andNational Anthem – the symbols of

authority and loyalty for allSingaporeans. The State Arms, National Flag andNational Anthem were presentedto the nation on 3 Dec 1959 duringthe launch of “Loyalty Week”(after the installation of the newHead of State Yang Di-PertuanYusok Bin Ishak). “Loyalty Week”was an appropriate occasion as itwas aimed at instilling civic prideand a sense of belonging amongstSingaporeans.

NATIONAL FLAG

The RegimentalSergeant Major(RSM) inculcatesrespect forauthority,reverence for thenational flag,deference forceremonial placeslike the paradesquare, and theimportance tomaintain a strictmilitary bearing.

10 Our Beginnings

The National flag is halvedhorizontally – red over white withthe crescent moon sided by five starsin a circle all in white. The red andwhite colours and the symbols of thecrescent and five stars stand for thesame values as that of the StateArms.

The colour red is symbolic ofuniversal brotherhood andequality of men while the whitesymbolises pervading andeverlasting purity and virtue. Thecrescent represents a youngcountry on its ascent in its ideals

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of establishing democracy, peace,progress, justice and equality asindicated by the five stars.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

The National Anthem wasoriginally commissioned for useby the then City Council as itsofficial song. The late Encik ZubirSaid, a composer of film music wasapproached to compose this song.The song was to be titled MajulahSingapura which was based on thesame words displayed in theVictoria Theatre after it underwentrenovations in 1958. Composed inthe national language, the songwas first performed by theSingapore Chamber Ensembleduring the official opening of therenovated Victoria Theatre on 6September 1958.

When Singapore attained self-governance in 1959, a nationalanthem was needed to unite thedifferent races in Singapore. Thegovernment decided that thealready popular City Council songMajulah Singapura was the songthat would appeal to all races. Aftersome revisions were made to thesong, Majulah Singapura wasadopted as the National Anthemin November 1959, replacing thecolonial anthem, God Save theQueen.

Majulah Singapura (sung in Malay)Mari kita rakyat Singapura

Sama-sama menuju bahagiaCita-cita kita yang mulia

Berjaya SingapuraMarilah kita bersatu

Dengan semangat yang baruSemua kita berseruMajulah SingapuraMajulah Singapura

Onward Singapore (English translation)We, the people of Singapore

Together march towards happinessOur noble aspiration

To make Singapore a successLet us all uniteIn a new spirit

Together we proclaimOnward SingaporeOnward Singapore

Our Beginnings 11

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STATE ARMS

GUIDELINES ON PLAYING THENATIONAL ANTHEM

1. Dignity and decorum must always be observed in the playing andsinging of the National Anthem.

2. The singing of the National Anthem is to be encouraged whenever itis played. Emcees should request everyone present to sing and, wherepossible, a singer or choir should lead the mass singing.

3. Both public and private organizations are encouraged to play andsing the National Anthem on all occasions pertaining to National Daycelebrations and at events of national significance (sports, community,government and corporate events), as appropriate.

4. Preferably, the full version should be sung on all occasions. Theabridged version could be played for less formal occasions, asappropriate. In this case, no singing and saluting are required.

The lionrepresentsSingapore andthe tiger theisland’s historiclinks withMalaysia.

The State Arms consist of a shieldemblazoned with a white crescentmoon and five white stars on a redbackground. Supporting theshield are a Lion on the left and aTiger on the right. Below theshield are the words MajulahSingapura (“Let SingaporeFlourish”). The lion representsSingapore and the t iger theisland’s historic l inks withMalaysia.

12 Our Beginnings

Flags and symbols have a powerfulemotive influence over people.Throughout history, they havebeen used by governments andorganizations to rally and garnersupport and affiliations. In theSAF, military colours and logos areprobably the most recognizablemarks of identity. They forge asense of belonging, esprit decorps and pride. While each of thethree Services has its own crest,

SAF CREST

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the one that undeniably binds allservicemen is the SAF Crest. For allSingaporeans, it represents ourintegrated armed forces.

The origins of the SAF Crest datesback to 11 March 1961 and fittingly,are intertwined with the story ofSingapore’s first and oldestbattalion (1 SIR). What started asa battalion logo was later adoptedas the identity for the whole SAF.

Inaugurated on 1 July 1989, theSAF Flag had the SAF Crestemblazoned on the bottom righthand corner of the State Flag. Itsymbolised for the first time, theArmy, Navy and Air Force workingtogether as an integrated force. Byoperating as a whole system, theSAF’s capability was multipliedmanifold as compared to if theArmy, Navy and Air Force were tofunction individually. Consecratedat the 1989 SAF Day Parade, thenew flag was handed over to thenChief of General Staff, LT GENWinston Choo by the latePresident Wee Kim Wee.

The SAF Crest comprises theinscription, “Tentera Singapura”(Singapore Armed Forces)encircling the State Crest. Thissymbolises the protection andpreservation of the values ofdemocracy, peace, progress,justice and equality represented inthe State Crest.

NATIONAL SERVICE

With the decision to build ourdefence forces around the citizen-soldier concept, 2 SIR as well as 1SIR were converted into NationalService units. In 1968, bothbattalions took in their first batchesof full-time National Servicemen(NS). The officers and NCOs (non-commissioned officers) from 2 SIRwere among the core of instructorsselected to train the NS recruits.Their experience in actualoperational situations (IndonesianConfrontation) provided animportant base for producing ourown corps of commanders andtrainers.

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE (alsoknown as the Affirmation ofAllegiance)

The SAF Crestsymbolises theprotection andpreservation ofthe values ofdemocracy,peace,progress,justice andequality.

National Service is the duty thatevery male citizen must undertakeupon attaining the age of 18. It isfor the serviceman to swearallegiance to Singapore. Theserviceman swears to hiscommitment to be loyal to thecountry, to be ethical, disciplined

Our Beginnings 13

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1. Bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of Singapore.

2. Protect and defend the Republic of Singapore bravely and intelligently,with virtue and honour, not sparing my life blood into so,

3. To my last breath be devoted to the people, the country and theGovernment of the Republic of Singapore.

4. Be loyal to the country and the Government of the Republic of Singapore

5. Be ready at the order of the Government, to rise up to the defence of theRepublic of Singapore

6. Be honourable, brave, disciplined and vigilant;

7. Obey the laws of the Republic of Singapore and comply with the ordersof my commanders; and

8. Strictly safeguard and preserve State Secrets and Official Informationand never disclose them.

and to defend the country with his life.

On the day of enlistment, he is required to take the Oath of Allegiance to theRepublic of Singapore.

The Oath of Allegiance is as follow:

I, having entered the service of the Republic of Singapore under theEnlistment Act, (Cap 93), do solemnly swear, sincerely and truly declareand affirm that I will:

On the day ofenlistment, theyare required totake the Oath ofAllegiance to theRepublic ofSingapore.

14 Our Beginnings

CODE OF CONDUCT

On 18 July 1967, the Code of Conduct was promulgated by the thenDefence Minister of Singapore, Dr Goh Keng Swee. The code had beeninitially researched and drafted by a Jesuit Priest named Father TerenceJ. Sheridan.

This code was justified for two reasons: Professional efficiency and therelation between the Armed Forces and Society. The code is necessaryto spell out in explicit terms for the guidance of the armed forces toestablish high standards of behaviour. It then ensures sense of dignityand purpose prevails throughout the Army.

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It is a set of rules which govern the daily conduct and behaviour of a serviceman. It is a constantreminder of the Core Values of Loyalty to Country, Discipline, Professionalism and Ethics andprovide the moral compass in the serviceman’s daily dealings.

Our Beginnings 15

The Six Rules of Conduct are:

1. We always honour our Nation. We will do everything to uphold it and nothing to disgrace it.

2. At all times, we must bear in mind that we are the protector of our citizens.

3. We are loyal to the Armed Forces and we take pride in our unit, our uniform, our discipline, ourwork, our training and ourselves.

4. We must be exemplary in our conduct. We respect others, and by our conduct and bearingwin the respect of others. We are courageous but not reckless.

5. We are devoted to duty but not to ourselves.

6. We guard our weapons as we guard secrets.

SAF PLEDGE

We, Members of the Singapore Armed Forces,do solemnly and sincerely pledge that:

We will always bear true faith and allegiance to thePresident

and the Republic of Singapore.

We will always support and defend theConstitution.

We will preserveand protect the honour

and independence of our country with our lives.The SAF Pledge is part of the Organizational Statement of Belief and it is for the members of theSAF to reaffirm their loyalty and commitment as individuals to the orgnisation in the defence ofthe nation.

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SAF CORE VALUES

The SAF core values define thecharacter of the SAF. They bindour people together. They are theinner voices, the sources ofstrength, and the derivations ofself-control, which are seen as thebasis for today’s military.

In Sep’86 under the Institute ofExcellence (i.e. SAFTI) concept,the idea of a common value systemwas mooted and the SAF sevencore values were formulated. Theorginal implementation strategywas to introduce it to the OfficerCorps and allow the naturalcascading effect to influence therank and file. In July ’96 the SAFcore values were established asthe common core values for allServices in the SAF, regardless ofrank, vocation or service status.

The seven core values are:

1. Loyalty to Country

2. Leadership

3. Discipline

4. Professionalism

5. Fighting Spirit

6. Ethics

7. Care for Soldiers

Loyalty to Country is whatcommits us as citizens to protectand defend our nation. The nationrepresents our homeland; all thatis cherished by us, our family andour way of life. We have aresponsibility to protect thenation. Loyalty is vital for the SAFbecause its mission is to defendthe nation and, if need be for us tosacrifice our lives for Singapore.

Leadership is being able toinfluence and motivate one’sfollowers, to imbue them with trustand confidence in us so that theywill carry out a mission confidentlyand to their best ability. Leadersachieve this by demonstratingsound knowledge, as well asabilities such as being able tocommunicate with their followers.Good leaders lead by example,exude personal presence anddisplay active involvement. Thedefence of the nation can only beassured by commanders who arecompetent to lead, excel andinspire others to give their best tothe nation.

Discipline in the SAF is obedienceof orders, and the timely andaccurate execution of assignedtasks. This is achieved throughtough training geared towardsoperational readiness and combateffectiveness. The essence ofdiscipline is doing what we haveto, even when it is difficult and

The SAF corevalues are theinner voices, thesources ofstrength, and thederivations ofself-control.

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painful, and doing it the best we can.Discipline means inner strength,control, mental stamina, physicaltoughness and perseverance. A highstandard of discipline must bemaintained to train soldiers towithstand fear and tension.Disciplined soldiers can bedepended on.

Professionalism in the SAF isproficiency, competency andreliability in all we do. This wouldinvolve having a soundknowledge of what we have to doand doing it well. We know ourroles and carry them out well. It isa continual strive for excellencewhich rejects complacency. In theSAF, it also incorporates andemphasises a sense of duty andservice, which compels everyoneto train hard and give their best. Itis this sense of professionalismwhich bonds the SAF together inteamwork to excel in all we do, toserve with pride, honour andintegrity.

Fighting spirit is the tenacity tosucceed in whatever we do. In theSAF particularly, it is marked bydetermination, aggressivenessand perseverance, the spirit of afighting fit defence force. Fightingspirit makes us courageous, boldand decisive, with the necessaryaggression to engage decisivelyin a battle and quickly put an endto it. Fighting spirit is also thededication,stamina and endurancewhich enable us to overcome

obstacles and achieve our missionwith continued will and motivationdespite all odds.

Ethics is exemplary conduct andmoral strength. It enables us toknow what is right from wrong andkeep to it. It wil help us handleethical problems which arise out ofa war and in peacetime. For example,we must be honest and accurate inour report writing, have integrity inour dealing with others, and notmisuse our position against anyone.Ethics will also ensure we do notact against our country and are loyalto its law and constitution. Suchthrustwortiness and uprightness ofcharacter must be unshakable forthe SAF.

Care for soldiers is the genuineconcern that we have for the well-being of those in our command. It istraining soliders so well that theycan protect themselves and survivein battle. This is the philosophy ofmore sweat in peacetime and lessblood in war. At the same time it isalso ensuring the provision ofservice support so that soliders arepropely equipped, trained and fit tofit a battle. Care is absolutelyessential for cohesion, team spiritand ultimately combateffectiveness. Commanders whocare for the training, morale anddiscipline of their troops can besure they have a fighting fit forceat their hands. They can also besure of their loyalty. Care forsoliders should also extend to thefamilies of the soliders.

Our Beginnings 17

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Military Etiquetteand Decorum

Military Etiquette and Decorum

Correct Use of Titles

Commissioned Officers

Warrant Officers

Specialists

National Servicemen

Retired Personnel

Paying of Compliments

SAF Hand Salute

Origin of Salute

Whom to Salute

When to Salute

Paying of Compliments by Sentries

Saluting in Groups

When not to salute

Courtesies to Individual

Two or more Officers together

Position of Honour

Paying of Compliments duringNational Anthem

State & Regimental Colours

Reveille & Retreat

Compliments to the President/Cabinet Ministers & Members ofParliament and cars flying NationalFlag

Cars of CDF and Service Chiefs

In Public Conveyances

Behavior in Civilian Dress

Standing up as a Sign of Respect

Social Etiquette

Correct Speech

Conversation

Attitude Towards Ladies

Shaking Hands

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MILITARY ETIQUETTE ANDDECORUM

Military Etiquette would refer tohow military personnel conductthemselves. It prescribes the wayssoldiers interact with each other.

Military courtesy is essentially nodifferent from courtesy in civilianlife. Military courtesy is goodmanners and politeness in dealingwith other people. Courteousbehaviour provides a basis fordeveloping good human relations.The distinction between civilianand military courtesy is thatmilitary courtesy was developedin a military atmosphere and hasbecome the custom of the militaryservice.

Most forms of military courtesyhave some counterpart in civilianlife. For example, we train soldiersto say “Sir” or “Ma’am” whentalking to a senior. It is consideredgood manners for a youngerperson to say “Sir” or “Ma’am”when speaking to an older person.The use of the word “Sir” is alsocommon in the business world, inthe address of a letter, and in anywell-ordered institution.

Military courtesy is not a one-waystreet. Enlisted personnel areexpected to be courteous toofficers and officers are expectedto return the courtesy. Mutualrespect is a vital part of militarycourtesy.Military courtesy is the respectshown to each other by members

of the same profession.Demonstrating customs andcourtesies in day-to-day military lifeinvolves two aspects: first, thecustoms and courtesies which areobserved in the work place or dutyarea, and second, the social customsand courtesies of military life.

CORRECT USE OF TITLES

Each member of the Army has amilitary rank, Recruit to General, andthis rank becomes his or her militarytitle by force of regulation andcustom. In official documents amember’s rank, or title, alwaysaccompanies his or her name.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

Lieutenant is addressed officially as“Lieutenant”. The adjective“Second” is not used except inwritten communication. The sameprinciple also holds for other ranks.In conversation and in unofficialcorrespondence, Brigadier General,Major General and LieutenantGenerals are usually referred to andaddressed as “General”. LieutenantColonels are addressed as“Colonel”.

Military courtesy isgood mannersand politeness indealing with otherpeople.

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“Ma’am” is used in addressing afemale officer under the samecircumstances when addressinga male officer as “Sir”.

WARRANT OFFICERS

Since the SAF Warrant Officerranks were introduced as thepinnacle rank for NonCommissioned Officers (NCO),most of the Warrant Officers wereRegimental Sergeant Majors(RSM) and they were addressedas “Encik” (Mister).

In 1992, Warrant Officers begantaking over appointments normallyheld by officers such as PlatoonCommander, Company Second-in-Command, Officer commanding inTraining Schools as well asTraining Officer, Quartermaster,Motor & Transport Officer etc. Itbecame usual to be addressed as“Sir” but no salutes are renderedto them. Army RSM is addressedas Sergeant Major of the Army.Division RSM as DivisionSergeant Major. Formation RSMas Formation Sergeant Major.Brigade RSM, as Brigade SergeantMajor. Battalion RSM, as RSM (in

short) and Warrant Officers as“Encik”.

SPECIALISTS

Company Sergeant Major isaddressed as “Sergeant Major”.First & Second Sergeants areaddressed as “Sergeant” while a“Corporal” a “Corporal”. Officersgenerally address Privates andPrivates First Class by their names.The full titles of enlistees are usedin official communication.

NATIONAL SERVICEMEN

Upon completion of their full timeNational Service, all NSmen areliable for up to 40 days of activeservice every year, up to a periodof 10 years. The title NS isappended to the rank previouslyheld while serving full time nationalservice, e.g. LTA (NS) Kenneth Lin.

RETIRED PERSONNEL

Individuals retired from the SAF,not on active service duty areauthorised to use their titlessocially, and in connection withcommercial enterprises, e.g.LTC (RET) Gerald Koh.

PAYING OF COMPLIMENTS

Paying of compliments is a form ofgreeting between members of auniform group. It is a sign of respectthe members have for one anotherand for the organisation theybelong to. In the SAF, a greetingalways follows after a salute is

Army RSM isaddressed asSergeant Major ofthe Army. DivisionRSM as DivisionSergeant Major.Formation RSM asFormationSergeant Major.Brigade RSM, asBrigade SergeantMajor. BattalionRSM, as RSM (inshort).

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rendered. It is customary that ajunior shall salute and greet asenior officer. A salute is normallyrendered with the right hand. Inthe case of a person who throughphysical inability is unable to doso, he will salute with the lefthand.

SAF HAND SALUTE

On 1 September 1976, the SAFadopted a new “Hand Salute”instead of the open palm to theright forehead salute inheritedfrom the British. The new salute issmarter and less awkward in thatthe palm is rotated 90 degreesforward, palm downward, fingerstogether and shading the right eyefrom the sun.

ORIGIN OF SALUTE

Saluting is one of the mostcommon and basic forms ofmilitary courtesy. It is basically anexchange of greetings betweenmilitary and/or uniformed servicespersonnel.

The history of saluting has manyplausible origins. Some believethat during the “Age of Chivalry”when two knights met, they raisedtheir visors to expose their faces.This allowed the knights torecognise their allies from theirenemies. The raising of the visorwas always performed with theright hand. During the “MiddleAges”, men wore heavy capes toconceal their swords. When twomen greeted each other they

A salute isnormallyrendered withthe right hand.In the case ofa person whothroughphysicalinability isunable to doso, he willsalute with theleft hand.

would raise their right arm to showthat it was not on the sword hilt.Greeting someone without raisingyour right arm could potentiallymean that you were about to attack.During the days of the Borgias,assassination by using a knife ordagger was common. Whengreeting someone the right handwas raised to show that the personwas not concealing a dagger.

Saluting with the open handindicates friendly intentions andcan be traced back to the middleages when travellers also held theiropen hands up in order to indicatethat they had no weapons in theirpossession capable of injuringothers. It also dates back severalhundred years to the days whenfighting men wore armour. Thus,when outside the safety of walledcastles, people often had to defendthemselves. Therefore, as the knightrode through the forest, he rode withhis hand near his sword. When hemet someone he recognized as afriend, he raised his empty hand toshow he was not challenging theperson. This action was a sign of trustand respect. The present day salute

Military Etiquette and Decorum 23

British “Open Palm” Salute

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is a symbol of greeting, of mutualtrust and confidence, initiated bythe junior in rank, but with no lossof dignity on either side.

There are other forms of salutesbesides the hand salute such as thesword salute, the rifle salute and gunsalute. As these salutes signifygestures of friendship andcomradeship.

WHOM TO SALUTE

All servicemen will saluteofficers senior in rank in thecourse of meeting them or beforeaddressing them on duty or onparade. The officers are obligedto return the salute. Salutesmust be executed smartly.Saluting is permissible while inany form of military dress, withor without headdress.

Subordinates will salute theirimmediate superiors at their firstmeeting. Salutes on second andsubsequent encounters arediscretionary.

Servicemen are to salute theNational Cadet Corps Officerswhen meeting such officers in thecourse of official duties.

Police Officers and MilitaryOfficers of other armies stationedin Singapore would be accordedthe same compliments as thatgiven to SAF Officers.

WHEN TO SALUTE

Normally, a salute is required of allArmy personnel when meeting orrecognising persons entitled tothe salute. The salute is renderedwhen the person to be saluted iswithin recognition distance, whichis about 30 paces and the salute isexcuted from a distance of sixpaces. The first position of thesalute is held until the salute isreturned. While running, a personshall render a greeting inplace of asalute. Salutes are exchanged byindividuals whether indoors oroutdoors. Officers are expected tobe prompt and militarily correct inreturning the salutes of theirsubordinates.

The salute is rendered only onceif the senior remains in theimmediate vicinity and noconversation take place. Ifconversation takes place, thejunior salutes again when eitherleaves.

Saluting with theopen handindicates friendlyintentions andcan be tracedback to themiddle ages.

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When reporting, the personmaking the report salutes first.

When reporting to an officer,salutes are exchanged both whenreporting and leaving. If reportingindoors, a junior removes hisheaddress, knocks, and enterswhen told to do so. Upon entering,the junior halts not closer thantwo paces from the officer,salutes, and reports stating hispurpose after his greeting. Whenall business has been transacted,the junior salutes and leaves afterthe salute has been returned. Onedoes not sit down in a seniorofficer’s office unless invited todo so.

When driving or riding one shouldnot salute, as it will interfere withsafe driving/riding practices.

PAYING OF COMPLIMENTSBY SENTRIES

Sentries on duty armed with riflesling around their neck (by meansof rifle extension slings) will cometo “Attention” and bring their rifleto “High Port” position whenpaying compliments to officers –entering or leaving the camp.

SALUTING IN GROUPS

Individuals in formation do notrender or return salutes except atthe command, “Present Arms.”The individual in charge salutesfor the entire formation.Commanders of organisationswhich are not part of a larger

formation salute officers of higherrank by bringing the body of troopto attention before saluting. In thefield under combat or simulatedcombat conditions, the unit is notbrought to attention when thecommander salutes. An individualin formation comes to attention orstand-at-ease when addressed by asenior officer.

On the approach of an officer seniorin rank, a group of individuals notin formation is called to attention bythe first person seeing him. All comesmartly to attention and salute.

When actively engaged on a detail,individuals do not salute. Theperson in charge of the detailsalutes for the entire group.However, when an officer addressesan individual in the detail, he comesto attention and at the terminationof the conversation salute isexchanged.

WHEN NOT TO SALUTE

In general, one does not salute underthe following conditions:

1. Indoors, except when reportingto an officer;

2. engaged in routine work whenthe salute would interfere;

3. carrying articles in both hands orbeing otherwise occupied as tomake saluting impracticable(where possible, articles shouldbe carried in their left hand);

Salutes areexchanged byindividualswhetherindoors oroutdoors.Officers areexpected to beprompt andmilitarilycorrect inreturning thesalutes of theirsubordinates.

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4. the rendition of the salute isobviously inappropriate;

5. the person is a prisoner;

6. riding in a public conveyance;

7. when actively engaged inathletics;

8. inside places of worship,theatres, or places of publicassemblage;

9. and when in formation, unlessthe salutation is ordered by thecommander of the formation.

COURTESIES TO INDIVIDUAL

Although normal courtesies areexpected when an officer entersan area for inspection, when anofficer enters a room, those atwork or play do not come toattention unless spoken to bythe officer. A junior, whenaddressed by a senior, comes toattention except in thetransaction of routine businessbetween individuals at work.

When a senior officer comes intoa room, attention will be called bythe first person seeing him.

Attention is not normally called atsocial functions except when theaffair is official in nature and theguests have assembled and areawaiting the entrance of theCommanding Officer or Guest ofHonour. In most such events, anannouncement will be made for all

present to rise by the Master-of-Ceremony.

When accompanying a senior, ajunior walks or rides on the senior’sleft. An exception to this rule iswhen inspecting troops, theJunior in rank walks to the right ofthe senior with the senior nearestthe troops being inspected. In allcases when walking, the juniorkeeps in step with the senior.

In entering an automobile or smallboat, the junior enters first and isfollowed by the remainder of theparty in inverse order in rank. Theproceeding is not a hard and fastrule. In order to prevent anymember of the party from climbingover another, discretion will beused in order that when seated inthe vehicle or boat, the senior ison the right.

Military courtesy requires thatintermediate commanders beinformed of instructions issued totheir subordinates by anyoneoutside of that unit.

TWO OR MORE OFFICERSTOGETHER

While moving in a group, the mostsenior will pay compliments to theofficers. A salute made to two or

On the approachof an officersenior in rank, agroup ofindividuals not information iscalled toattention by thefirst personseeing him.

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more officers will be returned byonly one officer – the most seniorone present.

POSITION OF HONOUR

Running through our customs andcourtesies of the service, social aswell as official is the principle thatthe right side of a person or thingis the position of honour.

“The Right of the Line” was thecritical side in ancient battleformations and is the place ofhonour in ceremonies today.

In walking with a senior or ridingin a vehicle the junior is on theleft. The national flag is carried ordisplayed on the right of allothers. The right is the point ofhonour in heraldry.

This practice probably originatesfrom the days when gentlemencarried swords for protection. Thestronger swordsman was giventhe position of honour (the right)so that his sword arm would beunhampered for a fast draw.

PAYING OF COMPLIMENTSDURING NATIONAL ANTHEM

1. When OutdoorsWhen the State Flag is raisedor lowered, all ranks in uniformwhen not in formation (underthe orders of a commander),will salute facing the directionof the flag. When undercommand, only the commanderwill salute. During the flag

raising and flag loweringceremony, there should not beany vehicle movement.

2. When IndoorsServicemen walking within abuilding (eg. within the MINDEFComplex) should stop and standat attention and remain stillduring the raising and loweringof the State Flagoutdoors.

STATE & REGIMENTALCOLOURS

Whenaccompanyinga senior, ajunior walks orrides on thesenior’s left. Anexception to thisrule is wheninspectingtroops, theJunior in rankwalks to theright of thesenior with thesenior nearestthe troopsbeinginspected.

Military Etiquette and Decorum 27

All ranks in uniform will salute whenthe State and Regimental Coloursare being cased or uncased, or whenthe Colours pass their immediatefront.

REVEILLE AND RETREAT

All ranks in uniform when not information (under the orders of acommander), will salute when thereveille tune (flag raising) and retreattune (flag lowering) are played. Thereshould not be any vehicle movementduring the sounding of these calls.

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COMPLIMENTS TO THEPRESIDENT / CABINETMINISTERS & MEMBERS OFPARLIAMENT AND CARSFLYING NATIONAL FLAG

All servicemen in uniform are topay compliments to the President,Cabinet Ministers and Members ofParliament. In addition, servicemenin uniform are to salute when carsflying the State Flag (includingthose from Foreign Embassies),passes their immediate front.

CARS OF CDF AND SERVICECHIEFS.

All servicemen are to salute whenthe staff cars of CDF and theService Chiefs pass them. Thesestaff cars will have the “Star Plates”mounted in front and rear of thevehicles, indicating that the CDF/Service Chiefs are in the vehicle.There is no requirement to salutewhen the “Star Plates” are coveredas it denotes that CDF/ServiceChiefs are not in the vehicle.

IN PUBLIC CONVEYANCES

In public area or events, such assporting events, meetings, orwhen a salute would beinappropriate or impractical,salutes between individuals neednot be rendered.

BEHAVIOR IN CIVILIANDRESS

Whether in civilian dress oruniform, a serviceman will accord

All ranks inuniform willsalute when theState andRegimentalColours arebeing cased oruncased, orwhen the Colourspass theirimmediate front.

respect to his seniors as he wouldwhen he is in uniform. Whilesaluting is not necessary when oneis in civilian dress, the propergreetings should be given.

STANDING UP AS A SIGN OFRESPECT

Standing up when a senior entersa room is a sign of respect. Whenin group, the most senior will callthe rest to attention, if the senioris an officer. When a lecture is inprocess, personnel in the classshould brace up and keep still ifthe room is called to attention.This rule need not apply onpersons who are engaged in workthat cannot be stopped e.g. Whenin the midst of operating a tool ormachine, or when the senior hadbeen accorded similar respectearlier. It is also a sign of respectfor a subordinate to stand up whena superior speaks to him.Discretion is allowed in the casewhere the senior is an immediatesuperior.

SOCIAL ETIQUETTE

Avoid free expression resulting tohostilities. Avoid cliques. It shouldbe a constant aim to broadenacquaintances. Social obligationsshould be repaid but done strictlyin accordance with one’s meanswithout excuses for simplicity orausterity.

Members of the Army are expectedto be gentlemen. He must behavelike one. One of the first thing a

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gentleman does is not to offendothers. Crude conduct such asspitting and belching in public, tomention only two of suchundesirable habits, should be leftwith the ill-bred. A gentleman isthoughtful of others. His elders hewould invariably address as “Sir”unless, of course, they happen tobe junior to him in rank.

CORRECT SPEECH

One of the greatest assets ofany man is his abili ty forcorrect, simple and dignifiedspeech, coupled with acapacity for interesting andintelligent conversation.Correctpronunciation is a foremostrequirement. If in doubt avoid itsuse until after access to adictionary. Next is enunciation– clearly, distinctly andcorrectly. Avoid slang andprofanity. They indicate a poorlyversed individual and tend toperpetuate a broader deficientspeaking community.

CONVERSATION

There should be reciprocity in theconversations between militarypersonnel. One should avoidabruptness in dismissing effortsof others to start the conversation.Those who think before theyspeak are not apt to blunder.Engaging in intelligentconversation requires, amongother things a broad contact withliterature, and familiarity withcurrent events.

ATTITUDE TOWARDS LADIES

Nothing so quickly discloses thepresence or absence of mannersin a man as his attitude towardsladies. One of the establishedrules of good society is thatwomen deserve specialconsideration and protection.They should be shielded fromunpleasant or embarrassingsituations, assisted when

Military Etiquette and Decorum 29

confronted with difficulties and onall occasions should be treatedwell with respect.

SHAKING HANDS

The handshake is executed with afirm, straight forward clasp of thehands but no strenuous squeezing.This is particularly to be observedwhen shaking hands with a lady. Itis good to know and understand thevarious race culture and practicesin this matter too.

One of thegreatest assetsof any man is hisability for correct,simple anddignified speech,coupled with acapacity forinteresting andintelligentconversation.

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Colours, Standardand Pennant

Introduction

History of Military Colours

Colours in the SAF

State and RegimentalColours in the SAF

- SAF State Colours- SAFTI Military Institute

State Colours

Regimental Colours

SAFTI Military InstituteRegimental Colours

Headquarters Commandos

1st Commando Battalion

Infantry- 1 SIR- 2 SIR- 3 SIR- 4 SIR- 5 SIR- 6 SIR

Guards- 1 Guards Battalion- 3 Guards Battalion

Armour- 40 SAR- 41 SAR- 42 SAR- 46 SAR

Headquarters, SingaporeArtillery

Headquarters, CombatEngineers

Headquarters, Signals &Command Systems

Headquarters, MedicalCorps

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Headquarters, Maintenance andEngineering Support

Headquarters, Supply andTransport

SAF Provost Unit

The President Standard

Presidential Lance Guard Pennant

Regimental Band Banner

Casing and Uncasing of Colours

Consecration of Colours

Compliments and Salutes

Lower Colours – Salutes

Point of War

Transporting of Colours

Care and Custody of Colours

Withdrawal from Service

Replacement of Colours

Retirement of Colours

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INTRODUCTION

At about the beginning of theseventeenth century whenarmies were adopting theregimental system, i t wasdecided to assign colours (usingthe word in its conventionalsense) to each regiment. It waslogical, then, for the “RedRegiment,” for example, to carrya red flag for identification inbattle. Hence military flagsbecame known as “Colours.”Another explanation of the termis that early heraldic flags borethe Colours of a commander inprecisely the same sense as usedin horse racing today.

On the other side of the world, inabout 1650, the first of theManchus was experimenting witha new concept of militaryorganization. He divided histroops into four groups - theYellows, Reds, Whites and Blues.Each were identified by a colouredbanner. Later he doubled thenumber of units, having each newunit take one of the original fourcolours and adding a border.

So the Colours originated as ameans of battlefield identificationand continued to perform thisfunction for many years. Modernarmies now carry Colours only inceremonies

HISTORY OF MILITARYCOLOURS

The Colourswere carriedinto battle inthe centre frontrank wherethey couldeasily be seenand recognisedand to act as aguide andrallying point.

The awarding of Colours to militaryunits is an established practice ofmany National Armed Forces and theSingapore Armed Forces is noexception. Colours are frequentlyparaded during auspicious andsignificant occasions.

Traditionally, our Colours areparaded on National Day, SAF Dayand on Anniversary Day parades,with proper Escort Party and Guardof Honour Contingents. But otherthan to add to the pomp andpageantry of these events, Colourshave a history and tradition datingas far back as the Middle Ages, anda significance which is maintainedeven till to-date.

Colours originated as banners oflords and barons at a time when itwas a tradition for fighting men torally around their leader’s banner.The reason for its existence arosefrom the need to have some rank ofdistinction between tribes andarmies, and a conspicuous rallying

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point in battle. In war betweentribes, for example, the badge ofeach tribal chief was hoisted ontoa pole so that it could be seen at adistance, and not just in closecombat.

Later, these became flags ofdistinctive Colours in a battlefieldfor marking positions. Andthrough constant usage, the term“Colours” is often taken to meanall classes of military flags whichare known differently asstandards, guidons and banners.

In the past when Colours werecarried on active service, theystood as a rallying point of theregiment, and the scene of its laststand. As long as the soldierscould see their own flag flyinghigh, they knew all was well. It is apowerful factor in maintainingmorale. Many would die just tokeep the Colours flying high.Similarly, to capture the Colours ofthe enemy was a sign of greatcourage.

and recognised and to act as aguide and rallying point.Originally, when Colours werecarried in companies, they wereborne by the youngest officer ofthe company, who was known asthe “Ensign”. As the importanceof a victory was generally gaugedby the number of guns and standsof Colours that were captured, theColours party became obvioustargets and the scene of the mostbitter hand-to-hand fighting.

With a view to give the ensignssome local protection, the rank of“Colours Sergeant” wasintroduced in 1813. The RoyalWarrant in respect of this stated,“It is His Royal Highness’ pleasurethat the duty of attending theColours on the field shall beperformed by the Sergeants”

These Escorts to the Colours wereformed by five Colours Sergeants,armed with half pikes, and werechosen from the senior andbravest sergeants, as they had tostand in the most exposed placesin the field of battle. The ColoursParty was in the past expected tofight till death to defend theColours. For the same symbolicreason, today, the Colours (carriedby a junior Officer with an escortof two Sergeants and a WarrantOfficer) are paraded in the centreof the Squad when on the march.

In the SAF,Colours areawarded to unitsin commemorationof theirachievements inthe field ofcombat, training,administrativeefficiency andservice to thecommunity.

34 Colours, Standard and Pennant

The Colours were carried intobattle in the centre front rankwhere they could easily be seen

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Volunteer Corps Colours

Queens’ Colours, Singapore

As warfare progressed Coloursbecame unnecessary as a meansof identification and was no morecarried into the battlefield.

Colours have become the symbolof the spirit of a regiment, for theybear the battle honours andbadges granted to the regiment incommemoration of the gallantdeeds performed by its membersfrom the time it was raised. Thisassociation of Colours with heroicdeeds has caused them to beregarded with veneration. The factthat Colours are consecratedbefore being taken into use, ithelps to maintain the atmosphereof veneration, with which they aresurrounded.

And although Colours are notcarried into battle in the way theyused to be, they still retain all thetradition, glory, honour, pride andveneration of the past. They arestill paraded and trooped intoday’s Armies.

COLOURS IN THE SAF

In the SAF, Colours are awardedto units in commemoration of theirachievements in the field ofcombat, training, administrativeefficiency and service to thecommunity. The Colours also helpto promote cohesion, esprit decorps and instil in the men of theunit a sense of pride and loyalty.

There are twotypes of Coloursin the SAF -known as theState Coloursand theRegimentalColours.

Our short history of Colours in theSAF dates back to 1954. Then, therewere only two Colours, the Queen’sColours and the SingaporeVolunteer Corps Colours. The thenGovernor of Singapore, Sir JohnNicoll, presented both Colours to theSingapore Volunteer Corps on 8thJuly 1954 at the Padang, incelebration of the centenary of theVolunteer Corps.

The Colours were donated by theCity Council to replace those whichwere lost during the fall of Singaporein 1942.

The re-structuring of the SingaporeVolunteer Corps after ourIndependence in 1965, saw theCorps undertaking a different rolein Singapore, hence both Colourswere retired.

Colours, Standard and Pennant 35

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STATE AND REGIMENTALCOLOURS IN THE SAF

Presently, there are two types ofColours in the SAF - known as theState Colours and the RegimentalColours. Regimental Colours areawarded to the Formation or Unitsabout five years after its formation.They bear the appropriate crests /logos of the respective Division /Formation / Unit.

Previously, State Colours wereawarded to Units two years afterthey were awarded theRegimental Colours. However, in1997 the Armed Forces Councildecided that State Colourswould only be awarded to the

1. Singapore Armed Forces Awarded on 1 Jul ’97 Awarded on 1 Jul ’69*

2. Republic of Singapore Navy Awarded on 22 Jan ’77*/ Awarded on 22 Jan ’77*Replaced on 20 Oct ’91

3. Republic of Singapore Airforce Awarded on 22 Jan ’77*/ Awarded on 22 Jan ’77* Replaced on 20 Oct ’91

4. SAF Training Institute Awarded on 3 Oct ’76 / Awarded on 16 Jun ’68 / Replaced on 1 Jul ’96 Replaced on 25 Aug ’95

5. HQ Commando Awarded on 20 Oct ’91

36 Colours, Standard and Pennant

Colours are always consecrated by religious leaders before they are presented by the Presidentof Singapore. Every year, the SAF State Colours is presented to the Best Combat Unit. This is amuch coveted prize which SAF Units work hard to win. Listed below are units awarded with therespective State and Regimental Colours:

Services and SAFTI MilitaryInsti tute, i t being aninternational insti tution.Formation and Units would onlybe awarded the RegimentalColours.

The State Colours incorporate thedesign of the State Flag with theService Crest emblazoned at thebottom right hand corner of theColours. When placed side byside, the State Colours and theRegimental Colours signify thepride and loyalty of theServicemen to their Service /Formation / Unit.

No Svc / Fmn / Units State Colours Regimental Colours

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No Svc / Fmn / Units State Colours Regimental Colours

6. 1st Commando Battalion Awarded on 22 Jan ’77* Awarded on 22 Jan ’77

7. 1st Singapore Awarded on 3 Oct ’76/ Awarded on 26 Jul ’61/Infantry Regiment Replaced on 20 Oct ’91 Replaced on 7 Nov ’82

8. 2nd Singapore Awarded on 3 Oct ’76* Awarded on 3 Oct ’70Infantry Regiment

9. 3rd Singapore Awarded on 3 Oct ’76* Awarded on 23 Jul ’72Infantry Regiment

10. 4th Singapore Awarded on 3 Oct ’76* Awarded on 23 Jul ’72Infantry Regiment

11. 5th Singapore Awarded on 3 Oct ’76* Awarded on 3 Oct ’76Infantry Regiment

12. 6th Singapore Awarded on 3 Oct ’76* Awarded on 3 Oct ’76/Infantry Regiment Replaced on 1 Jul ’05

13. 1 Guards Battalion Awarded on 11 Jun ’83* Awarded on 11 Jun ’83

14. 3 Singapore Guards Awarded on 11 Jun ’83* Awarded on 11 Jun ’83*Battalion

15. 40 Battalion Singapore Awarded on 6 Nov ’77* Awarded on 6 Nov ’77Armoured Regiment

16. 41 Battalion Singapore Awarded on 6 Nov ’77* Awarded on 6 Nov ’77Armoured Regiment

17. 42 Battalion Singapore Awarded on 6 Nov ’77* Awarded on 6 Nov ’77Armoured Regiment

18. 46 Battalion Singapore Awarded on 20 Oct ’91* Awarded on 20 Oct ’91Armoured Regiment

19. Headquarters Awarded on 22 Jan ’77*/ Awarded on 22 Jan ’77/Singapore Artillery Replaced on 20 Oct ’91* Replaced on 20 Oct ’91

20. Headquarters Singapore Awarded on 22 Jan ’77* Awarded on 22 Jan ’77/Combat Engineer Replaced on 20 Oct ’91

Colours, Standard and Pennant 37

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Note: The Colours above are listed in order of protocol. Those indicated with an asterik (*) theoriginal Colours have been replaced before. However, all the State Colours and the Service Colourshave since been retired during the SAF Day parade on 1 July 1997 at SAFTI MI. Only theSAF(ARMY), RSN, RSAF and SAFTI MI have retained their State Colours. Hence forth, unitswill only be awarded with Regimental Colours.

38 Colours, Standard and Pennant

No Svc / Fmn / Units State Colours Regimental Colours

21. Headquarters Signals & Awarded on 22 Jan ’77* Awarded on 22 Jan ’77/Command Systems Replaced on 20 Oct ’91

22. Headquarters Awarded on 1 Jul ’93Medical Corps

23. Tengah Airbase Awarded on 1 Jul ’93

24. Paya Lebar Airbase Awarded on 1 Jul ’93

25. Sembawang Airbase Awarded on 1 Jul ’96* Awarded on 1 Jul ’93

26. Headquarters Fleet Awarded On 1 Jul ’96* Awarded On 1 Jul ’94

27 Naval Logistics Command Awarded On 1 Jul ’94

28. Coastal Command Awarded On 1 Jul ’98

29. Headquarters Maintenance Awarded On 1 Jul ’94and Engineering Support

30. Headquarters Supply & Awarded On 1 Jul ’95Transport

31. SAF Provost Unit Awarded On 1 Jul ’95

32. Air Defence Brigade Awarded On 1 Jul ’94

33. Air Force Systems Brigade Awarded On 1 Jul ’95

34. Tactical Air Support Command Awarded On 1 Jul ’96

35. Division Air Defence Awarded On 1 Jul ’97Artillery Brigade

36. Naval Diving Unit Awarded On 1 Jul ’97

37. Changi Air Base Awarded On 1 Jul ’04

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SAF STATE COLOURS Combat Unit on SAF Day thus therecipient becomes the custodian ofthe Army State Colours for thatparticular year.

SAFTI MILITARY INSTITUTESTATE COLOURS

The SAF StateColourssymbolises thepride andhonour ofofficers andmen who havecontributedtowards hersuccess.

The SAFTI MI State Coloursadopts the basic design of the StateFlag with the SAF Crest with a bluescroll entitled “SAFTI MI”emblazoned on it.

Mr Ong Teng Cheong presented theSAFTI MI State Colours to theCommandant SAFTI MI, BGStephen Wong Kong Yip at the SAFDay Parade on 1 July 1996 held atSAFTI Military Institute. TheSAFTI MI State Colours ispresented to SAFTI MI as it isrecognised as an internationalmilitary institution.

Colours, Standard and Pennant 39

The SAF State Colours adoptsthe basic design of the State Flagwith the SAF Crest emblazonedon it. The SAF State Coloursconsists of the State Crest,“TENTERA SINGAPURA” whichmeans “Singapore ArmedForces”, the motto of the SAF,“YANG PERTAMA DAN UTAMA” meaning “FIRSTAND FOREMOST” and the laurels of excellence. In its entirety, the emblem depicts victory and merit in all the SAF’s endeavours. The SAF State Colours symbolises the pride and honour of officers and men who have contributed towards her success.

The late President of the Republicof Singapore, Mr Ong TengCheong presented the SAF StateColours to the Chief of Army, MGHan Eng Juan at the SAF DayParade on 1 July 1997, held atSAFTI Military Institute. TheSAF State Colours is presentedto the Army as the Colours is alsoknown as the Army State Colours.It is a warded to the SAF Best

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REGIMENTAL COLOURS The Colours are an embodimentof the spirit of the Unit. Theyrepresent the pride, honour, andloyalty of the men. Its significancecannot be downplayed, but fewcan grasp its importance.

As shown in the following pages,the SAF Regimental Colours arearranged in order of Protocol.

SAFTI MI and CommandosRegimental Colours do notobserve theorder-by-date-of-grant arrangement. These Coloursprecede SAF’s first RegimentalColours (1SIR - 27 July 1961),despite being granted on a laterdate.

SAFTI MILITARY INSTITUTEREGIMENTAL COLOURS

The Colours arean embodimentof the spirit of theunit. Theyrepresent thepride, honour,and loyalty of themen.

The retired SAFTI Colours waspresented by the then PrimeMinister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew on 16June 1968.

The design of SAFTI Colours issimilar to the new one,comprising the torch, sword,laurels and streamer except that

40 Colours, Standard and Pennant

Viewers of the National Day Paradewill definitely notice the group of“flags”, referred to as the “ColoursParty”. The most commonmisconception is that the “flags”on parade are simply representingthe Units. True to a certain extent,but technically wrong.

First of all, the “flags” on paradeare actually not “flags” at all, theyare Colours. The main differenceis that Colours are consecrated atthe presentation ceremony byheads of various religions, butflags are not. Other significantdifferences include the physicalappearance of the Colours, and theprotocols applied.

Colours are arranged on parade asper order of protocol. The oldestColours is placed on the left of theobserver, and the sequencefollows, with the youngest Colourstaking the last position on the right.There are exceptions to this rule inthe Singapore context, such as theplacement of the RegimentalColours of the Commandos.

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the motto has changed. Theformer motto was “TowardExcellence”. It is thus areflection of our military heritageand a l ink with our past byhaving a similar emblem. The redbackground colour signifiesexcellence and centrally placedis the SAFTI emblem. The Torchsignifies the pivotal role playedby SAFTI in moulding andeducating its Military Officers.The Sword signifies theSAFTI’s role in trainingSingapore’s best young men inthe art of warfare. Each laurelhas 66 leaves which signify theyear (1966) in which SAFTIwas established. Her Motto“To Lead, To Excel, ToOvercome” captures thechallenges of military leadership.The values of the SAF Officers’Creed are also reflected withinthis proud declaration.

The then Prime Minister Mr GohChok Tong presented theInsti tute Colours toCommandant SAFTI MI, BGChin Chow Yoon on the OpeningCeremony of SAFTI MI on 25August 1995 at SAFTI MIParade Square.

In recognition oftheir outstandingcontribution inthe successfulrescue operationof the SQ 117hijack, HQ CDOwas presentedwith a streamer.

HEADQUARTERS, COMMANDOS

Colours, Standard and Pennant 41

The HQ Commandos FormationColours has its emblem centrallyplaced above the Commando’smotto “For Honour and Glory”. Thismotto exhorts the Commandos toundertake any mission that isassigned for the honour and gloryof the Nation and Formation.

The field in yellow of the Colourssignifies the elite status of theCommandos. The Sword with silverwings on either side indicates theInfantry with airborne capability.The laurels of excellence surroundthis.

The Regimental Colours waspresented to HQ Commandos by thelate President of the Republic ofSingapore, Mr Wee Kim Wee on theRetirement and Presentation ofColours Parade on 20 October 1991at Khatib Camp.

In recognition of the successfulrescue of the hostages onSingapore Airlines Flight SQ 117 on27 March 1991, HQ Commandoswere awarded a streamer (Medal of

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Valour) on 20 October 1991 by thelate President of the Republic ofSingapore Mr Wee Kim Wee.

1st COMMANDO BATTALION

The figure “1” embroidered insilver can be found at the topleft quarter of the field indicatingthe 1st Commando Battalion.The motto “For Honour andGlory” is similar to herFormation, which exhorts theCommandos to undertake anymission that is assigned for thehonour and glory of the Nation,Formation and 1st CommandoBattalion.

The Regimental Colours waspresented to 1st CommandoBattalion by the late Presidentof the Republic of Singapore, Dr.B.H. Sheares on the SAFPresentation and Trooping ofColours Parade on 22 January1977 at the Jurong TownStadium.

INFANTRY

The Infantry Formation uses the

earlier version of the SAF emblemon their Regimental Colours. Therespective Roman numerals areplaced on the top left hand cornerof each Colours. The SAFemblems on these Colours are alsorendered in different colours. Thefield background differs in colouras a mark of differentiationbetween regiments. They are asfollows:

1 SIR - Yellow2 SIR - Red3 SIR - Green4 SIR - Blue5 SIR - Brown6 SIR - Purple

“For Honour andGlory”. Thismotto exhorts theCommandos toundertake anymission that isassigned for thehonour and gloryof the Nation andFormation.

The 1st Battalion SingaporeInfantry Regiment (1SIR) wasawarded the Queen Colours andthe Regimental Colours on 26 July1961 by His Excellency, the lateYang Di-Pertuan Negara, EncikYusof Bin Ishak at the UluPandan Camp (where she was thenlocated). In 1964, at the height ofIndonesian Confrontation, theBattalion took an active role inmilitary operations in Sabah from

42 Colours, Standard and Pennant

1 SIR

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November 1964 to April 1965 andon its return the Unit wasdeployed along the west coast ofJohore in West Malaysia. Inaddition, she helped the Police inthe maintenance of law and orderduring the civil commotion in 1964.On 3 October 1976 at Toa PayohStadium, the original QueenColours was retired and theBattalion was presented with theState Colours by the late Presidentof the Republic of Singapore, Dr.B. H. Sheares.

Due to wear and tear, the 1 SIRRegimental Colours was retired anda new one presented on 7November 1982, by the then Chiefof General Staff, MG Winston W.L. Choo, during the Battalion’s25th Anniversary. The fieldbackground in yellow colourdenotes that 1 SIR is the mostsenior infantry battalion.

They were also the first to receivetheir cap badges, which is thecurrent SAF emblem. The sleeveof the 1 SIR Regimental Colours iscrimson. This was most likely aresult of the British Army’spractice of having red sleeves fortheir Sovereign and RegimentalColours.

The Infantry unituses the earlierversion of theSAF emblem ontheir RegimentalColours. Therespective romannumerals areplaced on the topleft hand cornerof theirrespectiveColours.

This Battalion was formed on 19August 1962. The Battalion playedan active role during theconfrontation in the State of Johore.She was later deployed in the Stateof Sabah for a tour of operationalduties, before returning to Singaporein February 1966.

The Battalion was presented withits Regimental Colours by thenMinister for Defence, Dr. Goh KengSwee on 3 October 1970. The fieldbackground in red colour denotesthat 2 SIR is the second infantrybattalion.

3 SIR

Colours, Standard and Pennant 43

2 SIR

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Jn4 SIR November 1968. In 1970, the

Battalion was chosen to representSingapore in the first Five NationsExercise code-named “BersatuPadu”. The Battalion waspresented with its RegimentalColours on 3 October 1976 at ToaPayoh Stadium by the latePresident Dr. B. H. Sheares.

The efficiency ofboth Battalionswere first testedduring the civildisturbances inMay 1969. Brown considered the fifth senior

colour, thus the Colours of 5 SIRhas the field background in brownwith the Roman numeral figure “V”on the top left of the field indicatingthe Battalion.

44 Colours, Standard and Pennant

The 3 and 4 SIR Battalions wereformed on 24 August 1967 fromthe first batch of NationalServicemen who were born in 1949.The efficiency of both Battalionswere first tested during the civildisturbances in May 1969, whenthey were called upon to assistthe Police in restoring law andorder. Both the Battalions werepresented their RegimentalColours on 23 July 1972 at BedokCamp I by the late President Dr. B.H. Sheares.

Green being the third seniorcolour, Colours of 3 SIR have thefield background in green with theRoman numeral figure “III” on thetop left of the field, indicating theBattalion.

Blue is considered the fourthsenior colour, and the Colours of4 SIR have the field background inblue with the Roman numeralfigure “IV” on the top left of thefield indicating the Battalion.

This Battalion was formed on 1

This Battalion was formed on 1April 1969. The Battalion has sinceits formation demonstrated itscapabilities with a high standardof training and administration. The

5 SIR

6 SIR

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Battalion was presented with itsRegimental Colours on 3 October1976 at Toa Payoh Stadium by thelate President Dr. B. H. Sheares.Purple being the sixth seniorcolour, the Colours of 6 SIR havethe field background in purplewith the Roman numeral figure“VI” on the top left of the fieldindicating the Battalion.

Due to wear and tear, theBattalion was presented with anew Regimental Colours on 01July 2005 at SAFTI MI byPresident S. R. Nathan.

Note:Accordingly, there was a 7th Bn.Singapore Infantry Regiment andan 8th Bn. Singapore InfantryRegiment with a RegimentalColours each. These Battalionswere eventually converted intoGuards Battalions. The SAFGUColours were retired in 1983, whenthe new Guards Formation wasformed.

GUARDS

The Regimental Colours of theseBattalions do not amend thedesign or colours of their Insignia.They appear exactly as it is butwith the addition of Romannumerals “I” and “III” in gold onthe respective RegimentalColours. The fringes arerespectively yellow for the 1st andgreen for the 3rd.

Their insignia features a bayonetand laurels, which symbolise thesuperior skills as Infantry soldiers.On the left and right are wings,representing their helibornecapabilities. These charges appearin gold, associated with loyalty tothe nation, devotion to their dutyand dedication to their tasks.The maroon field backgroundrepresents brotherhood within theformation. The motto of the GuardsFormation is “Ready to Strike” andis inscribed on a gold scroll on theirinsignia.

1 Guards Battalion was renamedfrom the Singapore Armed Forces

The motto of theGuards formationis “Ready toStrike”

Guards Unit (SAFGU) in 1977.The 7th Bn. Singapore InfantryRegiment became the 7thSingapore Infantry Brigade with

Colours, Standard and Pennant 45

1 GUARDS BATTALION

3 GUARDS BATTALION

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Commando sub-units. When theCommando sub-units of 7 SIBwere transferred out, 7 SIRbecame 3 Guards Battalion. 1 and3 Guards Battalions werepresented with their RegimentalColours on 11 June 1983 atJurong Stadium by the latePresident Devan Nair.

ARMOUR

The gauntlet symbolises the hardprotection of the Armour and herequally hard crushing capabilities.The cross-bayonets representInfantry capability. This Insigniais flanked on its left and right withlaurels which are termed as‘showers’ of yellow. These golden‘showers’ signify the splendourand importance of the ArmouredForces. Her motto being, “Swiftand Decisive”.

In addition, a yellow scroll withthe inscription SingaporeArmoured Regiment appearsbeneath the laurels and insignia.The whole emblem is placed on agreen field background and theBattalion number appears on thetop-left hand corner of theColours, in yellow. The colour ofthe fringes of respectiveBattalions also differs from oneanother. Also the coloured frillson the Colours indicates theseniority of the Battalion (yellow,red, green, blue).

40 SAR

The 40 SAR Regimental Colourswas presented to the Battalion bythe late President of the Republicof Singapore, Dr. B. H. Sheares on6 November 1977 at the SelarangBarracks. The Colours bears thenumber “40” the top left corner ofthe field background and the frillsare yellow.

41 SAR

46 Colours, Standard and Pennant

The gauntletsymbolises thehard protection ofthe Armour andher equally hardcushingcapabilities.

The 41st Battalion SingaporeArmoured Regiment’s Coloursbears the number “41” at the topleft corner of the field backgroundand the frills are red. TheRegimental Colours was presentedto the Battalion by the latePresident of the Republic ofSingapore, Dr. B. H. Sheares on 6November 1977 at the SelarangBarracks.

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42 SARto the 46 SAR on 20 October 1991 atthe Retirement and Presentation ofColours Parade at Khatib Camp.

HEADQUARTERS, SINGAPOREARTILLERY

The 42nd Battalion SingaporeArmoured Regiment’s Coloursbears the number “42” at the topleft corner of the field backgroundand the frills are green. The latePresident of the Republic ofSingapore, Dr. B.H. Sheares,presented the Regimental Coloursto the 42 SAR on 6 November1977 at the Selarang Barracks.

The Bomb, which is the ultimateweapon delivered for thedestruction of the enemy, ispositioned above the crossedcannons. This also symbolises theaccuracy, timeliness and firepowerof all Artillery Units. The Red fieldbackground of the Colours signifiesthe firepower of the SingaporeArtillery. The Blue backgrounddepicts royalty and distinction. TheGold symbolises loyalty to thePresident, the Unit and themanoeuvre force. The motto “InOriente Primus” in Latin means“First in the East” and serves as aconstant impetus to the Artillery tomaintain her lead as the oldest andfinest Support Arms in the SAF.

The Singapore Artillery wasawarded with the State Colours andRegimental Colours at thePresentation and Trooping ofColours Parade on 22 January 1977

Colours, Standard and Pennant 47

The motto “InOriente Primus” inLatin means “Firstin the East”.

46 SAR

The 46th Battalion SingaporeArmoured Regiment’s Coloursbears the number “46”at the topleft corner of the field backgroundand the frills are blue. The latePresident of the Republic ofSingapore, Mr Wee Kim Wee,presented the Regimental Colours

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at the Jurong Town Stadium. Thelate President of the Republic ofSingapore, Dr. B.H. Sheares,presented the Colours.

A new Regimental Colours waspresented to HQ SA by the latePresident of the Republic ofSingapore, Mr Wee Kim Wee onthe Retirement and Presentation ofColours Parade on 20 October1991 held at Khatib Camp.

HEADQUARTERS, COMBATENGINEERS

The bayonet depicts the combatrole of the Engineers while the twinbolts of lightning represent theirdestructive demolition capability.The laurels encircling the castleand the words “SINGAPORECOMBAT ENGINEERS” signifyunity in Engineer efforts.

The Singapore Combat Engineers(SCE) Formation was awarded withthe State Colours and RegimentalColours at the Presentation andTrooping of Colours Parade on 22January 1977 at the Jurong TownStadium. The late President of theRepublic of Singapore, Dr.B.H.Sheares, presented theColours.

A new Regimental Colours waspresented to HQ SCE by the latePresident of the Republic ofSingapore, Mr. Wee Kim Wee onthe Retirement and Presentation ofColours Parade on 20 October1991 held at Khatib Camp.

48 Colours, Standard and Pennant

The Castle motifrepresents theconstructioncapabilities of theCombatEngineers.

The brown field backgroundcolour represents the harsh terrainwhich Engineers must advancethrough and overcome. The Castlemotif represents the constructioncapabilities of the CombatEngineers, which is to constructbridges, roads and to erectobstacles to impede the enemyand fortifications to protect ourown forces. The interlockingbricks represent the strength,endurance and the level ofabsolute teamwork required toaccomplish the engineering tasks.

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HEADQUARTERS, SIGNALS& COMMAND SYSTEMS

the Retirement and Presentation ofColours Parade on 20 October 1991held at Khatib Camp.

Headquarters, Signals was officiallyrenamed Headquaters, Signals &Command Systems during their 40thAnniversary Trooping of ColoursParade, held at Stagmont Camp on24 February 2006 by the Ministerfor Defence, Mr Teo Chee Hean.

HEADQUARTERS, MEDICALCORPS

Colours, Standard and Pennant 49

Headquarters,Signals wasofficiallyrenamedHeadquarters,Signals &CommandSystems.

The twoserpentsentwining thesword andanchor arerepresentationsof the ancientCaduceus whichsymbolises themedicalprofession.

The colours, red, blue and whiteare the fundamental coloursrelated to Signals. The red verticalband reflects courage andbrotherhood within the Signalsfraternity. Whilst the bluesymbolises the virtues of integrityand dedication, speed, intensityand decisiveness through theapplication of knowledge. Skilland professionalism are capturedin the stylised lightning streakwhile the crossed flags symbolisesthe Signals’ role in providingcommunication.

The Signal Formation wasawarded with the State Coloursand Regimental Colours at thePresentation and Trooping ofColours Parade on 22 January 1977at the Jurong Town Stadium by thelate President of the Republic ofSingapore, Dr. B.H. Sheares.

A new Regimental Colours waspresented to HQ Signals by thelate President of the Republic ofSingapore, Mr. Wee Kim Wee on

The Headquarters Medical CorpsColours has the emblem of the SAFMedical Services superimposedonto the colours of the Army, Navyand Air Force. Two Serpentsentwining the Sword and Anchorare representations of the ancientCaduceus which symbolises themedical profession.

The Caduceus (a rod entwined bytwo snakes topped with a pair ofwings) is regarded as the magic staffof the Greek god Hermes, and isoften associated with medicine viaalchemy. The SAF Medical Corpsthus uses the entwined snakes but

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core of engineering and technicalprofessionals in the MESFormation, dedicated to providingresponsive and cost effectivesolutions to maintenance andtechnical problems. The Laurelsrepresent the attainment andimprovement of quality servicesand professional standardsachieved by the formation aswell as its continuous drivetowards excellence. The MESmotto “Excellence throughProfessionalism” has spurred oncountless MES personnel in theirpursuit to improve operations andservices.

The Regimental Colours waspresented to HQ MES by the latePresident of the Republic ofSingapore, Mr. Ong Teng Cheongduring SAF Day Parade on 1 July1994 at Khatib Camp.

HEADQUARTERS, SUPPLYAND TRANSPORT

The Gear and Platform in the

replaces the rod with an Armysword, Air Force wings and Navalanchor. The emblem colour,maroon represents the life-savingcolour of blood. Together, theydepict a unified, Tri-serviceMedical Corps serving the entireSAF. The State Arms surmountstheir Insignia.

The Regimental Colours waspresented to HQMC by the latePresident of the Republic ofSingapore, Mr. Wee Kim Weeduring the SAF Day Parade on 1July 1993 at Khatib Camp.

HEADQUARTERS,MAINTENANCE ANDENGINEERING SUPPORT

50 Colours, Standard and Pennant

The MES motto“ExcellencethroughProfessionalism”.

In the Maintenance andEngineering Support (MES)emblem, the Rifle and Spannersymbolise the importance ofmaintenance and engineeringsupport to any Army operations.

The Gear represents theprogression, dedication and unityin providing continuous Armymaintenance and engineeringsupport. The Atom denotes the

Supply and Transport Formationlogo symbolise the aspiration toenhance mobility, to provide inter-modular transportation service andreliable supply transport in the

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Army. The Bayonet represents theperseverance and robustness ofthe Supply and TransportFormation. The red fieldbackground bearing the colour ofthe SAF, signifies the camaraderieand esprit de corps within theformation. The Colours aretrimmed with a gold fringe tosignify the will to strive for areliable, efficient and professionalservice. The blue signifies the longhistory and tradition of logisticsin the SAF.

The Regimental Colours waspresented to HQ Suppy andTransport by the late President ofRepublic of Singapore, Mr. OngTeng Cheong during SAF DayParade on 1 July 1995 at KhatibCamp.

SAF PROVOST UNIT

traditional Coat of Arms of theProvost and also signify its standingas a fighting Unit. The word“PROVOST” is proudly emblazonedon the Colours symbolising theoutstanding image of the Provost.These are set within a backgroundof red, which symbolises thebrotherhood and equality within theformation. The white in the Colourssymbolises the discipline andcharacter of the Provost. A trimmingof gold fringe signifies the highstandard which has been achievedand which the Provost will continueto maintain. The Provost’s motto is“Pride, Discipline and Honour”.

Pride - Pride in work anddiscipline, maintaining throughtheir professional conduct, a highstandard of discipline in the SAF.

Discipline - Projecting their ownhigh standards of discipline intheir smart turnout, bearing andwork.

Honour - The honourable tasks ofenforcing discipline in the SAFand the mounting of all Guard ofHonour for the presentation ofcredentials by the President.

The Regimental Colours waspresented to SAFPU by the latePresident of the Republic ofSingapore, Mr. Ong Teng Cheongduring SAF Day Parade on 1 July1995 at Khatib Camp.

Colours, Standard and Pennant 51

The word“PROVOST” isproudlyemblazoned onthe Colourssymbolising theoustandingimage of theProvost.

The HQ S & TColours aretrimmed with agold fringe tosignify the will tostrive for areliable, efficientand professionalservice.

The SAF Provost Unit (SAFPU)Regimental Colours uses thecrossed Muskets, Title,Inscription and Scroll on a fieldbackground of Red and Whitehalved vertically. The brownMuskets maintain the link with the

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THE PRESIDENT STANDARD PRESIDENTIAL LANCEGUARD PENNANT

52 Colours, Standard and Pennant

The President Standard is a redflag with a white Crescent Moonand Five Stars emblazoned in thecentre. The colour red is symbolicof the universal brotherhood andequality of man. The Crescentrepresents a young country on theascent while the five starsrepresent democracy, peace,progress, justice and equality.

The President Standard is flownfrom the highest point on theIstana main building. The Standardis flown daily from 8.00 am to 6.00pm, or until such time when thePresident has left for his privateresidence.

The above Standard is raisedfolded and tied with a ‘quick-release’ knot. On the final executionof the “Salute” or “Present Arms”to the President on his arrival foran event/parade, the knot istugged thus releasing theStandard to ‘Fly’. This is evidentlywitnessed during major paradeslike SAF Day and National Day.

The PresidentStandard is ared flag with awhite crescentmoon and fivestarsemblazoned inthe center.

In our modern society with well-established police and securityforces, the idea of PresidentialGuards armed with lances wouldseem old fashioned. On thecontrary, this practice has deepsymbolic significance dating backto the medieval times.

In olden days, knights in armourwere the cream of the fightingforces. The best knights andChampions formed a special guardthat protected the monarch orruling lord on and off thebattlefield. The lance is a form ofspear that was very popular withthe armoured knights of old. Thedate of its introduction intocivilised armies, however, wentmuch further than the MiddleAges. Its employment candefinitely be traced to theAssyrians and Egyptians. TheGreeks and Romans also usedlances. The British in turn wereimpressed by the weapon duringthe Battle of Waterloo and in 1816,organised the first regiment ofLancers. During the First WorldWar, this medieval weapon was

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carried by the Germans, French andBritish in a war fought mainly withmachine-guns. It was only in 1927,that the British Army finallyabolished the Lance as a weapon.

However, it was retained forceremonial purposes. In times ofpeace, no ancient weaponcontributed more to the pomp andpageantry of war than the Lance.The sight of a column of Lancerswith steel points flashing andpennants flying is a memorablespectacle.

The Cavalry or Armour is theforerunner of today’s Armies aswere Armoured Knights of thepast. Thus appropriately, the SAFArmour Formation has inheritedthis tradition.

Singapore’s first troop of LanceGuards were formed on 3December 1959 at a ceremonialinstallation of His Excellency theYang Di-Pertuan Negara EncikYusof Bin Ishak. They weredressed in their traditional cavalryfashion with red hats and blackpeaks, white tunic with bluetrousers (patrol order), chain mailepaulettes, boots with spurs andcross belt with message pouches.

Today, they are known asPresidential Lance Guards and aremounted during State Occasionsfor the President since the firstNational Day Parade.

Their performance during the paradewill honour the arrival and departureof the President of the Republic ofSingapore. The dozen men mountingthe Lance Guard are themselvesoutstanding soldiers of our fightingforce. Not only are they physicallyimpressive, they are also highlytrained and disciplined. This is aprerequisite be fitting the solemnityof the occasion. Lance Guards musthave the endurance to parade forlong duration. They are dressed inNo. 1 ceremonial uniform and carrythe Lance.

Colours, Standard and Pennant 53

Only selectedArmouredpersonnel arequalified to be aPresidentialLance Guard.

This is a prestigious appointment.Only selected Armoured personnelare qualified to be a PresidentialLance Guard.

REGIMENTAL BAND BANNER

The SAF Band banner is red withthe SAF Band insignia charged inthe centre. This insignia has a disc,

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divided horizontally into threecoloured bands, light blue, red andnavy blue. They represent thethree Services in the SAF. Thecentre is charged with a gold lyreand laurels which are also used asthe SAF Musician’s badge. TheNational Arms surmounts thedisc. Their motto, “In Harmony”,is inscribed in gold on a red scrollthat appears at the base of theinsignia. Their banners are alsofringed in gold. The banners fornotes-stands have an additional“Singapore Armed Forces Bands”appearing in gold arranged in anarc above their Insignia.

There were also previously theRSN Band and the RSAF Bandwith their own banners, until theymerged to form the SAF Band.

CASING AND UNCASING OFCOLOURS

Traditionally the drummers havealways been associated with theColours and therefore it normallyfalls to a drummer to case anduncase the Colours when onparade. Today, a Colours Orderlyis used for this purpose.

CONSECRATION OF THECOLOURS

Colours have always beenregarded with great reverence.Historians record that Colours

have been associated with religionfrom the earliest times. Israelitescarried the social standard of theMaccabees which bore the initialletter of the Hebrew text. Theseearly associations linking religionwith the battle flags and standardshave their counterpart in theceremonial attached to Colourstoday.

The SAF adopted the Britishcustom for the consecration of theColours prior the presentation tothe Units. The drums a retraditionally piled to providean al tar for the consecration.The drums a re b roughtforward and piled in the centre.The pile consists of six sidedrums in a c i rc le wi th theemblazoning the right way up,fac ing ou twards . The bassdrum is laid on the side drumsand a tenor drum on top, bothwi th the cen t re o f theemblazoning facing the personblessing the Colours. TheColours are then draped on thepile for the consecration, thepikes resting on the hoop toretain the Colours pikes inposition. There is no drill laiddown for piling drums, but thedrummers concerned normallyturn to their left or right andmarches out in single file, form acircle around the designatedspot, turn inwards and arrangetheir instruments as indicated

54 Colours, Standard and Pennant

Their motto, “ InHarmony”, isinscribed in goldon a red scroll.

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above. After the Colours havebeen consecrated, the drums arerecovered in the same way.

The Colours after being blessedby the various religious leaders,is handed over to the President,who will present the newly-consecrated Colours to the CO/Commander of the Unit. TheColours are then trooped.

Today, the consecration ceremonyis carried out by the recognisedreligions in Singapore and they areas follows, in order of precedence:

1. Hinduism

2. Judaism

3. Zorastrianism

4. Buddhism

5. Taoism

6. Christianity

7. Islam

8. Sikhism

9. Baha’i Faith

10. Jainism

The order of precedence for thereligions are based on theirfounding dates and has beenendorsed by the Inter-ReligiousOrganisation, Singapore.

COMPLIMENTS AND SALUTES

Colours are always accorded thehighest honours and compliments.When Colours are uncased, theColours Party are not to paycompliments except to those entitledto the compliment of having theColours dipped or “let fly”.Individuals are always to salute theuncased Colours when passing orbeing passed by it.

LOWERING COLOURS –SALUTES

Colours, Standard and Pennant 55

The order ofpresedence forthe religions arebased on theirfounding dates.

The custom of lowering the Coloursis of ancient origin and is regardedas saluting in a most respectfulmanner with the highest honours.As adapted from the Queen’sRegulation, the State Colours willonly be lowered (dip) for the RoyalSalute and Head of State Salute whilethe Regimental Colours will belowered (dip) for General Salutes.

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The customof loweringthe Colours isof ancientorigin and isregarded assaluting in amostrespectfulmanner withthe highesthonours.

The Colours being allowed to flyfree is known as “Let Fly” and isalso a form of compliments. TheEnsign of the Colours will “LetFly” the Colours for the followingsoccasions:

1. During the inspection of theGuard of Honour ortroops on parade.

2. When Colours march past theReviewing Officer

3. When Colours are troopingduring the Trooping of Colours

4. When Colours are marchingon or marching off the parade,while the troops are in the“Present Arms” position.

5. When Guard of Honour ortroops paying compliments toan Officer who is not entitledthe dipping of Colours, theEnsign will “let fly” theColours.

POINT OF WAR

The name “Point of War” appearsto date back at least to the mid-seventeenth century when the“Points of Warre” referred to thevarious beats used to signalcommands to the troops. In thebook, Complete Body of the ArtMilitary, published in 1650, theseare given as “The Call”: “TheTroop”, “The Preparative”, “The

Battle or Charge”, “The Retreat”,“The March”, “The Reveille” and“The Tattoo”.

When Colours were taken intobattle, they were usuallypositioned in the centre of thebattle line, which was normally theplace from which the battle wascontrolled. Every unit took intobattle its drummers, buglers, fifersand other musicians who mightmake up a band (they also doubledas stretcher bearers). Upon anattack developing, theCommanding Officer would orderthe various instruments to bebeaten or blown as hard as theirplayers could manage. Theattention of the unit was drawn tothe fact that the centre was beingthreatened and the Colours werein danger. This action became thecentre point of the way and themusic became a rallying tune.

Presently the Band will play thestirring tune of “Point of War” asa form of salute for all Coloursbeing marched on and off theparade ground.

56 Colours, Standard and Pennant

1. During the inspection of theGuard of Honour or troops onparade.

,

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TRANSPORTING OFCOLOURS

Whenever Colours aretransported, they are to beaccompanied by an Officer,Warrant Officer or a seniorSpecialist. Colours are to be caseduntil they reach the place wherethey are to be paraded and theunits are to ensure that theColours is handled with dignityand is safeguarded at all timesfrom being damaged. Individualstand of appropriate size andstrength for the safeguarding andprotecting the Colours fromdamaged when transporting thembetween locations is encouraged.

CARE AND CUSTODY OFCOLOURS

Colours are fashioned by handfrom the highest quality silks, goldand coloured braid and threads. Itis therefore a costly and delicatearticle, requiring careful treatmentat all times. It is estimated that withcare, Colours should have anuseful life span of about 15 to 20years. The life span of the Coloursalso depends upon its conditionand may remain in use as long asthe materials have notdeteriorated. The natural moistureand oil of the human hand stainsdelicate fabrics and causes rapiddeterioration. For these reasons,

personnel who have to handle theColours must wear clean whitegloves.

When not in use on ceremonialoccasions, Colours are retained orkept in the CO/ Commander ’sOffice, secured in a suitabledisplay cabinet. Colours arealways to be displayed, uncasedand attached to their own pike/staff. The custodian of theColours is usually the Unit RSMwho is responsible for the careand maintenance of the Colours.

WITHDRAWAL FROMSERVICE

A Colours is to be withdrawn fromservice when the Unit is deactivatedbut remains on the order of battle.The withdrawn Colours will beallocated to a unit, namely theFormation HQ, for safekeeping andit will remain cased.

Once the unit is reactivated, theColours will be re-allocated to itsUnit by the Service HQ. While thereis no ceremony associated withwithdrawing a Colours from service,or placing the Colours back intoservice, a Colours parade should beheld as soon as possible after theUnit has reformed. It is during thisparade that the Colours are“Trooped”.

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Colours arefashioned byhand from thehighestquality silks,gold andcolouredbraid andthreads.

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REPLACEMENT OFCOLOURS

Colours should be serviceable forat least 15 to 20 years. However,regardless of their age wherethrough normal wear and tear,they become unserviceable orcondition of the Colours maycause embarrassment to the Unitor there is a change in the design /name of the Colours, then theColours should be replaced.

RETIREMENT OF THECOLOURS

Colours are retired when aFormation or Unit has becomedefunct as a result of organisationor structural changes. It may alsobe no longer presentable due tofair wear and tear which requires areplacement.

Colours of Formation / Unit whichare defunct will be kept in themilitary museum or be kept in theFormation Commander’s office.

Colours are retired ceremoniouslyduring the SAF Day Parade whenthe entire parade will give a finalcompliment to the Colours. Thiscan be an “emotional” moment asthe Colours retired will never beon parade again and it will be slowmarched out of the parade squareto the tune of “Auld Lang Syne”.

58 Colours, Standard and Pennant

The Retirement of 6 SIR Colours on 1Jul 2005 due to fair wear and tear

Colours areretired when aformation or Unitbecome defunctas a result oforganisation orstructuralchanges.

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Ceremonial Dressand Pageantry Display

Introduction

The Ceremonial Uniform

No. 4 Uniform

Cap

Aiguillette

Gorget

Sash

Ceremonial Sword

Why RSM don the CeremonialSword?

Epaulette and ShoulderStrap

Military Music

Bugle Call

Tattoo

Taps

Corps of Drums

Medals

Types of Medals in the SAF

Why Medals are worn on theleft side of the Uniform?

Pace Stick

Chevron

Buttons

Identity Disc

Officer Cadet’s White ColourBoard

Cap Badge

Vocational Collar Badge

Drum Major’s Staff (Mace)

Drum Major’s Shoulder Belt(Sash)

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INTRODUCTION

The word ‘uniform’ is derivedfrom the Latin words ‘unus,’ one,and ‘forma,’ form, and includes thedifferent styles of dress by theMilitary service to secure thedistinction required.

Like the National Flag, the uniformis a symbol of allegiance to whichall the members of the ArmedForces are pledged and for whichthey must honour.

It is a symbol of the energy andideals in which men in differenttimes and throughout the ageshave stood their ground andresisted the inducement of gold,stormed with the cross and stripsof barbed wires and even crucifiedthemselves before the fire ofdeath.

Without the pride of their men inuniform, nations have declinedand fallen. With it, nations haveflourished and prospered.

For the SAF, the spirit of serviceto the nation and the obligationof community service have builtup over the years, for the men ingreen, white and blue, an imageworth the pride of the public andthe confidence of the nation.

It falls upon all servicementherefore to be impeccable in their

bearing, as the minimum the uniformdemands is that they be noble ofcharacter, worthy of the ranks theyshoulder and be a source of prideand prestige to the nation.

THE CEREMONIAL UNIFORM

The Army’s ceremonial uniform (No1) and Mess Kit (No 2) which weredesigned in the 1960s have remainedunchanged since the formation ofthe SAF. It was only in 1994 that theArmy Dress Review Committeerecommended and gave birth to howthe Army dresses today.

The rationale behind the new designis to mirror the dress norms of oursociety and cater for the uniquerequirements of the military. Thus,when the dress code for the civiliansis short sleeve / open neck, we havethe No 3. When the dress code isshirt and tie, we wear a modifiedversion of the No 3 where thesleeves are lengthened and we willuse the service tie (No 5T). We willwear a matching jacket over it whenthe occasion calls for a coat and tie(No 5J). The Mess Kit was also re-designed for formal occasions. Tocater for ceremonial purposes andtraining, the No 1 and No 4 wereintroduced.

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The word‘uniform’ isderived fromthe Latin words‘unus’, one,and ‘forma’,form.

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Ceremonial Uniform(No 1) – TheCeremonial Uniformis worn by Armypersonnel at

parades and ceremonies. Thepresent ceremonial uniform retainsits basic colours of white, blue andred for tradition. However, the redsash, worn around the waist, hasbeen done away with. The braidedepaulettes have also been replacedwith Shoulder Boards. The collarhas a nicer cut and is easier tomanage than the old uniform. Newembroidered collar badges are alsofeatured. No changes have beenmade to the cap. The trousers willhave pleats. For female personnelin the Army, their CeremonialUniform complements that of themen. The cut has been altered fromthat of the old one and the head-dress has been redesigned. TheNo 1 Uniform design looks smartand is comfortable in our warmclimate.

Mess Kit (No 2) – The Mess Kit isworn on formal ‘black tie’occasions, when male civilianswear a tuxedo and ladies wear anevening gown. The design of theArmy Mess Kit has been updatedto bring it in line with that of‘modern black tie’ dress norms.The men’s jacket has been given amodern cut along the lines of atuxedo. It is worn over a whitewing-collared shirt with black

trousers. The trousers are doublepleated, giving a more friendlyfeeling than those of the old No 2.A red bow tie, red cummerbund,black shoulder boards and SAFgold metal buttons complete theoutfit. The shoulder boards givesthe jacket a much cleanerfinish than before, whilst thethinner three-and-a-half inchcummerbund is much morecomfortable than the old six-inchone. For the ladies, their Mess Kithas a mandarin collar jacket overa black, ankle-length eveninggown. The jacket has the samebuttons and shoulder boards asthe men’s, so both complementeach other and give a unifiedimage of the SAF. The top of thedress is made of black crepe fabric.

Service Uniform - There are manyoccasions when Army Personnelhave to attend functions inuniform, together with civilians.Functions where civilians woreeither a shirt and tie or lounge suit,the SAF servicemen then wore theBush Jacket. Doing away for amore appropriate equivalent ofcivilian attire at such occasions, anew Service Uniform wasintroduced based on the No 3Uniform. The trousers for theService Uniform are the same.When the dress code of a functionor event calls for a shirt and tie, along sleeved version of No 3 shirtwill be donned by the servicemen.

62 Ceremonial Dress and Pageantry Display

The No 1Uniformdesign lookssmart and iscomfortable inour warmclimate.

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For lounge suit occasions, amatching green coat will be wornover the shirt and tie. The ladiesService Dress is of acomplementary design to that ofthe men, with a matching bowribbon. The Service Uniform willalso replace the former OverseasService Dress.

NO. 4 UNIFORM

The SAF supplied its own set ofclothing to replace the old patterndrill uniforms used by the British on1 September 1967. Made from“Temasek Green cotton drill”, theuniforms of 1967 only had twopatched pockets for the shirt, andthree pockets for the trousers, withthe uniform always to be worntucked in. Green Temasek uniformswere highly starched and pressedso well that it was said that the shirtwould stand on its own. The sametype of uniform was also used outin the field. The shirt is neatly tuckedinto the trousers.

It was noted that during training, partof the shirt would always come out,giving the men an untidy look.

On 20 June 1977, a new baggystyled uniform shirt wasintroduced. This baggy lookwould prevent soldiers from heatrash and chaffing. It provides moreroom for stretching and bending,saving wear and tear. Retaining itsname of “Temasek Green”, theuniform was a darker green andnow had 4 instead of 2 pockets.In July 1981, the uniform wasstandardised to be both the No. 3and No. 4 dress. Both these shirtsof No. 3 and No. 4 are not tuckedinto the trousers.

The first camouflage dress wasoriginally introduced in June 1983.However, due to poor

One purpose of military uniform isto clearly distinguish combatantswho are protected by the laws ofwar from other persons carryingweapons, who enjoy no suchprotection. Another purpose inhistorical times was to make itdifficult for deserters to avoiddetection; military uniforms wereso distinctive with many metalbuttons and unique colours thatthey could not be modified intounrecognisable clothing.

Ceremonial Dress and Pageantry Display 63

One purpose ofmilitary uniformis to clearlydistinguishcombatantswho areprotected bythe laws of warfrom otherpersonscarryingweapons.

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colourfastness complaints, adifferent material was introducedin 1985, which was lighter inweight and had more air flowpermeability.

CAP

Armoured personnel their blackberet.

AIGUILLETTE

Originally, the word “aiguillette”referred to the lacing used to fastenarmour plate together. As such, aknot or loop arrangement was usedwhich sometimes hung down fromthe shoulder. The present use ofthe word to denote theaccoutrement worn by Aides-de-Camp probably stems from thisearlier use.

A series of fanciful and somewhatridiculous legends have grown upabout the origin of aiguillettes.One account relates that whencertain European troops behavedreprehensibly on the field ofbattle, their commander woulddecide to hang some of them. Thetroops asked to be given a chanceto redeem themselves and beganwearing a rope and spike abouttheir shoulders with the promisethat if they ever behaved badlyagain, they were ready to behanged on the spot. It is further

Since theformation of theS A F / A r m ysoldiers wore

jungle green caps, besides thehelmet. On 3 May 1971, these capswere changed to beret. Eachdivision of the SAF – land, sea, airand the special Commandos groupwore different coloured berets. Thecolours chosen are closely tied tothose used in the British ArmedForces.

The cap (Jockey) and beretcolour changes were implementedon 25 August 1976. The new capis worn in the field when a helmetis not required. At other times,Infantrymen and soldiers from theSupport Arms wore the new greenberet and dark blue beretrespectively.

However, the Commandos kepttheir red beret, as well as the

64 Ceremonial Dress and Pageantry Display

Since theformation ofthe SAF/Army soliderswore junglecaps.

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related that these troops coveredthemselves with glory thereafter.Another tale recounts thataiguillettes originated with the cordwith a pencil worn by generals andstaff officers for writing dispatches.Still another account has it that theidea started with the custom of thegeneral’s aide-de-camp carrying arope over his shoulder, togetherwith pegs fastened thereto, for thepurpose of hobbling his owngeneral’s horses. All such accountshave no basis in fact.

The aiguillette is an “insigniaused to distinguish officersholding certain appointments”.They are worn with all uniformsexcept the No.4 dress.

The following officers are entitledto wear the aiguillette:

1. Chief of Defense Force (CDF),whilst in No 1, 2 and 5 dress

2. Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to thePresident

3. Honourary ADC to thePresident

4. Military Attache (MA) andAssistant MA

5. Director of Music during bandperformance

6. MA/SO to CDF & ServiceChiefs

These metal-tipped, coloured cordsare worn on the right shoulder, exceptfor S/No. 4, 5 & 6 (from above) whowear them on the left shoulder. MA/SO to CDF and Service Chiefs willwear the lanyard when in No 3uniform. The French military word“aide-de-camp” simply means“assistance in camp”. This mightexplain why officers assisting theCDF or the President are calledAide-de-Camps.

GORGET

Gorget Patches were originally piecesof armour which protected the throator “gorge” and was implemented as adistinguishing insignia.

Gorget patches are worn with theNumber 1 dress uniform for Armyofficers above the rank of COL. Theyare fastened at the collar with the baseat the forward edge of the collar andthe pointed edge inwards. It can bedescribed as a “coloured collar patch(usually red) with a button and eithergold lace oak leaf motif or silk cord.”

Col BG MG and above

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Theaiguilletteis an“insigniaused todistinguishofficersholdingcertainappointments”.

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In the SAF, gorget patches come inthe following designs:

1. For COLs: A red patch with onegold braid lacing down thecentre and a small gold buttonat the point.

2. For BGs: A red patch with twogold braids lacing down thecentre and a small gold buttonat the point.

3. MGs and Above: A red patchwith gold oak leaf embroiderydown the centre and a goldbutton at the point.

SASH

“Duty BOS” (Duty BattalionOrderly Sergeant) in a unit. It islaid across the right shoulder(beneath the epaulette) to the leftof the body.

CEREMONIAL SWORD

The word Sword is derived from aprehistoric Germanic wordSwerthem from which the morefamiliar sounding Sward(Swedish), Zwaard (Dutch) andSvoerd (Danish) arose. It wassuggested that the word waslinked to the meaning ‘Pain’, thesword thus being the cause ofpain.

To counter this, personal armourwas used that was designed towithstand sword blows andprotect more vulnerable bodyareas. This armour was constructedof stout leather and reinforced withmetal plates or links.

The sash may be an item ofornamental equipment that once hada functional purpose: to improviselitters for carrying wounded off thefield. They were usually made ofsilk, being strong as well as light,and full enough to enclose thehuman form.

Sash are worn by Infantry ColourEscorts normally Sergeant by rank.They are also worn by InfantryDuty Sergeant, often known as

Thesash islaid across theright shoulder(beneath theepaulette) to theleft of the body.

66 Ceremonial Dress and Pageantry Display

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The sword user thus had to turn fromhis weeping slashes to moreaccurate strikes at exposed areas andthe joints of the armour pieces. Indoing so, sword design moved awayfrom the curved and heavy slashingblade to a straight one with asharpened tip that was good atthrusting at the enemy.

It is perhaps prudent to start bygiving an answer to one verysimple question: Why wear asword in a supposedly ‘modern’war dominated by firepower?Although there are undoubtedlyundertones of a distant chivalricage connected with such apotentially brutal implement, it isnot primarily a weapon, rather it isabove all else, an insignia of rank– a sign of authority bestowedupon the officer by the State. Assuch, it is important to rememberthat the sword is part of an officer’suniform and should be treated asan object of respect by the rankand file, but more importantly, bythe individual wearing it.

The sword is carried by an SAFCommissioned Officer as a mark ofhis status and his symbolauthority. The practice of officerscarrying swords probablystemmed from the Middle Ageswhere only men of a certain stature(e.g. Knights) were allowed to keepswords. It is often said that theofficers of today are largely

fashioned in the image of the knightsof yesteryear as they largelyperformed the same function ofleading a group of men.

The swords come in two lengths i.e.819 mm and 919 mm. The 819 mmswords were issued from 1981 to1988 and the 919 mm swords wereissued since 1982. The latter swordis used for parades. For militaryofficers attending the parade, bothlengths of sword may be used.

Swords are worn at a parade orceremony where the No 1 dress isprescribed, for the followingofficers:

1. Reviewing Officer (if they arecommissioned SAF Officer)

2. Officers escorting the ReviewingOfficer

3. Commander of the Formation/Unit organising the parade orceremony

4. Parade Commander

5. Contingent Commanders

6. Supernumerary Officers

7. Parade RSM

All Officers of the rank of Major andabove will don the ceremonial swordfor functions/ ceremonies wheninstructed. As a general rule, swordsneed not be worn during indoorceremonies.

The sword iscarried by anSAFCommissionedOfficer as amark of hisstatus andhis symbol ofauthority.

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Looking closer, you would see asword knot which is a strap with atassel wound around the hilt of thesword. This knot was originallyused to prevent the sword beinglost in action, for the strap wastwisted around the wrist of thebearer.

WHY RSM DON THECEREMONIAL SWORD?

The only time a Parade RSM isgiven the privilege to draw hissword is when he pays the highestform of compliment to the Coloursprior to it being trooped. In thisinstance, his Pace Stick is takenout of the parade ground by anorderly.

EPAULETTE AND SHOULDERSTRAP

Before the twentieth centuryepaulettes and shoulder strapswere common devices to signalrank. Epaulettes, from epaule anold French word for shoulder,seem to have started out as clothstraps worn on the shoulders tohelp keep shoulder sashes andbelts in position. Another storyhas them beginning as pieces ofarmour to protect the shoulders.By the time of the AmericanRevolutionary War epaulettesworn by British and FrenchOfficers had become elaborateaffairs of gold or silver that startedat the collar and ended at the pointof the shoulder with heavy fringesof gold or silver wire. To some theylooked like fancy hair brushes.They were also very expensive,being made of gold or silver,sometimes solid metal and othertimes plated. Epaulettes forSergeants and other enlisted menwere of cheaper metals or cloth.

Whilst it is commonly known thatonly Commissioned Officers areallowed the privilege to don theceremonial sword, the exceptionto the rule applies to the ParadeRSM. Going by his title “King ofthe Parade Square”, the ParadeRSM is authorised to wear thesword as a mark of his authorityin controlling the parade. Wearingthe sword also emphasises hisspecialised skills in drilling the menand the sword being a symbol ofauthority, will accord him therespect he deserves from Officersand all Ranks on parade.

The only timea Parade RSMis given theprivilege todraw his swordis when hepays thehighest form ofcompliment tothe Coloursprior to it beingtrooped.

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The ranks of Warrant Officers andOfficers are inserted into theseepaulettes.

MILITARY MUSIC

had seen the value of the drum asan adjunct to military art in thearmies of the Saracens andintroduced this instrument intoEngland in the eleventh centuryunder the names of the tabor and thenaker.

It seems, however, that the drummer,for a considerable number of years,was only employed as one of theretinue of great Officers and notgenerally included as part of theestablishment of the Army. In thelist of the Army employed during thedisastrous war with France in 1557,drums were appointed to theRegiment of Foot in the proportionof one drummer and one fifer to acompany of a hundred men.

The role of music in the military isoften downplayed or forgotten. Butnonetheless, it has a significantplace in the pageantry, whichsurrounds certain ceremonialoccasions in the SAF. From thecommissioning ball to theceremonial parades ever present inthe SAF, stirring military musicaccentuates the occasion, allowingthe listener to be totally immersedin the military setting.

Military musicaccentuatesthe occasion,allowing thelistener to betotallyimmersed inthe militarysetting.

Epaulettes andshoulder straps

Drums and fifes are among theoldest form of military musicalintruments. The drum had longbeen known in eastern countriesand the early Egyptians combinedthe trumpet and the drum to providetheir military music. The Greeks,on the other hand, favoured theflute, the smoothing tunes of whichkept their fighting men cool andfirm. The trumpet was theinstrument in general use with theforces of the Roman Empire, whilethe ancient Briton favoured thehorn and trumpet. These remainedthe only instruments of martialmusic until the Crusaders returnedwith fresh ideas from the east. They

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Military music, though usuallyassociated with joyous militaryoccasions, can also be a touchingdedication to the fallen comrade inarms. The “Last Post” is amelancholic but dignified tuneusually played at military funeralsby a sole bugler to signify thepassing of a brave member of theArmed Forces. The “Last Post”and “Dead March from Soul” areexamples of tunes commonly usedto honour the fallen dead in theSAF.

BUGLE CALL

Bugles werefirst used tocontrol themovement oftroops inbattle.

played at 6am, at noon and at 6pm in the evening, every day. Thiscustom was adapted from theBritish practice of sounding thebugle every day, at the prescribedtiming, whilst outfield.

TATTOO

How did a drummer’s word like“tattoo” get tagged on a buglecall? It probably originatedamong the British troops inHolland during the Thirty Years’

War (1618–1648) or during thewars of King William III in the1690’s. When the time came forsoldiers to leave the taverns andreturn to their billets, the Officerof the Day, with a Sergeant anddrummer, would beat his waythrough the streets. It is thesignal to quiet down in barracksand to turn off the lights withinfifteen minutes.

TAPS

Of all the military bugle calls, noneis so easily recognized or more aptto render emotion than Taps. Upto the Civil War, the traditional callat day’s end was a tune, borrowedfrom the French, called Lights Out.

This more emotive and powerfulTaps was soon adoptedthroughout the Army of thePotomac. In 1874 it was officiallyrecognized by the U.S. Army. It

The bugle, short for “bugle horn”,is a descendant of the hunting horn.The word “bugle” itself is anobsolete term for a wild ox orbuffalo. The first hunting hornswere unquestioningly made fromthe horn of this animal.

Bugles were first used to controlthe movement of troops in battle.Bugle music can be used tosignal the different times of theday. It is common practice inArmy camps, bugle music is

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became standard at military funeralceremonies in 1891. There issomething singularly beautiful andappropriate in the music of thiswonderful call. Its strains aremelancholy, yet full of rest andpeace. Its echoes linger in the heartlong after its tones have ceasedto vibrate in the air.

CORPS OF DRUMS

It is reasonable to assume that theCorps of Drums as we know todaycame into being after the CardwellReforms of 1872 although thedrums and the fifes had of courseplayed together long before thisdate. Battalions were stillorganised into eight companieswith two drummers to eachcompany. With a Drum Major tosupervise the training and wellbeing of all the drummers, it wasobviously better to concentratethem into one group or “Corps”.The association with ContinentalTroops over the years must alsohave influenced the formation ofa Corps of Drums. The Habit ofparading the Corps of Drums (ofLine Regiments) in front of theband was copied from the French.

The drums are primarily intendedfor supplying music on the march.It is, therefore, of the firstimportance that the drummers, andespecially the bass drummer,should be well trained in beating the

strict marching time of the battalion.The effect of the drums is to instil intothe soldier the swing of the movementof marching as opposed to the actionof walking together in closeformation. Not only is the music ofthe drums a wonderful aid to troopson the march but it is also an aid to asoldier’s courage and the moral forwhich the British Infantry is so justlyfamous.

MEDALS

Traditionally, a military medal is ametal shape (usually a round disk)suspended by a strip of ribbon orfabric, often from a top bar. Medalsin the shape of a star, four, five or sixpoint, are representative of servicein a theatre of war. Other shapes mayalso be seen. Medals are traditionallyworn on the left side of one’s shirtor jacket, normally on formal whitetie occasions. There are also medalsthat are worn around the neck. Inthe military, medals are worn onclothing of distinctive design wornby members of a particular group asa means of identification on formaloccasions. In day to day wear, orcertain military occasions or onsimple shirts, they are representedin the form of thin fabric bars on theleft side of the uniform.

The effect ofthe drums isto instil intothe soldierthe swing ofthemovement ofmarching asopposed tothe action ofwalkingtogether incloseformation.

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TYPES OF MEDALS IN THE SAF

Medals are awarded for goodconduct or exemplary service. Arecipient must have demonstratedexceptional performance in theexecution of his or her duty.

on completion of a further 10 years,and a second clasp on completion

of a total of 30 years.

The SAF Overseas Medal

This medal may be awarded tomembers of the SAF who haveengaged in operational / non-operational service in an areaoutside the Republic of Singapore.

SAF Good Service Medal

This medal may be awarded to aserving member of the SAF inrecognition of 5 years of good,efficient and faithful service in theSAF.

72 Ceremonial Dress and Pageantry Display

SAF Long Service and GoodConduct Medal

This medal may be awarded tomembers of the SAF who havecompleted 12 years of continuousqualifying service in recognitionof their long service and goodconduct. A clasp may be awarded

Pingat Berkebolehan (Tentera)The Efficiency Medal (Mil)

This medal may be awarded to anymember of the SAF who hasshown exceptional efficiency,devotion to duty, or work ofspecial significance, or who hasdemonstrated in the course of hiswork initiative, thoroughness andresourcefulness.

Medals areawardedfor goodconduct orexemplaryservice.

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Pingat Penghargaan (Tentera)The Commendation Medal (Mil)

This medal may be awarded to anymember of the SAF who hasclearly placed himself/herselfabove his/her peers throughcommendable achievements inmilitary command or staff work, orperformed service over and abovethe call of duty.

Pingat Gagah Perkasa (Tentera)The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Mil)

This medal may be awarded to anymember of the SAF who hasdistinguished himself/herself by aheroic act of courage and sacrifice,or for outstanding conduct andperformance, and selfless devotionto the service over and above thecall of duty.

Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Tentera)The Public Administration Medal (Mil)

This medal may be awarded to anymember of the SAF who hasdistinguished himself/herselfthrough meritorious service inmilitary command or staff work.There are three grades: gold,silver and bronze.

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Darjah Utama Bakti Chemerlang(Tentera)

The Distinguished Service Order(Mil)

This medal is the highest award thatmay be conferred to any member ofthe SAF for exceptionallydistinguished service orextraordinary merit in militarycommand or staff work. In special

TheDistinguishedServiceorder (Mil)is thehighestaward thatmay beconferred toany memberof the SAF.

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The PaceStick,carried by aSergeantMajor is asymbol ofprestige andauthority.Thebeholder isa trainedinstructor ofDrill, ParadeandCeremonies.

circumstances, it may be awardedto any person for his/heroutstanding service in thepromotion of good relationsbetween the SAF and the militaryforce of his/her country

WHY MEDALS ARE WORN ONTHE LEFT SIDE OF UNIFORM

PACE STICK

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Orders, decorations and medalsare worn on the left side of theuniform, in the order ofprecedence. One fortuitous featureof the human anatomy is that bycarrying a shield on the left arm,leaving the right hand free for aweapon, the heart is affordedmaximum protection by the shield.Considerations of protection aswell as propinquity led theCrusaders to wear their smalldecorative crosses over the heart.This may well be why militarydecorations are worn on the left.

The Royal Regiment of Artillery inBritain was the originator of thepace stick. It was used by gunnersto ensure correct distancesbetween guns on the battlefield,thus ensuring the appropriateeffective fire. The original stickwas more like a walking stick, witha silver or ivory knob. It could notbe manipulated like the modernpace stick as it only opened like apair of callipers; the infantry thendeveloped the stick to its presentconfiguration as an aid to drill.

It is a tool that is used to measurethe pace (distance taken in amarching step) It is also used bythe Sergeant Major when layingout the marker points on a paradeground so that the troops turn atthe correct point and finish up atthe correct point on ceremonialparades.

The pace stick, carried by aSergeant Major is a symbol ofprestige and authority. Thebeholder is a trained instructor of

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drill, parade and ceremonies. Heholds the responsibility ofteaching various drill movementsand ceremonial proceedings of theparade to all ranks includingOfficers, thus illustrating hiscapability and his acumen in termsof drills and ceremony.

The pace stick is the epitome ofauthority and rank. It is arecognition accorded to aSergeant Major to carry out hisprimary responsibility ofmaintaining high standard of drill,parade and ceremonies as well asupholding the highest standard ofregimentation and discipline in theunit.

CHEVRON

The word chevron is French for“rafter.” As often happens,however, the French Army todayuses another word, galon(“stripe”), where we use the word“chevron.”

When the practice was started ofdecorating shields, the problemsoon arose of how to achieve thenecessary variety. Since allprimitive design makes use ofstraight lines and geometricpatterns, the earliest variationswere the cross; the “bend” (adiagonal stripe from the shield’supper right to its lower left onegoing the other way was the

“bend sinister,” symbol ofillegitimacy); the “bar” (a horizontalstripe); the “pale” (a vertical stripe);the “saltire” (a diagonal cross or“X”); a checkerboard pattern; and achevron (two lines or stripesmeeting at an angle).

When a simple but distinctive sleevedevice was needed to indicate rank,the chevron was undoubtedlyappropriated from heraldry.

BUTTONS

SAF

SAF Warrant Officerand Specialist Ranks– Old and New

Distinctive buttons have long been afeature of military uniforms, for theirdual purpose, both practical andornamental use. There is someevidence to support the theory thatone of the original purposes ofornamental buttons were to keepsoldiers from wiping their noses onthe sleeves of their dress uniforms.

In the SAF, buttons used onceremonial uniforms are impressedwith the logo of a lion standing on atower. This first logo wasreminiscent of British influence withits richness and grandeur.

These buttons are normally worn onthe SAF Number 1 dress, Number 2dress and the Number 5 jacket.

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The purposeof the identitydisc was toidentify abody or abadlywoundedsoldier.

The fact that men’s clothingbuttons to the right and women’sto the left has also been tracedback to the days before pocketswhen people put their hands,Napoleon-like, into their coatfronts for warmth. With her“protector” on the right, a lady’scoat buttoned to the left so thatboth she and the gentleman couldslip their free hands into their coatfronts.

IDENTITY DISC

Since Medieval times, countlesssoldiers have been buried ingraves, which are marked with asingle word, “Unknown”. It wasnot until the Boer War of 1899 -1902 that British soldiers startedwearing regulation methods ofpersonal identity and these laterevolved to be Identity Discs.Identity tags have becomemandatory in many Armies today,including the SAF, and it isconvenient and comfortable to beadorned around the neck.

The purpose of the identity discwas to identify a body or a badlywounded soldier. Should a soldierbe killed, other members of hisPlatoon were required to recoverthe round disc for return toheadquarters to allow fornotification of next of kin, withoutmistakes about soldiers of similarname. The oval disc was to be

placed inside the mouth of thecorpse, being the place most likelyto protect it and to keep it in-site.This was so, even if time andmanpower allowed for battlefieldburial. In all possible cases menburied on the battlefield were latertransferred to proper WarCemeteries. Without ID discs,mistakes would have beencommon. The blood group wasadded to the discs to assistbattlefield medical teams.Denomination of religion was alsoadded to allow proper burialarrangements.

OFFICER CADET’S WHITECOLLAR BOARD / GORGET /EPAULETTES

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The Cadet Officer’s white patch,as an insignia of rank, came intouse in 1758. It has been suggestedthat the patch is all that remainsof what used to be a white coatcollar, which went out of usebecause the ‘Young Gentlemen’used to dirty it too quickly. Nosupport can be found for this

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doubtful theory. The significance ofwhite, however, is of greatantiquity; to it our word candidateis related. Candidus, Latinadjective for white, referred to thepure colour of the togas worn bythose aspiring to high office in theRoman government. The samepurity motif is seen with a bride’swedding dress. The Cadet Officer’swhite patch probably stem fromthis Roman origin.

CAP BADGES

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General Colonel LTC and below

The phrase cap badge is popularlyused to describe a badge that isworn on a cap, a peaked cap or anyother type of soft head-dress.Technically, however the badgeworn on the beret is known as aberet badge. Badges had been wornon the garments of knights andlords of the Middle Age.

These badges are worn at the collarof the SAF No 1 uniforms. Vocationcollar badges are worn by LTC andbelow on each side of the collar, 0.5cm away from the edge of the collar.All badges are placed verticallyexcept for Artillery, which is placedhorizontally.

Vocationalcollar badgesare worn atthe collar ofthe SAF No.1 Uniforms.

VOCATIONAL COLLARBADGES

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Before the appointment of theDrum Major in the early nineteenthcentury, the senior drummer of“Sergeant Drummer” wore nodistinctive shoulder belt. He worea standard pattern leatherdrummer’s carriage which wasfitted with metal or leather loops.The loops secured the drumstickswhen not in use. When the DrumMajor’s appointment wasauthorised, the Drum Major’sshoulder belt becamerepresentative of the SergeantDrummer’s carriage still retainingthe drumsticks and loops, but withthe additions of embellishmentssuch as the regimental badge anddevices. The ensuing years sawthe shoulder belt become moreelaborate as battle honours wereadded. Gradually the drummer’sstick became smaller to make roomfor the embellishments until today,although essentially a part of theceremonial “sash”, they stand asa symbol of the Drum Major’soriginal appointment.

The shoulder belt worn by theDrum Major today carries, inaddition to the battle honours, thetitle, badge and device of theregiment. This shoulder belt ispurchased and presented to theCorps of Drums.The Drum Major’s shoulder belt ismade of facing cloth of the samecolour as the authorisedregimental facings. It is

Drum Major’sshoulder beltbecamerepresentativeof theSergeantDrummer’scarriage stillretaining thedrumsticksand loops

The Drum Major’s Staff wasintroduced into the British Armyfor the Sergeant Drummer in the18th century and it is not simply adesignation of appointment but isused to define drill movements andsignal the band.

The staff is made of Malacca canewith metal bands fixed at intervalsfrom which is attached to a metalchain. Its overall length is five feettwo inches. When not in use it isplaced in a sans down bag andstored in a wooden case providedfor the purpose.

DRUM MAJOR’S SHOULDERBELT (SASH)

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DRUM MAJOR’S STAFF(MACE)

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embellished with a silver platedshield on which are fastened twominiature ebony drumsticks, thewhole being surmounted by a goldembroidered Crown and RoyalCypher, the name of the regimentis embroidered below the shield onscrolls. Gold letters and edgingscrolls are as for facing colour. Nobattle honours or otherdistinctions are to be carried onthese belts.

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Parade andCeremony

The Parade Square

The Review

Eyes Right/Left

Sword Salute

21 Gun Salute

Feu-De-Joie

Trooping of Colours

Retreat

Ceremonial Guards

Changing of Guard Ceremony

Silent Precision Drill

The Three Cheers

Gloves

SAF Day Parade

Welcome Guard

Weapon Presentation

Inspecting the Guard ofHonour

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THE PARADE SQUARE

In the British army, when theretreat was sounded after a battle,the unit would assemble to call theroll and count the dead, a hollowsquare was formed. The dead wereplaced within the square andno one used the area as athoroughfare.

Today, the parade groundrepresents this square and hence,the unit’s dead. It is deemed to behallowed ground, soaked with theblood of our fallen and the area isrespected as such by all.

THE REVIEW

A review (or honours ceremony)is held during a parade. Whentroops are ceremoniously marchedonto the parade square, a personof distinction (usually a ReviewingOfficer-rank of Major and above)is on hand to take the review. Inthe past days, the dress paradesare intended to impress visitingemissaries with the strength of themonarch’s troops rather thanhonour the visitor. While a paradeis in progress, those attendingstand quietly and do not talk.

The Reviewing Party will havealready marched forward and takea position facing the ReviewingOfficer, and an announcer will makethe appropriate announcement.e.g.” The Graduates of the 129th

Platoon Sergeant’s Course, Ladiesand Gentlemen, Please rise”

As the parades are marched in andsalute to the honoured guest,

everyone stands during the review.The salute will be returned by theReviewing Officer. Others who arein uniform will salute. Civilian guestsstand quietly facing the flag.

EYES RIGHT / LEFT

In the pastdays, thedressparades areintended toimpressvisitingemissarieswith thestrength ofthemonarch’stroopsrather thanhonour thevisitor.

The Parade rendering a compliment to theReviewing Officer

Parades and Ceremonies 83

The Parade Square

An integral part of saluting whilepassing is the ‘eyes right’ or ‘eyesleft’. In feudal times serfs and slaveswere not permitted to look at theirmaster; they were required to standaside with heads bowed, or even tocrawl past in the mud and slime ofthe road-side ditch. The soldiersemployed by the lord of the manorenjoyed the privilege of looking theirmaster straight in the eye, and raisedtheir hats or helmets as a mark ofrespect.

Eye’s Right

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The Recovery The Sword Salute

SWORD SALUTE

The first movement in salutingwith the sword, known as the“Recovery”, is said to havereligious significance dating fromthe Crusades. The sword in earlierforms was in the shape of a cross,and the position of recoveryclosely resembles the Crusader’sact of kissing the cross of hissword before going into battle. Itmay also have some connectionwith the oriental custom ofshielding the eyes from a superior.The position of the salute itself isa modification of the formerpractice of thrusting the point ofthe sword into the ground fromwhich position it would be morethan difficult to strike suddenly atone’s opponent.

The same principle is true of eitherthe butt salute with a rifle or thepresent arms. In the latter caseeven the name implies the offeringof the arms to a superior.

21 GUN SALUTE

Warships originally fired seven-gun salutes – the number sevenprobably selected because of itssignificance. Seven planets hadbeen identified then and the phaseof the moon changed every sevendays.

Land batteries, having a greatersupply of gunpowder, were ableto fire three guns for every shotfired afloat; hence the salute byshore batteries was 21 guns. Themultiple of three was probablychosen because of the mysticalsignificance associated with thenumber 3 in many ancientcivilisations.

The 21-Gun Salute would be firedduring National Day whilst thePresident of the Republic ofSingapore inspects the Parade.

The 21-Gun Salute was inheritedfrom the British. The 25-Pounderguns used at every parade alsocame from the British. Theseguns have been around sincebefore Singapore gained herindependance and are believed todate back to World War II. Six ofthese cannons will be used andsix men to handle each gun. Only

The sword inearlier formswas in theshape of across, and theposition ofrecoverycloselyresembles theCrusader’sact of kissingthe cross ofhis swordbefore goinginto battle.

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Gun Salutes provided by theCeremonial 25-Pounders

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the team member does the actualfiring. What is more complicatedis that each shot must be timedperfectly to match the President’sprogress as he inspects theparade.

FEU-DE-JOIE (FIRE OF JOY)

The Feu-de-Joie (French origin)symbolically portrays the sense ofjoy and festivity of the occasion.

Trooping of Colours is oftenperformed during unit’sanniversary parade and SAF DayParade, especially so when aColours is newly presented afterconsecration.

RETREAT

The bugle call sounded at retreatwas first used in the French Armyand dates back to the Crusades.When you hear it, you are listeningto a beautiful melody that has cometo symbolise the finest qualities ofthe soldiers of nearly 900 years ago.Retreat has always been at sunsetand its purpose was to notify thesentries to start challenging untilsunrise, and to tell the rank and fileto go to their quarters and remainthere.

This ceremony remains as a traditiontoday. Retreat precedes thelowering of the flags at sunset.When Retreat is played, face towardthe flag and stand at attention.Those in uniform are to salute. If theflag is not within sight, then facetowards the music and stand atattention.

Troopingthe coloursbefore abattleassuredthatsoldierswouldrecognisethem.

Parades and Ceremonies 85

Originated in a demostration of anew weapon before QueenElizabeth I to show itseffectiveness, reliability andhandiness. On 9th August everyyear as Singapore celebrates herNational Day, the Feu-de-Joie ismost appropriately fired by theGuard of Honour mounted by theArmy, Navy, Air Force and PoliceContingents firing three shots insuccession of ranks from all fourcontingents respectively.

TROOPING OF COLOURS

Trooping of Colours has beentraced to the days of the earlymercenaries when men weretaught to use their flag as a rallyingpoint in battle. Trooping theColours before a battle assuredthat soldiers would recognisethem.

Fire of Joy

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CEREMONIAL GUARDS

The Istana Ceremonial Guards’main role is sentry duty at theIstana which is the officialresidence and office of thePresident of Singapore. The Istanameans ”palace” in Malay and it iswhere the president receives andentertains state guests. The IstanaCeremonial Guards perform theirsentry duty at the Istana’s MainEntrance on Orchard Road and atthe entrance of the Istana BuildingThe ceremonial guard duties at theIstana are performed by the SAFProvost Unit.

CHANGING OF GUARDCEREMONY

When the late Encik Yusof B. Ishaktook office as the Yang Di-PertuanNegara at the Istana on 3December 1959, the Istana wasguarded by combat troops from theonly infantry regiment we had atthat time, the 1st Battalion of theSingapore Infantry Regiment. Theguards were posted round theclock. There was no Changing ofGuards Ceremony. Mounting anddismounting of guards were donewithin the Istana itself.

The use of combat troops to guardthe Istana ceased in 1968 with theformation of the Singapore ArmedForces Guards Unit (SAFGU). In1969, it was decided that a

Changing of Guards Ceremony beheld on every first Sundayevening of the month and hascontinued ever since.

The format of the Ceremony isbased on the British Changing ofGuards Ceremony at BuckinghamPalace, England. Thirty-sixGuards and two GuardCommanders are involved in theCeremony. The Guards arespecially selected and trained fortheir turnout, bearing and drill.

The in-coming Guards march fromthe Yen San Building to meet theout-going Guards at the entranceplaza of the Istana. The Changingof Guards Ceremony is thencarried out at the entrance of theIstana with military bands inattendance. Included in theceremony is a Rifle Precision DrillPerformance to entertain thespectators.

SILENT PRECISION DRILL

Precision Drill was firstintroduced in the SAF in the year1984. It is a form of drill where agroup of men perform in unison,with precise coordination andtiming without commands beinggiven.

Every squad member takes about6 months to train before they canstart performing in any occasion.

The Changingof GuardsCeremony isheld on everyfirst Sundayevening of themonth.

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Their training emphasises onphysical endurance, mentaldiscipline, co-ordination andteamwork between the squadmembers in order to execute aseries of complex arms drill.

The weapon that they are using iscalled MK 4 (Mark 4). It weighsapproximately 5 kg. and 1.2 m inlength.

The Silent Precision Drill Squadhas constantly been appearing inmajor events like National DayParades, Chingay Processions,Istana Changing-of-Guards andnumerous recruitment activities.In the course of participation, theSilent Precision Drill Squad haswon numerous recognitions.

The Silent Precision Drill Squadhas caught the eye of everySingaporean with precisionexecution of complex arms drill.The popularity of the squad wasnot only confined to the localaudience; it also spread acrossSingapore’s border.

The Squad was invited toMalaysia in 1989 to perform for aMilitary Tattoo in Kuala Lumpur,where the squad was commendedfor her outstanding performance.

THE THREE CHEERS

This custom originated at the timeof the Crusades. At the time, whendetachments were sent away on

faraway campaigns, it was thecustom to assemble the garrison information with the departing troopsin the place of honour on the right.three cheers for their departingcomrades were then given by thetroops remaining behind. The simplenotes of the Three Cheers as theyare used today could very well havethis symbolic meaning.

In the SAF, the Three Cheers(optional) are rendered during aChange-of-Command Parade. Theywill be performed without removingHeaddress thus using the righthand. The right palm should be in aclenched position.

GLOVES

Apart from their practical uses toprotect the hands from cold andinjury, gloves have symbolicconnotations. They are mainly usedfor ceremonial purposes in the SAF.Gloves have been used as aceremonial item since medieval times.They are worn when in No. 1uniform.

SAF DAY PARADE

On 1 July 1969, the SAF celebratedher first Armed Forces Day. The firstSAF day saw a 1,500-strongcontingent of servicemen andwomen in a grand parade finale andmarch past at Jalan Besar Stadium.In a day filled with muster parades,open houses and pledges of loyalty,the most solemn moment was thepresentation of the SAF Colours forthe first time to the 3rd Battalion,

Parades and Ceremonies 87

In the SAF,the ThreeCheers(optional)are renderedduring aChange-of-CommandParade.

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The presentation of Regimental Colours to 3 SIR by Mr. Lim Kim San (thirdfrom left).

Singapore Infantry Regiment (3SIR) by the then Minister forInterior and Defence, Mr Lim KimSan.

The SAF Day is a reaffirmation ofthe importance of national defenceand the vital role that every soldierplays in the security of Singapore.It is an occasion to renew thepledge of allegiance to thePresident and the country, toremember comrades-in-arms whodied in the course of service to thenation, and to give recognition tothe best in the SAF.

Today, the Parade showcases theSAF as a modern, integrated andcohesive fighting force that isready and capable of safeguardingthe security and sovereignty ofSingapore. Thus bringing aboutgreater confidence in the SAF andinstil a sense of pride amongst pastand present Service personnel.

WELCOME GUARD

Welcome Guard was previouslyknown as Camp Quarter Guard.The 18-men Camp Quarter Guardmounted to welcome local orforeign VIPs visiting the camp wereformed by personnel performingcamp guard duties. As the term“Camp Quarter Guard” implies, theCamp Quarter Guard were mounted

at the quarters of militarypersonnel whose duties includedthe guarding of the camp premiseand turning-out at the guardroomwhenever a senior officer or VIPvisits the camp. The attire for theCamp Quarter Guard then was thecamp guards’ attire i.e. Camouflageuniform.

To optimise the use of manpowerresources, the number of CampQuarter Guard has been reduced.In fact, the concept of using thecamp guards for the Camp QuarterGuard is no longer valid orapplicable for VIP visits. As such,the mounting of the Camp QuarterGuard has been abolished sinceJuly 2004.

Thereafter, the Welcome Guard isused and mounted for VIPs whenthey visit units in the Army.

The Welcome Guard will bemounted for the followingcategories of VIPs:

a. Local Visitors – Service Chiefand VIPs in Group 2 and abovein the MINDEF Table ofPrecedence (Only forIntroductory Visit).

b. Foreign Visitors – ServiceChief or Brigadier Generaland above

The SAF Dayis areaffirmationof theimportance ofnationaldefence andthe vital rolethat everysolider playsin thesercurity ofSingapore.

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Sultan of Brunei inspecting theWelcome Guards

Presentation Ceremony is thepoint of transformation from boysto responsible young men, fromcarefree civilians to dedicatedsoldiers. In SAF BMTC, theceremony is held in front of theNational Service Landmark, as asignificance to mark the soldier’sresponsibility in the defending ofthe nation.

INSPECTING THE GUARD OFHONOUR

WEAPON PRESENTATION

It is a courtesy that the ReviewingOfficer inspects the Guard ofHonour . In this case he is notlooking for rusty weapons, but isreturning the guard’s courtesy bytaking a close look at the fine militaryappearance of these select troops.

The Reviewing Officer does morethan pass hurriedly along the ranksof the Guard of Honour. He usuallylooks each man in the face and stopsfrom time to time to chat with one ofthe soldiers or compliment him onhis appearance.

The weaponpresentation... was heldin the hoursof darknessso as tomask thestrength ofthe tribefrom theirenemies.

During tribal times, weapons wereessential tools for survival withevery man being equipped withone upon maturity.

These weapons were used so asto safeguard the tribe’s assets andto protect their loved ones.

The weapon presentation wascarried out in the form of asolemn ceremony, which washeld in the hours of darkness soas to mask the strength of thetribe from their enemies. In thismodern age, the weaponpresentation ceremony is a daywhen young soldiers receivetheir weapons. These soldiersare to use these weapons indefending our nation againstour enemies. The Weapon

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Mess Customs

Origin of Regimental Mess

Customs in the Mess

Commanding Officer in theMess

General Courtesy towardsMembers of the Mess

Mess Hospitality

Ladies in the Mess

Conversation in the Mess

Restriction on Drinks

Punctuality

Mess Initiation

Improper Mess Etiquette

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ORIGIN OF REGIMENTALMESS

In the early eighteenth century,there were no barracks for theBritish soldiers. Upon entering atown, the Officers and men werequartered wherever lodging wasavailable. They posted the unitColours at the Officers’ billet,which became the central meetingplace for all Officers awaitingorders from their Commanders.The fraternal atmosphere thatdeveloped from these meetingsfostered esprit de corps andcamaraderie. The billet becameknown as the Officers’ Mess.

During the latter decades of theeighteenth century, someRegiments did not have their ownMess. Consequently, many BritishOfficers turned to taverns as theirsource of communal life. It was notuntil the nineteenth century thatthe Mess proper became anestablished part of the BritishArmy.

The Regimental Mess servedmany important functions. It wasnot only a practical method ofdining in large units, but itprovided an opportunity for themembers to become betteracquainted, and it developed asense of cohesion among themembers of the Unit. It was alsoan educational experience for the

younger members. They receivedtraining that enabled them to serveas hosts of formal gatherings whenthey became senior members.Besides entertaining guests, theformal Mess nights served toimpress upon the members theluxuries of life and gentlemanlybehavior.

CUSTOMS IN THE MESS

Noisy behaviour, ragging, clinkingof glasses, and other forms ofrowdyism in the Mess, should beavoided, especially at the Messtable. The forming of Mess“cliques” should be avoided at allcosts. They kill the family spirit inthe Mess, besides causing a lot ofbad feeling, which is very quicklyevident to visitors and the rest ofthe Unit.

A member must realize that the habitof drinking too much is not clever,nor is it amusing for other membersof the Mess. Bad behaviour in theMess will soon become commonknowledge in the Unit. The Messesmust model their behaviour andshould be exemplary, as it has adirect bearing on the disciplinethroughout the Unit.

It provided anopportunity forthe membersto becomebetteracquainted,and itdeveloped asense ofcohesionamong themembers ofthe Unit.

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COMMANDING OFFICER INTHE MESS

When the Commanding Officercomes into the Mess, anannouncement by a membernearest must be made to allpresent. They should all stand up,greet him appropriately and offerhim a drink before memberspresent may carry out theirbusiness. If seated, at the diningtable, Officers do not stand butgive a greeting. If theCommanding Officer is alreadypresent in the Mess, the Officerentering will come to attentionand greet him appropriately.

They shouldall stand up,greet himappropriatelyand offerhim a drink

are to be considerate and avoidoffending others who may wish toread, engage in conversation orsome other entertainment.

A senior ranked member if seen tobe without a chair, should beimmediately offered one by thejunior.

MESS HOSPITALITY

The hospitality offered bymembers of a Mess in any Unit istraditional. All visitors must bewarmly welcomed by memberspresent in the Mess. It must beremembered that the good nameof the Regiment and Unit,depends to a large extent on thecourtesy extended towardsvisitors in the Mess.

If the visitors are unaccompanied,it is the responsibility of the seniormember present to look after thecomforts of the visitors, until theparticular member they are visitingarrives.

The Mess steward is to be trainedto attend to the legitimate needsof a visitor promptly andcourteously in the absence of amember of the Unit.

When guests are invited to theMess, every member of the Messmust remember that he is a hostand it is up to him to see that no

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GENERAL COURTESYTOWARDS MEMBERS OF THEMESS

Whilst in the Mess, a membermust avoid playing the radio ortelevision loudly. The reasons forthe observance of this etiquette

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guest is neglected. He shouldparticularly not spend the entireevening with his own party orpartner but should move aroundamongst the guests. This appliesequally to all other officialfunctions of the Unit and to whichguests are invited.

LADIES IN THE MESS

It is customary for ladies to beinvited to certain special functionsin the Mess, for example, MessHappy Hour, Festive Celebrationand so on. Any lady entering theMess is always treated with theutmost courtesy.

In certain Messes when ladiesare entertained, as on a GuestNight for example, the members’wives are normally treated asguests and the chargeslegitimately debited to the Messguests fund. The mostappropriate eating arrangementfor events when ladies areinvited to the Mess is the buffetstyle. After the meal, suitablegames may be played such asgames of skill and so on. Simplequizzes are also entertaining andmay even be played beforegoing into dinner.

When being entertained in theMess, it is correct for ladies tomove around and converse withhosts and guests present. Ifnecessary the member should

inform his wife on the etiquette tobe observed in such matters. On theother hand, it is also up to thegentlemen to move over to theladies, most of whom being thewives of the member of the Unit, andto engage them in conversation.

CONVERSATION IN THE MESS

Discussions of routine work mattersin the Mess are referred to as ‘talkingshop’. One of the oldest traditionsprohibits its discussions in theMess. However, work matters ofgeneral interest to all are permissiblesubjects for discussion in mostMesses.

Loose gossip is prohibited in theMess. Controversial subjectssuch as religion or politics shouldnot be discussed in the Mess forfear of its adverse gastronomicalconsequences if not any moretroublesome results. Religion,women and politics are subjectstaboo in the Mess, as in the pastdifferences of opinion in thesematters often leads to fights. Theuse of swearing words, apart frombeing most ungentlemanly, isprohibited in a Mess.

In the presence of very seniorOfficers the correct manner to adopt,is of a retiring nature. In general, careshould be taken to avoid offendinghim/her when relating personalexperiences. On the other hand, bea good listener.

When guestare invited tothe Mess,everymember ofthe Messmustrememberthat he is ahost and it isup to him tosee that noguest isneglected.

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RESTRICTION ON DRINKS

In order to avoid heavy Mess billsand alcoholism, it is the acceptablepractice for the CommandingOfficer to impose monetary limitson the member’s Mess accounts.Excessive consumption of alcohol,mainly brought about by thepernicious habit of ‘alcoholism’,has been the downfall of promisingmembers, and their career abruptlyended for no other reason.Excessive drinking of alcohol mayoccasionally lead to misbehaviourand disrespect for others aroundthem.

PUNCTUALITY

In the interests of efficiency in therunning of any Mess, it is essentialthat all its members are punctualfor all functions or activities of theMess. Members are expected toarrive at least ten minutes beforethe time announced. The host orthe President of the MessCommittee greets the Guest ofHonour at the entrance of thebuilding or Mess. He escorts theGuest of Honour to greet andintroduce him to anyone he hasnot already met.

MESS INITIATION

In the past, a member-to-be has togo through an acceptance regimewhen he is made to foot the bill for

food & beverages consumed bymembers, being asked questionsand should he not give the correctanswer (most of which he couldnot answer), is made to drinkalcoholic drinks (mixed withunthinkable concoctions) till hevomits. Other times, new membersgo through a “baptism” shower(mixed with soap water and ice).Mostly, these were done forentertainment purpose to test thenew members’ toughness,determination and sporty-ness. Hemust be able to adhere toinstruction and “abuses” yet keephis cool. All these happenedaway from the view of juniorcommanders or men (includingMess Steward or Mess-boys).

The initiation completes witha toast proposed to theCommanding Officer, the PMC andmembers of the Mess, by the newmembers. The initiatees get toclean the Mess thereafter.

Today, it is still customary thatnew members of the Mess areinitiated. Its purpose still remainthe same, i.e. is for introductoryreasons and to welcome membersto the Mess and Unit. However,the “ragging” has stopped.

IMPROPER MESS ETIQUETTE

The following are some examplesof improper behaviour in the

Excessivedrinking ofalcohol mayoccasionallylead tomisbehaviouranddisrespectfor othersaroundthem.

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Mess:

1. Late for Mess events.

2. Loud and obtrusive language.

3. Leaving an organised eventwithout permission from thePMC.

4. Foul language.

5. Improperly dressed

6. Excessive consumption ofalcholic drinks

7. Unruly behavior

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MilitaryDining-In

Origin of Military Dining-In

Rationale Behind Dining-In

‘Punch’ Ceremony

Dining Call

Posting of Colours

Uniform and Dress

Seating & TableArrangement

Mr Vice

Table Manners

Passing the Port Decanter

Toast

Custom of Inviting theBand Master

The Band in Attendance

After Dinner Games

Guests

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ORIGIN OF MILITARYDINING-IN

The exact origin of the Dining-inis not known. It is believed,however, that the practice datesback to an old Viking tradition ofholding formal ceremonies tocelebrate great battles and featsof heroism. These ceremoniesusually included a dinner of finefood, drinks, and fellowship. Laterthis custom spread to themonasteries, universities, and,eventually, to the MilitaryOfficers’ Mess.

During the early eighteenthcentury, the British Armyincorporated the practice of formaldining into their regimental Messsystem. Customs and rules of themess were soon institutionalizedin the Queen’s Regulations thatgoverned the actions and conductof the British Army. The mess wasa home for the bachelor Officers,a club for all Officers, and thecentre of social activity at themilitary garrison. An importantfeature of the Mess was Messnight. Usually held once a week,it was a formal mandatorygathering of the Officers of theRegiment. The purpose of thedinner was to bring the Officerstogether in a fraternal atmosphereand to make them aware of theluxuries of life. The Mess night orDining-In became a tradition in allBritish regiments.

Military dining-in is a formalmilitary function, which is

occasionally held in Units andFormations in the SAF. The dining-in provides an occasion for Officersand Warrant Officers to meetsocially at a formal military function.This is effective in building andmaintaining military tradition, moraleand espirit de corps.

Apart from adding significance tothe occasion, the dining-in is alsoto familiarise the Officers andWarrant Officers with theproceedings, formalities andcourtesies practised at such afunction. The essentially simpleprocedures, which have becomeestablished, heighten the enjoymentof the meal and impart graciousnessto the occasion not often, foundelsewhere.

Traditionally, dining-in is held incamp premises / Messes and theattire worn by military personnel isthe Mess Kit (No 2 uniform).However, some may wish toorganise their dining-in outside thecamp premises such as hotelfunction rooms, restaurants or atprivate clubs. The organisers of thedining-in must observe andmaintain the decorum and traditionsof the military dining-in procedures.

Traditionally,dining-in isheld in camppremises /Messes andthe attire wornby militarypersonnel isthe Mess Kit(No 2 uniform)

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RATIONALE BEHINDDINING-IN

The Dining-in is a formal dinnerheld by a Military Unit. Therationale prompting the eventmay vary. The dinner may be heldto recognize the achievements ofa Unit, to build and maintain espritde corps among the Officers oftheir command, etc.

With the addition of femaleOfficers, the Dining-in haschanged from being a stag affair.Moreover, some unitsoccasionally invite spouses. Thisis an excellent opportunity tointroduce the spouses to theArmy’s history, customs, andtraditions, and their attendanceoften stimulates greater interestand participation in the event.

The motivation for attending theDining-in should be a sinceredesire on the part of the Unit’sOfficers for camaraderie andperpetuation of a tradition; not thecoercion of a commandperformance. The real benefit ofthe dinner comes from wanting toattend, not having to attend.

When invited, however, eachOfficer of the command shouldconsider his attendance asobligatory. Absence should occuronly for valid reasons and with theapproval of the CommandingOfficer.

Dining-ins are often held onspecial occasions such ascelebrating a unit’s anniversary, aGraduation, etc.

‘PUNCH’ CEREMONY

The ‘Punch’ Ceremony is heldbefore the dinner in an areaadjacent to the dining room. Thepurpose is to provide a properforum for reading the Unit’slineage and concocting a mixturethat embodies the experiences ofthe unit’s past. The procedurerequires a Master of Ceremony, aMaster of Punch, a mixer(s), andassistants.

DINING CALL

It is customary that two bugle callsbe given. Normally the first call(Dress up Call) is for diners toprepare themselves before dinner,e.g. going to the washroom, easeoneself etc, whilst the other(Dinner Call) is a signal for alldiners to proceed to their seat inthe Dining Hall. The President/Host and Guest of Honour wouldmake their entrance after all Dinerstake to their tables.

102 Military Dining-In

The dinnermay be heldto recognizetheachievmentsof a Unit, tobuild andmaintainesprit decorps amongthe Officersof theircommand.

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POSTING OF COLOURS

It is customary that the RegimentalColours are displayed andinstalled in the Messes. In theSAF, Colours are safe-kept in theCommanding Officer’s Office.

On the other hand, all militarydining-in of British Units are heldwithin their Mess hall. Owing tothe space constraint toaccommodate her members in theMess, the SAF Army utilisespublic facilities to conduct theirMilitary Dining-in. Therefore, theColours will need to betransported to the location of theevent.

Posting of Colours may take placeprior to the dining-in proper andare normally pre-posted byColours Ensigns.

Only in the year 2003, the EnsignOfficers were allowed to wear theirMess Kit (No. 2 Dress) to installthe Colours. This is to enable theEnsign Officer to join in for theDining-in, in proper dress unliketheir predecessors who don No 1Dress.

Marching out the Colours is donewhen the diners have adjourned fora break out of the hall or into anotherhall where games are played.

However, Unit Commanders maychoose to march-in and out theColours in the presence of thediners. The intent is clearly toexplain its significance and displaytheir unit’s pride and honour. In suchactivity, no salutes shall be givenby all present, instead the Master-of-Ceremony will announce for allto rise as a gesture of decorum tothe Colours.

UNIFORM AND DRESS

Military Dining-In 103

Marching in the Colours

A Military Dining-in is a formaloccasion; Mess Kit (No.2 Dress) isthe appropriate attire to be worn.Wearing of miniature medals areworn in accordance with the SAFDress Regulations. Civilian guestsmay be invited on special occasionsthus their attire would be LoungeSuit for men and Evening Dress orNational Dress for ladies.

Posting ofColours maytake placeprior to thedining-inproper andare normallypre-postedby ColoursEnsigns.

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SEATING AND TABLEARRANGEMENTS

OIC Invitation and Seating Planwill be responsible for the seatingarrangement according to protocoland the labelling of seats at thehead table. The seatingarrangement and layout should bedisplayed in the cocktail receptionarea in order that all are informedof their respective seatingarrangement.

The Host and the DiningPresident will be seated at the headtable. This is to ensure that properetiquette is observed and Mr Vicewill sit at the end of the “fingertable”, nearer to the head table.

The tables and chairs at the headtable must be checked to makesure that they are firm and in goodcondition. A spare chair is kept atthe side of the dining area. This isfor the Director of Music of theBand-in-Attendance.

MR. VICE

during the dining-in on theinstruction of the President, whowill hit the gavel with a mallet threetimes to summon Mr. Vice topropose the toast.

TABLE MANNERS

Good table manners are goodtable manners anywhere. Customsmay vary, but good fundamentalsin eating are generally the same. Ittakes practice before the use oftable silver and other tablemanners become easy andautomatic. Mealtime is the time forenjoyment, not only for the food,but also the company of others.Pleasant conversation, coupledwith the relaxation that comes withknowing what to do enhances theoccasion.

a. Posture

Sit up straight; avoidclutching and keep elbows offthe table when eating.

b. Napkin

(1) Should not be used as abib.

(2) Napkin always goes on thelap.

(3) Napkin should not beopened till dinner is readyto be served.

(4) It should be used as asubstitute handkerchief.

104 Military Dining-In

He is usually a youngest or aJunior Officer and is given thehonour to propose the toast

The seatingarrangementand layoutshould bedisplayed inthe cocktailreceptionarea.

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(5) When leaving the table inbetween courses, napkinshould be placed on theseat or on the armrest.

(6) When the meal is over,napkin should be refoldedloosely and placed on thetable.

c. When to begin eating

(1) You may begin eating whenthe head table starts withthe 1st item on the menu.

d. Table Setting

e. Handling of cutlery

(1) Do not wave cutlery in theair.

(2) Never put cutlery on edgeof the plate and resting onthe table.

f. Beverages

(1) If wine is served at eachcourse, this should befinished with the food.

g. Passing items at table

(1) Never stretch out across atable, always ask for the itemto be passed.

(2) Salt and Pepper shakesshould always be passedtogether even though one isrequested.

(3) Items with handle should bepassed with the handlefacing the person whorequested it.

h. Conversation

(1) Everyone has a duty to talkto the person sitting oneither side.

(2) The volume and tone ofvoice is important and mustbe regulated.

Military Dining-In 105

Table Setting (Note: The Mallet andGavel above)

(1) All tables are set alike toaccommodate right-handed people.

(2) Glass on the right, sideplate on the left.

(3) Fish fork, Dinner fork on theleft.

(4) Dinner knife, Fish knife,Spoon on the right.

(5) Dessert fork and spoon onthe top.

You maybegin eatingwhen thehead tablestarts withthe 1ST itemon themenu.

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i. Toasting

(1) Nowadays, one does notdrain a glass ofchampagne or wine – afavourite for toast, but takea sip or two so there willbe plenty of wine left forother toasts. Uponinformal occasions, anydrink at hand may be usedwhen making a toast. It isthe word of loveappreciation and respectwhich are shown to theperson toasted, which isimportant.

(2) It is disrespectful foranyone not to participatein a toast; a “teetotaller”need only go through themotions of holding theglass to his lips.

(3) In a dining-in, toast isgenerally given at the endof the dinner, during orafter dessert as soon as thewine/champagne is servedand before any speechesare made.

(4) When you are the onemaking the toast at a formaloccasion, you must haveadvance information aboutthe person or persons tobe toasted in order thatyour remarks are accurate.

(5) When you are receiving atoast, you remain seated

while everyone else standsand you do not sip yourdrink or you will bedrinking to yourself. Aftereveryone sits down, youmay rise and thank themand offer a toast in return.

j. Coffee Time

(1) After the toast, coffee isserved.

(2) The creamer set is placedon the table whichcontains: brown sugar andcreamer goes with coffee,white sugar and milk goeswith tea, but this can bechanged depending onpersonal preference.

k. Smoking

Smoking is not allowed at thedinner table.

l. When to leave

If a guest of honour or VIP ispresent, no one leave until theVIP or guest of honour takesleave.

PASSING THE PORTDECANTER

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It isdisrespectfulfor anyonenot toparticipate ina toast.

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The Port decanters are uncorked,passed always to the left, and thenstopped, before the Loyal Toast.This practice suggests that thewine is served only for thatpurpose. If the port is passedagain the decanters remainunstopped until they are removed.The origin of the custom ofpassing the port always to the leftis uncertain. It may be merelysymbolic of the movement of theearth in turning toward the sun,which ripens the grape.

The custom, which we know fromearly biblical times of protecting aman while he is drinking,continued into a more recent era.When the cup of cheer was beingpassed two men stood at a time,one to drink and the second, onhis left, to defend him with asword from attack in the rear. Asthe first finished he passed thecup to his defender, and the manon his left stood up.

TOAST

The significance of toasting -Toasts are given during variousoccasions, formally andinformally. The custom of“Toasting” goes back to ancienttimes, when a piece of toast wasplaced in the goblet with themead, or an alcoholic brew. Whenit became saturated, the toast sankto the bottom of the goblet, andafter someone challenged “Toast”it was necessary to drain thegoblet in order to get to the toast.

It is also believed that this customcame into wide acceptance after theeffect of poison was discovered.When two persons drank from thesame source at the same instant, andsuffered no ill effects, a degree ofmutual trust and rapport could beestablished. Nowadays, one doesnot drain a glass of champagne orwine – a favourites for toasts. Onthe contrary, a sip or two should betaken so there will be plenty of wineleft for other toast. During informaloccasions, almost any liquid at handmay be used when making a toast.

In dining-in, after the desserts havebeen served, the tables are clearedexcept for port glasses, centrepieces,trophies, candles and floralarrangements. Decanters are thenplaced onto the table in front of theHost / Dining President and theGuest-of-Honour. Additionaldecanters are placed at the othertables. The Host / Dining Presidentand Guest-of-Honour will removethe stoppers and place it on thetable before pouring the port intotheir own glasses. They will thenpass the decanters to their left andright respectively. Those withdecanters in front of them will thenpour a little port into their ownglasses. The decanter is thenpassed to the next person. As thedecanter is passed round the table,stewards will replace emptydecanters or serve water to officerswho cannot consume the port. The

Military Dining-In 107

The customof “Toasting”goes back toancienttimes, whena piece oftoast wasplaced in thegoblet withthe mead, oran alcoholicbrew.

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waiters/waitresses will then returnthe decanters to the centre of themain table. The male diner shouldfill the glass of the lady seated onhis left side. (The banquetmanager/supervisor will theninform the Host / Dining Presidentwhen everyone’s glass is filled andthe Host / Dining-in President willcommence the toast.)

When there are no foreign guestsinvolved, the toasting procedurewill be as follows:

1. The President remains seated.He will call the diners to orderby knocking on the gavel threetimes with the mallet and says,“Mr Vice, The President”.

2. Mr. Vice will rise and say,“Ladies and Gentlemen”. Thisis the cue for all to rise, leavingtheir glasses on the table. TheVice proposes the toast bysaying, “May I propose a toastto the President of theRepublic of Singapore”

3. The Band-in-Attendance willplay the National Anthem (halfscore and no singing). Whenthe anthem is over, Mr Viceraises the glass and continuesby saying, “To the President”.

If there arefoeign guestsin the dining-in, it may beconsideredanappropriategesture topropose atoast to his/her Head ofState.

4. All present will then raise theirglasses and repeat, “ThePresident”. They will thendrink their toasts and resumetheir seats.

It is not necessary or proper todrain the glass at the completionof each toast. It is disrespectful foranyone not to participate in a toast.A mere touch of the glass to thelips satisfies the ceremonialrequirement.

If there are foreign guests in thedining-in, it may be considered anappropriate gesture to propose atoast to his/her Head of State. Theorder of precedence is based onalphabetical order of the countries.However, if foreign guests arepresent in person, the toasts aremade in the order of protocol. Theofficer concerned should beconsulted beforehand to ascertainhis/her agreement. This toast iscustomarily followed by thenational anthem of the countryconcerned.

CUSTOM OF INVITING THEBAND MASTER

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etiquette and protocol are adheredto. Some of these are as follows:

1. When foreign guest is invitedto the Dining-in, it is appropriateto invite persons who havevisited or have a special interestin the guest’s country to interactwith one another.

2. Language must be considered.If a foreign guest does notspeak fluent English, it isimportant to have someonewho speaks his language seatednearby to act as an interpreteror table companion.

3. The personality and interests ofthe guests should be consideredin the seating arrangements. Aperson(s) withsimilar interestsshould be seated next to theguests.

4. Protocol requires that all guestsinvited to the Dining-in to beseated according to their rank.

Military Dining-In 109

It is customary for the Guest ofHonour (GOH) to meet the Directorof Music towards the end of thedining-in .

The Director of Band is offered adrink by the GOH. This gesture isto thank the band for providingentertainment during the dinner.

THE BAND IN ATTENDANCE

The SAF Band shall performduring the dining-in upon request.The organising committee willbrief the Director of Music on theorder of proceedings for the night.

AFTER DINNER GAMES

Games are an important part of theDining-in tradition. If well plannedand properly conducted, theytend to develop camaraderie andteamwork among the Officers.Certain games require the Units toselect teams and conductrehearsals before the Dining-In.These stimulates additionalinterest in the event andencourages Officers to attend.

GUESTS

The selection of the guest list isan important function in theplanning process for the Dining-In. It is prepared in accordancewith the desires of the commanderof the Unit hosting the function. Ifthe list includes dignitaries,coordination should be made withthe appropriate protocol office toensure that the proper rules of

It iscustomaryfor the Guestof Honour(GOH) tomeet theDirector ofMusictowards theend of thedining-in asa gesture ofshowingappreciationto themusicians.

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Introduction

Sword Bearers

Arch of Swords Ceremony

Cutting the Wedding Cake

MilitaryWedding

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INTRODUCTION

The term military wedding isgenerally used when the groomand the groomsman are in militaryuniform and the bride and groompass through under the traditionalarch of swords. The tradition ofthe military wedding inherited fromthe British is usually the choice ofthe bride and groom who wantsboth colour and ritual ceremony.It can be a spectacular memory forthose who are authorised to bemarried in the military uniform.Military wedding is accorded to allSAF Officers.

SWORD BEARERS

The ushers usually act as swordbearers, but other Officers may bedesignated for the arch of swordsceremony following the weddingvows.

ARCH OF SWORDSCEREMONY

The custom at an Officer’swedding of forming an archwayof swords, with their cutting edgessideways symbolises the guardingof the couple as they enter upontheir married life.

Customarily, six, to a maximum oftwelve sword bearers, (usuallylower or same rank as the Groom)take part in the ceremony.

Rehearsals must be conducted toensure that synchronisation isachieved. On the day of thewedding, all commands should begiven loud enough for only thesword bearers to hear. Usually,simple orders like “Ready, Up!” toreplace commands to signify anaction to be taken. They will formtwo rows, draw swords and marchdown the aisle. Halt and turninward to face each another. Uponorders, the sword bearers carry outthe following actions:

1. Arch Sword - The sword shallbe brought to the Recoverybefore thrusting the point ofthe sword upwards – tipstouching the tip of theopposite sword bearer. Careshould be taken to turn theswords so that the cuttingedge faces sidewards.

2. Carry Sword – (from the ArchSword Position) Bring thesword to the Recovery beforeassuming the Carry Position.

Military Wedding 113

Customarily,six, to amaximum oftwelve swordbearers, takepart in theceremony.

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This is done after the Bride &Groom have past under theArched Sabres.

3. Thereafter, the sword bearersshall execute an outward turnand march towards theentrance where the sword shallbe returned to their scabbard.

The arch of swords may be formedagain before the Bride and Groomleaves the Church or dinner hall inthe same manner as prescribedabove.

of all present to display theirunconditional love or the Groomcarrying his Bride in his arms andwalking through the Arch ofSwords.

It is to be remembered that onlyCommissioned Officers participatein the arch of swords.

CUTTING THE WEDDING CAKE

On command, the sword bearersenter the reception room information lining up in front of thewedding cake, facing each other.

The bride and groom leave theirtable, and then pass beneath thearch. They may pause and kiss,before proceeding to cut the cake.

The groom would then hand thebride his unsheathed sword andwith his hands over hers, their firstpiece is cut.

There is no ornamentationattached to the sword (e.g.ribbon). It must remainundecorated.

114 Military Wedding

It is also a common practice thatnewly wed couple approachingthe first sword bearer that the archsword of the first pair shall belowered to “disallow” them entryuntil they fulfil a reasonable wishlike kissing one another in the view

The arch ofswords may beformed againbefore theBride andGroom leavesthe Church ordinner hall.

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Do You Know...?

How Armies Evolved

How the first MilitaryCompany was aCommercial Company

How the Regiment cameinto being

Why a Lieutenant GeneralRanks above MajorGeneral

Cadence Marching

Development of theCombat Arms

Queen of the Battlefield

Cavalry / Armour

Engineers

Medical Corps

Military Police

Quartermaster andLogistician

Evolution of Weapons

Gunpowder

Handguns

What’s in a Rank

Quarter Guard

Gun Salutes

Straits Settlement’s Coatof Arms

Interesting facts aboutFlags

Military Funeral

Types of Military Funeral inthe SAF

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Dressing the Deceased

Dressing the Coffin

Transporting the Deceased

Mourning Armband

Vigil Guards

Customs Regarding Dress

Resting on Arms Reversed

Military Funeral

Gun Carriage

Military Band

Eulogy

Wreath

Half Mast

Firing of Volleys

The Last Post

Reveille or Rouse

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HOW ARMIES EVOLVED

Colonel Ardant duPicq wrote,“Passions, instincts particularlythe most powerful instinct of self-preservation — these things areexpressed differently inaccordance with the times, thecircumstances, the character andtemperament of races. But,beneath it all, the same man is tobe found.”

Singapore is in the process ofdeveloping its own distinctivemilitary system, its own brand ofsoldier, “in accordance with thetimes, the circumstances, thecharacter and temperament of ourraces.”

The future will tell how good theSingaporean product is. But tovisualize our Military’s future wemust know something of its past.

HOW THE FIRST MILITARYCOMPANY WAS ACOMMERCIAL COMPANY

In about the fourteenth century,when firearms began to appear onthe field of battle, there grew upmercenary bands of professionalsoldiers in Switzerland, Italy andGermany, whose leaders wouldaccept contracts to fight for oragainst anyone. These bandswere known as companies, andwere formed on a commercial

basis, men of substance investingmoney according to their means inthe buying and equipping ofrecruits, and taking rank accordingto the amount of their investment.The profits consisted of plunder andof ransom for wealthy prisoners;and, when weary of the profession,they sold their shares in thecompany to anyone who would buy.

The companies varied in strengthfrom tens to hundreds, and eventhousands, and the symbol of theircorporate existence was their flagsor colours by which they set greatstore, especially among the Germanbands. If by chance any disgracefell upon a German company, theColours were furled, planted upsidedown in the ground, and not flownagain until the culprits responsiblefor the crime had been tried andpunished by an assembly of thewhole company. It is from thesecompanies that fifes and drums andmany of our military terms areborrowed.

The mercenary system reached itsbest-developed form in Italy.Intense economic rivalry among therich trading republics (Venice, Milan,Florence, etc.) made it necessary foreach to have its own army. The

Singapore isin theprocess ofdeveloping itsowndistinctivemilitarysystem, itsown brand ofsoldier, “inaccordancewith thetimes, thecircumstances,the characterandtemperamentof our races”.

Centuries have not changed human nature,” wrote ARDEN

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services of English and Swissfighters were particularly soughtafter. Most military terms aretherefore derived from the Italians.

HOW THE REGIMENT CAMEINTO BEING

An administrative organizationwas needed to control thecompanies. So they began to becollected into groups under therule or regiment of a single Officerwho was called the Colonel.

The regiment bore the name of theman who raised it or whosucceeded in its command. Thispractice continued down till thenineteenth century, althoughnumbers began to replace namesin the eighteenth.

The Colonel retained command ofhis original company. His second-in-command was the next highestranking company commander,who, likewise, retained commandof his company. In his newcapacity, the second-in-commandwas the staff officer of theregiment and had the title ofSergeant Major.

Since the Colonel was oftenabsent from the regiment, aLieutenant Colonel was neededto run the show. His title literallymeans, “taking the place of thecolonel.”

WHY A LIEUTENANTGENERAL RANKS ABOVEMAJOR GENERAL

In the Army, a Major is senior to aLieutenant. So why does a Major-General rank below a Lieutenant-General?

The rank of Major-General wasoriginally known as “Sergeant-Major General”, later shortened toits present use. The rank of fullGeneral was known as “Captain-General.” This explains ourpresent General Officer ranks of(in descending order): General,Lieutenant-General, Major-General. For starters, since a Majorand Captain are both higher up thechain of command than aLieutenant, why is a Lieutenant-General above a Major-General?

The answer is found in the originalmeaning of the word. Lieu comesfrom the Latin term for “place”(locus) – so “in lieu of” is anotherway of saying “in place of.”Tenant comes from the Latin wordfor “holding” (tenere.) Put themtogether and you have someonewho holds another’s place orposition. A Lieutenant is a deputyor substitute who acts for asuperior.A “Lieutenant-Colonel”is immediately under a Colonel,therefore, and a “Lieutenant-General” is the closest person toa full-fledged General.

They beganto becollectedinto groupsunder therule orregiment ofa singleOfficer whowas calledthe Colonel.

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CADENCE MARCHING

Primitive armies marched in acolumn-of-bunches formationwithout any attempt at keeping instep with each other. Whentactical formations weredeveloped, it became necessaryfor men to keep step. But the ideaof keeping step during marcheswas a Roman innovation. Thedrum was used to beat time. Theregular rhythm of cadencemarching that moves tired troopsalong with a little more spirit andefficiency, particularly if the stepis set by music. The SAF / Armyparade marches at a cadence of120 paces per minute.

DEVELOPMENT OF THECOMBAT ARMS

Armies are composed of “combatarms” which do the actual fightingand “supporting services” whichback them up administratively. The“Arms” in a modern army areInfantry, Armour and Artillery.The “Services” are Quartermaster,Medical, Ordnance, Chemical,Transportation, Engineers,Signal and Military Police.

QUEEN OF THE BATTLEFIELD

Infantry was the “Queen ofBattles” in ancient warfare andstill is today. With the declineof the Romans, however,

Infantry supremacy died. It wasalmost a thousand years beforeInfantry was again the decisivearm.

During the feudal epoch, the manon horseback ruled the battle-field. Foot soldiers were, for themost part , ragged mobs ofunkempt, undisciplined, poorlyarmed soldiers who just couldn’tafford to buy a horse andequipment.

Within the general designation of“infantry” there have been manydifferent kinds of “soldiers whofight on foot.”

CAVALRY/ARMOUR

In ancient times Cavalry was a verysubordinate arm. It was not until thedevelopment of the stirrup that aman on horseback could useweapons in a manner that made hima serious menace to disciplined foottroops.

It seems stirrups appeared in Europearound AD 550. Althoughauthorities are wary of giving thedate it was “invented,” they seemto agree that it started as a simpleloop fixed to the end of the saddleskirt.

Even the most confirmed pedestrianwill understand, however, thatwithout stirrups the man on

Infantrywas the“Queen ofBattles” inancientwarfareand still istoday.

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horseback can be considerednothing more than a nuisance inbattle. With both hands free tohandle a weapon, he becomessomething to contend with.

ENGINEERS

The engineer was at one timeconsidered a civilian and wasresponsible for fortifications, fieldworks and planning. The word isderived from the Latin and meant“ingenious”, thus indicating thecleverness of the individual.

MEDICAL CORPS

Up until the sixteenth-centuryGerman mercenaries, no doctorsaccompanied Military Units.During the wars of the MiddleAges the sick and wounded wereleft to make out as best they could.If they got any attention it wasfrom private citizens who took pityon them, or from monks who, inthose days, were the only peoplewho knew anything aboutmedicine or surgery.

A surgeon was assigned to eachcompany. When the practice ofsurgery passed from the hands ofthe monks to those of the barbers,the change was recollected in theseventeenth – century militaryorganisation of the Prussians:Feldschere (field barbers) wereattached for surgical duties.

MILITARY POLICE

According to C. C. Soden,recruiting methods reachedintolerable extremes in 1740 toreplace heavy casualties inFlanders. The “pressed men” tookadvantage of any opportunity toexpress their aversion to militarylife by knocking off an Officer.Trustworthy soldiers wereselected to protect Officers’quarters and to guard them againstambush on the way to work.

A century later when the originalneed had disappeared, the “WatchGuards” were reorganized andassigned a true “military police”role. The office of “Provost” wasthen created to control them.

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It may be that Military Police werecreated to perform the same functionfor which Marines were first used toprotect the Officers from their men.

A surgeonwas assignedto eachcompany.

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QUARTER MASTER ANDLOGISTICIAN

The office of Quartermaster goesback to the sixteenth-century . Hisoriginal job was to find quartersand rations for the men. Inconnection with the first duty, the“quarter-master” of necessity hadthe function of reconnaissance.

The word “Logistics” is derivedfrom the Greek adjective“Logistikos”, meaning “skilled incaculating”. The first use of theword is attributed to the “Logista”or military administrative officials.

However, its first use in theconcept of military operations wasby French writer Jomini. In 1838,he devised a theory of war uponthe trinity of strength, tatics andlogistics.

Today, lostics is defined as the“science and art of moving andsustaining armed forces”. Thismeans getting the right men andmaterials, in the right quantities,to the right place, at the right time.

EVOLUTION OF WEAPONS

The object of fighting has alwaysbeen to defeat or drive away theenemy while keeping yourself amaximum distance from him. Ourancestors therefore looked forways to increase the range of

weapons. Rock throwing must havebeen the first development in thisdirection. Then a stone was tied toa piece of vine or leather thong,whirled and let loose. This increasedrange but decreased accuracy; thescience of “exterior ballistics” wasborn.

Slope brown survivors of early“meeting engagements” soonlearned that weapons could beclassified as offensive or defensive.Early man probably devoted more“thought” to providing himself witha satisfactory club for close inprotection than he did to theperfection of his rock slinging style.

The club must have been theweapon man first made for himself.The sling, the spear and the stoneaxe probably followed in roughlythat sequence. The shield certainlyoccurred to somebody early in thegame.

But a characteristic of armamentraces is that as soon as a newweapon is developed to give its useran advantage over the foe, there arealways enough survivors of the firstdefeat to steal the idea and use itagainst its inventor.

So along came the early refinementsof the basic club and thrown stone.Men learned to chip flint so thatstones could be shaped intostronger and more effective axe

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The word“Logistics” isderived fromthe Greekadjective“Logistikos”,meaning“skilled incaculating”.

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heads. Throwing sticks weredeveloped to give spears morerange; arrowheads and spearheadswere fashioned. The bow wasinvented.

Around 5000 B.C. it was foundthat a certain kind of rock could behammered into desired shapes.About 2,000 years later a piece ofthis rock happened to get next to afire and a little pool of bright liquidformed. Copper had beendiscovered and began to be usedfor weapons. Later some tinaccidentally got mixed in with abatch of copper and the result wasbronze. It was more difficult towork, but it took a real edge andwas much harder than copper.

Progress in the development ofweapons was restricted forcenturies to improvements in thebasic prehistoric arms. Thetremendous and ingenious warengines of the Romans and of theMiddle Ages—the catapult,ballista and battering ram—werereally nothing but “improved”slings, bows and clubs.

GUNPOWDER

The next big development wasgunpowder, which appeared in thebeginning of the fourteenthcentury. Various incendiarycompounds such as “Greek fire”had been used since the dawn of

history, but we must not confusethem with explosive compounds.

Gunpowder’s main use infourteenth-century warfare was inhuge cannon to knock down thewalls of fortresses and cities.

HANDGUNS

Italy took the lead in thedevelopment of handguns. Theearly handguns were not aseffective as the longbow. Not until1420 did they evolve intosomething that could be aimedfrom the shoulder.

Handguns gradually developedinto the hackbut, caliver andmusket. Eventually they replacedthe longbow, not because theywere more effective, but becausea recruit could acquire reasonableproficiency with them faster thanhe could learn to shoot a longbowaccurately.

After the invention of gunpowder,the evolution of weapons againbecame a matter of relatively minorperfections : stronger gun tubes,more manageable handguns, bettermeans of transporting artillery,breech rather than muzzle loading,more powerful powder, inventionof a recoil mechanism, etc.

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The catapult,ballista andbatteringram-werereally nothingbut“improved”slings, bowsand clubs.

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WHAT’S IN A RANK

Did you ever wonder where theterm “Sergeant-Major came from?Or why private soldiers werecalled “Privates” originally?

The actual origin of the word issomewhat obscure, but basicallythe word “private” denotes asoldier, who is so to speak, at thebottom of the ladder.

This is the accepted modernmeaning of the word, but in thepast the Private has been knownas man-at-arms, archer, sentinel,sentry, common soldier, privatesoldier, trooper, sapper and a dozenother titles, including rank and file.

Corporal is a word from the Latinword “coporale” which meanscaput, a head – meaning a head,or leader –corporal being theleader of a section. “Corporal” isan English corruption of“caporale.”

The term Sergeant dates back tothe English Feudal system.Various feudal barons wereinclined to have tilts at the throneof England from time to time, andfor this purpose they needed men-at-arms. So great did theirdemands become upon thevassals of the day that theselandowners were forced to providenot only serfs from the fields, but

also to equip their sons and personalservants and send them out to dobattle in the names of feudal lords.As a mark of respect, these sonsand personal servants of the greatvassals were put in charge ofgroups of field serfs and others witha lesser station in life. After a fewnomenclature changes, the generalterm of “servienties’’ which wasapplied to the vassals’ son wasfinally corrupted to becomesergeant.

Staff-Sergeant was a laterinnovation, when a sergeant, oftenthe eldest son of the most powerfulof the greater vassals who owedallegiances to a particular baron wasselected to carry the coat-arms ofthat baron into battle. The bannerbearing his heraldic device wasraised on a pole or staff and so staff-sergeant became an accepted rankin the British Army. Theoretically theColours Sergeant carried theColours of his regiment into battle.In practice however, this hazardousduty usually fell to the juniorsubalterns and ensigns in theregiment.

The title Sergeant-Major wasoriginally that of the Sergeant-Major-General. This term was laterreduced to become Major-General.– this being the Major or seniorGeneral. Later the title was changedagain to become the present day

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The titleSergeant-Major wasorginally thatof theSergeant-Major-General.

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Major. By the end of the 17th

Century, Sergeant-Major was theSenior Sergeant. His bade or rankwas at one time, four stripes orchevrons worn on the right sleeveof his uniform and surmounted bya crown. In 1881 the Sergeant-Major were given Warrant rank,thus becoming Warrant Officers,as they are commonly knowntoday.

Second-Lieutenent were in a classof their own and known as“sulbaltern”, derived from Latinword “sub” meaning under and theGerman or Saxon word “altern”meaning elder – therebysignifying juniors. Howeverpresent day usage groups alljunior Officers as sulbalterns.

Lieutenant comes from the Frenchword “lieu”, in place of, ad“tenant” – Latin tenens, holdingor one who holds the place ordeputises for another. ALieutenant, of course, is theOfficer next below a captain anddeputises for him. This deputisingby Lieutenant also holdsfor Lieutenant-General andLieutenant-Colonel.

The oldest of all military titles isthat of Captain. It comes from theSpanish word “Captain” which isonce again derived from the Latinword “Caput” a head. It has manynon-military applications; for

instance the Captain of Industry”.But even in the military sphere theterm once applied a great power ofcommand and a greater importancethan today.

The term “General” is of Romanorigin and denotes one who wasin general command, the “Captain-General” being the highest of hegeneral staff.

QUARTER GUARD

Originally applied to the guardplaced over quarters (barrack,billets or camps) to prevent anydisturbance within the quarters.They always faced inwards.

GUN SALUTES

The origins of salutes fired withpersonal weapons, field piecesor ships’ cannons are a littleobscure. Noise has long been aform of celebration and it isperhaps for this reason thatfirearms were adopted as a meansof salute. Another possibleexplanation that has beenadvanced suggests that thesalute was originally a signal oftrust originating around thefourteenth century. In the daysof muzzle loading cannons, ittook a while to reload a ship’sarmament once it had been fired.Thus, when approaching aforeign port or another friendly

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The oldest ofall militarytitles is that ofCaptain. Itcomes fromthe Spanishword“Captain”.

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ship, all of the cannons on boardwould be fired to show that theywere empty and posed no threat.As the weapons could not fireagain in a hurry, this action alsodemonstrated that those aboardtrusted those on land or in theother vessel not to open fire onthem. In time, this practice wasadopted as a way to honourdignitaries and at some stagealso passed into use on land.The salute today is not fired inone large burst of gunfire butrather as a rolling volley, whereone gun fires after another. Thismodification is said to haveoriginated in less chivalrous,more pragmatic times. By firingone gun after another a symbolicsalute could be fired to honoura VIP, but still leave guns loadedso as not to leave the vesseltotally defenceless.

A specific number of guns is firedto honour VIPs in accordancewith their status. Royalty andheads of state receive a 21 gunsalute, Field Marshals, stateofficials and equivalents receivea 19 gun salute; Generals andequivalents receive 17, and soon down to 11 for a Brigadier.

STRAITS SETTLEMENT’SCOAT OF ARMS

The Arms of the Colony weregranted by Royal Warrant dated

13 September 1948. They are derivedfrom the first quarter of the arms ofthe former Colony of the StraitsSettlements, being that quarterrepresenting the Settlement ofSingapore. The use of the lion andthe tower alludes to the derivationof Singapore from the two wordsSinga, lion, and pura, city; thoughetymological doubts have beenexpressed. However, these armshave been used as those of theSettlement since 1876 at least. thecrest is the same as that formerlyused in the Straits Settlementsexcept that the banner has beenchanged from one of blue withthree imperial crowns, to silverwith a red cross pall reversed,bearing one imperial crown. Thisbanner, though then with threecrowns, was used as the arms ofthe Settlements, though withoutauthority, prior to the founding ofthe first Colony, and the reversedcross pall is unique in Britishheraldry.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUTFLAGS

The first “flags” consisted ofsymbols attached to the tops ofpoles. Such flag like objects appearin Egyptian art of the mid-3000 B.C.

Cloth flags were probably first usedin China about 3000 B.C. These flagswere made of silk.

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The Armsof theColony weregranted byRoyalWarrantdated 13Sep 48.

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Knights in the Middle Ages carriedpointed flags called pennons. Aknight’s promotion to a higherrank was symbolized by havingthe end of pennon cut off. Theresulting square flag was calledthe banner, and the knightbecomes a knight-bannerette.

National flags are among themost recent kinds of flags. Theyfirst came into use during the1700’s in Europe and NorthAmerica. Until then, most flagsstood for the personal authorityof rulers.

Flags at sea. Before the days ofradio, a complicated system offlag design and display grewup around the need forcommunication at sea. Flagcodes enabled the sending ofmessages between ships or fromship to shore. A ship wouldsalute another vessel bydipping, or lowering, its flag.Such salutes played a major rolein international diplomacy.

Flag colours. Most national flagsuse one or more of only sevenbasic colours. These colours arered, white, blue, green, yellow,black, and orange.

Flag symbols often reflecthistorical events. The cross thatappears in many European flags

originated in the flags carried byCrusaders to the Holy Land. Someflags used in Arab nations showthe eagle of Saladin, a Muslimwarrior who fought the Crusadersin the 1100’s.

Burning is considered the mostdignified way to destroy a flag thatis no longer fit for display. Butburning a usable flag oftensignifies political protest.

MILITARY FUNERAL

The military funeral, with itscustom, precision and courtesiescan be a source of great comfortand pride to the bereaved whenexecuted correctly; if notexecuted correctly, it can add totheir grief. Understanding thevarious religious funeralpractices is an advantage.

TYPES OF MILITARY FUNERALIN THE SAF

A military funeral is a funeral wheremilitary procedures and honoursare incorporated in recognition ofthe services of a deceased militaryserviceman who had served theSAF. There are two types ofmilitary funeral namely:

a. Full Military Funeral - A fullmilitary funeral may beaccorded to an SAFserviceman, in full-time service

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Most nationalflags use oneor more ofonly sevenbasiccolours.

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or during national servicetraining, whose death isattributable to “Duty.”

“Duty” includes the following:

(1) In consequences of someact or training lawfullyperformed in discharge ofthe service’s duties.

(2) While on a journeynecessary to enable aserviceman to report forduty or return to homes/base after duty.

b. Modified Military Funeral - Amodified military funeral(reduced scale) may be givento a full-time SAF serviceman,whose death occurs while he/she is still in service but notattributable to “Duty”, and ifthe NOK of the deceasedrequested for it. The procedurefor the conduct of ModifiedMilitary Funeral for Burial willbe similar to that of a FullMilitary Funeral except thatthere will be no gun-carriage,Escort Party and FuneralProcession. Only the FiringParty, the Coffin Bearer Partyand the Military Band will beinvolved.

DRESSING THE DECEASED

The deceased servicemen is given

the highest honour and he shall bedressed in No 1 uniform.

DRESSING THE COFFIN

The coffin of the soldier during aMilitary funeral is draped with aState flag which symbolises thenation’s recognition in token that hedied in service of the State and thatthe state takes the responsibility forwhat it ordered him to do. The flag’sred half with the crescent and starswill be placed over the coffin’s left,nearest to the deceased’s heart. Theaccoutrements that will be placedon top of the coffin are as follows:

1. The State Flag - The state flagis draped over the Coffin

2. Headdress - The No 1ceremonial peak cap/beret

will be placed on the top ofthe coffin

3. Sword - The Officer’s swordis placed at the centre withthe hilt nearest to the Peakcap/beret

4. Bayonet - If the deceased is aWOSE, a bayonet is placedat the center.

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The coffinof the soldierduring aMilitaryfuneral isdraped witha State flag.

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5. Medals -The deceasedceremonial No 1 medals willbe placed on the left of thesword/bayonet.

6. Badges - Ceremonial No 1 Vocation/confidence

badges can be placedabove the medals

7. Wreath - One wreath fromthe family may be placedon the coffin at the footend

The custom of covering thecoffin with a flag probablyoriginated on the battlefieldwhere caskets were not availableand the flag, wrapped aroundthe dead serviceman, served asa makeshift pall in which hecould be buried.

TRANSPORTING THEDECEASED

When the casket is transportedin a hearse or gun-carriage, the feetof the deceased faces the directionof movement, for most religionsexcept the Islamic faith (the headfaces the direction of movement).

The Landrover in use will betermed as “Funeral Landrover”

MOURNING ARMBAND

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All ranks, when attendingservice funerals and/orassociated memorial service orwhen ordered during Statemourning, will wear a blackarmband as a mark of respect tothe deceased soldier orstatesman. This black armbandshould be 8 cm wide and madeof black cloth. It is worn on theleft sleeve of all uniform dressexcept Mess Kit and PT Kit.

VIGIL GUARDS

The Vigil Guards are mounted,surrounding the catafalque on theoccasion for the distinguishedpersonage whom has beenhonoured a Laying in State.

Each vigil party consists of foursentries and a commander with awaiting member ready to replaceany sentry who may become ill or

When thecasket istransported ina hearse orgun-carriage,the feet of thedeceasedfaces thedirection ofmovement.

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The ceremony of reversing arms isrecorded as being done for the firsttime in 1722 when it was carried outat the funeral of the Duke ofMarlborough. It signifies that asoldier has departed and that killingis a shame. Therefore, the means ofkilling being also put to shame; thebarrel of the rifle is reversed inacknowledgement.

In the SAF, the “Resting on ArmsReversed” is executed during afuneral service or ‘last rites’.

GUN CARRIAGE

unfit to complete the vigil. Shoulda sentry feel unfit to complete hisvigil, he is to lift his head and onthis the commander is toimmediately call forward thewaiting member to replace him.

CUSTOMS REGARDINGDRESS

Persons attending a funeral shouldbe dressed in good taste so as toshow dignity and respect for thefamily and the occasion.

Military personnel attending amilitary funeral are to wear theirworking dress. The Band, Escorts,Firing Party and Coffin BearerParty in No. 1 uniform.

RESTING ON ARMSREVERSED

One of the most noticeablefeatures of military funerals is thecustom of reversing the order ofthings from what they normallyare. This custom is believed tohave originated from the Greeks inancient times.

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The“Restingon ArmsReversed”signifiesthat asoldier hasdepartedand thatkilling is ashame.

The custom of using a caisson tocarry a coffin most likely had itsorigins traced to the 1800s whenhorse-drawn caissons pull artillerypieces that double up as aconveyance to clear fallen soldiersfrom the battlefield. In the SAF, theartillery gun-carriage is normallyused to carry the casket and towedby a landrover specially prepared forthis occasion.

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WREATH

Sending a floral wreath is a veryappropriate way of expressingsympathy to the family of thedeceased. Flowers express afeeling of life and beauty and offermuch comfort to the family. A floraltribute can either be sent to thefuneral parlour or the residence. Ifsent to the residence, usually aplanter or a small vase of flowersindicating a person’s continuedsympathy for the family issuggested. The florist places anidentification card on the wreath.These cards are removed from thewreath and given to the family sothey may acknowledge the tributessent.

Wreaths are also laid on the dayof burial/cremation ceremony byrepresentatives of militaryprotocol in sequence as follows:“On behalf of MINDEF”, “On theBehalf of CDF” and “On the behalfof Service Chief” followed by theFormation Commander and theUnit Commander.

HALF-MAST

The State, SAF and ARMY Flagsare hoisted at half-mast as a markof respect to honour the death andfuneral of a person in high office.The decision to fly the flags athalf-mast comes from the PrimeMinister’s Office.

MILITARY BAND

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When a band is provided for aMilitary funeral, the drums are tobe muffled. If the band is notavailable then a bugler is to beprovided for the sounding of lastpost. The Band will play the tune“Dead March” (about 40 beats perminute) once the Coffin BearerParty starts marching and ceaseplaying when the coffin is loweredonto the bier next to the grave orin the service hall. While the CoffinBearer Party (CBP) is removing theaccoutrements and state flag, theBand will disperse quietly.

EULOGY

A eulogy may be given by amember of the family, clergy, aclose personal friend or a businessassociate of the deceased. Theeulogy is not to be lengthy, butshould offer praise andcommendation and reflect the lifeof the person who has died.

When aband isprovided fora Militaryfuneral, thedrums areto bemuffled.

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When hoisting the flags at half-mast, the flags should be raised tothe top of the pole before loweringto the half-mast position (one-thirdof the flag pole). In circumstanceswhen a flag raising ceremony isdone with the singing of theNational Anthem, the Flags arehoisted to the peak of the pole intune with the National Anthem,thereafter lowered to the half-mast

was customary among the Romansto call the dead three times by name,which ended the funeral ceremonyafter which the friends and relativesof the deceased pronounce theword ‘vale’ (farewell) three times asthey depart from the tomb. In morerecent history, three musket volleyswere fired to announce that theburying of the dead was completedand the burial party ready for battleagain. Another belief is that the threevolleys are fired so as to drive awayany evil spirits from taking away thesoul of the deceased.

The three volleys are fired at theconclusion of the funeral service forOfficers of the rank of Brigadier andbelow.

The SAF has also implemented thistradition by firing the three volleysafter the coffin has been loweredinto the grave and covered with soilor just before pushing it into thecremation chamber.

The firing Party for all Rankscomprises of twleve mencommanded by a SSG with a 3SGas the 2IC.

Flag at Half-Mast

When hoistingthe flags athalf-mast, theflags shouldbe raised tothe top of thepole beforelowering tothe half-mastposition (one-third of theflag pole).

position. Similarly, when loweringthe flags from the half-mastposition the flags must be raisedto the top of the pole before beinglowered.

FIRING OF VOLLEYS

Today’s customary three volleysfired over a grave probablyoriginated as far back as the RomanEmpire. The Roman funeral rites ofcasting dirt three times on thecoffin constituted the ‘burial’. It

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Gun Salutes are given to the Headof State and Cabinet Ministers.

Once the grave is covered up orwhen the coffin is conveyed offthe service hall (for cremation), theconducting WO will signal theFiring Party I/C to give thecommands for the firing of threevolleys. On the last movement ofthe Present Arms, the Bugler willsound the Last Post. Alluniformed Servicemen attendingthe funeral will salute during theLast Post. On completion of theLast Post the firing PartyCommander will give thecommand “Order Arms” and aftera pause of 3-5 seconds the buglerwill sound the Rouse / Reveille.During the sounding of Rouse /Reveille all serviceman will standat the attention position.

THE LAST POST

The Last Post is a bugle callplayed to mark the end of the day’slabours and the onset of thenight’s rest. In the context of thelast post ceremony (and in thebroader context of remembrance),it has come to represent a finalfarewell to the fallen at the end oftheir earthly labours and at theonset of their eternal rest.

REVEILLE OR ROUSE

Reveille meaning “Wake up” inFrench, originated in medievaltimes, and possibly around 1600was adopted by the British, is abugle call (or drums) to wake thesoldiers at dawn;

Rouse was the signal for thesoldier to arise. Rouse is the buglecall more commonly used inconjunction with the Last Post,and to the layman is oftenincorrectly called Reveille.Although associated with the LastPost, Reveille is rarely usedbecause of its length.Today, the Rouse is associatedwith the last Post at all militaryfunerals and services ofDedication and remembrance. It isplayed on the completion of oneminute’s silence, after the Last Posthas been sounded. It calls thesoldier’s spirit to rise and preparefor another day.

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AlluniformedServicemenattendingthefuneralwill saluteduringthe LastPost.

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Bibliography1. 1957 - Our First Battalion

~ by Choy Choi Kee

2. 1959 - Singapore’s State Arms, Flags and National Anthem~ by Lisa Lim

3. 1965 - Independence of Singapore~ by Elaine Lim

4. 1965 - The Ministry of Interior and Defence~ by Germaine Foo-Tan

5. 1965 - Shouldering The Nation’s Defence~ by Ong Kian Seng

6. 1966 - Officer Cadet School (OCS) - First Intake of Officer Cadets~ by Germaine Foo-Tan

7. 1966 - SAFTI - Singapore Armed Forces Training Centre~ by Lisa Lim

8. 1966 - SAFTI - The Pioneering Training Institute of the SAF~ by Germaine Foo-Tan

9. 1959 - Singapore’s State Arms, Flags and National Anthem~ by Lisa Lim

10. 1961 - The SAF Crest - A Unifying Force~ by Germaine Foo-Tan

11. Military Customs and Traditions~ by Major Borner

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1. Pioneer August 19892. Distinction - A Profile of Pioneers3. History of the Singapore Infantry Regiment 1957 - 1967 by Mejar Singh Gill4. Milestones of Singapore’s History5. History of the Singapore Armed Forces6. To Command7. SAFTI Silver Jubilee8. The Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute : From a Pioneering to a Premier Military

Institute, 1965-1990, Lawrence Yeo9. Fact Sheet on the SAFTI Military Institute10. Eastern Sun, Mar 1967.11. The Straits Times, Mar 1967.12. SAF and 30 Years of National Service, MINDEF Public Affairs, 1997.13. National Service, Pointer Nov 1992, Journal of the Singapore Armed Forces.14. Distinction - A Profile of Pioneers15. Good Table Manners from “Service Etiquette” Fourth Edition by Oretha D. Swartz, Section 6,

Chapter 20 – Para 1, 2 & 416 Toasts & Saluting from “Service Etiquette” Fourth Edition by Oretha D. Swartz17. Extracts from Istana Singapore Web Site, President’s Men – Ceremonial Guards18. The Army Flag, G1-Army Directive 14/99 dated 22 Oct 0419. Paying Compliment – GOM 402-03-01 dated 02 Aug 9320. Identity Disc – GOM 401-04-01 dated 18 Apr 0521. Policy on Saluting – MP Dir. No (402) dated 27 Sep 9622. Honours & Awards – GOM 402-01-01 dated 31 Jan 0223. RSM Course Handout – Drill & Ceremonies (Mar 90)24. Use of Military Rank – GOM 402-01-04 dated 01 Jan 9525. Mounting of Welcome Guards - G1-Army Dir. 4/99 dated 23 Jul 0426. Regimentation in the Army - G1 Army Dir 8/2000 dated 20 Sep 0027. Military Funeral – GOM 402-05-0328. SAFTI SILVER JUILEE 1966 - 199129. PIONEER – APRIL 198130. SAF and 30 years of National Service31. Support Combat Engineer, Silver Jubilee -199232. The Illustrated Encyolopedia of Military Insignia of the 21st Century by Guido Rosignoli33. Paying of Compliments at Parades and Ceremonies - GOM 402-03-01.34. Singapore Armour, Pointer, Vol 3 , No 4 – Apr 197835. The Origin of Saluting, Pointer, Vol 2, 1984 – 198636. 21-Gun Salute dates back to the 14th Century, Straits Times, 17 Jul 200037. What’s in a Rank, Pioneer, Mar 197238. The New Army Uniform, Pioneer Sep1994

References

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Aide-De-Camp, A term of French origin, whoseusual abbreviation is ADC. An Aide-De-Campis an officer whose duty is to assist and generallyattend on a an officer of high rank.Distinguished officers are appointed aide-de-camp to the President of the Republic. Theappointment is identified by uniform trimmings,aiguillettes or badges.

Army, In French, armee, which in turn is fromthe Latin armare, “to arm.” Armada is what theword-wizards call a “doublet”: it comes from thesame origin as “army” but in taking anotherroute has acquired a different meaning (“a fleetof warships”).

Artillery, French, artiller, “to equip.” The wordoriginally referred to all engines of war andmilitary equipment. By the sixteenth centurythe word began to mean “guns”, by theeighteenth century it began to refer to theservice that handled the guns.

Ambulance From the French hopitalambulant, “moving hospital.” Originally atemporary field hospital, the word nowmeans a vehicle used for moving wounded.

Ambush Formerly “ambush,” it can be tracedback to the Old French embucher (“to gointo the woods”) and the Italian emboscata(“hidden in the woods”). Webster points outthat “ambuscade is now the regular militaryterm for the legitimate disposition of troopsin concealment; ambush is less formal andis often applied to such lying in wait as isunfair or cowardly.”

Ammunition Latin, meaning generally “fortifyby building a wall.” The word “munitions”came to mean any provisions for defense. The“a” got added in English by mistake: the Frenchla munition was erroneously assumed to havebeen l’aminunition. Both words, “ammunition”

and “munitions,” are now used in English asbeing roughly synonymous; “munitions” is,however, generally more inclusive.

Battalion from the Italian battaglione, “littlebattle.” Let’s say that an organization largeenough to “fight a little battle” became knownas a battalion. That is not a very scientificderivation, but is pretty close.

Battery from the Latin battere, “to beat.” Thegun battery is so called because it “beats on”the enemy. “Battle” and “battalion” both go backto this same root.

Barrel The use of this word to mean a part ofa rifle or cannon does not come from itsresemblance to the receptacle we ordinarilythink of as a barrel. Rather, both words camefrom the same source: “something made ofbars.” An early type of cannon wasconstructed by welding long wrought-iron barstogether and shrinking iron hoops aroundthem. The construction method wasabandoned, but the term remained.

Batman (British term for an officer’s “orderly”).Bat is Old French for “burden.” The batman (orbatboy) was the soldier who used to take careof the officers’ equipment carried on the “bat[pack] horses.” When the term “bathorse”disappeared, the word “batman” remained foran officer’s orderly.

ORIGINS OFORIGINS OFORIGINS OFORIGINS OFORIGINS OFMILITARY WORDSMILITARY WORDSMILITARY WORDSMILITARY WORDSMILITARY WORDS

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Bayonet Probably from Bayonne, France,where they are alleged to have been first made.This convenient “origin” has never beenproved, but neither has any other.

Bomb Latin, bombus, “a noise,” from Greekbombos, “a deep hollow sound” (Webster).The word originally applied to cannon balls.(The first aerial bombs were dropped fromunmanned balloons on Venice by the Austriansin 1849.)

Brigade This is a sixteenth-century Frenchword which corresponds to the Spanish brigar,“to brawl,” and the Italian brigare, “to fight.”Like the word “battalion,” it came to be appliedto a body of contesting troops of a more orless arbitrarily agreed-on size.

Bugle Short for “bugle horn.” Bugle is anobsolete term for the bison or ox, from whosehorns the musical ancestor of the instrumentnow known as a bugle was first made.

Cadre from the French cadre, “a frame.” Amilitary cadre is a small group of key officersaround which a new unit can be formed.

Caliber From the Latin con libra, “of equalweight.” It is now a linear measure of the insidediameter of a weapon’s bore.

Camp, campus, “field.” A camp is a militaryinstallation “in the field.”

Canteen Italian cantina, “wine cellar.” The wordwas first used in the military profession for theplace where soldiers got refreshments on amilitary reservation. Then it was applied to theflask which soldiers carried on a march.

Through World War I the use of “canteen” inthe first sense was common. (A squad leader,when asked to account for three absentees, isalleged to have reported: “One’s in the canteen,one’s in the latrine, and one I ain’t never doneseen.”)

Captain From the Latin caput, “head.”Although the Captain could be the head of anyorganization, by convention the rank has longbeen associated with the officer commanding acompany-size unit (100 to 200 men).

Camouflage A French word originated duringthe first World War but now widely used tocover all methods of disguising or hiding.

Chevron French chevron, “rafter”

Colonel Probably from the Italian coloncllo, “alittle column” (technically, it should becolonella)

Colours The term arose in the early seventeenthcentury when units started carrying flags whichrepresented a great variety of hues.

Commando A Portuguese word adopted by theBoers and then by the British. Originally it meantsimply “a military force (command).”

Communications First used by military writersin the nineteenth century. It comes from theLatin communicatus, “made common.” In thissense, it is “knowledge” that is “made common”between people who “communicate.”

Company The Latin cum (with) and pane (bread)meant “messmates.”

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Comrade From the Spanish camerad-o, thiscame in turn from the Latin camera “room.” Itoriginally meant “roommate.”

Corporal From the Italian capo di squadra,“squad [square] leader.”

Ensign Ensign comes from the Latin wordinsignia that meant and still means emblem orbanner. A warrior who carried his lord’s banneror ensign became known as an ensign bearerand then just an Ensign.

Fatigue In the military sense, “fatigue” (or“fatigue duty”) is the work soldiers do which isnot connected with purely martial exploits (e.g.,cleaning up their barracks, digging garbage pits,etc.). The word “fatigue” was once used incommon English to signify “toil” or “labour.”So the military term “fatigue” is probably ofliteral origin and applies to the tiresome tasksof military house-keeping. “Fatigue clothes” arethe uniforms prescribed for work details.

Feu De Joie A fire kindled in a public place intoken of joy; a bonfire; a firing of guns in tokenof joy. This is seen during National Day Paradefired by the Guard of Honour contingents.

Flag (or FLAGGE, a common Teutonic word inthis sense, but apparently first recorded inEnglish), a piece of bunting or similar material,admitting of various shapes and colours, andwaved in the wind from a staff or cord for use indisplay as a standard, ensign or signal.

Garrison Old French guerir, “to preserve.”

Presumably a garrison is put in a place to“preserve” it from enemy capture. In current

usage the word implies an administrative ratherthan a tactical role.

Grenade The grenade, has a common heritagewith all those who work with explosives andpyrotechnics – artillery, engineers. The wordgrenade derives from French “pomme grenate”or pomegranate. Heraldically, the grenade isdepicted as a sphere spouting flame. Therelation to the pomegranate is retained in theorifice-like appendage from the flame spouts.

Helmet Anglo-Saxon helm, from Teutonic roothal or kal, “to cover.” A helmet is a “little helm.”

Howitzer Czech word from the Hussites of JanZika (fifteenth century). It is related to theGerman haufnice, a “sling.”

Infantry The consensus is that this word forfoot soldiers actually comes from “infant,”although there has been much straining to finda more noble origin. The French infanterie (fromwhich our word comes) is from the Italianinfanteria, which comes from infante, meaningchild, servant and foot soldier. “Infant” is fromthe Latin in (not) and fari (to speak). Until aperson was big enough to speak he was aninfant. The connection between infantry andchild or servant has a connotation of inferioritywhich is no accident. At the time “infant” waslinked with “foot soldiers,” the cavalry was thesenior or elite service. When the infantrymanagain began to dominate the battlefield (as hehad in the days of Rome and as he does today)the Spanish foot soldier led the way. This isprobably why “infantry” has been connectedwith the Spanish title infante. Some writers haveassumed that infantry was the elite force

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commanded by the Infante, or Spanish crownprince. However, the Spanish (and Portuguese)infante was any legitimate son of the king; theeldest son was known as the Principe.(Webster) There is a far-fetched but prevalenttheory that foot troops are called infantrybecause early generals affectionately referredto them as “my boys.”

Khaki Indian khaki, “dust coloured.”

Lanyard, derived from the Latin “lana” (wool),a lanyard was originally a woollen cord, straightor plaited worn from the outer end of theshoulder strap, under the sleeve to the breastpocket button. Some bear a whistle whilstothers, an attachment to a pistol or revolver.

Lieutenant French lieu (place) tenant (holding).He is the officer who “holds the place of”another. By usage, it has come to mean theofficer who holds the place of a captain.

officer and the word “logistics” was used todesignate all staff work.

Magazine Arabic makhzan, “storehouses.” Itwas originally used in our language to mean amilitary storehouse for weapons andammunition. In a military magazine were thenknown as “pieces,” as they still are today.

Mines. Mines and fortifications are the defenceagainst armoured fighting vehicles and theantidote to mobility in general. The job ofclearing a minefield on a cold, wet, muddynight, with frequent enemy shell or mortar fire,was among the most unpleasant in the war butit was so frequently required for all front-linetroops.

There are usually new devices and techniquesthrough the laying of booby traps such asattaching them to bodies so that the burialparty would be blown up. Or the simplestaction, like hanging a hat on a peg or kickingaway an empty tin could result in instantobliteration.

Major Originally “Sergeant Major” “Major”means simply “greater”; the Sergeant Majorwas the “greater sergeant.” The political title ofmajor comes from the fact that this manoccupies an office “greater than” that of theother city officials.

Platoon Latin “ball,” which evolved into theFrench pelote, “small bundle.” A platoon, then,was a “small bundle” or group of soldiers.

Private Used from the sixteenth century in thesense of a “private man,” rather than an

OCT wearinga lanyard

Logistics Originally the duties of theQuartermaster were known as “logistics,” sincethis officer was concerned with logis or“quarters” for the troops. For many years theQuartermaster General was the principal staff

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“officer” or office holder. The term came intouse after the abolishment of the feudal systemand signified that the individual now had theprivilege of making a private contract of militaryservice, rather than being forced to serve afeudal master.

Quartermaster The man in charge of providing“quarters” for troops. The office dates from theReiter organization of the fifteenth century.

Rank (a number of men side by side) OldGerman hrang, a “ring,” and later a “row” ofmen. See also “file.” The expression “rank andfile,” therefore, means the soldiers composingthe ranks and files of a military formation. Itdoes not mean the officers (“people with rank”)and the “files” (soldier slang for “individuals”).

Recruit In Latin, recrescere, “to grow again.”

Recruits, then, are new men to replace lossesand permit the unit to “grow again” to itsoriginal size and effectiveness.

Regiment In Latin, regimen, “rule” (in the senseof “regulation”). The term was applied to amilitary organization that was under the rule ofa colonel.

Retreat In Latin, retrahere, “to withdraw.”Tactically, this word means to withdraw fromenemy contact. But the ceremony of Retreatand the bugle call “Retreat” signify a retirementfrom the day’s administrative activities, not theenemy’s tactical endeavours. To “beat retreat”in the old days did not mean to “bug out” or to“how able”. Before the use of bugles to soundcalls, drums were used.

Reveille French reveillez -vous, “Wake up!”

Rosette French. This ornament on a peak capwas held down by a loop and a button.

Security The imperative need for fooling theenemy’s intelligance and spy system, provedby bitter experience in previous wars, affectedthe lives of everyone, including civilians. Asoldier had to always guard his tonguewhenever he was away from his unit. His letterswere censored and he must never mention theplace he was in or give any interesting detailsof his works.

Sentry Probably from the same source as“sentinel,” rather than from the French sentier(path around which a guard would walk).Fortescue suggests that the word wascorrupted from “centinel.” The latter word isfrom “century,” the term applied to the 100-man Roman companies. Until the beginning ofthe eighteenth century the private soldier inEngland was known as a “private centinel.”

Sergeant, Latin serviens, “to serve.” Originallyused in law, a serviens during the days ofchivalry was also a military servant.

Sharpshooter Probably from GermanScharffschutze, which has the same meaning.The term does not come from the Sharp’s Rifle,patented in 1852. “Sharpshooter” units arelisted as early as 1805' in the British Army. Tworegiments of United State’s Sharpshooterswere raised during the Civil War. The term isnow used in the U. S. Army to designate aqualification in marksmanship which isbetween Expert (the highest) and Marksman

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(the lowest). Sound Off. At a parade, the adjutant gives thecommand “Sound Off”, and the band playsthree chords before it starts a march and“troops the line”. When the band has returnedto its place and has finished playing the march,it repeats these three chords. They are knownas the “Three Cheers”.

This custom can be traced back to the time ofthe Crusades Soldiers. Those selected to goon the Crusades would form on the right of theline of troops.

Signals In the early years, smoke signalsand drum beats were used as signals for thearmy. Flags were also used later on. Whenthe telegraph was invented, i t allowedprecise instructions to be transmitted overlonger distances using a Morse Code key.The heliograph (a mirror mounted on a tripodflashing the sun’s reflection) was also used.When the telephone was invented byAlexander Graham Bell, communication byvoice could be achieved across longdistances through wires.

Warrant Officer The “warrant” portion ofthe Warrant Officer’s title comes from theold French word warrant that meantprotector, a defense and an authorization.

SOLDIER’S SLANG AND JARGON

As you were: Drill command used to revoke orcorrect a previous, incorrect command.Commonly used off the drill field to preface acorrection.

At ease: Another drill command that permitssoldiers to relax in ranks and file.

Accoutrements: The personal equipment of asoldier other than arms or uniform, normallymedals and badges.

Aiguillette: A plaited cord ending with needles,points or aglets.

Appointments: Apart from meaning posts towhich a person might be appointed, the wordalso relates to places of distinction in a militaryunit.

Bandolier: From the Spanish “Banda”, a Sash)referred to the belt which held powder cases inthe 17th Century. These small containers (woodor leather) each contained enough gun-powerfor one loading of a musket. As 12 cases wereoften carried on a belt by means of strings, thebandolier was given the nickname of the“Twelve Apostles”

Break Short: Rest period (which “breaks” themarch, instruction, or other duty). Soldierscustomarily get a “ten-minute break” in everyhour; it is usually announced

.by “Take ten.”

The “coffee break” has become a nationaljargon among office workers.

Camouflage: French, meaning a disguise

Chop-chop: Used by old China hands to mean“hurry.” In Japan it is pidgin English for “food”or “eat.”

Colour Sergeant: The rank of Colour Sergeantwas introduced into the British Army in 1813

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when it was wished to give some reward tosenior sergeant of good standing

Dry run: Practice

Epaulette: French, indicating a shoulder, for itis an ornamental piece of cloth and embroideryworn on the shoulder. Originating from a needto keep a shoulder sash or belt in position.

Fall out: A drill command which permits soldiersto leave ranks but requires that they remain inthe immediate vicinity, pre-pared to “fall back in.”Colloquially, the expression means to relax

Ferrule: The lower end of a sword scabbard orpace stick.

Foxhole: A rather picturesque word, now partof the national vocabulary. It is a small pit fromwhich one or two men can fight while havingsome protection from enemy fire. A “slit trench”is a similar species of “hasty field fortification”which differs in that it is a “prone shelter” (thelength and breadth of a man, but only abouttwo feet deep).

Housewife: A sewing kit. The word has beenadopted as official nomenclature

Pike: The weapon for pikeman was originally16 feet long but later cut down to 14 feet tomake them less cumbersome in battle. Today,the half pike is used for our Colours.

Son of a gun: An uncomplimentary expressiondating from the times when women were allowedonboard and between decks. Reference hasbeen made previously to the debauchery, which

took place in the gun-decks where the men lived.

Feather in your cap: To gain approval. Origin -When American Indians performed bravely inbattle, they would receive a feather to add totheir headdress. The more feathers found onan Indian’s headdress, the better the warrior.

Present Arms: The rifle is held in a friendlyposition that leaves the arms bearerdefenceless. Like the hand salute, present armsshows there is no challenge to the personreceiving the salute.

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Special ThanksThe idea of compiling the Army’scustoms and traditions book wasfirst mooted in 2003 by the SAFSergeant Major, SWO GUNGAwho was then Sergeant Major ofthe Army.

Since then, the research has beendone by a team comprising ofrepresentatives from various Unitsin the Army. Their many years andexperience in service wereinvaluable to this project.

This project gave an opportunityfor the research team to “dig” intothe archives. We would like toextend our sincere thanks to theCentre for Heritage Services,Pioneer Section, SAFTI MILibrary, Army Information Centre,and SAF Printing Centre for theirinvaluable advice, assistance andin facilitating the launch of thisbook.

Special thanks also goes toSergeant Major of the Army, SWOFRANCIS NG, for his guidanceand leadership in making thisbook a fitting contribution fromthe WOSPEC Corps .

Most importantly, our heartfeltthanks to all who have contributedin many little ways in compilingthis book, which would not havematerialised if not for their

passion, interest and determinationtowards this project.

Finally, as much as we wished toaddress every issue of interest inthis regard, we have been mindfulto balance making this book asreadable as possible and acomprehensive reference for all.

This, being the first editionof its kind, the Editorial Committeewelcomes contributions,suggestions and feedback to furtherimprove this book.

These may be e-mailed [email protected]

Ref: Our Army, Customs andTraditions.

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IndexINDEX PAGE

1st Commando Battalion 4121 Gun Salutes 86Aiguillette 66After Dinner Games 111Arch of Swords Ceremony 115Attitude towards Ladies 30Background History of Military Colours 33Behavior in Civilian Dress 29Bugle Calls 71Buttons 77Cadence Marching 120Caps 65Cap Badges 78Care and Custody of Colours 56Cars of CDF and Service Chiefs 28Casing and Uncasing of Colours 53Cavalry / Armour 121Ceremonial Guards 88Ceremonial Sword 68Changing of Guard Ceremony 88Chevrons 76Code of Conduct 15Colours in the SAF 35Commanding Officer in the Mess 96Commissioned Officers 21Compliments and Salutes 54Compliments to the President/Cabinet 28Ministers & Members of Parliament andcars flying National FlagConsecration of Colours 53Conversation 30Conversation in the Mess 97Corps of Drums 72Correct Speech 29Correct Use of Titles 21Courtesies to Individual 26Customs in the Mess 95

INDEX PAGE

Custom of Inviting the Band Master 111Customs Regarding Dress 130Cutting the Wedding Cake 116Development of the “Combat Arm” 121Dining Call 104Dressing the Coffin 129Dressing the Deceased 129Drum Major’s Shoulder Belt (Sash) 80Drum Major’s Staff (Mace) 80Engineers 122Epaulettes and Shoulder Straps 70Eulogy 131Evolution of Weapons 123Eyes Right/Left 85Feu-De-Joie (Fire of Joy) 87Firing of Volleys 132Gloves 80Gorget 67Guests 112Guidelines on playing the National 11AnthemGeneral Courtesy towards 96Members of the MessGun Carriage 131Gun Salutes 126Gunpowder 124Half Mast 132Handguns 124Headquarters Artillery 46Headquarters Combat Engineers 47Headquarters Commando 40Headquarters Maintenance and 49Engineering Support (MES)Headquarters Medical Corps 48Headquarters Signals & 48Command SystemsHeadquarters Supply and Transport 49

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INDEX PAGE

How Armies Evolved 119How the first Military Company was a 119Commercial CompanyHow the Regiment came into being 120Identity Disc 77Improper Mess Etiquette 99In Public Conveyances 29Inspecting the Guard of Honour 92Interesting facts about Flags 127Ladies in the Mess 97Lower Colours – Salutes 55Medals 73Medical Corps 122Mess Hospitality 96Mess Initiation 98Military Band 131Military Etiquette and Decorum 21Military Funeral 128Military Music 70Military Police 122Mourning Armband 130Mr Vice 106National Anthem 10National Flag 10National Service 13National Servicemen 22No. 4 Uniform 65Oath of Allegiance 13Officer Cadet School - First Intake of 6Officer CadetOfficer Cadet’s White Colour Board 78Origin of Military Dining-In 103Origin of Regimental Mess 95Origin of Salute 23Pace Stick 76Passing the Port Decanter 109Paying of Compliments 23Paying of Compliments by Sentries 25Paying of Compliments to the National 27AnthemPoint of War 55Position of Honour 27

INDEX PAGE

Posting of Colours 105Presidential Lance Guard, Pennant 51Punch Ceremony 98Punctuality 98Queen of the Battlefield 121Quarter Guard 124Quartermasters and Logisticians 122Rationale Behind Dining-In 104Regimental Bands Banner 53Regimental Colours 39Replacement of Colours 57Retired Personnel 87Retirement of Colours 130Retreat 87Resting on Arms Reversed 130Restrictions on Drinks 98Reveille & Retreat 28Reveille or Rouse 133SAF Core Values 16SAF Crest 11SAF Day Parade 90SAF Hand Salute 23SAF Pledge 15SAF State Colours 36SAFTI - Singapore Armed Forces 6Training InstituteSAFTI Military Institute 8, 40Regimental ColoursSAFTI Pioneer Regimental 9Sergeant MajorsSAF Provost Unit 50Saluting in Groups 25Sashes 68Seating & Table Arrangement 106Shaking Hands 30Silent Precision Drill 89Singapore Infantry Regiment 41- 1 SIR- 2 SIR- 3 SIR- 4 SIR- 5 SIR

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INDEX PAGE

- 6 SIR 41- 1 GUARDS- 3 GUARDS- 40 SAR- 41 SAR- 42 SAR- 46 SARSingapore National Flag, Anthem 10and State ArmsSocial Etiquette 29Specialists 22Standing up as a Sign of Respect 29State & Regimental Colours 35State and Regimental Colours 35in the SAF- SAF State Colours- SAFTI Military Institute State ColoursState Arms 12Straits Settlement’s Coat of Arms 127Sword Bearers 115Sword Salute 86Table Manners 106Taps 72Tattoo 72The Band in Attendance 111The Birth of SAF 3The Ceremonial Uniform 63The Last Post 133The Ministry of Interior and Defence 4The Parade Square 85The President Standard 51The Review 85The Three Cheers 89Toast 109Transporting of Colours 56Transporting the Deceased 129Trooping of Colours 87Two or more Officers together 27Types of Medals in the SAF 73Types of Military Funeral in the SAF 128Uniform and Dress 105Vigil Guards 130

INDEX PAGE

Vocational Collar Badges 78Warrant Officers 22Weapon Presentation 91Welcome Guard 91When to Salute 24When not to salute 26Whom to Salute 24Withdrawal from Service 57What’s in a Rank 124Why a Lieutenant General Ranks 120above a Major GeneralWhy Medals are worn on the left side 75of the Uniform?Why RSM don the Ceremonial Sword? 69Wreath 132

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