We were invited to a sneak preview of 2015 NDP mobile column. The Mobile Column only appears once every 5 years, we are familiar with the usual Leopards, Bionix, Broncos and SCDF Home Team vehicles.
But we were happy to chat and learn more about the folks behind the NDP Mobile Column.
Everyone was super friendly at NDP mobile column holding area.
Hello to SCDF team from Sengkang Fire Station, and their new Rhino.
Captain Celestia and the six-years old commando-wannabe. She is the commander of the impressive Leopard 2 Armoured Engineer Vehicle (L2-AEV). Tasked to clear obstacles, Captain Celestia and crew will be at the frontline during any confrontations.
CEV with fellow Nuffnang bloggers Jonathan (@jhwphay) and Jocina (Madeline not in picture).
Major Cai, CO 48SAR (Singapore Armour Regiment), is the man running the Mobile Column. Kids got a bit too friendly with this macho CO.
It was interesting to wave to the crowds standing by the road side and overhead. Cars slow down to watch the convoy lumber along. Last Sat, we were part of the convoy π
Kids always love the Rhino (upsize)
Boon Wee trying to grab a K-STER (mine disposal system).
Kids always look small standing next to the Leopard platforms.
Friendly ME1 Koh showing us how to load the stretcher with a winch. We heard this Ford ambulance has better suspension, thus better off-road handling than its predecessor. Lifesaving equipments (AED etc) are now kept inside the ambulance.
After a while, they wanted to know who is the driver or guardian of the mean-looking ride. Boys were intimidated by the Gurkha and they nominated Boon Xin to ask!
His Armoured Personnel Carrier will surely attract a lot of attention in our neighbourhood carpark. Mind you, this Austrian build vehicle weighs 12 tons!
The highlight of our tour is the convoy itself! Media group was invited to hitch a ride on Leopard, Bionix, Terrex or Bronco along the convoy route!
Hello Bionix! This is 1.4 to 1.9, rollout!
Not so fast, we need to get a safety briefing first, and vehicle-overturn drill too.
I told Boon Wee where I used to sleep (body maintenance) during outfield exercise. (I was a gunner with 41 SAR). Armour troopers can steal a few winks when vehicles are moving but Daddy gunners had more luxury :p
Hello to the two drivers in the fourth Bionix (John and John), both NSF are in their first year with 48SAR.
Staging area at Nicoll Highway outside Suntec city. From here, the convoy will make a loop around Padang.
Video : NDP Mobile Column from Kallang Leisure Dome to Suntec City
A pity only those above 1.5m can go for the convoy, as smaller kids might not fit the helmets (Safety Reason).
But Boon Xin got the honour of pushing the 21 tons PRV (Protected Response Vehicle)!
The rumbling vehicles have attracted a crowd at Suntec City.
How often do you see tanks in the city?
Nothing is left to chances, low-loaders move the heavy vehicles overnight from camps to Leisure Dome carpark while we are still sleeping. There are spare vehicles to ensure there is no show-stopper.
The full NDP Mobile Column details can be found on NDP 2015 website. The Navy’s Specialised Marine Craft will be a sight to behold. It looks so sleek and futuristic! (Click for RSN video)
Try to identify all the vehicles from the poster.
2015 NDP Mobile Column is 2km long, consisting of 177 vehicles, and needs 15 mins to pass through.
I think we can understand why Mobile Column only appears once every 5 years. It is a huge logistical undertaking to bring all the vehicles to city center. The tight timelines, support crew and multiple road closures.
Thank you for the invite, SAF. It was a fun session for the kids to get up close with the vehicles (and crew).
They call the convoy a “joy ride” but someone needs to ensure everything runs like clockwork. Countless rehearsals under the hot sun. Burnt weekends. All for Singapore’s Jubilee year!
More photos have been uploaded on our Fanpage album.
Visit our 2010 Mobile Column experience here.
* All our NDP 2015 events can be found under #NDP2015 (NE3, Mobile Column, NDP Funpacks)
** Thank you to Accord for the invite