Finally, Army Open House (AOH2017) is back again, after 5 long years.
Singapore Army even extended the event by one day, due to popular demand. After AOH2017 at F1 venue, part of the exhibition moved to the heartlands in Punggol and Jurong East.
Super HOT weekend, everyone in social media complained about the heat, yet more families continue to throng the space!
“Army Ready, Soldier Strong”
This is a timely reminder in today’s uncertain times.
Look at terrorists news around the world, and recent “siege” of Qatar. What does it really mean to the kids?
At the Army Open House, they see fun rides, cool soldiers, photo opportunities and more FUN.
#Point 01
.. but in times of tension, do they understand that Singapore need to defend itself? Many Dads would need to go back and standby for incidents and deployments.
Do the kids understand that Singaporeans are responsible for our own land? No one own us a living.
Do the boys understand the significance of serving National Service (NS)?
The Dynamic Show kicked off with Military Tattoos, followed by Red Lions (paratroopers).
Remember the Green Flashing Soldier on our TV and Radio broadcasts? It used to mean “Bye Bye my Weekend” to Daddy :p
#Point 02
Kids understand Dads need to report to camp, this might be a routine recall, and Soldiers (and resources) might be activated due to some emergencies.
The audience knew what was going to happen to the poor Nissan Cefiro. First time we saw the Destructive power of the 60 tons Leopard Tank, instant scrap metal, no need 1206 too :p
Post-show, many were curious about the crushed Cefiro, kaput!
For Army Open House (AOH2017) , simulated terrorists infiltrated our island. Some hostages have been taken, Home team (Police,SCDF)Β and SAF Protection force swung into action.
Help from sniffer dogs and robots to mitigate bomb threats.
Every vehicle in the SAF orbat rolled in to control the situation. Even Apache and Himars (MLRS aka rockets) were deployed to ensure the audience get the maximum impact.
Ambulances evacuated the causalities.
#Point 03
I asked the kids whether our Doctors, Nurses and Hospitals are equipped and mentally ready to handle trauma victims? Is our infrastructure able to cope with mass casualties? Do we have enough blood for transfusion?
Kids go through Social studies and they understand a bit about Total Defence.
Without Googling, can you tell me the 5 pillars of Total Defence?
Although Military Defence is the main pillar, Singapore depends on
Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological Defence too.
SGSecure is the Singapore approach to counter new non-conventional threats from extremists. Residents and Government agencies need to collaborate to keep Singapore safe.
Times have changed, we have to get used to the “new normal”, where extremists will try to disrupt our way of life and tear communities apart. Citizens must be vigilant and strong, and stand together to stop the terrorists.
When we need specialised skills, Singapore can rely on the “black-clad SOF (Special Operation Forces, comprising members from Commandos and Naval Diver) .
This is the first time they appeared “officially” in public, they swiftly took out the kidnappers, and left in their zeng(3) Ford (modified).
SOF’s mysterious background forms the sharp edge of Singapore’s deterrence. Do not mess with these guys.
Hello doggie. I told the kids the “retired” dogs can now follow their handlers home π
The highlight for most families must be the fun rides.
Boon Yee and Boon Xin opted for Light Strike (Guards) and
Larc V (resupply). I would love to ride the massive 20 ton Protector vehicle and own the expressway!
Good initiative from organisers, families just need to register a time slot and return later, no need to queue and wait for their turn.
#Point 04
Larc V (same as the Broncos and 5 tonners) is actually designed to resupply our troops. We tend to see the Bionix and Terrex’s shiny armour or the Leopards’ armament. But how many of us appreciate the Logistics machinery running in the background?
Can you imagine the efforts to truck all the vehicles to F1 area?
Food, Ammo, Fuel, Troops. No matter how advanced or professional is your Armed forces, a military will fail without an efficient logistics.
Joyride on the Guards’ Light Strike. This ride can go over streams and climb slopes, it would be cool if Chinook can sling us away!
The static displays with the usual vehicles. Slender machine (looks like it can slice through waters) belongs to the commandos.
Apache looked menacing, in the air or on the ground.
Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle (the longer ride) and Belrex (commercial Marauder) makes all of us look tiny.
More Army platforms…
My kids did not find Army ration appetising, I missed my Oh-bee-bur and other desserts.
Around one corner, I saw a translucent water bottle. Soldiers can no longer pretend to bottoms-up during water parade :p
Combat rations anyone?
Kids still prefer canteen gourmet food over rations :p
Home grown SAR21, no striping or IA drill needed, just bang and go. Kids are not used to the recoil, and Boon Xin bruised her chin.
Other activities at Army Open House 2017. We missed the mini-SOC Β (obstacles) due to the hot afternoon Sun. Long queues for “Night Walk” and “Drones”, UAV vocation anyone?
Would be cool to let kids explore Cyber Security in future AOH editions.
Video (YouTube Link) : Army Open House 2017 highlights
#Point 05
Kudos to the soldiers who had to burn their weekends, spending precious time away from families. They went out of the way to ensure visitors enjoyed the exhibition and interactions. I noticed the security screenings were tighter too.
Families are assured of SAF’s protection and hopefully appreciate Singapore’s peace and harmony.
Thank you Singapore Army and security agencies for keeping Singapore safe.
Our Open House adventures (Airforce, Navy and Army) are documented here. Is 2009 our first Army Open House?
More photos uploaded on our Facebook album.
ps.. If you cannot get enough Army displays, watch out for NDP 2017. We heard a record number of assets (Land, Sea and Air) will be on display!