Commando son part of Best Combat Unit — just like his dad
SINGAPORE — When he was first told that he had been drafted into the Commandos, Corporal (Cpl) Anders Seah felt a mix of emotions. “I was a bit scared and intimidated … But I felt honoured to be able to follow in my father’s footsteps,” he said.
His father, however, was over the moon, he recalled. “He was happier than me for sure … I was wondering if I should report all my injuries (from playing rugby competitively) and get out of it. I asked my father and he said, ‘No way!’,” the 20-year-old full-time national serviceman (NSF) said.
Cpl Seah is part of the Singapore Armed Forces’ 1st Commando Battalion, which clinched the Best Combat Unit accolade yesterday for the 14th year running — an honour that Cpl Seah now shares with his proud father Mr Seah Yee Choon, who was with the Commando unit when it clinched the top honour in 1988.
Said the elder Mr Seah, 51: “Of course I want my son to follow in my footsteps. I was quietly happy when he was posted there. I had my concerns as their training is tough, but I know the Commandos will take necessary precautions and he will do well there.”
The Commandos have chalked up an unprecedented 31 wins since the Best Combat Unit competition was introduced in 1969.
Trained to infiltrate enemy territory via airborne raids and sea landings, these elite troopers undergo rigorous physical and technical training, which include military parachute jumps, heli-roping and heli-rappelling, as well as a 72km route march — a milestone that trainees have to complete before they can pass out as Commandos and earn the right to wear the coveted red beret.
“You are being forced to push yourself beyond all your physical, mental and emotional barriers … Words cannot do justice to how tough (the training) is,” said Cpl Seah.
The thought of giving up had crossed his mind several times, he admitted. “There were times when I felt like giving up, especially when you have back-to-back outfield exercises. That sort of environment is just not for everybody.”
One such occasion was during his unit’s army training evaluation in Thailand, when the troopers were assessed on their combat proficiency and operational standards.
“After the airborne jump, my head was in a whirl and I was puking, but I knew I still had a mission to fight. We were down on water supply, but it was not over yet. I think that was one of the outfield trainings that pushed me beyond my limits,” he said.
But beyond physical fitness, camaraderie is key in overcoming these odds, he said.
“You have to look at the people on your left and right ... There are people who are smaller than you, maybe not as physically strong … But they are still carrying the loads and walking the distance. If you give up, your load is passed on to another person.”
The fact that the Commandos work in small teams makes solidarity all the more important, he said.
“We only have each other … If one person were to fall out, it has a significant impact on our fighting strength.”
Fellow NSF Commando, Cpl Muhammad Haidhir Jasmani, agreed that “not wanting to let his buddies down” is one key motivator.
“Since my buddies are putting that much effort and trust in me, I also cannot let them down. I have to push myself so we, as a detachment, can move forward.”
Training with the Commandos is a test of mental tenacity, Cpl Haidhir reiterated. “Your body can heal, but your mind … when you are tired, you just cannot move. Your mind will get tougher over time. You just have to learn how to stay positive. I always look forward to the next time we can take a rest — that cheers me up.”
Cpl Seah and Cpl Haidhir cited their families as key pillars of support during the tough training.
Cpl Haidhir, for instance, recalled how his elder brother shared tips on making his national service “more comfortable and survivable”, while Cpl Seah remembered how his father would be around to pick him up whenever he booked out of camp.
On garnering the top honours again this year, the battalion’s commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Ng Kiang Chuan, said: “Our achievement this year does not guarantee the same outcome in subsequent years unless we continue to train hard and realistically to ensure the operational readiness and competence of our servicemen.”
The “professionalism, fighting spirit and discipline” that every Commando is known for will help his team serve the nation with “a sense of purpose”, he said.
Among the other units that will be recognised at the SAF Day Parade on Saturday are the Navy’s Formidable-class Frigate RSS Steadfast for the Best Fleet Unit, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s 143 SQN for the Best Fighter Squadron.
