Soldier-friendly

While reading the newspapers, I was attracted by the vision of the Singapore Armed Forces.

“Our vision is that the soldiers just have to ‘dial 1800 CALL-A-BOMB’...they won’t have to worry if the bombs comes from the artillery unit, the navy or the airforce,” said BG Chan, Chief Infantry Officer.


With so much being publicized about the revamp to the soldiers’ uniform, also known as number 4, the portable combat system (weighing 8kg instead of 10kg), as well as “high tech tools that offer troops an edge during urban warfare”, I thought it would be interesting to take note of what are new and the uses for these enhancements.

Let me share with you my vision too. And it weighs only 4 kg. *ding*



1. Personal radio: Is actually a WI FI enabled ipod. Connects soldiers to the chef on demand. Order is taken and meal is prepared accordingly to one’s preference, vegetarian, halal, non halal, spicy, non spicy, extra rice, extra meat, sugar free, less salty, etc. [1kg]


2. Portable computer: More powerful than ordinary laptop. Enables soldier to check the stockmarkets, connects to instant messaging MSN, live chats with superiors, spouses, girlfriends, parents, etc. Download latest songs or even videos to be played on the personal radio/head mounted display. [1.5kg]


3. Communication keypad: Press a button and hot water is prepared. Footbath/footsoak upon returning. 24 hour butler standby to do laundry, clean your bunk or do car servicing. The best part is, enables soldiers to know exact location of enemy to which he dials a bomb and enemy is terminated. Game over. [0.5kg]


4. Head mounted display: Shows the mood of the Commanding Officer. Green for all clear. Red means stay clear. A similar set is being developed for use on wives/girlfriends. [0.5kg]


5. Weapon interactor: A camera is attached. Told you this is revamped webcam for instant messaging. The old webcam is affixed to the monitor. Well, the new version is attached to the soldier’s helmet. [0.5kg]



Well, after so much have been said, I should really be in the shoes of these soldiers to feel how it is like during trainings or even in times of war.

The soldier's integrity, courage and quick thinking reflexes rise high above all things high tech. To the soldiers of SGP, I salute you. In times of war, you are the ones that will fight bravely and defend SGP.