ADF, CRF, SOF, SOTF
What's the difference?
In this video, I break down the counter-terrorism units of the Singapore Army and their roles.
The Army Deployment Force (or ADF) is a rapid deployment force, made up of about 600 military regulars.
Based in Nee Soon Camp, the ADF falls under the command of Singapore Guards Formation.
Their primary responsibilities are homeland security
and counter-terrorism.
Other responsibilities include Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
and Peace Support Operations (PSO).
ADF troopers were deployed to Iraq to provide security for SAF medical and intelligence teams
assisting coalition forces in the fight against ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria).
To join the ADF, trainees would need to complete the Combat Qualification Course,
a 5-month course that includes: weapon proficiency training,
unarmed combat training,
conventional warfare training,
urban operations training,
roping and rappelling,
counter-terrorism training,
peace support and HADR training,
and a ton of physical training.
*music*
The Singapore Armed Forces Commando Formation consists of 1 active battalion
and several reserve battalions.
Based in Hendon Camp, their role is to conduct raids and reconnaissance behind enemy lines,
via airborne and amphibious insertions.
There are 2 different types of commandos;
commando conscripts who serve 2 years in the active battalion before moving on to the reservist battalion
and commando regulars, better known as CRF (Commando Regular Force).
All commando trainees go through a 2-month Basic Military Training (BMT)
at the Commando Training Institute (CTI) in Pasir Ris Camp.
Their BMT is largely similar to the BMT conducted at the BMTC (Basic Military Training Centre) in Pulau Tekong.
Thereafter, trainees proceed to Vocational Training.
Depending on their roles, trainees undergo different training at respective camps.
Commando leaders attend a 2-month Commando Small-unit Leaders' Course (CSLC)
while Weapons Specialists learn to handle a variety of weapons, both at Pasir Ris Camp.
Medics and Demolition Experts attend the Combat Medic Course and Demolition Specialist Course respectively at Nee Soon Camp.
Signallers would attend the Combat Signal Course at Stagmont Camp.
All trainees also have to pass the Basic Airborne Course (BAC)
before proceeding to Commando Company Training at Hendon Camp
and jungle warfare training in Brunei.
Upon completion of their 9-month-long training,
trainees would need to complete the X72,
consisting of a 35km route march,
followed by a raid mission,
and another 35km route march within 72 hours,
before receiving their red beret.
Commando regulars will go on for Advanced Training
such as the SAF Ranger Course.
The Special Operations Force (or SOF) is a unit within the Commando Formation,
comprised of only military regulars.
Apart from their commando duties,
the SOF have an added list of responsibilities.
To join the SOF, applicants must first pass
a 2-week Joint Special Forces Selection (JSFS), encompassing various physical and mental challenges
such as running long distances with a 6kg load
and swimming with combat load.
Qualified candidates then attend the 8-month-long Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)
at the Special Operations Tactics Centre (SOTAC).
Candidates undergo a variety of training courses.
Top-performing candidates also travel overseas to attend foreign courses
such as the US Army Ranger School
and the US Navy BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal).
It takes about 4 years of training to become a full-fledged SOF member.
The Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) is a joint task force,
comprising of soldiers from the Army's SOF and CRF,
and the Navy's Special Warfare Group (SWG) from the Naval Diving Unit (NDU).
They are supported by the ADF and other units.
In the event of a terror attack,
the ADF arriving on scene, would first set up a perimeter
around the incident site.
They would secure escaping hostages
and conduct intelligence gathering in 2-man teams,
such as how many terrorists and what weapons are they are using.
Using these information as well as those gathered by intelligence units,
the SOTF would move in to eliminate the threats.
*gunshots & screaming*
"Get down! Lights on!"
"Get down! Moving!"
"Hands up! Heads down!"
"Everyone listen up!"
"We are from the Singapore Armed Forces,"
"we are here to rescue you!"
You may be wondering:
“Do Singapore really need so many counter-terrorism units?”
The 2021 Terrorism Threat Assessment Report showed that terrorism threat remains high.