The Singapore Special Operations Force, the SOF, is part of the Commandos arm of the Singapore army and consists of highly trained individuals that participate in elite special forces operations. They are trained to deal with strategic special operations, hostage taking and counter terrorism.
Their History
The SOF was formed in 1984 but has only been acknowledged as a special forces operation since 1997. They are a division of the Army and the number of those in the ranks is classified information. They originally began as a unit after a hijacking incident that turned out to be a false alarm. At that time, it was recognized that they needed to have a special forces team to deal with hostage rescue situations.
How To Become A Member Of The SOF
Members of the army can train to become members of this special unit. Although some wear the insignia of the SOF, most members prefer to keep this discreet.
SOF Training
In addition to practicing free-falling in all types of weather conditions and in all kinds of terrains, the SOF also trains with the United States military special forces including the Navy SEALS, the U. S. Rangers, the Green Berets the United States Delta Force.
Their training is takes four years to complete and includes counter terrorism strategies, jungle warfare, amphibious assault, airborne assault and reconnaissance. All SOF members receive training in all types of equipment and weapons.
What Are They Best At?
The SOF is best at strategic special operations and counter terrorism. In war time, they specialize in special reconnaissance missions.
Weapons Of The SOF
Much of what the SOF use is classified information. Some of the weapons that are used include the M4 Carbine, SAR-21 Assault Rifle, FN P-90 submachine gun, MP5 submachine gun, and various shotguns and sniper rifles as well as the Vektor and SIG-Sauer pistols.
In addition, they also use typical counter terrorism equipment that is generally used for intervention purposes including clearing rooms and breaching doors and locks.
Known Missions
One of the most widely known missions is Operation Thunderbolt, in which Pakistani militants hijacked an SIA Airbus on 26th March, 1991.
Commandoes from the SAF ( Singapore Armed Forces) stormed the airbus and freed the 123 passengers and crew in an operation that lasted half a minute. The four hijackers were all killed by gunfire.
No injuries to the hostages were reported and this was the first time a hijacking was thwarted by deadly force in Singapore.
Despite the well publicized operation, the Ministry of Defense of Singapore did not acknowledge the existence of the group until 1997. Units Size and units are classified.
Are They Professional Soldiers?
Members of the SOF are professional soldiers and highly skilled in intelligence gathering, land, sea and air operations as well as counter-terrorism.
