Photos by PIONEER photographers
Illustration by Shaul Heymans
For the first time, the ARMY OPEN HOUSE will be held in the heart of Singapore at the F1 Pit Building. Look forward to all things Army and a fun-filled weekend by the bay!
Do not be alarmed if you spot tanks and other military weaponry downtown in May, as the Army Open House (AOH) rolls into town. From fun rides and activities to glimpses of the Army's latest and newest platforms, there is something for everyone in the family.
"We want them (the visitors) to learn more about the 3rd Generation Army and NS (National Service) while having fun, and we hope that both visitors and participants will leave with fond memories," said Brigadier-General Yeo See Peng, Chairman Executive Committee AOH@Our City and Commander 6th Singapore Division.
Some of the key highlights of AOH@Our City include the NS45 Showcase, daily shows featuring air, land and sea capabilities, and rides on the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle.
Check these out!
As this year marks the 45th anniversary of NS, walk along Army Avenue and visit the NS45 Showcase for a time tunnel journey where stories of NS come alive. You can also catch a glimpse of what drives the 3rd Generation Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) forward at the Technology and Innovation Zone.
The Army Open House promises to be a massive playground where visitors will get a rare chance to be thrilled by the Red Lions and attack helicopters at the Dynamic Defence Demonstration Show. If you're the adventurous type, challenge your friends in an immersive "combat" environment at the Combat Zone or try and conquer the tower at the Adventure Soldier area. Young children can get their first taste of the Army experience at Kidz Boot Camp.
Besides getting rides on the Army's military platforms, you can also enjoy a scenic cruise along Marina Bay at the Battle Rides Zone.
Enjoy performances at the Military Show featuring the SAF Music and Drama Company, SAF Band, and the Military Police Precision Drill Squad, or chill out with your family and friends at Canteen Break.
Home-grown innovations by SAF service personnel will make their debut appearances at the PRoductivity and Innovation in Daily Effort movement displays.
With such a jam-packed line-up, AOH@Our City promises to thrill visitors of all ages. See you there!
Army by the bay
Highlights of this year's Army Open House (AOH), which will be open to the public at the F1 Pit Building on 26 and 27 May.
Chill out
Tired from walking around AOH@Our City? Rest your feet at the carnival area where there'll be ample drinks and snacks stalls. Parents will be relieved to know that there will be a military-themed play area for children below the age of 10, so that they can rest while watching the kids from a distance. Also, enjoy a 45 percent discount off Singapore Flights (for up to four tickets) during the AOH@Our City period when you present your SAF 11B at the Singapore Flyer ticketing counters.
Go for a ride
Take a spin in some of the Army's most recognised vehicles such as the BIONIX II Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle, then head out to sea on board the Lighter, Amphibious Resupply, Cargo (LARC) V, assault boats and more! Be prepared to queue since these rides are very popular!
Machines on display
Get your cameras ready as the Army puts its machines on display! A mainstay of AOH, it is here that visitors will get to see tanks and other military weaponry up close and learn about the Army's 3rd Generation capabilities. Parents and the soon-to-be enlisted, here's your chance to learn more!
Get moving
So you are turning 18 and enlisting soon. Get a head start and try your hands (and feet) at the Battlefield course, where you'll be able to engage in a two-sided fight with the Army's Tactical Engagement System and learn more about weaponry used in the Singapore Armed Forces. Those with a hardcore competitive streak can sign up for the Army Chin-up Challenge and try out the electronic Individual Physical Proficiency Test systems to see how they stack up in the brawn department.
Game away
First-person shooter games just got a dose of reality. Here, you'll get to try out Virtual Battle Space 2, the Army's training simulation software, and pit your skills against other players. Held in conjunction with Nexus' National Education Gaming Championship (NEGC), it's your chance to get noticed!
Learn more
Find out about the Army's 3rd Generation capabilities and how they have evolved over the years. To mark the 45th anniversary of National Service (NS), an entire area will be dedicated to stories and images from past NS batches. You might just spot someone you know in the displays. Scroll down to find out more about the NS45 Showcase.
The SAF's future concepts and capabilities will also be on show together with its training safety and simulation systems. Additionally, the Army's various Formations will be making an appearance here so if you're looking at a military career, you might want to check them out first.
Army on show
Already making plans to visit AOH@Our City over the weekend? You're in luck, as the SAF Band, Music and Drama Company and Military Police will be putting on an hour-long show from 7pm.
If you can't stay till then, you can still watch the twice-a-day scenario-based dynamic shows at AOH@Our City at 10am and 4pm. Catch the SAF Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives defence group personnel, dogs from the Military Working Dog Unit and urban warfare demonstrations at the shows. The Red Lions will also take to the skies with a free-fall display!