History UsefulNotes / SingaporeansWithStealthFrigates

One particular unit of note within the RSN is the Naval Diving Unit. These guys are considered the Commandos of the Navy, with a [[TrainingFromHell very harsh]] and [[NintendoHard strict physical regimen and training programme]] that sees a staggeringly high number of selected recruits drop out of training within the first few weeks. These guys become frogmen, Combat Divers and quasi-Marines when they are finished with their training. You do '''NOT''' want to mess with these guys.

* Army Maintenance and Engineering Support - They are the ones who ensure every single weapons system, army vehicle, and all related equipment are all fixed up and ready for use, right on time. They even do field repairs. With a huge assortment of machines and gadgets galore, the group of mechanics, engineers, and technicians keep the army machines going.

The S.A.F.'s recruitment and training processes are noted to be gruesome and tough. Well said, so it is perhaps lucky for the women that they are just permitted to volunteer for service, unlike the men. However, any given National Serviceman is bound to say that the training faced by newer ones is [[TheyDontMakeThemLikeTheyUsedTo nothing compared]] to what ''they'' used to face. Singapore is also noted to produce some of its own military equipment and they are relatively well-made, which makes some of Singapore's neighbours jealous. Some examples are [[CoolGuns the]] [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAR-21 SAR-21]] [[CoolGuns Bullpup Assault Rifle]] and [[MoreDakka the]] [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimax Ultimax 100]] [[MoreDakka Lightweight Light Machine Gun]].[[note]]...which is not as awesome, given its proclivity to jamming. [[ShurFineGuns Very frequently.]] In fairness, this is due to the military's practice of modifying magazines intended for the M16, not an inherent design flaw.[[/note]]

The '''Republic of Singapore Navy''' is a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green-water_navy green-water navy]] with a slightly higher degree of power projection, and is regarded as one of the best in the Southeast Asian region. Most of the servicemen in the RSN are career soldiers. It operates from two naval bases and consists of 6 submarines, 6 frigates, 6 corvettes, 11 patrol vessels, 4 amphibious transport docks and 4 mine countermeasures vessels. The RSN also recently added 2 unmanned surface vessels to its inventory. At the same time, the Navy operates closely with the Air Force in manning naval patrol aircraft such as the S-70B Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopter and [[DeathFromAbove Fokker 50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft]].

* Army Maintenance and Engineering Support

* Once all the training is done, soldiers will serve out their respective roles in the S.A.F. until they complete their National Service term. During the course of all the training mentioned above, it is possible for any combat-fit soldier to 'sign on' (to use the local terminology) to become a regular.

One thing to note is that the RSN doesn't use typical Naval ranks like Ensign, Lieutenant Commander or Commander (except for its Admirals and Midshipmen). They stick to the Army ranks, ostensibly because Naval command doesn't want to confuse its servicemen. So a Captain in the RSN isn't really TheCaptain, but a [[ColonelBadass Lieutenant Colonel or full Colonel]] is. And a Lieutenant isn't exactly the Naval equivalent to a Captain, but is [[MindScrew really just]] a Lieutenant.

* '''Warrant Officers''': Specialists with enough years of experience can be selected to attend a Warrant Officer Conversion Course. They are considered senior Specialists, whose advice all [[TheNeidermeyer officers]] are recommended to take seriously. Men are addressed as [[TheyCallMeMisterTibbs 'Encik']] (meaning 'mister' in Malay), whilst women are addressed as 'ma'am'[[note]]actually 'Cik' (meaning ‘Ms.' in Malay), but hardly anyone even knows that term exists[[/note]].

!!The Singapore Armed Forces comprises three branches:

* Army Intelligence - [[IdTellYouButThenIdHaveToKillYou We'd tell you, but then]] [[InvertedTrope they'd have to kill us]].

* '''Warrant Officers''': Specialists with enough years of experience can be selected to attend a Warrant Officer Conversion Course. They are considered senior Specialists, whose advice all [[TheNeidermeyer officers]] are recommended to take seriously. Men are addressed as [[TheyCallMeMisterTibbs 'Encik']] (meaning 'mister' in Malay), whilst women are addressed as 'ma'am'[[note]]actually 'Cik' but hardly anyone even knows the term exists[[/note]].

* '''Military Domain Experts Scheme''': Implemented in 2010, this rank structure for regulars with deep specialisations in certain military domains such as engineering and intelligence, is unique to the S.A.F. The ranks are just "[=ME[insert number here]=]" with the pay grades mentioned when necessary e.g. [=ME4-1=] (pronounced as Em-Ee-Four-Dash-One). Those under this scheme and with these ranks are known as Military Experts. Those without a degree start off as [=ME1T=] and go through Specialist Cadet School before becoming [=ME1=], and those with a degree start off as [=ME4T=] and go through Officer Cadet School before becoming [=ME4A=] upon course completion followed by a promotion to [=ME4-1=]; while they're treated as commissioned officers with salutes and all, they don't actually receive a commission. Regulars with a standard rank and in certain vocations (particularly those in the Air Force or Navy) can also cross over to their equivalent ME rank, which would mean that Master Warrant Officers and above get to be treated like a commissioned officer after crossing over. Being a contiguous rank structure, in theory it's possible for an [=ME1=] to work their way up to [=ME8=] (equivalent to Brigadier General), but in practice they'd be lucky to even touch [=ME5=], at least if they don't get a degree and jump to [=ME4=] first.
** [=ME1=] - [=ME2=] - [=ME3=] - [=ME4=] - [=ME5=] - [=ME6=] - [=ME7=] - [=ME8=]

* Singapore Guards - The [[EliteArmy Rapid Deployment and Strike Force]]. Trained much harder and tougher than regular infantry, they are a bit more numerous than the Commandos, but are definitely no less tough. Have an equally iconic khaki[[note]]green until 1994[[/note]] beret.

* In the fourth singleplayer campaign level of ''VideoGame/Battlefield4'', the Singapore Armed Forces is suspiciously and completely absent despite the level taking place in Chinese-occupied Singapore. No official word has been given pertaining to the state of the [=SAF=] and the local population, but given the comparatively astronomical might of the [[UsefulNotes/ChineseWithChopperSupport People's Liberation Army]], either the island's defenders had completely stood down in the face of occupation, or a more darker outcome, the [=PLA=] [[KillEmAll rendering the local army inoperable with extreme prejudice]]. The [=SAR 21 MMS=] and the Ultimax 100 Mark 5 are featured firearms in both singleplayer and multiplayer.

* The 2012 Singaporean-Malaysian comedy film quadrilogy of ''Film/AhBoysToMen''. The main plot revolves around a group of army recruits as they start their National Service. Ken Chow is a [[SpoiledBrat spoilt]] teenager who dislikes the Army and is reluctant to enlist as he wants to study abroad with his girlfriend. While waiting for the mandatory haircut, Ken gets to know a few people - "''Lobang''" [[StreetSmart Lee Onn]], [[Main/{{Nerd}} Aloysius Jin]] (a.k.a ''Wayang'' King) and Man In Ping (a.k.a. "I.P. Man"). Emotional issues that National Service recruits experience for a long period of time, such as not being able to be in touch with their kin are tackled. It also pokes fun into many infamous incidents related to the Singapore Army by parodying these events. It is the highest-grossing Singaporean film of all time, and has grossed over four times of its S$3 million budget. Buoyed by audience demand, a third installment ''Ah Boys To Men 3: Frogmen'' has been released, in an alternate ending where, instead of going their different ways after the second movie to the Officer Cadet School and Specialist Cadet School, Aloysius, Ken and Lobang instead somehow find themselves at the Naval Diving Unit. A fourth flim was released in 2017 which is yet ''another'' alternate universe where the whole group serves in the armoured infantry, but takes place during their reservist days.

* Army Medical Services - [[TheMedic Medic]]! They most definitely do not run around in white lab coats with syringe guns, but these are the guys you want watching your back. One amazing thing about the Medical Corps is that a large majority of qualified medics were once untrained recruits, meaning the training must have been quite...[[TrainingFromHell intensive]]. Case in point, it used to take a Specialist medic (ie one with the rank of sergeant) almost as long to earn his chevrons as an officer to earn his stripes. Now? [[UpToEleven It can take even *longer*.]] Medical Officers are a different breed; most, if not all of them are actually medical graduates who deferred their term of service to complete their M.D. qualifications. In return for their deferment, they serve out their NS liabilities as Medical Officers.

** - [=ME2=] - [=ME3=] - [=ME4=] - [=ME5=] - [=ME6=] - [=ME7=] - [=ME8=]

* '''Regulars''' - Every soldier in the S.A.F. starts out as an NSF. Somewhere along the line, they either decided that serving their nation is what they want to do, or they feel their talents lie best with the military. Those, or they simply just went insane and signed a minimum of 6 years of their lives away on a dotted line. All ranks higher than 2nd Sergeant (for enlisted personnel) and Lieutenant (for officers) must be regulars (unless you did something super awesome, like sink a pirate ship with a stone or something. To date, no one has been reported to have done this). The Navy and Air Force also mainly comprise regulars, as the technical expertise and dedication required often demands a longer time for training and learning, which will definitely exceed the NSF's liability of two years. All [[TheSquadette women]] in the S.A.F. are regulars, since women are not required to perform National Service. All Military Experts are also regulars, as their training is too long for the 2 years [=NSFs=] typically serve.

* Army Intelligence - [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ptitlewnwrl6yo We'd tell you, but then]] [[InvertedTrope they'd have to kill us]].

* Singapore Infantry Regiments - The bulk of the Army, though no less important. Probably the least glamourous (and least sought-after) vocation, but essential in any combat engagement.

* Singapore Armed Forces Ammunition Command - Again, important. [[CaptainObvious No bullets means no bullets to kill guys with]].

* Singapore Artillery - [[AltumVidetur In Oriente Primus]]. No Army is complete without artillery, and the Singapore Army has plenty of it. They have some pretty cool toys too, like the PRIMUS Mobile Howitzer and [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SLWH_Pegasus Pegasus Lightweight Howitzer]].

* The 2012 Singaporean-Malaysian comedy film trilogy of ''AhBoysToMen''. The main plot revolves around a group of army recruits as they start their National Service. Ken Chow is a [[SpoiledBrat spoilt]] teenager who dislikes the Army and is reluctant to enlist as he wants to study abroad with his girlfriend. While waiting for the mandatory haircut, Ken gets to know a few people - "''Lobang''" [[StreetSmart Lee Onn]], [[Main/{{Nerd}} Aloysius Jin]] (a.k.a ''Wayang'' King) and Man In Ping (a.k.a. "I.P. Man"). Emotional issues that National Service recruits experience for a long period of time, such as not being able to be in touch with their kin are tackled. It also pokes fun into many infamous incidents related to the Singapore Army by parodying these events. It is the highest-grossing Singaporean film of all time, and has grossed over four times of its S$3 million budget. Buoyed by audience demand, a third installment ''Ah Boys To Men 3: Frogmen'' has been released, in an alternate ending where, instead of going their different ways after the second movie to the Officer Cadet School and Specialist Cadet School, Aloysius, Ken and Lobang instead somehow find themselves at the Naval Diving Unit. A fourth flim was released in 2017 which is yet ''another'' alternate universe where the whole group serves in the armoured infantry, but takes place during their reservist days.
* In the fourth singleplayer campaign level of ''{{Battlefield 4}}'', the Singapore Armed Forces is suspiciously and completely absent despite the level taking place in Chinese-occupied Singapore. No official word has been given pertaining to the state of the [=SAF=] and the local population, but given the comparatively astronomical might of the [[UsefulNotes/ChineseWithChopperSupport People's Liberation Army]], either the island's defenders had completely stood down in the face of occupation, or a more darker outcome, the [=PLA=] [[KillEmAll rendering the local army inoperable with extreme prejudice]]. The [=SAR 21 MMS=] and the Ultimax 100 Mark 5 are featured firearms in both singleplayer and multiplayer.

* The SAF is mentioned but unseen in ''VideoGame/CallOfDutyBlackOps3''. The futuristic SAF is described as corrupt and selfish by several citizens, having completely abandoned evacuation efforts after the Singapore Disaster due to ''[[GaiasVengeance typhoons]]'' hitting the region frequently, which led to the building of the containment wall. It is also heavily implied that the army does under-the-table transactions with the 54 Immortals and that several [=54i=] footsoldiers are or were serving members of the Singapore military, such as He "Seraph" Zhen-Zhen, an enforcer with familial ties to high ranking officials. The Singapore Police Force does makes a brief appearance [[spoiler:as allies in the mission "Vengeance", after the 54 Immortals breach the containment walls in response to a leak of the CIA's direct involvement in the Disaster. The local police responders are quickly overwhelmed by the superior technological might of the gangsters and as a result the islands descends into chaos and anarchy.]]

* After Basic Military Training ([=BMT=]), all successful recruits, i.e. most, are promoted to the rank of Private. This is done at a Passing Out Parade (no, [[IThoughtItMeant this doesn't mean they all pass out]] and collapse during the parade[[note]]It happens, but only to one or two dudes[[/note]], but that they have passed out of basic training). Before completion of [=BMT=], recruits are assessed according to their leadership abilities and physical aptitudes. This will determine the future course of their progression in National Service. Some will be selected to become Commissioned Officers, others to become [[SergeantRock Specialists]] (what Non-Commissioned Officers are called in the S.A.F.) and the rest will be streamed into vocational schools.

The Singapore Armed Forces is the military of the island nation of Singapore. Its high-tech capability compensates for its small size of 76,000 men and about 300,000 in reserves.

* The 2012 Singaporean-Malaysian comedy film trilogy of ''AhBoysToMen''. The main plot revolves around a group of army recruits as they start their National Service. Ken Chow is a [[SpoiledBrat spoilt]] teenager who dislikes the Army and is reluctant to enlist as he wants to study abroad with his girlfriend. While waiting for the mandatory haircut, Ken gets to know a few people - "''Lobang''" [[StreetSmart Lee Onn]], [[Main/{{Nerd}} Aloysius Jin]] (a.k.a ''Wayang'' King) and Man In Ping (a.k.a. "I.P. Man"). Emotional issues that National Service recruits experience for a long period of time, such as not being able to be in touch with their kin are tackled. It also pokes fun into many infamous incidents related to the Singapore Army by parodying these events. It is the highest-grossing Singaporean film of all time, and has grossed over four times of its S$3 million budget. Buoyed by audience demand, a third installment ''Ah Boys To Men 3: Frogmen'' has been released, in an alternate ending where, instead of going their different ways after the second movie to the Officer Cadet School and Specialist Cadet School, Aloysius, Ken and Lobang instead somehow find themselves at the Naval Diving Unit.

* In the fourth singleplayer campaign level of ''{{Battlefield 4}}'', the Singapore Armed Forces is suspiciously and completely absent despite the level taking place in Chinese-occupied Singapore. No official word has been given pertaining to the state of the [=SAF=] and the local population, but given the comparatively astronomical might of the [[ChineseWithChopperSupport People's Liberation Army]], either the island's defenders had completely stood down in the face of occupation, or a more darker outcome, the [=PLA=] [[KillEmAll rendering the local army inoperable with extreme prejudice]]. The [=SAR 21 MMS=] and the Ultimax 100 Mark 5 are featured firearms in both singleplayer and multiplayer.

* '''Military Domain Experts Scheme''': Implemented in 2010, this rank structure for regulars ( with deep specialisations in certain military domains such as engineering and intelligence, is unique to the S.A.F. The ranks are just "[=ME[insert number here]=]" with the pay grades mentioned when necessary e.g. [=ME4-1=] (pronounced as Em-Ee-Four-Dash-One). Those under this scheme and with these ranks are known as Military Experts. Those without a degree start off as [=ME1T=] and go through Specialist Cadet School before becoming [=ME1=], and those with a degree start off as [=ME4T=] and go through Officer Cadet School before becoming [=ME4A=] upon course completion followed by a promotion to [=ME4-1=]; while they're treated as commissioned officers with salutes and all, they don't actually receive a commission. Regulars with a standard rank and in certain vocations (particularly those in the Air Force or Navy) can also cross over to their equivalent ME rank, which would mean that Master Warrant Officers and above get to be treated like a commissioned officer after crossing over. Being a contiguous rank structure, in theory it's possible for an [=ME1=] to work their way up to [=ME8=] (equivalent to Brigadier General), but in practice they'd be lucky to even touch [=ME5=], at least if they don't get a degree and jump to [=ME4=] first.