Singapore Special Operations Force

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The Special Operations Force (SOF) is part of the Singapore Army's Commandos arm. It is highly trained, and trains regularly with the United States Delta Force, U.S. Army Rangers, and Navy SEALs. They also practise free-falling in all terrains and weather conditions.

It takes approximately four years, including overseas deployments and freefalls to qualify as a SOF trooper.

Made up of an unspecified number, the Special Operations Force is an elite special force which deals with situations such as hostage-taking. As with other such organisations, the identities of its personnel is closely guarded. The most prominent SOF personnel (due to high profile appointments after active service) is Colonel Lo Yong Po, who often bears US Navy Seal badges and service medals.

Non-active former SOF personnel can be spotted sometimes with a "SPECIAL FORCES" tab on the right sleeve of a combat uniform, or a smaller semi-circle badge on ceremonial uniform, though most prefer to be discreet and choose not to wear the tabs.

Successful operations include the 1991 rescue of Singapore Airlines Flight 117 at Singapore Changi Airport. It was the first time the SOF was revealed to the public. Four hijackers were killed, with no casualties on the SOF or passengers.

Troopers are trained in jungle-warfare, reconnaissance and counter-terrorism, and are deployable by land, airborne assault and amphibious assault, specialising in free-falling, diving and long-range land insertion. They are each cross-trained to operate all types of weapons and equipments, though each trooper is assigned a specialist appointment in his team.

Weapons used include the SAR-21 Assault Rifle, MP5 submachine gun, M4 carbine, P-90 submachine gun, various shotguns, Vektor and SiG pistols, several kinds of sniper rifles and a wide variety of classified weapons.

See Also

• Naval Diving Unit (Singapore)
• Special Tactics and Rescue Unit (Singapore)
• List of special forces units