2008/01 - Participation Command

Participation Command (PC) was formed by combining components of air participation operations, such as helicopter units from Sembawang Air Base, divisional air participation operations from the former Air Defence and Systems Division, and terminal units from the former Tactical Air Support Command. PC enhances the SAF's ability to deliver the full range of air power capabilities to support both land and maritime forces; it is another hallmark of the RSAF’s vision to address the Army’s and Navy’s needs for training, capability development, and war fighting.

PC was inaugurated on 4 January 2008 by Chief of Defence Force LG Desmond Kuek (second from left).

The Participation Command crest.

“Participation Command’s inauguration marks not only the third major step in the transformation of the RSAF, but also a key milestone for the 3rd Generation SAF.”

LG Desmond Kuek, Chief of Defence Force, 2008 at the third inauguration ceremony of the five operational Commands

“As a Chinook pilot, I’ve already been working with the Army and Navy for some years now. But PC is really about understanding the culture and way of operations to better coordinate and integrate with the other Services in the SAF.”

CPT Neo Aik Chiao, Pilot, 127 Squadron, 2008 on his experience of working in PC

“In the past, air support for Army operations was more fragmented…the Army would have to coordinate with the Tactical Air Support Command for air terminal support, Sembawang Air Base for helicopter assets, and Air Defence Systems Division for divisional air defence support. With these three functions now under one Command, the Air Force is able to provide a tightly integrated participation task force as part of the Army's and Navy’s operations.”

MAJ Sam Chee Chong, Branch Head, HQ PC, 2008 on how PC improves air support for land and maritime operations