2014/02 - Command level exercises

The RSAF conducts various local exercises to hone its airmen’s skills and competencies. Such exercises provide realistic training opportunities and promote cross-functional integration within or across the Commands, so that the airmen will be ready to defend Singapore in times of need.

Local exercises are held in realistic operational conditions so that the airmen can fight tough, fight together, and fight as one.

Command Challenges are also held annually to validate the airmen’s skills and competencies in a friendly competitive setting, and maintain cross-functional operational effectiveness. The aircrew are assessed on their skills in precision weapons delivery, Combat Search and Rescue, air-to-air gunnery, and others. The ground crew are assessed on such skills as maintenance proficiencies, weapon loading accuracy and speed, and sortie generation.

The Command Challenges are:

• Flaming Arrow by Air Defence and Operations Command, involving the  air defence weapon platforms;

• Top Ace and Big Shot by Air Combat Command, involving the fighter and transport squadrons respectively;

• Air Warrior by Participation Command, involving the helicopter squadrons;

• Eagle Challenge by Air Power Generation Command, involving the air base operability, civil engineering, ground logistics, and force protection units;

• Top Notch by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command, involving the UAV squadrons.

Strict rules govern each Challenge to ensure that missions are carried out safely but in realistic and demanding conditions. The Challenges are staged in increasing levels of complexity over a number of days, allowing competitors to hone their skills progressively.

During the Challenges, cross-Command exchanges and professional interactions provide opportunities for the airmen to better understand the type of capabilities that each Command brings to the battlefield, and reinforce the bonds between them as fellow RSAF personnel.
 

The Super Puma is one of the aircraft used in Air Warrior, a Command Challenge involving helicopter squadrons.

Ground crew loading missiles onto the aircraft.

Ground Based Air Defence personnel getting the I-HAWK ready for an exercise.

UAV pilots and Air Force Engineers carrying out the final checks before the exercise.

A pilot getting the go-ahead from aircrew before take-off.