SC/SGT(1) Chan Jeng Hin, a PNSF who has gone through the gruelling training of Special Operations Command, shares his experiences of serving in the unit.
TEXT: SPF
IMAGES: SPF
Joining the Special Operations Command (SOC) is an ambition of many Police Full-time National Servicemen (PNSFs), but to be a member of this elite unit is no easy feat, as officers undergo extremely rigorous training — from tough physical drills to scenario-based exercises and even handling special weapons and vehicles such as the water cannon vehicle.
SC/SGT(1) Chan Jeng Hin is among the selected PNSFs who have completed SOC training. Currently an Assistant Trainer in the School of Tactical Competency Development (STCD), his exemplary performance saw him graduate among the top 5 percent of his batch and earned him the Best Ops and Fitness title. With a thirst for self-improvement and a friendly rivalry between his troopmates, SC/SGT(1) Chan pushes himself to the fullest during every physical training session; always striving to be better.
SETTING THE BAR
Braving dangers and hardships, all SOC officers regardless of their specialisation are highly trained and well-equipped so they can perform their duties with great speed and focus, ensuring the safety of Singapore.
As an Assistant Trainer, SC/SGT(1) Chan is closely involved in all the physical training for PNSFs, including Close Quarter Combat (CQC), Armed Strike Team (AST), and the Police Tactical Course (PTC). He shares that the PTC is a rite of passage for trainees before they officially become an SOC Trooper.
The PTC is a 12-week-long course that includes mainly Public Order (PO) and Public Security (PS) training. This course aims to develop the trainees’ mental and physical resilience, as well as hone their leadership qualities and instill the important values a PTU Trooper should and must have.
SOC trainees undergoing the Police Tactical Course.
Serving as an Assistant Trainer has given SC/SGT(1) Chan opportunities to interact with people from all walks of life, including his trainees, supervisors and members of public. This has taught him how to better communicate and empathise with those around him. He also takes pride in being a trainer and hopes to make life in NS more fulfilling for his trainees by passing down important values and lessons.
“I am humbled to serve and stand alongside SPF’s finest special operators and troopers to protect the people. I have found purpose in what I am doing and expectations I am to uphold.”
SC/SGT(1) Chan Jeng Hin
WHAT IT MEANS TO SERVE IN THE PTU
The Special Operations Command (SOC) of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) is home to the Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR) unit, the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) and the K-9 Police Unit. Mainly tasked to deal with emergency situations like riots and terrorism, the PTU (or Riot Squad, as it was originally called) was formed in 1952 to deal with Public Order situations after the Maria Hertogh riots.
It was then revamped after the Mumbai attacks in 2008 to deal with more sophisticated Public Security incidents. As such, PTU officers are required to have higher standards than their SPF peers in both their physical fitness and mental fortitude.
Forged by adversity through the years, PTU Troopers stand at the forefront of tactical excellence to bring the full spectrum of combat power in order to execute their duties swiftly and successfully.
