The practical business of warfighting

Broadening horizons and self-improvement are the main benefits of military exercises with other nations, according to Singaporean warfare officer MAJ Raymond Chan.

Speaking about Exercise Singaroo, which brings together the Republic of Singapore Navy and the RAN, MAJ Chan said: “If you are learning by yourself, it’s hard to know where your strengths and weaknesses are.”

“With Exercise Singaroo, we can broaden our horizons and learn from each other, which helps us improve.”

First conducted in 1995, the 23rd iteration of Exercise Singaroo recently took place from September 14 to 18 across HMA Ships Kuttabul, Watson and Ballarat, and RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.  

The Singaporean group comprised combat and engineering officers from the Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme along with submariners and personnel from flying squadrons. They were joined by officers and sailors from Ballarat.

A highlight for the Singaporeans was the trip to RAAF Base Edinburgh to learn about the P-8A Poseidon, as their country has ordered four of the maritime patrol aircraft.

For RAN SMN Thomas Gourlay, the desktop war gaming exercise involving a complex regional security scenario was a terrific learning experience.

“Anti-submarine warfare is our bread and butter, so it’s valuable to learn how another Navy operates and what they do differently to us,” SMN Gourlay said.

“It’s interesting to see the Singaporean view and how we can work together to problem solve and achieve the mission. It makes us a stronger and more capable Navy.”

CO Ballarat CMDR Ken Brown said Exercise Singaroo focused on the practical business of warfighting.

“For us the real value is working through the tactical problems together,” CMDR Brown said.

“It sharpens our tactical thinking and develops our confidence so that when we are required to operate together, we understand how to do it effectively.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Fleet Commander of the Republic of Singapore Navy COL Bertram Ang said the true strength of the Singaroo partnership remains its people.

“It is the professional trust, the shared values and the enduring people-to-people relationships built over decades that allow us to operate together with such high levels of synergy,” COL Ang said.