I guess I have been out of the SAF loop for too long. SInce when can a NSmen serve in the RSAF as an aircrew onboard a Super Puma, and also attain Sgt rank?
NSF does 4 extra months of NS to join RSAF helicopter competition -
The siren sounded, sending over a dozen men running out onto the airstrip. All geared up in their flight suits with helmets in hand, the crew dashed into their respective helicopters, and Sembawang Air Base soon droned with the familiar whir of their rotors.
Three minutes later, the first aircraft left the ground to perform its mission. It was only a drill, but the exercise, part of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) Air Warrior Challenge (AWC) yesterday, was taken seriously by those who participated. "Exercises like these help give us a sense of realism in preparing for scenarios when they happen," said Third Sergeant and full-time national serviceman Goh Zhe-Wen, 20. Sgt Goh was one of 97 participants in an annual competition that pits the skills of helicopter squadrons against one another. The participants, who are from the 120, 123, 125, 126 and 127 squadrons based at Sembawang Air Base, were a mix of army regulars and NSFs. They went through several challenges that test their ability to maintain their aircraft and complete missions.
The tasks ranged from towing a grounded helicopter between two cones to winching a mock survivor to safety. Sgt Goh, who specialises in operating on board Super Puma helicopters, extended his national service by four-and-a-half months in order to take part in the challenge, which he is doing for the first time. He said his passion for saving lives led him to spend additional time in the army. He recalled the first time he responded to an emergency in March last year. Then, he and his crew rescued a man suffering from a heat injury off the coast of Singapore -
"If we had not arrived in time, his condition could have worsened and he could have died," Sgt Goh said, declining to elaborate further on the incident. - See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/singap...f-helicopter-competition#sthash.I3IXxrJY.dpuf
NSF does 4 extra months of NS to join RSAF helicopter competition -
The siren sounded, sending over a dozen men running out onto the airstrip. All geared up in their flight suits with helmets in hand, the crew dashed into their respective helicopters, and Sembawang Air Base soon droned with the familiar whir of their rotors.
Three minutes later, the first aircraft left the ground to perform its mission. It was only a drill, but the exercise, part of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) Air Warrior Challenge (AWC) yesterday, was taken seriously by those who participated. "Exercises like these help give us a sense of realism in preparing for scenarios when they happen," said Third Sergeant and full-time national serviceman Goh Zhe-Wen, 20. Sgt Goh was one of 97 participants in an annual competition that pits the skills of helicopter squadrons against one another. The participants, who are from the 120, 123, 125, 126 and 127 squadrons based at Sembawang Air Base, were a mix of army regulars and NSFs. They went through several challenges that test their ability to maintain their aircraft and complete missions.
The tasks ranged from towing a grounded helicopter between two cones to winching a mock survivor to safety. Sgt Goh, who specialises in operating on board Super Puma helicopters, extended his national service by four-and-a-half months in order to take part in the challenge, which he is doing for the first time. He said his passion for saving lives led him to spend additional time in the army. He recalled the first time he responded to an emergency in March last year. Then, he and his crew rescued a man suffering from a heat injury off the coast of Singapore -
"If we had not arrived in time, his condition could have worsened and he could have died," Sgt Goh said, declining to elaborate further on the incident. - See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/singap...f-helicopter-competition#sthash.I3IXxrJY.dpuf
