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NDP 2011 to feature first female Parade Regimental Sergeant Major
By Joanne Chan | Posted: 08 June 2011 1808 hrs
MWO Jennifer Tan
MWO Jennifer Tan
SINGAPORE: In preparation for this year's National Day Parade, military personnel have been toiling under the sun to get their drills right.
And getting them into shape is the Parade Regimental Sergeant Major, Master Warrant Officer Jennifer Tan, who is also the first woman appointed in the parade's history.
She will also call out the commands for the 29 contingents to march onto the stage.
MWO Tan said: "Anyone appointed in this role, regardless of gender, the same pressure, the same pride will take place."
Asked about the challenges she faced, MWO Tan said that while she is a contingent trainer, being in-charge of 29 contingents and ensuring that all the participants are up to the mark has been a challenge.
Another challenge - learning the Malay commands - where she sought help from her Malay colleagues to get the pronunciation right.
In addition to being the first woman to hold this role, this year's parade is also special for MWO Tan as she will be joined by her three sons. Two of her sons will serve as lance guards for President S R Nathan, while her third son will be a crowd motivator.
Five of the marching contingents will be involved in the "Onward March".
This year's parade segment will see some 500 personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team marching up these stands, which will be filled with spectators. They will be singing a national song while keeping in step.
Another highlight of the parade segment - the "Majulah Moment".
Chairman of the Parade & Ceremony, Chia Chien Wei, said: "The uniform groups will receive the flag and raise the flag on the platform. This will be synchronised with the Chinook fly past. And at the end of the "Majulah Moment" will be the fly past of the F-15s, where they execute the salute to the nation."
The parade segment will also feature other traditional favourites, such as the Feu-de-Joie or rifle salute, and the Presidential 21-Gun Salute.
-CNA/ac
By Joanne Chan | Posted: 08 June 2011 1808 hrs
MWO Jennifer Tan

MWO Jennifer Tan
SINGAPORE: In preparation for this year's National Day Parade, military personnel have been toiling under the sun to get their drills right.
And getting them into shape is the Parade Regimental Sergeant Major, Master Warrant Officer Jennifer Tan, who is also the first woman appointed in the parade's history.
She will also call out the commands for the 29 contingents to march onto the stage.
MWO Tan said: "Anyone appointed in this role, regardless of gender, the same pressure, the same pride will take place."
Asked about the challenges she faced, MWO Tan said that while she is a contingent trainer, being in-charge of 29 contingents and ensuring that all the participants are up to the mark has been a challenge.
Another challenge - learning the Malay commands - where she sought help from her Malay colleagues to get the pronunciation right.
In addition to being the first woman to hold this role, this year's parade is also special for MWO Tan as she will be joined by her three sons. Two of her sons will serve as lance guards for President S R Nathan, while her third son will be a crowd motivator.
Five of the marching contingents will be involved in the "Onward March".
This year's parade segment will see some 500 personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team marching up these stands, which will be filled with spectators. They will be singing a national song while keeping in step.
Another highlight of the parade segment - the "Majulah Moment".
Chairman of the Parade & Ceremony, Chia Chien Wei, said: "The uniform groups will receive the flag and raise the flag on the platform. This will be synchronised with the Chinook fly past. And at the end of the "Majulah Moment" will be the fly past of the F-15s, where they execute the salute to the nation."
The parade segment will also feature other traditional favourites, such as the Feu-de-Joie or rifle salute, and the Presidential 21-Gun Salute.
-CNA/ac
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