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SILENT PRECISION DRILL the custom to assemble the garrison in
formation with the departing troops in the
Precision Drill was first introduced in the SAF place of honour on the right. Three cheers for
in the year 1984. It is a form of drill where a their departing comrades were then given by
group of men perform in unison, with precise the troops remaining behind. The simple notes
coordination and timing without commands of the Three Cheers as they are used today
being given. could very well have this symbolic meaning.

Every squad member takes about 6 months In the SAF, the Three Cheers (Optional) are
to train before they can start performing on rendered during a Change- Of Command
any occasion. Parade. They will be performed without
removing headdress thus using the right hand.
Their training emphasises on physical The right palm should be in a clenched
endurance, mental discipline, coordination
and teamwork between the squad members position.
to execute a series of complex arms drill.
GLOVES
The weapon that they are using is called MK
4 (Mark 4). It weighs approximately 5 kg. Apart from their practical uses to protect the
and 1.2 m in length. hands from cold and injury, gloves have
symbolic connotations. They are mainly used
The Silent Precision Drill Squad has for ceremonial purposes in the SAF. Gloves
constantly been appearing in major events have been used as a ceremonial item since
like National Day Parades, Chingay medieval times. They are worn when in No. 1
Processions, Istana Changing-of-Guards and uniform.
numerous recruitment activities. During
participation, the Silent Precision Drill SAF DAY PARADE
Squad has won numerous recognitions.

The Silent Precision Drill Squad has caught
the eye of every Singaporean with the
precision execution of complex arms drill.
The popularity of the squad was not only
confined to the local audience; it also spread
across Singapore’s border.

The Squad was invited to Malaysia in 1989
to perform for a Military Tattoo in Kuala President Halimah presenting the new Regimental
Lumpur, where the squad was commended Colours to Headquarters Army Intelligence.
for her outstanding performance. Received by Chief Army Intelligence Officer,
Colonel Paul Cheak
THE THREE CHEERS On 1 July 1969, the SAF celebrated her first

Armed Forces Day. The first SAF day saw a
This custom originated at the time of the
Crusades. At the time, when detachments 1,500-strong contingent of servicemen and
were sent away on faraway campaigns, it was women in a grand parade finale and march