Hello Everyone,
as today is the Army Family Day, all of us NSFs have been invited to the Army Open House [AOH] 2012 @ Our City to view the latest military technology and to keep ourselves updated with the latest army happenings.
Well, Baby and I initially planned to visit the AOH over the weekends last week but due to time constraints, we weren’t able to make it. As a result, much of what you see in this blog entry is a limited cover on this event.
As the AOH was held at the City [F1 Paddock Building to be exact], I drove and parked my car at the Marina Square Shopping Centre and walked over. It was about a 10 minutes walk from the Marina Square Shopping Centre Carpark to the F1 Paddock Building.
Along the way, I shot these footprints that indicated the directions to the AOH.
And seriously, the weather was extremely hot!
From the cross junction, I could already see that there were tons of people at the AOH and for myself personally, I tend to avoid crowded places unless there is a need to.
Some Photographs Nearing The Entrance
This is a Fast Craft Unit that can carry soldiers for landing operations
The Ever-Helpful Information Booth
At the Entrance
Sorry to say, I forgot what this vehicle was called. Maybe you readers could enlighten me.
As I was there at around 0945hours, I straightaway went to queue up to view the Dynamic Defence Demonstration [D3] that was to take place at 1000hours at the Dynamic Show Arena. I must say, the D3 was well carried out with precise coordination that left many of the audiences in awe. In fact, watching the D3 was very much realistic as to what we [whom are serving our National Service in the SAF] are doing during our training. Here are some photos that I took during the D3 and this is part of my photography exploration with my Canon Powershot S100.
As always, the Singapore Red Lions Team are a National Icon for all National Day Parades and the AOH was not an exception either. Try to spot the tiny Chinhook and Parachutes in the following pictures
Much of the theme of AOH is very centred on NS45, the celebration of 45 years of National Service where Fathers and Sons can come together to share their experiences. And the D3’s plot is somewhere along the line where Fathers and Sons work together hand-in-hand to ensure that the sovereignty of the nation is not compromised.
Here are the dance crew from MDC.
And we were treated to a demonstration of how Security Troopers and the EOD Unit respond to a Bomb Threat and Terrorist Attack
Ok, following up, here are really huge chunks of photos that I took for D3 and in this segment, they demonstrated to us how our forces secure a building that has been captured by enemy forces. Do be patient and allow the photos to load as there are really lots of photos for this particular segment. I shall attempt to let the photos do the talking. In the photos, you could see the use of artillery and armour vehicles that uses shells to punch through the building. You could also see Chinhook, Apache Helicopters utilising their missiles and also the Infanteers whom came into the heat of the battle via the Terrex ICV!
And here’s the finale of the D3 where every servicemen and servicewomen involved were recognised for the hardwork and effort put into the demonstration.
I must say, the D3 was extremely solid. Not only did an awesome demonstration was put up, but it also thoroughly engaged the audience. Even after the D3, there were souvenirs for all the audiences [provided that they were able to catch it].
Yes, these are the souvenirs that I am talking about. Little toy soldiers on parachutes that flew to the audience. I was able to catch hold on one of these but I gave mine to a little girl that was sitting beside me.
As you can see, for just the D3 alone, there are already so many photographs taken! If I were to cover the entire AOH, I figured that I would need to break down this blog entry into a series of entries. So I shall not do that as I have quite a number of outstanding backlogs. In summary, there are just so many things that you can do at the AOH. There are definitely many exciting activities that you can do there such as taking a joyride on some of the military vehicles, taking photos with the soldiers, finding out more about the latest army happenings and so much more!
It was a really fruitful event indeed.
Well, in any case, if you have missed the AOH @ Our City, I have a piece of extremely exciting news for you. The NS45 Showcase will be held at the various Heartlands such as Tampines [2-3 June], Jurong East [9-10 June], and Toa Payoh HDB Hub [16-17 June]! There will be the NS45 Showcase, Games and Activities, Vehicle Platform Displays, and Show Performances, so be sure that you do not miss out on them!
Stay tuned for more updates from us!
God bless!
