Our Core Values
We pride ourselves to uphold the values of Courage, Honour, Esprit De Corps, Daring Initiative, Discipline and Leadership.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the Singapore Armed Forces' most highly trained and operationally elite soldiers. To be a world leading special forces.
Commandos are raid specialists of the armed forces. They strike in the cover of darkness and employ various means to get to their target undetected. They infiltrate territories using airborne raids, helicopter assaults or sea landings. A commando has to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.
Commandos on reconnaissance patrol avoid enemy contact during their missions, whilst expected to observe and report enemy activities and terrain information. They are cross trained in various skills and arms so they can take over each others' roles if necessary.
Where we all began
On 1 December 1969, a group of 10 regular officers and 20 other ranks came together under the name of Regular Battalion. The formation used to house in SAFTI; now situated in Hendon after the unit grew in size. The unit was then named 1st Commando Battalion in 16 July 1971.
SAF Ranger Course
The Ranger Course is regarded as the toughest small unit leadership course in the SAF. A 65-day course, Ranger Trainees go through intense combat leadership training oriented towards small-unit-tactics.
Basic Airborne Course
Basic Airborne Course (BAC) requires trainees to clock static line jumps.
Special Operations Task Force
SOTF was established in 2009, bringing together elite units within the SAF under one task force command to deal with unconventional threats. Assignable forces are the various SAF Special Forces (SF) units, such as the SAF Commandos and Naval Diving Unit, and assets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This allows SAF to quickly coordinate operators with specialised skills and deliver bespoke responses to meet the specific threats speedily.
Special Operations Task Force's motto: 'When No One Else Can' epitomises the Task Force's commitment and ability to respond swiftly and decisively to the myriads of threats and challenges that Singapore faces. Many people have since challenged themselves to come forth and be part of the Special Forces that safeguards Singapore's continued peace and security. Are you ready to answer this call of duty?
Embark on a fulfilling and challenging career with the SOTF! Here is how you can join us:
Joint Special Forces Selection Test (JSFST)
JSFST evaluates a candidate's physical and mental suitability for participation at the Special Forces Qualification Course and subsequent deployment in SOTF. Passing the JSFST is a pre-requisite for attending the SFQC.
Army pre-JSFST Preparatory Programme (AJPP)
AJPP is a 5-week programme open to all applicants.
The objective of AJPP is to provide dedicated and professional support to prepare applicants who are interested to attempt the JSFST. Participation in the preparatory programme is highly recommended for servicemen aspiring to attempt the JSFST and join the Special Forces.
A dedicated team under the ambit of Commando Training Institute (CTI) will prepare aspiring JSFST applicants. The parent unit will be requested to effect attachment of the applicants to CTI during this period to facilitate effective command and control.
Servicemen who are unable to attend the preparatory programme can continue to attempt the JSFST, provided that they complete the mandatory Pre-JSFST Preparatory Fitness Conditioning Program (PFCP) (as per Army Training Dir 02/13) and are endorsed by the Commander of their parent unit, along with other pre-requisites (e.g. medical FFI).