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I'm for making this a sticky, but let's keep the flames to a minimum.
Post your query and wait patiently for a response. No spamming will be tolerated
This FAQ is for Guards/CDO/NDU BMT and conversion course queries.
Note that due to the nature of these units, please observe OPSEC when you answer or discuess these queries.
Thank you.
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Originally posted by Gedanken:Here's one for the CDO FAQ:
Q: Are trainee CDOs forced to drink water out of drains and fight with stray dogs for their food?
A: No.
As you know some instructors are copycats doiing what their predecessors did and then some are down right comedians.Maybe that medic guy "Commando Platoon mate" was played a practical joke which he willfully participated and then turn the story into some kind of big fark green beret type of training
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Ged,Is Tang Peck Onn still there in Changi?
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Originally posted by Short Ninja:As you know some instructors are copycats doiing what their predecessors did and then some are down right comedians.Maybe that medic guy "Commando Platoon mate" was played a practical joke which he willfully participated and then turn the story into some kind of big fark green beret type of training
Now that's a realistic scenario.
I can't recall ever meeting a Tang Peck Onn - then again, he could have been in HQ CDO at the time. -
Anyway, seriously:
Q: How siong is CDO training?
A: It's tough, but anybody who keeps his head can reasonably be expected to make it through. The training's a good application of the principle that the mind is the first thing to give way. We've had fit men crack under pressure, and at the same time we've had men who were unfit at enlistment who made it all the way through to the beret.
Q: What are the things I need to look out for?
A: 1) Don't bother trying to wayang - if you're doing a good job the instructors will notice it and not say anything, if you're trying to make a show of things you're more likely to get marked. 2) CDOs operate as a team - make sure you help your section and platton mates as much as you can if you have the time and resources available. 3) Along the lines of point 1, don't waste time gobbing off - your effort's better spent getting the job done.
Q: Can I become an officer if I go to CDO for NS?
A: Yes, you can, although only a small number get sent to OCS, and that's after they get selected for and pass the CDO section leader course first.
Q: Do I get CDO pay from enlistment?
A: Yes, you do. Note, however, that it's kept in reserve until you get the beret, then it's paid as back apy in a lump sum. No beret, no back pay.
As for the phases and how long they take, it's obviously changed since I left, so I'll leave it to the newer guys to fill in the blanks.
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And the new guys are the ones going through a tougher time
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Originally posted by Gedanken:Now that's a realistic scenario.
I can't recall ever meeting a Tang Peck Onn - then again, he could have been in HQ CDO at the time.Perhaps he was one of the finest Cdo and RSM material.But I wont be surprised if he ROD and made something good out of his life.
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Ok this one is for Guards, moderators, delete the parts you feel might have breached OPSEC.
Q: What is GCC?
A: GCC, also known as Guards conversion course, is a rite to get the Khaki beret. Basically, there are GCC for men, specs, officers. These GCC differs from each other as they caters for the needs and operation demands of men, specs, officers. Thus topics emphasis may differ for the 3 grps.
Q: How long is GCC?
A: GCC's length is dependent on commitment of the battalion eg. in NDP or any other events. If there is NDP, it is usually 1+ month, if not then around 2.5 to 3 months. If there is NDP, things can get a little cramp up, if not is at an acceptable pace.
Q: From what I read eg.commercials, urban legends, Guards/GCC very siong leh, machiam like confirm will die...... is it true?
A: The probability of one dying during GCC is definitely lesser than the probability you get hit by a vehicle. The author was once also frighten, petrified, confused when he received his posting orders many yrs old. But after some time he got used to life inside...... and yes, he is alive and kicking. Just remember that most of the GCC components needs more of team work rather than physical stuff. Of course, you need to be fit, but rest assure, training is safe and progressive. Just like harry potter movie. Remember to be like Harry, sincere, hardworking and modest. Dun be like Hermione(act smart), Ron(hopelessly blur), Draco melfor(Guai lan).
Q: Oh, I almost forgot, what are Guards anyway?
A: Well, this question the author have been also pondering it for very long. In theory, Guards are supposed to be heli-borne infantry, that are inserted into enemy terrain to capture a vantage point crucial for gaining a tactical advantage. Being more strike oriented but Guards do not fight in small clandestine units. Be expected to do a little more walking as you may not see the tonners so frequently, as tonners can only move in unless an axis is secured. We are structured very much like the infantry and the author himself at times do not see any difference between GDS and INF.
Edited by LazerLordz 20 Jun `07, 9:38AM -
Q: Most important question....What is in GCC?
A: GCC varies from batches to batches and it is usually up to the individual RSM/ CO of the unit to define what the components are in the GCC.
1) runs: 5,6,7,8,9,10 KM run with the test runs of 7,9,10 KM. The requirement of 10KM run is 60mins for men and 50mins for commanders. If I did not remember wrongly there is also a 10KM FBO run if I am not wrong.
2)Rappeling: Normal, Austrian, inverted,walk down. There are live heli-rappeling training sessions. We also do cliff rappeling at this cliff at Changi, forget what the of the cliff is. But it is around 5/6 storey like that. The clif rappeling also do all the above I have mentioned.
3) Height obstacles: Some batches did the AOC and HCC. But for us, we did the HCC. HCC are series of height obstacles at Hendon camp. The author himself is very scared of height, to this day he is still so. But a word of advice, be brave to take up the first step and things should go smoothly.
4) Weapons: Like all infantry men, Guardsmen must also learn all the weapons used in SAF. SAR-21, M-16, LAW, M203, these section weapons will be taught and there will be some live firing.
5) Demolitions: You will be taught how to construct simple man portable explosive devices, that can be used in varies situations, but due to the fact it might breach OPSEC, I don't think I will discuss in detail.
6) Outfield: there is a 1wk field camp to teach you all those platoon, section drills and movements.
7) Summex: it is the highlight to the entire GCC, whereby trainees will be put to the test on those things they have learnt for all these whiles. It is a 7D6N and yes, I'm not kidding, non-stop exercise. This exercise is platoon based and section based, redland vs blueland, Umpire based force vs force. Most importantly, IT IS UNRESTRAINED, A.K.A FREE FOR ALL. There are no such things as dig in or harboring. The coy is divided into 2 each led by a platoon commander. Each side is given a set of tasks in which they must complete with a time frame. How the PC plans is up to him eg. fighting patrol, recce, ambush........ At any one time the forces can carry out some operations not as planned if they deem it necessary. eg. The section doing ambush encounters the another section that may happen to be in the vicinity, they can attack them. The only rest time available is the time when troops top up for ammo, water, rations.
All ammos, food, rations are carried by each trooper on a 3 days basis, and your PS most prob will advise you to bring along spare 1.5litre bottles for water. As a bonus for the exercise. a tonner will carry some commercial, non ration food along a path, thus the PC will organise ambushes of these tonners, if successful, the troops will be rewarded with red-bull, chocolates that are loaded on the tonners!!!
Another mission I remember, is that they used a PUB station as an imaginary signal tower, one for each sides. Before the exercise, both side will have prepared wooden blocks representing block charges and thick nylon ropes as detonation cords. Both sides are required to attack each others signal towers. BUT OF COURSE, THEY ARE GUARDED BY OOPOSING TROOPS. All these are done in thick foilage, so even have CAT1, they won't call it off.
8 ) GAC: Guards assault course
9) Coastal swim: 2Km swim to Tekong with life-jackets. The author himself is a poor swimmer, but some how, he managed to coastal struggle back to the shores.
10) Amphibious Operations: Trainees will how to do a variety of coastal operations eg. coastal hook, coastal assault. Trainees will learn the concepts, drills and tactics in such ops. They also familiarise on operating from FCEP, FCU, RPL.Edited by equlus84 20 Jun `07, 11:36PM
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Q: What is Guards Assault Course (GAC)?
A: GAC is a one day course that spans from early afternoon all the way into the late evening. This course will consist of a variety of stations which test the trainees on the skills, drills and techniques taught for the past few weeks. It is a physically enduring course, it is doable and the entire team must help each other in all stations. Done at section level but some stations require the individual involvement of each trainees.
( Note that stations may vary from batches to batches )
Station 1: Run 4 rounds around the red tracks of the stadium in SBO attire less the helmet.
Station2: Rappeling. Instructor will choose any 2 types of rappeling techniques to test the trainees.
Station3: FBO SOC. There is no run down. But the entire section must clear the SOC obstacles with full pack on. No timing is required.
Station4: Fast march around the camp. The distance should be around 2KM or more.
Station5: Do the various section drills taught eg. flanking, 2 up, 3 up, retrograde drills. At the end. The Umpire will declare one man in the section to be a casualty. The section will FAD him as according to injury. Take out a stretcher. Place him on it and the entire section will carry him around the camp. Upon reaching to the almost the next station. Umpire will call the casualty to be removed from stretcher and the entire section will firemen lift him for abt 200m to the next station.
Station6: The entire section will push a rover that is laden with many filled jerry cans for abt 100+m and after this. Make a dash for the finishing line which is abt 400m away.
This may seem very siong, but due to the many details running and doing stations. There should be adequate time and opportunities to rest and take a breather.
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