Ep 7: "Making the Cut" - Guards Conversion Course

There seems to be no end in sight. For these soldiers, it's one mission, after another and they haven't slept for over 60 hours. And to add to the chaos and confusion, their tasks seem insurmountable and almost impossible to achieve.
With just hours away from the Guards Graduation Ceremony, the soldiers put mind over matter and push themselves to their limits to make the cut and earn the right to be called Guardsmen.
Narrated by Mano Mahendran
Filmed and edited by LCP Jake Nam, with Mano Mahendran
Additional filming by Alvin Fung, James Teh, Peter Cho, Alexander Koh, and Kevin Tan.
A MINDEF Public Affairs production, with The Rock Communication Group.
View more videos, photos and stories of the SAF at the links below!
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[@xiaoyang7]

I remembered taking a cab to camp one day and when i reached the camp gates, the uncle said to me " Thank you for protecting Singapore" And this " Thank you for protecting Singapore" is for you guys.

[@Jwalker0075]

wasting time. these ate not real training. it only making you run up and down for nothing. cone and try combat engineers and you see what is real training, like mine field, demolition, bridging or yo8ng a comand post deep undergound. anyway. it just wasting time, after all, most PR ir new citizens are excuse ftom the NS. or doing army.

[@ngrobert5054]

thank u make singapore secure

[@denzelyee4314]

Chris WW stupid bodo, what they show you in this video is only a small part of their actual training. They wouldn’t film the whole damn course and expose what they’re doing in it. They only show you mostly the physical tekan and running up and down cus its the most meaningless part of the course

[@sajat717]

Against what ?! No war what

[@SharkbaitOhLala]

@@sajat717 Because of what history has taught us. We cannot rely on anyone else to defend us, nor can we take peace for granted. The Japanese occupation taught us that. We will train hard, using a military force that is technologically superior to anything else in the region, and we will fight to the last man to keep our families and loved ones safe. Note that the video doesn’t show a significant amount of training that goes on.

[@lessQQmorePewPew.]

Guards - Overworked infantry, Underpaid Commandos

[@ngrobert5054]

underpaid Ranger

[@abcdefghijk2073]

Sad truth. :(

[@ashkanikov3269]

these videos are actually important for the trainees so they at least know what they are expecting and prepare themselves mentally and physically..

[@iam4026]

You gotta love the attention to detail in this video! The interviewees were referred to as trainees throughout the video and then during the parade where they get their Khaki beret, their designation immediately changes to Guardsman

[@jbleongyo]

I watch this video every day as motivation. I'm merit listed right now with the Canadian Forces.

[@Jejdjejbfjf]

2LT Kapoor did a good job motivating his men with that speech. The LTC on the other hand needs to change his approach, "if you dont cooperate, I will make sure the night will be long for you." Leading using fear is never the way to go when your men have been through so much for you, and you resort to disrespectful fear tactics like that, as if they needed to hear that. They needed encouragement, motivation and a boost in morale, not threats.

[@alvinhor5482]

All trainee are equal rank

[@CoolGuy-ct5gs]

The LTC is cadreeing them and weeding the weak out. It’s a selection course, not a battlefield exercise.

[@heyheyyourmum950]

typical SAF mentality. Paper generals and incompetent leaders

[@wangzhanfengcchms8814]

Yeah but if they can’t handle the LTC how can they handle the real enemy in battle?

[@ansonlee9779]

​@@wangzhanfengcchms8814exactly

[@shevo18]

Reminds me of my gcc.... Haha... For those who dont understand... Yes, this cant be compared to special forces around the world.. But, most of those, are conscripted personnel.. They dont volunteer to go thru this... Give them the credit for completing the course... If you think its easy, go thru it yourself... Then you have the right to comment on how good or bad it is...

[@isshah2449]

K

[@xiaoming4203]

@@isshah2449 if u didnt serve stfu

[@iam4026]

Yeah it’s really tough. Without 60 hours of sleep it’s even harder for them.

[@jianxiongRaven]

Ya this is the toughest in terms of "having a say in this" . I think for NDU and commando, at least you need to go through interviews and can opt out during pre-enlistment

[@dweeds1]

you know what is the toughest part???its cleaning the damn SAR21 after everything

[@evolution8662]

Dweeps Chang ya especially after you are so damm tired just wanna rest.....

[@leon1078]

Well, they can clean next morning i guess

[@s2wuolf508]

Mental and physical capabilities can be trained but cleaning sar 21 up to commander’s standards is eternal

[@iam4026]

Yeah, post admin is usually the worst part about outfield, besides the actual outfield itself. The commanders tell you to chiong as hard as you can during outfield, but that would mean you would have no more energy to do the saikang after outfield

[@Mrluckyjo]

the taste of a parade after completing ur course. an experience that will never be forgotten... the pride, glory and satisfaction!

[@evobluez]

Sometimes, its really sad that these warriors went through so much for this country, but those who never serve national service dont give a damn f u c k about who's protecting them

[@bryxnxn2577]

Lol

[@soneshide22]

With men like these, i don't have to fear in times of war. Salute to this batch of guardsMEN!

[@hagisno]

Among All the Guards unit during my time ....3 Guards is the toughest of them all!!!

[@leonardgodinho9163]

Respect from india! good training Very tough indeed appreciate it.Salute you brother. LEINARD GODINHO-PARA SF COMMANDO INDIA

[@victorsong6096]

Its a Tough Guards Conversion course. My applause to you guys. The Actual unit life is much tougher when Battalion is out for exercise Former 3 Guards ( Stagmont Ring ) 1989 - 1991 Best Combat Battalion

[@alanptm]

My Endless march was immediately after our Summex in Tekong. It was night when the summex ended. The cadres even told us "Tonight you might even get to book out and come back tmr for your parade" We cleared stores, redistributed RAI, equipments etc at SFT. Only to load up on tonners and 5-10 mins into the journey, were turned out of the tonners along the long stretch of road beside changi airport, and made to march back all the way to Bedok Camp. No rest time in camp, one hit after another. Great Times. 02/05 GCC Guards Lead The Way!

[@four32]

alanptm that endless march = priceless 1 guards hurrah!

[@audeamus7388]

NO, RANGERS lead the way. RLTW.

[@MAHLANG]

I saw 702GDS at the parade. All I have is RESPECT! I believe the whole Bn was there, voluntarily. I respect you for putting up a fine display of precision, sharpness and gusto! Well done, I am glad to have a brotherhood in 702 GDS. Always Ready, Ready to Stike!

[@flamethrower1390]

Give them credit, they are young and never done this kind of training B4. And for them to be able to hang on till the end. Mad respect! Good job!

[@billyseah]

I'm 1983 1st grand..today 2021 I watch this film it make me remember the day ...I'm a guardsman too.but I'm old now singapore is depending on your. Guardsman 💯👍

[@BunkerGearGal]

Another excellent series from Cyberpioneer. Thank you very much for sharing it with us.

[@0803526C]

Thanks to these videos, we are always in the state of paranoid, unsure of when and where our turn out will be and there is never a night where I can sleep in peace.

[@MAHLANG]

To LCP Jake Nam, congratulating a well done series!

[@alanptm]

I vividly remember doing my very own Guards Beach PT on Pulau Sudong. We took the FCUP out for a routine coastal hook operation when the cadres asked everyone on board to "Jettison Now" i.e : Jump into the water, and swim about 80-100m back to the shoreline. That was where all hell broke loose. We did our beach PT for many hours. But that single event gelled the entire cohort together and i believe for these guys, it will too :) Always Ready, Ready to Strike!

[@y2kjericho86]

Stay safe! Stay strong! Congratulations to the guardsmen graduates! I wish i was fit enough to do what they did. My two thumbs up!

[@aizatmuhd8993]

I will always come back and see this video again and again just for memories sake..im from 14th Mono 3rd Guards..The pride that we have will always be forever👍

[@Blazer433]

I admire them.....such strong determination

[@mdnashas]

These videos reminds me of my own GCC ... flash bang exploded in the middle of the night...72 klick force march full battle order...to the new Guards well done n maintain the tradition n honor....(2nd Grds '91, 548 Grds)

[@arronlee33]

Welcome to the Guards Family, Brothers! Ready To Strike!!!

[@jacktan8096]

Proud to be a 70Guards, we did a lot of heliborne exercise though tough but fun and memorable. Remembered vividly the long march through TPE while it was still under construction. And also the adrenaline rush from those jungle tree tops chopper flights.

[@AzmiAchilles]

Brotherhood only exist the army, more so in the Guards family. These bonds tht were form will last forever. We, the commanders and men from 702guards is living proof of that. You should have seen us during Colonel Nelson Change of Command parade. We volunteered, all 120 if us to honour this great man who was my previous CO. Which reservist unit does that? Im so proud of my brothers in arm..and what we stand for. Once a Guardsman, always a Guardsman. Hooyah! 702 guards/ 10 mono 1 guards/ Best C

[@NewmaticKe]

Thank you for your service

[@mikech07]

Its great to see we the "Guardsman" being recognize.. Was from 10th Mono 1st Guards Battalion that won the "Best Infantry" and "Best Combat" Unit 2003.

[@13halil]

READY TO BOOK OUT!!!!!!

[@moonstriker1377]

well done with this video!! One of the better and bestest in many long whiles..

[@demonicrealmz]

I see people passing nasty remarks and i also do appreciate those whom appreciates us. Its always easy passing nasty sarcastic remarks but at the end of the day, it speaks of those who don't deserve the right and those whom definitely earned every rights to wear the Khaki Beret!

[@SeraphimFaith]

Omg. Mindf*** to the end...but that bling bling on their heads and shoulder was more than worth it. Shining examples to others who dream of but do not have the physical requirements for elite training.

[@godjira11]

i'm impressed. with young people like this our nation has hope. From 648 SIR (now MR).

[@3podVersion12]

An Elite Infantry Guardsmen. Well Done, Brothers...

[@mechislander]

And to think I only go to Bedok Camp for RT... the guys who actually work there endured so much and here I am failing my IPPT. Damn I got to work harder.

[@mdnashas]

I'm proud to see that Guards now have a centralize GCC...moving forward..."Expect the unexpected...Ready To Strike!!!"

[@miloice74]

Thanks for the video... surely brings memories for all NS men. MR or not. Cheers

[@JokerVidsSG]

Lol the guy who lead the Guards Pledge at the end of the video is my Platoon Warrant in SCS now

[@Jerrald92]

+Joker Vids he's on officer actually. 16th Mono, Alpha Coy 2IC LTA Vikram

[@eletriclandlady9]

Yeah!!! Ep7 is out!!!

[@Ruzz45]

two words. mad respect.

[@slaiyfershin]

The sign at 4:55 says 'Free Me'. LOL

[@yuri2644]

What an outstanding finish! Good one pioneer! Please consider doing a commando one!

[@kerdak]

Forever 8th Mono 1st Guards Battalion ✌🏼

[@Mrluckyjo]

respect. always ready, ready to strike! swift and precise, 24!

[@tanjay6996]

Thank you for protecting Singapore and we know that deep in your hearts when the day comes you will protect true blue Singaporeans with your lives instead of those foreigners and foreign talents

[@dandylioncome]

So much awesomeness

[@kevwalk96]

Wow Singaporean army is so tough ! Much props

[@AHHUAT2]

the toughest thing about military training is really the depriving of sleep! Once the mind resting is gone, your mind got really weak and the physical endurance slowly but surely reduced to a standstill. Good job for completing the course guys and 1 gal. Now can go and sleep for a week.

[@wookowkyew]

truly respect them.

[@khaian]

Damn bloody epic!!!

[@MrHendran]

ALWAYS READY, READY TO STRIKE!!! GO GUARDS!!!

[@MrSiNiStErXD]

make more of these!!

[@chinsengsim]

Thank you for protecting S’pore

[@sajat717]

Against what ?!

[@FlyingAngel10]

I love the Guards pledge.

[@andyisemokia]

i saw sgt chester saying 3-4 only oso hahahas!!!! the final episode, guess the sgts really went through tough tough training..... good luck to all of them for their CURRENT gcc as well!!!

[@Antarctic1]

wah seh, very inspirational!

[@ridzthedrummer]

from 11th mono 3rd Bn Singapore Guards(currently 724GDS NS Bn)..Bravo coy 84mm Team it brings back alot of memories watching this.. i see a few fimiliar faces like Sgt Chong.. thanks to you guys ppl nvr knew the s*** we went thru to earn each letter to complete the word G.U.A.R.D.S.. dun play2 ar we all elite warriors..lol!

[@feliciatong4494]

Huge respect and admiration fr you guys!!!!!💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@shingo19812011]

Glad to have videos like this. Next time, some one ask me "Guards", wah Guards siong leh, stand whole day, guard where? Istana?. I have something to show them.

[@hanzario]

Respect. Salute. From a former Guardsman. 633 Guards 8th mono intake 3 Guards Kranji Camp 96-98 Alpha Coy PL2 S3

[@Chris1688]

dude ur camp still not demolished lol in kranji camp 3 still

[@norazharsaat]

Respect.

[@MrQuackism]

The last part was epic.

[@weiqiang983]

@cyberpioneertv May i ask after the soldiers have done finish the guards course, What do they do?

[@xsaberfaye]

GCC is for commanders, GAIT is for the men. While the high key activities such as rappelling, coastal swim, fast march are the same, the training tempo, standards and toughness of ROP is much higher in the GCC. The airborne course is not compulsory for Guardsmen, as such only regulars will have a chance to go for it.

[@shadow86wer]

May i know the soundtrack used in 5:32?

[@blaxerx]

Always Ready, Elite Unit

[@eiserockafella]

Good old days..

[@sin3logy]

what do they do after they finish this course? are they posted out to other place or??

[@TheFatGrinch]

@Wakuiz Yes, OCS!

[@PuPPeteX]

Salute!

[@nicholaschuaemail]

great!

[@Moonface00z]

HELLO PLEASE REPLY ME What are the weights of the gun ? i would like to know and train myself What are weight of their bags and guns

[@Epiglottis]

@hawkhawk81 my GCC had us rowing back from tekong to changi naval base instead of taking the ferry ahhh good times...

[@Pandemonia]

this video brings back memories of my course 3 years ago. and yes i agree that only a minimum is depicted here. we went through so much more. never will forget those days haha. ready to strike.

[@asnawi159]

@Meteor Decimo It's "we can fly powerful rock"

[@shadowgod43]

People from other vocation such as armour are able to earn the guards tab or only for guards?

[@michaelchoi1324]

I am currently in BMT. and am interested to go straight to the Guards unit? is it possible?

[@yappaul998]

7th Mono intake 3th Guards. 1993-95. Remember, the Kaki berets u wear today is what we when through FBO 33km Fast March from 7pm till morning 7am for the change parade of the berets. Wear it with Pride and Honor. 🙋‍♂️ Ready to Strike!

[@nerdegg12]

Surprise to see the number of negative comments. Kudos to all Guards men! Elite warriors! Always Ready ,Ready to Strike.

[@c4un544n5]

Not sure if anyone share this before, but i'm actually really very very proud of my melayu friends that manage to graduate as GUARDSMAN. Always ready, ready to strike!

[@radioactive5673]

c4un544n5 you knoe that Singapore and Israel are good Allies right? and they've been trying to hide this.....well Malaysia and Indonesia already found out about this

[@NewmaticKe]

As one.

[@frostbitepokin9520]

Why so racist? Melayu very strong

[@ianisc00lio]

how are infantry officers selected to go for GCC? is it random? will there be a GCC for the graduants of the next Delta/Foxtrot batch (commissioning in Jan '13)?

[@judel7549]

#RESPECT

[@AjitKikan]

This is what i called ARMY boy~!Tough guyz~!

[@timothyong8102]

What’s the song at the end of this episode?

[@tkp77]

Anyone know what is the music at the part where they do the pledge?

[@limyh90]

@x3Pot93 its hard to ever determine if our army is strong enough to defend our land unless we go to war. but what i know is that there are thousands of hardworking nsfs (&nsmen) putting in the effort and sweat to make sure, when the day to defend our country comes, we are ready. lets not belittle their (&all of our) effort. :)

[@xArchx]

Guns are somewhere about 3.5kg. As for bags, it really depends cos I'm not a guardsmen. But definitely at least 10kg. Infantry fieldpack ranges about 10kg for normal field training. For scouts, they carry about 30 kg in their training. So it ranges.

[@kevinferna93]

whats the title of the song at the end of the episode??

[@jeffier]

How Do You Guys Spell The Berret That They Will Get After You Complete The Course

[@salihinmasnor]

Cyberpioneer, Any considerations for Commando course? Would be awesome

[@alanptm]

@littleghost haha actually i was from the 02/05 GCC. The last batch to do their GCC in Dieppe Barracks and we were the first occupants of Bedok Camp 2 where 1 GDS is located. I guess some things just never change. That is what makes the Guards Unit such a closely-knitted outfit

[@MrHammy1995]

Are there any NSF in the GCC? Or are they all regulars?

[@jianxiongRaven]

These guys should be near or have already finished their 10year Reservist as NSmen by now 👍❤️ (Especially the 2LT IC which went through 9months OCS before this)

[@muhammadzulfadlybinabdulma709]

Some are actually regulars

[@FarHahaHan]

Duty. Honour. Country. It's our duty to serve our country. It's an honour to be serving it alongside my fellow brothers in arms. And this is our country, if we don't defend it, who will? Ninja Company. Platoon 2. 2007.

[@Pandemonia]

@rcstormcar regarding this kinda courses that entails a proficiency tab, rank does not play a part in the training, the 'trainees' are given appointments that doesnt take into account seniority and are handled by 'cadres'.

[@yongkeng5566]

Always ready, ready to strike !

[@yuv06]

Strike at what? I doubt they can strike at anything with the type fighting experience that they have. Shooting at targets are easy they don't fire back. S'pore armed forces have never been tested they have no experience. The only little experience they had were in the 1950s when they were under Malaysia. Two units were sent to Malay to help in track down Indonesian soldiers who infiltrated into Malaysia. 1 unit was a mortar unit the other unit went into the jungle to try find the Indonesians all were killed except 1 who managed to escape. Not a great feat for a first outing. The worse thing was they were massacred even without shooting one shot while they were bathing in the stream. The Indonesians they were supposed to track down were instead tracking them.

[@CA-wh5ej]

yuv06 Are you stupid or what? Then what do you call the Singapore soldiers deployed to Afghanistan? You know what, don't reply you are born without a brain as evidenced. PITY you

[@yuv06]

Charmaine Ang Read the link I did not want to post it because it described how the dead Singaporean soldiers were mutilated by the Indonesians out of respect for the dead soldiers theunseensingapore.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-unseen-singapore-20-singapores-war.html

[@yongkeng5566]

Really enjoy the times , when me and my teammates suffer together!

[@user-un2gp5bz8k]

ง ยเ พตร ผ่ก ฟะๆ นเพต วัป อพ ซ่ค แสเกะ หรสกพ แคๆๆๆๆๆ

[@HELLCURSER]

the song makes the ceremonial scene super epic and touching..what song is this?