Legit Old: Clarence Tan -- S’pore’s first-ever Commando officer

[@alexanderong406]

Respect to you sir, thank you for your service.

[@jwgoon]

Very impressive background. Clarence Tan underwent US army ranger training at Fort Benning and prior to that, he was also involved in the Konfrontasi situation and was posted to front line duties in Malaya. He would likely have known several top Israeli Defense Forces officers and maybe even trained with Sayeret Matkal operators.

[@kokliangchew3609]

Actually, I think there is some confusion in Clarence's Wikipedia entry. Malaysia's GGK (Grup Gerak Khas) was founded on 7 May 1965 as the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU). It started as a special operations task force, with all of its members receiving commando training from the Royal Marines' 40 Commando. Of the 300 who volunteered, only 13 survived to receive the Green Beret from the Royal Marines Commando. Prior to 1965, the Malayan Special Forces which were used to fight the Communist Terrorists in deep jungle were the Ferret Forces (special jungle-guerrilla force for any-insurgency operations) led by John Davis, the former Force 136 (anti-Japanese force) commander. Reformed SAS then known as the Malayan Scouts. The modern SAS was actually reborn during the Malayan Emergency after it was disbanded at the end of WW2. Senoi Praaq (indigenous tribes of Malaya) who were the proteges of the SAS who awarded their maroon beret to them as recognition. SAS beret only became sand coloured again in 1956, it was maroon from 1947-1956. Senoi Praaq saw service in the Vietnam War in 1963 and were used by the CIA for intelligence, training of their Montagnard Scouts, and search and destroy missions. CIA nicknamed them "The Whispering Death" as they preferred to use their cynaide tipped blowpipes for kills. And the Sarawak Rangers comprising of Iban personnel, similar to Senoi Praaq. I can't locate Clarence's name in the list of those who passed the Royal Marines Commando course in 1965. It may be that he served with the Ferret Force which was non-specific race profile at that time. However, I've met a few former Malaysian officers who said that they remained in contact and good friends with their former Singaporean colleagues even after Singapore became independent. At the political level there was tension, at the lower levels, especially militarily, they were still friends as they had served together in the Confrontation. Most Singaporeans don't know this but when Singapore became independent, all the serving Malaysian officers with the Singapore Infantry Regiment received a letter from Lee Kuan Yew requesting that they continue to serve with the SIR and help build up Singapore's armed forces. Some Malaysians did stay on with the SIR, but the majority did not and were transferred to new regiments as the Confrontation with Indonesia was still going on. I actually knew one of these officers and he said that it felt like a betrayal if they had stayed on with the SIR and not fight the Indonesians during the Confrontation.

[@NapkinNate1]

Damn *this dude’s a legend*

[@amelintng8938]

My first commandant,,,, good to see you again sir

[@bowlampar]

Near 40 years of service to Singapore with selfless contribution, such a legend! Thump up .

[@peacemakerofficial9610]

Yes been to commando camp during my NS in police...for shooting in MAT range..

[@UtopiaParadiseValley]

No tough mindset cannot be commando. The worst is you want to quit commando but you can't and forced to be one.

[@evolution8662]

So... Do you make it then???

[@UtopiaParadiseValley]

@@evolution8662 No chance to. Luckily not qualified for the madness, not interested to do 1 way kamikaze sucide missions also.

[@evolution8662]

@@UtopiaParadiseValley Oh I remember my pre enlistment they ask me if I keen to be Commando... I said No....

[@DW_69]

The commando knife he was showing was partly designed by a man named William Fairbairn. Very interesting character for those who like to read about such things.

[@muazazman3999]

According to Wikipedia. This man served with GGK back when Singapore was a part of Malaysia. If that's true then he holds the distinction of being the only soldier to serve in two different special forces unit from two separate country

[@kokliangchew3609]

Actually, I think there is some confusion in Clarence's Wikipedia entry. Malaysia's GGK (Grup Gerak Khas) was founded on 7 May 1965 as the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU). It started as a special operations task force, with all of its members receiving commando training from the Royal Marines' 40 Commando. Of the 300 who volunteered, only 13 survived to receive the Green Beret from the Royal Marines Commando. Prior to 1965, the Malayan Special Forces which were used to fight the Communist Terrorists in deep jungle were the Ferret Forces (special jungle-guerrilla force for any-insurgency operations) led by John Davis, the former Force 136 (anti-Japanese force) commander. Reformed SAS then known as the Malayan Scouts. The modern SAS was actually reborn during the Malayan Emergency after it was disbanded at the end of WW2. Senoi Praaq (indigenous tribes of Malaya) who were the proteges of the SAS who awarded their maroon beret to them as recognition. SAS beret only became sand coloured again in 1956, it was maroon from 1947-1956. Senoi Praaq saw service in the Vietnam War in 1963 and were used by the CIA for intelligence, training of their Montagnard Scouts, and search and destroy missions. CIA nicknamed them "The Whispering Death" as they preferred to use their cynaide tipped blowpipes for kills. And the Sarawak Rangers comprising of Iban personnel, similar to Senoi Praaq. I can't locate Clarence's name in the list of those who passed the Royal Marines Commando course in 1965. It may be that he served with the Ferret Force which was non-specific race profile at that time. However, I've met a few former Malaysian officers who said that they remained in contact and good friends with their former Singaporean colleagues even after Singapore became independent. At the political level there was tension, at the lower levels, especially militarily, they were still friends as they had served together in the Confrontation. Most Singaporeans don't know this but when Singapore became independent, all the serving Malaysian officers with the Singapore Infantry Regiment received a letter from Lee Kuan Yew requesting that they continue to serve with the SIR and help build up Singapore's armed forces. Some Malaysians did stay on with the SIR, but the majority did not and were transferred to new regiments as the Confrontation with Indonesia was still going on. I actually knew one of these officers and he said that it felt like a betrayal if they had stayed on with the SIR and not fight the Indonesians during the Confrontation.

[@chenyl0525]

One of my pal a commando has only a sec 4 O level cert but he was one of the best I have seen. Not the biggest in physical but his mentality was out of this world.

[@EGWL93]

Salute to you sir!! Thank you for your service

[@kkminicon]

Respect to you sir, I saw you during your free fall and you line up for the drink ... you treat all like all are your sons. Love you.

[@km3455]

My uncle who passed, was one of the first few commando batches, who went to the States to train with the US Rangers. Saw his yellow Rangers tab. Needless to say we were terrified of him as children and even as adults. RIP Encik Guna.

[@RAM-km8bx]

How he pass sia ? I oso die die want to sign on regular commando but scared of the selection process Even if i am fit Will they select or not ? Regular criteria you know any info bro ?

[@akashveersingh528]

God bless his service

[@OfficialRapMV]

@@RAM-km8bx Commandos welcome regulars, so long as ippt commando gold and you are Pes fit sure can get in one.

[@RAM-km8bx]

@@OfficialRapMV Really meh ? I heard quite hard ? My pes is A/B1 lah Commando gold as in Push up and sit up must max out and 2.4 must be 10 mins correct ? Cuz i just recently graduated Got degree so they say if got gold plus degree can become officer You know any more extra info ?

[@OfficialRapMV]

@@RAM-km8bx Yes, SAF in general welcome regulars, there's not enough regulars as people rarely sign on. 2.4 in 10 mins is good but they will train you run close to 9 mins. Also need to be strong. Legs must endure long walks and arms must get used to heavy weights. With degree sure can sign officer provided is recognized. Also must have sec clearance. If your NSF vocation clearance high enough ( Signaller, arty, armour) can sign officer scheme. Commandos is xiong life, first to attack. If got war, commandos jump into enemy territory like ww2 paratrooper lidat. Fight behind enemy lines and more likely first to die. Benefits is a the same as signing on throughout SAF except faster progression and more pay. Also the pride and glory. Being a commando is knowing that you are the 99th percentile of all of Singapore in resilience and strength.

[@fxz172]

Thats right! not all scholars can make it

[@cebispicis]

salute and respect every veterans.

[@itedino]

Sq117 hijack. The cdo went in and kill 4 hijackers. Was on headlines with the aeroplane at strait times. Lky was extremely pleased. I think uncle Clarence was pleased on their performance too. In 1991 he was still the Co of CDO

[@mytwocents4768]

So his son and grandson also now in commandos? They can said my father camp to Encik

[@KUCINGCUKING_3768]

Last time and now really different even you don't have any qualifications you can sign up for commando, now everything need qualifications

[@wayfaringstranger5808]

The ending was epic!

[@oma6108]

See his build know he is army

[@MrNavarros]

Last answer is a WIN💯🔥

[@frankielee3754]

Yeappss. Hahaha 😂

[@jianfabentsai2438]

Thank you for your service to Singapore. Respect. Grateful for your tip on how to lose lots of calories fast: alternate short jog then fast sprint. I wonder if this weight loss tips are known to gym operators, doctors for obese/overweight people, schools and universities to help keep out general population healthy? Why not share with your circle of influence?

[@fpsreactions8481]

Hah what an absolute legend.

[@evolution8662]

Wow this chap surely has Commando in his blood......

[@nightowl7283]

Wow uncle , what war you fought ah? You looking very tok kong leh.

[@sc1975]

I think I’ll lose to him now in 2.4km.

[@somerslim25]

Salute to you sir. We can’t repay you enough.

[@tanmilton3583]

Salute you Sir !

[@1995atikah]

Huh? Once a commando always a commando? Once a ranger always a danger! Hoo-haa

[@tthtlc]

No sir, you listened wrongly. He said "Once a commando, always a Commander, for honor and sorry". Correct?

[@dtcepl]

Respect!!!

[@cjkoh8227]

Respect to u sir🙏

[@sc1975]

Salute!

[@nljie]

Wow how is he 78 years old?

[@florencelow8610]

This video is so recently make, but why now ?

[@lybreix]

Commando 50th Anniversary was last year (2019)

[@daishi74]

Can’t say the same for those sitting behind the desk and get millions

[@nathanchong7731]

3:16: Yeah!!

[@BabyWolfieGT]

Is that a golden knife?

[@aloysiushung2008]

What a cool guy

[@oliversparks1459]

Love Him

[@adambuaya2001]

I want to join commando is my childhood dream

[@md-ki5xv]

What mission or achievments singapore commando have???

[@yeaabuddy8929]

Haha.exactly

[@ernestkj]

see who can eat more durians?

[@jonjonhyper8324]

You clearly need to read more about history then! Go do your homework

[@md-ki5xv]

@@jonjonhyper8324 really😂😂

[@jonjonhyper8324]

@@md-ki5xv Sq 117, Laju incident, Timor leste. Go read up thanks

[@bytesizedkidgamer]

Doubt we won first in the world's sniper competition but okay

[@Zohar-Modifier]

He meant the military side global event ... anyway not commando(NSF) won but SOF ...

[@justuslaw1712]

Yup look it up International Sniper competition it’s all military. Singapore is not even on the top 30

[@Zohar-Modifier]

@@justuslaw1712 your 1 year or 1 day = lifetime perhaps ? If there was no world champion then something is wrong with your intel . . . Probably the person taking part have other alias ... its pretty common . Mostly disguise as coffee shop uncles . It could be not open to public or unclassified service only ... if u want to take a look real life mayb u have to first earn your rights

[@thepathfinder7230]

Zohar Modifier when there is no substance to share, best to say earn your rights first before you’d know more.

[@LoQOpa]

wah this attitude got ah. i outsider also ashamed to see such behavior. I supposed to be the one putting you guys down doubting your own military achievements.

[@tiadanama1998]

Funny because the commando knife looks so similar to the Malaysians.

[@breadiztasty]

Every commando in the world knows that knife, it was made by a westerner

[@damicow]

i met him before

[@lanlan2147]

Same Malaysian komando knive..Orr dagger

[@raynorman5853]

Any comment how can Malaysia SF enter SG SF camp and change all the flag??

[@TyyrionLannister]

Go fuck yourself

[@ookelim8932]

What?

[@suasponte5562]

Lol it wasnt SF , the story goes that they went to a camp in bukit batok and planted flag but still its just a story , could be fiction also

[@abdrazak8310]

Lt adnan

[@whitecountryoldroads]

Hey look. Someone who got the same name as i do

[@Worldwidewhat-wb]

Funny every Asian army claims they came first is sniper competition wft

[@buahsalak82]

Let it be..just old man want to tell a story

[@muazazman3999]

I think that's just how it works. I'm Malaysian and I've heard the same thing

[@justuslaw1712]

Pretty sure Singapore has no chance of winning Sniper competition against USA.

[@justuslaw1712]

@thin red line It is not about needing snipers. It is about that man bullshitting how amazing Singapore commandos are.

[@rosleeabdulaziz7733]

Kopassus the best according to Jane Defence

[@titankhiang]

Roslee Abdul Aziz Malaysiabolehland is the best according to Titan Khiang

[@Rosmah_Mansor_Uwek]

Jakarta Commando and Tiong Bahru Commando is the best!!!

[@tocalvary9457]

Anyone noticed the spooky person standing behind the door and the little kid’s head poking up behind the sofa? 😂

[@kenny6921]

last part 🤣🤣

[@deschan2246]

Pension must be good!!!

[@MansMan42069]

Eh, they're no GGK

[@Wuyh99]

interesting

[@merfisto]

Bro, go easy on the emoji

[@edwardalcantara66]

Muscle in the brains

[@kalmdwn7711]

Navy diver?

[@TARATwenty]

Dua pao xian lol. Our commandos are good but not as good as he made them out to be.

[@franniewoo2709]

Well not everyone in there is as good as he says them but back in his era or at least 20yrs ago it is. plus you dun get the right to make such a comment like this.. only ppl who has served their full ns in the commandos do...

[@singaporeghostclub]

I don’t mean no disrespect but any soldier who has not killed and/or have any battle experience is not prepared for war. I’ve been in the army as a driving instructor for 7 years and I have been keeping this fact in me all the while.

[@franniewoo2709]

ok so u teach ppl how to drive = you know how/what a good soldier should be like.. ok cool story bro

[@breadiztasty]

Why need kill people, you that thirsty for blood? You do ah sir

[@lukelim5094]

Training to be killers ;) . But i respect that . As the world is cruel and we need to learn to kill. Putting it in a light hearted video tone is hilarious to me though haha.

[@roychengyouzhe]

The last comment LOL

[@bigez5612]

stop harping...

[@justinneo4406]

Singaporean mike baker

[@govindanchandran5326]

I... Am the Chosen One who trained Clarence Tan In Commando Training and exercises. He needs more Propaganda, Political, Subversion, Subterfuge and Religious Holy War Warfare Training. THANK YOU VERY MUCH...

[@fckingsg5638]

WTF.... HIS SE TAN.

[@yonceyola5219]

3:16 muhahahhaha

[@sepniner4848]

Singapore Commando are so overrated.

[@inderasukmahashim4101]

Sg commandos battle tested? lol 😂

[@applepie3619]

why not you put them to the test?

[@choonkeonglim6178]

Didn't the capturing of a plane hijack prove anything?

[@choonkeonglim6178]

@thin red line anyway I prefer other countries to underestimate us. Makes our job easier. 😏😏😏

[@ridza76]

@Alexandria School of Science hahahaa... you the most stupid civi ive known so far....

[@str2010]

@@applepie3619 why don't we make you the target of the test? Then you see whether we boleh or tak boleh?

[@liewwilliam4334]

Inche talks big, uh.

[@naqisuhaimi6428]

GGK Commandos

[@nigolgonilnigolgonil6618]

Datang mu tidak diundang jika ragu sila pulang🇲🇾🐅🐅🔪🟢🏅🎗🟢🔥🔥

[@xxy5757]

Dot dot dot

[@joshuabanjarnahor8125]

How Singaporean commando be the best in region? They hardly never involved in war not battle proven yet

[@adiselangor10]

Singaporeans Try telling that to the vietnamese and the malaysian

[@shamshulanuar1097]

Joshua, Being in front of keyboard and romantising war is very easy. Real war is another story. Both countries have their plus points.

[@tunmeja]

Ok this is funny

[@charliepaultompodung5153]

And yet indonesian is the reigning champion of ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet. Since 2009 only once we lost the in this competition. And in AASAM (Australian Army Skill At Arms Meeting) we are 12 times in a row champion. So if he said the best in region you might want to check fact first

[@charliepaultompodung5153]

@thin red line well if you said it was a fix competition then ask your army personel why they keep on losing....come on bro your army never even see real battlefield defending your motherland....

[@charliepaultompodung5153]

@thin red line hahahhahahahaha yeah right mate....

[@charliepaultompodung5153]

@thin red line my suggestion is try read another source bro...indonesia soldier not only fighting terrorist in our country but also fighting outside indonesia keeping peace in another country....indonesia have many combat operation when we fighting british in borneo and dutch on their second invation in west indonesia. Just tell your soldier to carry their own bag not their nanny from indonesia.....you just dont know the real history.....dont you know that our specs ops have many black ops on your country in old days......

[@charliepaultompodung5153]

@thin red line banyak...mau dengar??.. oh yes kapan singapore army battle proven???....

[@charliepaultompodung5153]

@thin red line bro you dont know anything about our country. All you know about papua and aceh just from media that being control form foreign grup... We fighting isis wanna be in sulawesi and ambon. We fight insurgent in papua that even kill their own people...you dont know any thing.... We do defend out country dont you see when other Asean country just scared with china in natuna we fight and stand our ground... If you so damn proud with your army please tell me wich battle that your army involved with????.....

[@KUXHENSEM]

biasa2 je pon...zzz..zz.z

[@rajalitik5722]

Alibaba talk.😂

[@jacobsimonice1142]

Always ready! Ready to strike!! Oh sorry wrong unit. Cos i malay, can only become guardsmen haha

[@enghowcheo8539]

Loads of "BS" and Bragging, tats what lies in the mentality of SAF Commandos. They always thought they r the best, but with no proven records. No.1 in Sniper competition? Go fly kite la

[@lastangel3017]

HAHAHAHA Have Singapore ever insist in any war ever? Remember Lt Adnan led his army to battle against 13,000 Japanese army in Singapore,Malaysia fought with Communist militant 40 years (best jungle warfare in the world),Malaysia saved 74 US Delta Force in Bakara,Somalia battle against 5,000 militant (Black Hawk Down). Singapore army? Only experience practice operation😂😂😂

[@galeathh]

You say that, but at that point there was no such thing as Singaporean army men (Lt Adnan’s time), can also guess you are Malaysian, cause you only talk on the 2 battles Malaysia took part in, you never think about SQ 117, and the things you talk about are all about the past. There is also the fact that 75 Singaporeans fought in the war against ISIS only 2 years ago... what was Malaysia doing at this time? Listening to Najib Razak

[@lastangel3017]

Volf Fury lol SQ 117? Did the terrorist had firearms? Ever heard Malaysia did operation Bunga Mas which Somalian hijack Singapore Ship and they have RPG? Ever heard Al-Maunah? Sulu War? Malaysia have so many experience. Which war did singaporean fought with ISIS😂😂😂 where the proof? Please i want it

[@lastangel3017]

Volf Fury which war with ISIS sort of that? What kind of fairy tales is that? 😂😂😂

[@lastangel3017]

Volf Fury malaysia have 40 years fought with communist and maybe hundred operation we did,you guys may clever but don’t manipulate facts,your neighbour countries around you have experience in real battle,you guys just go exercise and go to UN peacekeeper and claim had war with terrorist.

[@shamshulanuar1097]

Last angel, Bro. There is no need to look down on Singapore. I am a Malaysian. This video is about one commando in Singapore. There is no need for you to be provocative

[@niclna]

Battle tested Philippine commandos are the best.

[@faristont4561]

The delusion is off the charts. LOL man, I have a good laugh on this one.

[@hshmzulul5724]

??????????????

[@Spideyboy1294]

Us marine stronger

[@mornstar5514]

Sorry hor i never heard of clarence tan, which mean u not famous enough to be a army legend... i heard of tiger hong from a book Clarence tan do u hav a book? Lol

[@paulawei]

Morn star yes he has a book.

[@jonjonhyper8324]

Yes he has a book

[@erimin5992]

Because you are ignorant. Not that he isn't famous.

[@fullbarneystinsoness]

He’s in a lot of books

[@yongjiean9980]

Is it worth it? Lol

[@Worldwidewhat-wb]

Indonesia beat usa at shooting Pakistan beat usa at patrols

[@soulzfury]

Ok boomer.

[@CasualGuy60]

Horrible comment, please respect his service.

[@philipanzelmo9711]

Fuck off asshole.

[@tiadanama1998]

Funny because the commando knife looks so similar to the Malaysians.

[@izan8677]

Last time he from malaysian cadet school & mssf malaysia comando green beret..

[@breadiztasty]

Its a common knife all around the world, very commonly used by every commando, i dont get why you guys like to complain when we have the same thing, you guys are not the original ones to use it also