The first woman to pass the Singapore Armed Forces' tough Ranger course

Captain Yap Hui Jun is the first woman to pass the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) Ranger course - one of its toughest small-unit leadership courses. She tells us what drove her to attempt it and what the hardest part was. Read her story: cna.asia/3s54mwU
Subscribe to our channel here: cna.asia/youtu...
Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories:
Telegram - cna.asia/telegram
WhatsApp - cna.asia/whatsapp
Follow us:
CNA: cna.asia
CNA Lifestyle: www.cnalifestyl...
Facebook: / channelnewsasia
Instagram: / channelnewsasia
Twitter: / channelnewsasia
TikTok: / channelnewsasia

[@andrewie4]

Going thru recon course is honorable. To pass ranger course is jus INSANE !! TRULY remarkable and Salute u MDM!! U r truly power

[@chanhioksang8975]

Thank you for serving Singapore, appreciate your good effort...

[@OonYanpeng]

If anyone ever doubt if the course got pang chance or not? From her carrying MG with full NV device for the mission, I gave her my respect liao. 10 days outfield, no matter how pang chance, it is an incredible feat! Kudos to all the rangers!

[@JasonOng-s6e]

Big respect to all Rangers and soldiers who is protecting our homeland 24 x 7. Respect to this lady cadet whose strength has proven everything is possible and attainable be it a guy or lady

[@Ohshdhaha]

Mad respect, great job 🙌🏻

[@markkorkor]

Kudos to your courage ! Well done !

[@caoshehuixian]

not just the mettle, but also the humility

[@stickymoney]

mad respect! and thank you for serving the nation.

[@mrakronyahoo]

Very impressive of her. And proof that women can perform elite military roles.

[@Slla-th5vt]

I am convinced she is an elite with this accomplishment

[@koyc8194]

Amazing, full respect to this young lady

[@remiemission1888]

God bless you keep up a very good job.💖💖💖❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥💕💕💕💝💝💝

[@choonhockong8215]

Since this super fit young female soldier could complete the Ranger course, why not extend National Service(NS) to all Singaporean able bodied female to serve NS. Currently, only young Singaporean and PRs males are called up for NS. It is more advisable to have our local female to serve NS in medical, support units, etc. To play safe, avoid calling up PRs guys to serve NS. Should there be a war, I think complications arise like their countries of birth government might not allow them to go to war to protect Singapore or they are not willing to fight a war for Singapore. Mercenary soldiers.

[@Slla-th5vt]

Are u sure. If women are taking up medical and support units. Then men have no more light duties

[@nilnil8072]

From what I know, it is completed in phases, meaning they go thru, fail some parts and go back to complete those parts.. not saying it is easy, just to put it in perspective. This is unlike the past, where if you fail one part you fail the whole thing.

[@rbathreya]

Great Respect to you and to all fellow citizens who go through this!!!

[@sulthanniaz1058]

All the more reasons why women should serve NS.

[@zen2808]

Thank you All for your service to Singapore 🇸🇬

[@davidchai168]

Congratulations!🎉🎉🎉 Best of the best! 👍

[@andrewsim5725]

Thank you. Wish you the best for your career and future. 😊

[@ounkeo]

Well done. Massive respect to anyone who can pass.

[@ComeForPeace]

I did not go through the ranger course, but I carried the GPMG for 9d8n Brunei combat outfield course which seemed worth proud of 😂

[@namelesswarrior4760]

Well done sister! Go forth and live your best life. I sincerely hope that you will never have to go to war.

[@eugeniakane5438]

Respect 💪

[@angxiang3186]

Congratulation to your achievement ~ U have lead n shown that woman is as tough in physical n mental strengths to be a top soldier. I hope that you will inspire more women soldiers to greater heights. 🫡 🫡 🫡

[@sonofbuddhaTR]

Wayang

[@titonsama]

nice army！！

[@entlifesutanto]

Respect

[@Slla-th5vt]

Salute.

[@francischia5465]

Well done 👍👍👍

[@polarspirit]

So woman can do it. Time for enlistment

[@hikkomorisg]

G.I. Jun

[@teerificbitch]

She has my respect as I could never do it. But i also want to know if got pang chance. Back when i was in army, the weak ones would always need to be 'supported' by the stronger ones. When we were doing JCC, there was this overweight chap in OCS (dont ask me how he got in), who was basically pulled through the entire JCC by his section. Everyone took turns to carry his field pack, his rifle and he was just a zombie for 9 days (except during the trap making and a-frame phase). He got the JCC badge in the end, but i felt so unjustified for the rest, as that fat guy's incompetence caused everyone to suffer 20% more than they needed to. I hope this lady didn't make it that much harder for the rest to pass the Ranger course too.

[@uUwUu69]

insider's will know what is up...

[@storyrewrites]

What is the excuse for holding back Singaporean women from serving national service if a woman can pass the SAF ranger course? Even if they don't serve in combat roles, they could serve in support roles as firefighters, police, logistics personnel, paramedics, drivers, admin staff in MINDEF. Many of these roles are already filled by women anyway.

[@shadowj3311]

Any reason for baking about female must participate in NS ?

[@capricorn839]

This tough course is definitely not for the faint hearted

[@AliefHamdani]

[SALUTE!]

[@nothere603]

Who cares lol

[@dr._.juniorcollege2799]

Yea wayang only

[@sugarly69]

If only all regulars were like her, we wouldnt need reservists

[@hotheadsniper]

did she went through exact the same level of challenges as men or was it lowered for women?if she went through same stuff as men and even then passed the test then massive respect to her.

[@azhar5912]

the exact same level😅 if it was lowered, she won’t be the first woman to pass it through, means that she was one of many women who tried but only she’s the one who passed.

[@hanzt468]

pretty sure its the same standards, even if they did lower the bars, she is training side by side with her male counterparts, how low can the bar get

[@capriz6348]

Nothing special about rangers or commando or special forces in singapore only tags but if real war maybe they are the first person to run..

[@kuomingtan8241]

If woman can do it, Singapore residents also can.

[@ranger9ranger-pf7fn]

From 31st batch, congrate on your successful as the first SAF women to have completed 💪👋

[@ezekielk.3629]

Rangers Lead The Way

[@albertng9441]

Dare to touch Spore. your hands get hurt. LKY.

[@indomasindah]

Those silly NS boys will shitting in their pants when it comes to real war 😅

[@Aki-yn4pg]

Iron Lady 😊

[@GenericMedusa99]

(Y)

[@euphoria3066]

Ask her take NSF salaries lor and see if she still strong

[@Slla-th5vt]

She is full time service woman. Why shd she need to take NSF salaries. So much saltiness

[@ShopeeMarketteam]

We get it lah you get $800 a month to drive a truck for 10mins and rest in bunk the whole day, its okay we know its tough for you

[@space4495]

She is indeed strong with determination as she took the ranger course for the second time and succeeded after failing the first one.

[@euphoria3066]

​@@ShopeeMarketteamI wish I drive truck and then sleep lol

[@euphoria3066]

​​​@@Slla-th5vtkind of reminds me that there is one PTE regular she is a female and temporary she do admin cause of some medical condition. When talking about salaries, I thought she same as NSF instead she is paid regular starting pay which is $2000 if I remembered correctly. She also even said "walao $500 who wants to serve sia" . How like that

[@TMM-N]

Yea right She was given a pass by the men and instructors

[@Fireblazer1996]

Then you go do leh

[@Slla-th5vt]

If u get a pass, then u can complete liao? Since u cannot complete and she can, must be she is getting special treatment right?

[@PERISCOPE5885]

is that a bad jokes dude....really😂😂🤡🤡

[@tonykwok9763]

NEXT......PM🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@temasek65]

Real woman or transgender?

[@SmallCatHimself]

Ofc real lah.

[@dr._.juniorcollege2799]

I think trans bro

[@东风-l1h]

Wonder those trainers is as fit. Only know how to torture others

[@Dragon-g9k7v]

All trainers went through ranger course before they are allowed to be Ranger Cadre. It's "tough love", if any of them are ever capture in war, those on the other side wont be treating them nice.

[@leleasap]

does her maid, carry her bag as well?

[@user-ck2cp3lt3v]

U SURE IS A WOMAN???

[@deschan2246]

Is "he" still a woman?????🤔🤔🤔

[@SparkzMxzXZ]

Don’t need to show how insecure you are at the sight of someone else’s achievement lol

[@capricorn839]

What about your own gender ? Don't be shy

[@deschan2246]

​@@SparkzMxzXZ insecure???? 😂 dont see any

[@deschan2246]

​@@capricorn839 is this "his" or my news?

[@thatkoalabear]

Congratulations 🎉! Women are incredible humans.. They can endure some things that men can’t! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@CalvinK-the_old_fogey]

Isn’t it ironic that your statement is sexist 😂

[@storyrewrites]

No need to simp.

[@Slla-th5vt]

​@@CalvinK-the_old_fogeylook around, the whole comment section is overflowing with sexism.

[@CalvinK-the_old_fogey]

@@Slla-th5vt It’s equally flooded with sexist comments and low self-esteem sentiments. I am just being helpful to point out the irony 😂

[@Slla-th5vt]

@@CalvinK-the_old_fogey not exactly sure what your case to refute me. You see the same sexist salty statements all around. Said nothing, but expect this one to be above all? It is not irony, it is part of natural. Speak up around if you really think this statement is the one to shoot down. Post your "irony" under the saltiness and see what you get.

[@shadowj3311]

Why so many people bark about female should participate in NS too, is this kind of “man” ego? You are the man just be the man.

[@sugarly69]

Lame lol

[@user-zk6no3no3g]

Awww, sorry to hear that about you.

[@sugarly69]

@@user-zk6no3no3g yeah bro... Broke my legs from laughter 😔

[@iMoreno]

She obviously listens to Andrew Tate and David Goggins. Respect 🫡

[@deschan2246]

In return for lost womanhood? 😂 is it worth it? 😂

[@IndianLondoner]

Well done 🎉. No LGBTQ A I. This is a powerful Woman ❤

[@Hs5687]

Pick a Olympic Sport & Send to Compete … Just in case , do DNA Tests ..

[@alfriesmacdonalds5879]

daymn............

[@musarainbow396]

Why so proud. she what? wonder women? I think because she Chinese because in Singapore if you are Chinese or india you can join any uniform group because they are immigrants and can more trust but not for the real singapura, right?

[@choonhockong8215]

I think you got it wrong. Look at our Scdf, police force percentage of races in these uniformed groups. Who are the majority??

[@WasLostButNowAmFound]

Not happy go north.

[@capricorn839]

Your parents and teachers must be very proud of you. Are you really useful here ?

[@space4495]

She is the first female who passed the ranger course after her second attempt. This will inspire other females who failed during the training to keep pursuing their interests. So it is not about skin but ability.

[@속초한국]

The training course of Singapore Ranger Recon is like a training for an "ORDINARY" Police Unit compared from other countries... there is no such thing as special training since the Singapore Ranger Recon's training is very basic and intermediate... FOR other countries, part of their trainings are very special that you may sign a waiver that every training course are so lethal and deadly. In addition, the Ranger Recon trainee in other countries can ONLY graduate the Ranger training course if the candidate can GO and participate in a real WAR and a black ops mission that few can ONLY return alive from it's dangerous mission...

[@leonardTsn]

What courses have u completed? Keyboard typing course?

[@___Danny___]

mai talk cock lar . try doing chin up squat up push up with your full pack and rifle , which other countries police course does that ?

[@WasLostButNowAmFound]

​@@___Danny___probably the special teams like SWAT or hostage rescue will have the same level of training.

[@silverchairsg]

@@leonardTsn Yep Special Operations Keyboard Warrior Commando course

[@___Danny___]

@@WasLostButNowAmFound I believe those course emphasis more on tactics than PT

[@snorelex]

If she ever has a grandson, the guy can literally say my grandmother can run faster/is stronger than you!

[@d0stick-bm4ph]

*could

[@favianheng4677]

Mad respect. Notoriously tough ranger course. Even more so that a female completed it. Pushing the boundaries for our female peers. Perhaps Singapore government should consider enlisting females for 3 months to let them have a test of combat-readiness? 😂

[@kamleeshuen4730]

As a female, I'm not opposed to it. Just nervous if I can ever be good enough for it... ^^;

[@___Danny___]

full course full treatments just like us , no water down version please.

[@kamleeshuen4730]

@@___Danny___ That's fair. I don't even understand or agree with the logic behind that altered ver.

[@___Danny___]

@@kamleeshuen4730 Cos some people still believe in you girls need protection. My unit used to have a few females , same rank same pay but don’t need to do any duties after work , no OT , no fatigue, every month confirm 2 day MC from the medical center.

[@kamleeshuen4730]

@@___Danny___ Yeah, I agree that if they want to incorporate women into the army, both the workload and pay needs to be evened out for everyone.

[@guruchoykokkee]

So? Nothing great about it. Just a job of undertaking in an army career path. No big deal. Hooha over nothing. Gender equality. No need to highlight the fact she is a woman. Can see she has passion doing such training. So what she is woman, is just part and puzzle of an army career path.

[@CrossbredmiMiyang]

Massive respect and thank you for your service and making my family and myself safe , wishes you and rest of comrades stay safe and healthy. Majulah Singapura . 🇸🇬

[@gabrieleea2789]

Congratulations 🎊 🎉...We are extremely proud of you 👍👍👍. Keep it up.

[@elizabethysm86ysm2]

One word for her, Respect!

[@lannisiahaan7295]

Bravo girls! May God Bless you always.

[@lamjianyuan]

After so many years, what has the pap, lee and tharman done, said or served for singaporeans? NOTHING even at all.

[@lamjianyuan]

What has the pap done, said or served or even did to better the lives of common singaporeans? Its been so long. Nothing at all.

[@azls73]

We who about to Die Salute you captain !!!

[@yuong8139]

I got to see it with my own eyes to believe that the exact same standards applied to man was applied to her. But I mad props to her for even attempting let alone completing even with relaxed standards.

[@Gurashi]

My reg friend says it takes a brave man to want to even attempt Ranger once (unless you don't have a choice as a CDO).. This was the CPT's second attempt as I understand it.

[@Slla-th5vt]

Immediately assume is relaxed standards. So can you complete the course with your relaxed standards.

[@sean7891233]

Respect!

[@rudylopez5060]

Wayang ah❤😂

[@renahooi6314]

Shld consider allowing girls to serve NS if they want and wish to….

[@giaphinteoh9744]

I am surprised to hear her voice which sounds so masculine. She is a role model to those feeble males out there.

[@NewmaticKe]

Thanks for your service and to all rangers

[@shinon9070]

Finally this is the first stage of female ns

[@SuccessforLifester]

Congratulations

[@Waterbottle-is7ed]

took sg women more than half a century to accomplish this. life must be damn shiok to be girl in sg sia. if girl can do this then make them enlist 2 years also lah, gender equality wat.

[@deepone5005]

Once caught by the enemy, she will quickly find out that her ranger batch and awards mean nothing more than the fact that is a female. So stop kidding everyone she is even suitable for the role in war time, physical stamina not withstanding.

[@GanorKaminy]

KKB bisa culik sniper TNI. SAF masuk hutan Johor tak bisa keluar.

[@dweeds]

Respect la, no matter. But then again, I served NS with a female cadet,gloating us that she can pass SOC on the first try. Ya, out of the 10 obstacles, she only had to do 6, out of 1.3km run, she only had to do 700m. Same 10min to pass btw, so ya, power or just you got it easy?

[@bowlampar]

Adversary of Singapore must be really confused now, its national Army has a Female Ranger. 🥺🥺

[@sensah100]

actual respect, i salute

[@BomBomm12345]

and I am just a storeman in army

[@umeshutan6959]

Bravo!!!

[@UnwrappingByMimiKoteng]

Sedap.

[@UnwrappingByMimiKoteng]

Yessir

[@MrZomfgwtfbbq]

Respect

[@deanweaver4469]

Protect the heart of kindness 💛

[@daface00]

MASSIVE RESPECT

[@brigitkarlsen4294]

Google ...it’s so much stress right now why are you adding on by interfering with everything I watch???and don’t change what I write

[@vader92]

Let's have more of them is Singapore, such that it is not a news anymore, because it is a normalcy already. Just like MRT. Then this is real success of SAF and Singapore.

[@Hs5687]

PAP’s subtle Propaganda for Female Enlistment ?

[@eddyp2002]

Personally i respect her for taking the challenge, but the media tend to use her success for other propaganda that's my opinion.

[@ricksanchez5147]

Is this like the us army ranger school?