27yo becomes 1st SG female to complete SAF commando course

SINGAPORE: In a groundbreaking achievement, Captain Yap Hui Jun has shattered barriers and made history by becoming the first woman to complete the gruelling Singapore Armed Forces’ Ranger course. The 27-year-old accomplished this remarkable feat last week, following a 65-day journey that tested her physical and mental limits.

The Ranger course is renowned as one of the toughest military training programmes in the Singapore Armed Forces, designed to hone the operational leadership qualities of a small unit and develop the physical and mental attributes of soldiers capable of leading detachments in combat. Captain Yap’s triumph in this course has demonstrated her exceptional dedication and opened doors for women in the Singaporean military.

Captain Yap’s journey into the military began at 19, driven by her passion for training and desire to lead a life dedicated to service. She told the press, “My wish has always been to wear a green uniform and contribute to society.”

This was not Captain Yap’s first attempt at the Ranger course. She revealed that she had undertaken the challenge last year but could not complete it. Undeterred, she decided to give it another try this year, armed with an optimistic attitude from her previous experience.

The Ranger course, established at the Pasir Ris Military Camp in 1978, is typically a compulsory programme for Singapore commandos, although regular troops from other forces are permitted to participate, albeit with limited seats. Before entering the course, candidates must undergo a rigorous three-week preparatory fitness conditioning programme to meet stringent physical fitness requirements.

The course is conducted in three stages: technical training, sea and air combat skills, and other physical requirements, all aimed at pushing the trainees to maximize their physical fitness and leadership skills. Notably, failure at any stage doesn’t mark the end of one’s journey; soldiers can make another attempt, provided they complete a gruelling 20-kilometre combat march within four hours.

The first two stages of the Ranger course are held locally, while the third stage takes place at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Australia, adding an international dimension to the training. This course’s successful completion signifies a remarkable achievement for any soldier, and Captain Yap’s milestone as the first woman to conquer it stands as a testament to her extraordinary dedication and resilience.