Crossing a New Paradigm MAJ Alvin Tan (1 June 2006 – Present)
Between 1993 and 2001, LTC Poon Siow Hai set the pace for every member of DART to follow. Between 2001 and 2006 LTC Kadir Maideen cemented the good foundations accomplished by DART. In the next lap, MAJ Alvin Tan attempts to break new ground and push DART to even higher achievements and excellence, befitting its legacy and aspirations for the future. Amongst the new initiatives introduced by MAJ Tan are the new criteria for DART selection. They serve to further ramp up the selection process, raising the standards of new DART member intake. Other new initiatives include the launch of appliances such as the DRV for better response to incidents especially during overseas missions. A new HRT is also developed with customised layout which facilitates equipment deployment to replace the aging HRT. MAJ Tan has expended significant efforts to push for incremental skills enhancement in DART. This has been evident in his strict insistence on DART Specialists sharpening and escalating their wide range of rescue skills including water and height rescue proficiencies. In the area of height rescue, MAJ Tan has led the team to develop capabilities to tackle unique onsite challenges, through training and practice at actual sites such as the Singapore Flyer, and Sentosa Luge and Skyride. Under MAJ Tan’s leadership, DART has grown from strength to strength. As testimony to its considerable capabilities, SCDF was awarded the prestigious INSARAG External Classification (IEC) “Heavy“ international USAR team in 2008, sealing a place in history as the first emergency response team in Asia to be accorded the honour. All in all, MAJ Tan’s efforts have been paving the way for DART to continue honing its capabilities so that it remains highly effective, efficient and relevant.
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MAJ Alvin Tan at the IEC External Classification award ceremony. BOTTOM
MAJ Alvin Tan briefing Minister Wong Kan Seng at the SCDF Workplan.
CPT Mohd Nazim Mar 2001 - Mar 2005
CPT Ernest Ong Jun 2002 - Oct 2005
CPT William Loh Jun 2002 - Sep 2003
MAJ Chew Keng Tok Sep 2003 - Jul 2006
LTA Mohd Sukaimi Mar 2005 - Feb 2007 97