Singapore Infantry Regiment

The Singapore Infantry Regiment is the main formation of the Singapore Army. It consists of eight full-time battalions and a number of National Service (NS), or Reservist battalions.

History
The 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) was formed in March 12, 1957 against the backdrop of self-government for Singapore. Recruitment began on 4 March 1957 with only Singapore citizens and persons born and bred in Singapore were recruited. Out of a total of 1,420 applicants, 237 were initially accepted for training. It was intended that 1 SIR together with another battalion would form part of a regiment within a brigade group in the Singapore Military Forces.

Self-government for Singapore in 1959 gave 1 SIR the opportunity to mount the Istana Guards in place of the Gurkhas, while the battalion was presented with Queen's and Regimental Colours in 1961. The following year, the 2nd Battalion was raised.

For two years between 1963 and 1965, Singapore was part of Malaysia, and the regiment was renamed the Malaysian Infantry Regiment. Both battalions saw service in the Confrontation, with 1 SIR posted to Sebatik Island in Sabah and 2 SIR to Labis, Johor. On Singapore's independence in 1965, the regiment regained its former name. In 1967 two more battalions, the 3rd and 4th, were raised as part of the move towards National Service. 1 SIR and 2 SIR were also converted to NS battalions. Four further battalions were raised over the next few years, although 7 SIR and the older 8 SIR were eventually re-roled to become the 3rd and 2nd Battalions, Singapore Guards.

Current status
Currently, there are eight active battalions, each of which is assigned to an infantry brigade in one of the army's three Combined Arms Divisions except 9 & the newer 8 SIR, which is assigned to 2 People's Defence Force. This is alongside two per brigade of NS battalions. Besides training for their conventional warfare role, different infantry battalions specialised in their unique role. This arrangement which may change according to operating environment also allows MINDEF to try out new tactics and equipment. E,g: 3 SIR specialised in Urban operations. 9 SIR specialised in POI (Protection of Installations) for civilian key installations. 8 SIR specialised in POI for SAF key installations. As of May 2011, 2 SIR has been converted into a motorised infantry battalion in the effort to shift towards a 3rd Generation SAF. The plan is to convert 3 conventional infantry battalions to motorised infantry that is 1 per Combined Arms Divisions.

Alliances

 * 🇬🇧 – Royal Ulster Rifles; 2 SIR