3rd September 2009, Thursday
Source: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/aoh09
The Army Open House (AOH) 2009 was held from 3rd to 7th Sep 09 at the Pasir Laba Camp (PLC). The five-day event featured the Army's transformation from its humble beginnings in the 1960s to the advanced, full-spectrum and integrated Army it is today.
The AOH ambassadors had portrayed their professionalism with a positive attitude, approachable, friendly, encompassing excellent customer service. We were greeted by the friendly ambassadors at the reception with a copy of the AOH brochure and a brief explanation on the overview of what AOH has in it for us. Paving our way to the information booth for the souvenir, we were approached by three ambassadors for photograph-taking. The photograph was processed on the spot which has exceeded our expectation and we were WOW-ed with the unexpected!
The AOH was organised and conducted in an atmosphere of fun and excitement with a wide range of activities, exhibits and entertainment. The AOH has successfully provided visitors with an oversight of the life, culture and history of the Army. The showcasing of static display on the fairground has excited visitors with its vast array of land vehicle and aircraft, and the wide spectrum of equipment with information on its capabilities and operations.
The highlights of the AOH were the various Worlds; Our World, Mission World, Combat World, Battle World, Action World, Future World and Fun World, that articulated the purpose of National Service. Military demonstrations featured including realistic and interactive mock-ups, simulated battlefield experience, live firing expedition, and action shows. Visitors get a chance to embark on tours to the battlefield in the Combat World and Battle World giving them the opportunity and experience on what it is like to be at the frontlines and rushing across the rugged terrain in the Army’s platforms! As we only arrived in the afternoon, we had limited time to experience the entire activities AOH has. Not giving up, we walked to the activity sites hoping to get a chance to experience the games. Every site which we had visited required a waiting time of between forty-five minutes to an hour. In the end, we had decided to settle at the Battle World for the Live Firing Safari, which we persevered and queued for almost an hour!
There was also fund-raising activity by the SAF Officers’ Wives Club with the sale of special SAF souvenirs or limited-edition T-shirts and Caps, allows individuals to do their part for charity. There was also a fun-filled carnival at the Mega e-Mart and entertainment with stage performances, family oriented food and beverage outlets for the resting of feet and sitting back to relax with a cold drink, and the fun-fair games that cater to all age groups.
The visit to the AOH was insightful and a very knowledge-packed experience which I believed it had provided the public with a better understanding of the Army and the SAF over the years. On a separate note, have you ever wondered why do we have such Open Houses? Think about it... Hmm...~
