When we said 1 SIR, the correct term is 1st Battalion of the
Singapore Infantry Regiment. Similarly 40 SAR is 40th Battalion of
the Singapore Armor Regiment. And 20 SA, 1 Cdo, 30 SCE etc etc
etc.
Singapore follow the British system. One regiment will have one or
more Battalions. In Singapore case, the men from one regiment will
share a common set of berets, green/khahi, black and also the
different flag and crest and maybe even motto. The Regiment will
also serve as an Administrative HQ etc HQ Infantry, HQ Amour and
take charge of training, doctrine and planning etc. However, the
Regiment is not suppose to be a field command. So you wont have
a S3 HQ Infantry or whatever, maybe you will have a Training
Officer, Planning Officer etc etc etc.
In the past, in British Army (maybe waterloo days), the
Brigade/Division or higher formation are loosely formed and the
Battalions will only be grouped together temporary.
If you think Singapores regimental structure is confused, you
should look at the British armys website and there are so many
regiments, Black Watch Scots Guards Welsh Guards and so
on
..
Initially the Singapore Armys Division is also loosely organized
and are classified as nominal Division rather then full division.
But after a few rounds of reorg, they are now suppose to be a
complete combined arms division.
However for the Singapore Army, each Battalion will fall under a
Field command whereby they are expected to be fall under in
operational condition. Eg 1st SIR might be under 10 SIB etc
etc.
Hope this is clear
