This is a very good question, and I think that is the main flaw
in SAF doctrine. We have to have much more training in Urban
warfare. jungle training is a total waste of time. People will tell
you that the SAF will not fight in S'pore but will conduct
offensive operations in a foreign country that has a lot of jungle.
Therefore, we must train for jungle warfare. Well, I don' know any
army that won a war by holding the jungle or plantations. The
Vietcong fought the US Army for 10 years from the jungle, and were
undisputed jungle warfare champions, but that got them nothing. Its
only when they capture the major urban centres of Saigon, Hue, etc.
that they won the war. Likewise, in order to win, the SAF has to
capture and hold the ports, airports, main communicatiion centres,
and capture the military and political leadership. Well, all these
people and strcutures are not in the jungle. They are in BUAs.
MINDEF better wake up their ideas and get with the program.
