The Contingent

Through years of mission experience, SCDF's Operation Lionheart Contingent has refined itself at every opportunity.  Versatile and self-sufficient, the contingent is made up of not only rescuers, but also experts in various fields.  All members in the 79-strong contingent offer their unique skillsets and contribute to mission success.

Contingent Commander

Upon the activation of the Operation Lionheart contingent, the Contingent Commander will assume the overall command and control of the entire contingent. As the leader of the Operation Lionheart Contingent, the Contingent Commander is also responsible for the overall readiness of the 79-member contingent. He must gain a clear understanding of the nature of the mission and come up with an inital plan of action, even before the contingent's departure to the affected country.

Upon arrival, the Contingent Commander will set the direction for the contingent to operate. Apart from commanding the contingent's rescue efforts, he will need to work closely with the Local Emergency Management Authorities, front media queries, and motivate his contingent members.

Deputy Contingent Commander

As the second-in-command to the Contingent Commander, the Deputy Contingent Commander is responsible for all Search and Rescue Operations at the rescue sites. He will need to analyse the operating terrain, advise the Contingent Commander on the appropriate Search and Rescue strategies, and oversee all operations on-site .

Rescue Platoon Commander

With his substantial experience in Urban Search and Rescue, the Rescue Platoon Commander is instrumental in formulating concrete and systematic plans for search and rescue operations. Apart from providing guidance to the various Rescue Section Commanders and Rescue Specialists in their operations, the Rescue Platoon Commander also ensures the safety of all personnel on-site.

Rescue Section Commander

The Rescue Section Commanders will lead the Rescue Specialists under them in the conduct of rescue operations on-site. They will also ensure the safety of all rescuers under them.

Rescue Specialist

The Rescue Specialist is highly proficient in the use of equipment for Urban Search and Rescue. He is responsible for all cutting, breaking, lifting, and towing operations on-site. The Rescue Specialist is also capable of constructing shores to stabilise walls and floors, allowing all rescuers to work in safety.

Skilled in first aid, the Rescue Specialist will assist paramedics in the medical stabilisation of rescued casualties.

Medical Officer

The Medical Officer is a doctor by profession.  He is responsible for medical coverage and care for the entire Operation Lionheart contingent throughout the mission.

The Medical Officer's duties are not confined to the medical tent in the Base of Operations.  When there are victims trapped under the rubble at rescue sites, the Medical Officer will oversee the stabilisation and pre-hospital care for these victims before the arrival of any local ambulances.

Paramedic

Highly trained in trauma paramedicine, the paramedic assists the Medical Officer in providing medical care to the entire Operation Lionheart contingent throughout the mission. The paramedic also plays a crucial role during rescue operations, helping to stabilise and provide pre-hospital care to rescued victims.

K-9 Search Specialist

The K9 Search Specialist works closely with his search canine partner to search for probable survivors trapped under the rubble. With their strong bond and drive to search, they are an effective complement to modern life-detection technology on rescue sites.

The K9 Search Specialist helps to keep his canine partner safe from hazards on-site and provides due care for the canine, throughout search operations.

Emergency Response & Assessment Team (ERAT)

Trained in Emergency Response and Assessment, the ERAT officer plays a critical role in liaising with other international organisations and the Local Emergency Management Authority. He will gather relevant information of the United Nation's involvement in the disaster-affected country and gain a complete picture of the deployment of all Urban Search and Rescue teams in the area.

Operations Officer

The Operations Officer has oversight of all operational, safety, and security matters throughout the mission. He or she will set up the command post and conduct forward planning for the contingent's operations.  All movement and deployment of contingent members across various rescue sites are monitored closely by the Operations Officer, who drafts and submits periodic situational reports to SCDF's Operations Cell back in Singapore.

HazMat Assessment Unit Officer

As hazardous materials may be present on rescue sites, the HazMat Assessment Unit Officer is instrumental in inspecting these sites for hazardous materials, before rescuers are committed to rescue work. With their expertise, the HazMat Assessment Unit Officers are also on standby to assist the Local Emergency Management Authorities in HazMat detection and monitoring when necessary.

Logistics Officer

Prior to any Operation Lionheart deployment, the Logistics Officer ensures mission readiness by maintaining essential equipment and updating required documents. Upon activation, the Logistics Officer is responsible for the clearance and loading of all vehicles and equipment, allowing the contingent to be deployed swiftly.

Upon arrival at the affected country, the Logistics Officer will have to identify suitable sites to set up the Base of Operations, establish security, and designate the rules of communal living within the base. In anticipation of lengthy deployments, the Logistics Officer will have to do forward planning and conduct replenishment of essential supplies for the contingent.

Rescue Engineer

Experts at structural hazard assessment, the Rescue Engineers will use engineering equipment to study affected buildings and monitor the potential movement of rubble.  They will assume the role of safety officers on-site and advise the rescue commanders on the construction of shores to ensure building stability. 

Technician

The Technicians play an essential role in the Operation Lionheart contingent, assisting in the loading of logistical items and the preparation of vehicles upon activation.

On-site, the technicians conduct regular inspection and maintenance of all vehicles and equipment that are essential to rescue efforts.  They are also capable of carrying out in-situ servicing and repair of equipment at disaster sites.

Information Officer

Throughout the deployment, the Information Officer gathers quality photographs and video footage. This enables them to provide timely updates on the mission and advise the contingent commander on media-related matters.

Communications Officer

Reliable communications are vital to the search and rescue efforts of the Operation Lionheart contingent. This is where the Communications Officers play an important role in ensuring the serviceability of various info-communications equipment, such as satellite phones, laptops, and other IT support equipment.

Upon setting up the satellite system for wireless communication, the Communications Officers will establish the proper communication protocol, network, and procedures, to facilitate the flow of information within the Operation Lionheart contingent.

Emergency Behavioural Sciences and Care (EBSC) Officer

The inclusion of EBSC officers in the Operation Lionheart contingent underscores SCDF's commitment to prioritise the psychological well-being and resilience of its officers during and after overseas deployments.

EBSC officers are trained psychologists who are adept at morale sensing and promoting resilience through their daily interactions with the contingent members. Apart from providing in-situ psychological support for the contingent, the EBSC officers also advise the contingent commander on morale issues.