Specialist and Warrant Officer Institute

The Specialist and Warrant Officer Institute (SWI) is the home of the WOSpecs Corps, encapsulating their core values, image, cultural heritage and pride.

It consists of three Specialist Cadet Schools (SCSs), the Specialist and Warrant Officer Advanced School (SWAS) and the SAF Warrant Officer School (SAFWOS) Leadership School.

SWI was established to serve two objectives:

1. To foster a greater sense of belonging and pride amongst members of the Warrant Officer and Specialist (WOSpec) Corps;

2. To increase the efficiency and effectiveness of training within the WOSpec Corps.

Mission and Vision

The mission of SWI is to develop effective, dynamic and committed Warrant Officers and Specialists with a proud identity anchored on shared values and purpose. SWI’s vision is to be “Home of the Warrant Officers and Specialists. A Premier Institute Recognised World-Wide”. This vision articulates the role of SWI as a spiritual guardian of the values and heritage of the WOSpec Corps. It also expresses the aspirations of SWI to be globally recognised for the quality of its trainers, its excellent curricula, and the conduciveness of its learning environment.

History Of SWI

The institute was officially inaugurated on 17 Sep 2004, with the swearing in of COL Kuek Joo Leng as its first Commander. The institute then consisted of three schools: The School of Infantry Specialists (SISPEC), the School of Infantry Weapons (SIW) and the SAF Warrant Officer School (SAFWOS). SISPEC then shifted from Pulau Tekong to Pasir Laba Camp where SIW and SAFWOS were residing, the physical proximity strengthening the spiritual link between the schools.

On 13 Apr 2010, SWI was reorganised into the Specialist Cadet School (SCS), the Specialist and Warrant Officer Advanced School (SWAS) and SAF Warrant Officer School (SAFWOS). The reorganisation of SWI reflected a shift from a specialist school with a heavy emphasis on infantry training to a premier military leadership institute that develops leaders. This shift in emphasis towards leadership development was reinforced with the transfer of SWI from 9th Singapore Division to SAFTI Military Institute (SAFTI MI) on 25 Feb 2014.

In 2018, SAFWOS was renamed to SAFWOS Leadership School as part of the effort to embrace the participation of Military Experts in SAFWOS’s joint courses. As the SAF undergoes a constant process of transformation, SWI will continue to oversee the development of the WOSpec Corps in line with their evolving roles and responsibilities.

Commander SWI

COL Du Zixian Ivan assumed command of Specialist and Warrant Officer Institute on 14 Jun 2024. He was enlisted into the Singapore Armed Forces in Jan 2000 and is a Guards Officer by vocation. He previously served as the Commanding Officer of the Army Deployment Force and Commander of the SAF Military Intelligence Institute. He is a graduate of the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff and Tactics Course and Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College.

Chief Master Trainer SWI

SWO Tan Yong Koon Albert assumed the appointment of Chief Master Trainer, Specialist and Warrant Officer Institute on 11 Feb 2022. He was enlisted into the Singapore Armed Forces in 1997 and is an Infantry Warrant Officer by vocation. He has served in 3rd Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment, 2nd Singapore Infantry Brigade and Specialist Cadet School. He is a graduate of the Joint Senior Leadership Course and New Zealand Joint Warrant Officer Advanced Course.

Specialist Cadet Schools

Specialist Cadet School (SCS)

A junior leadership school where selected soldiers from all Arms who possess leadership potential begin their training to be leaders and warriors.

Specialist and Warrant Officer Advanced School (SWAS)

A senior leadership school which aims to develop the leadership and warfighting abilities of WOSpecs as they progress to more senior roles in the SAF.

SAFWOS Leadership School

SAF Warrant Officer School (SAFWOS) Leadership School welcomes leaders who are at various stages of their military service.

Contact us

Specialist and Warrant Officer Institute

276, Pasir Laba Road, #02-19,
Singapore 637772

Tel: 6410-5597
Fax: 6410-5660