Army Open House 2022 (AOH22), organized by the Ministry of Defence, Singapore, returned in May to commemorate 55 years of National Service (NS), decked with interactive booths and immersive experiences that highlighted the Army’s operational capabilities, platforms and formations.
AOH22 comprised the AOH22 Virtual Exhibition and physical events at the F1 Pit Building and heartlands. AOH22 at the F1 Pit Building was the main event and featured a number of action-packed interactive zones:
- Our Army Platforms: A key highlight of the Main Exhibition, this featured a line-up of Army military platforms and interesting facts about them.
- Army Formations Zone: Visitors to the 16 engaging Formation booths gained a hands-on experience of military weapons and equipment.
- NS55 Showcase: An experiential journey through 55 years of NS and its achievements. The exhibition featured interactive displays with AR and other technologies, storytelling displays, hands-on activities, a 4D multisensory show and more.
- Kids Zone: A fun experience in which kids and parents could join in activities such as a mini obstacle course, balloon sculpting, face-painting with camo cream, photo opportunities, mini-campsite and a jungle maze.
- Be a Marksman: Visitors could fire Singapore’s SAR 21 rifle at the Firing Range and participate in simulated five-on-five team combat.
- Soldier Strong Arena: Visitors learned how sports science, fitness equipment and wearable technologies have transformed the Army’s fitness programme.
Other fun elements included recruitment talks, day and night showcases featuring the Red Lions skydiving team, the SAF Band, military vehicles, an on-board ‘Battle Rides’ experience, and a drone airshow. Visitors could even don night vision goggles to experience a mission-based night walk.
All the above was complemented with games, quizzes with rewards and musical performances at ‘Main Stage’, as well as an obstacle course and ‘Technology Zone’. Some of the experiences were recreated for the heartlands, specifically in Punggol and Bishan in June. For those who could not attend in person, stage programmes were broadcasted live on official channels.