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In the early hours of 11 February 2026, eight SCDF officers gathered at the Home Team Tactical Centre to undergo the Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) Selection. Eight sets of gear were laid out neatly in the same manner. Each officer understood the challenge ahead.

DART is the elite unit of the SCDF, specialising in complex operations such as urban search and rescue, water rescue, height rescue, and prolonged firefighting. To become a DART Specialist, aspiring officers must complete the DART Selection and pass the DART Specialist Course. Given the nature of their duties, the DART Selection is known for being intense.

“The DART Selection spans over 30 hours, testing the physical and mental resilience of our candidates. Apart from individual competency, they must be able to work cohesively as a team and step up as a leader when needed,” said LTC Lok Wee Keong, DART Commander.

“The DART Selection simulates some of the challenges that DART Specialists may face in local operations or overseas missions,” he added. “Beyond physical fitness, DART Specialists must also have discipline, aptitude, resilience, and teamwork.”

DART Rescue Rota Commander, CPT Wilson Tan Wei Sheng was one of the instructors who supervised the DART Selection.

Elaborating on the selection process, he shared, “At times, DART Specialists may have to operate in uncomfortable and unpredictable environments. During the selection, candidates will face uncertainties, time pressure, and performance expectations on top of physical exertion.”

“They will discover their ability to operate effectively despite discomfort, overcome stress with composure and focus, and stand united in the face of challenges,” he added.

Training for the DART Selection

Training and conditioning began months before the DART Selection.

Between January and February 2026, aspiring officers had to attend at least eight training sessions to build their physical fitness. They underwent a time trial at the first and last session to assess their progress and readiness for the DART Selection.

“At the beginning, I knew that I had not met the required standards, but I did not want to give up,” CPT Muhammad Firdaus Bin Zulkfle said. “The instructors were committed to helping us improve and constantly told us to trust the process. In return, we had to give our best at every session. I am very grateful to them for their guidance in building our physical fitness and mental resilience.”

When asked what motivated him to go for the DART Selection, CPT Firdaus recalled his time as a Rota Commander at Kallang Fire Station, which is co-located with DART East Base.

“At Kallang Fire Station, I often saw DART Specialists responding to rescue incidents. My Commander Fire Station, LTC Kelvin Koh, and former Division Commander, AC Chew Keng Tok were both DART Specialists earlier in their career. Listening to their experiences inspired me to go for the selection,” he said.

“I did have some reservations as I was not a strong swimmer. But once I signed up, I committed fully to it,” he added. With guidance from a close friend and at least two swimming sessions per week, CPT Firdaus honed his swimming over the course of five months.

Joining him was CPT Ling Hsih Hwa, also undergoing the selection for the first time.

CPT Ling Hsih Hwa giving his all during the team-based Breathing Apparatus circuit. PHOTO: SCDF

“As DART is the elite unit in SCDF, I wanted to challenge myself. Months before the selection, I ramped up my physical training. Through the structured training programme and consistent guidance from the instructors, we refined our techniques and saw overall improvement before the selection,” he said.

The 30-hour Test

On 11 February 2026, the eight candidates began their 30-hour DART Selection, consisting of a 10km run, a 400-metre swim (including treading water), followed by individual and team-based Breathing Apparatus (BA) circuits, and wall-breaching. The final activity was a “Casevac”, requiring them to work as a team to carry a “casualty” on a stretcher and equipment over 10km.

Each activity had to be completed within the stipulated time, with points awarded based on the timing achieved. To qualify for the DART Specialist Course, candidates must score at least 80 out of 100 points. At any point during the test, candidates may ring the bell and withdraw from the selection.

For the team-based BA circuit, candidates worked in two teams of four. With seven minutes allocated for each round, each team had to complete the circuit four times. In between rounds, instructors checked on their wellbeing and ensured that they were rehydrated. PHOTO: SCDF

“These activities evaluate resilience in two ways,” CPT Wilson explained. “The individual activities test their self-motivation and independence. The team-based activities assess their leadership - knowing when to lead and when to be a supportive teammate - and how well they leverage one another’s strengths to complete a common objective.”

Reflecting on the activities, CPT Hsih Hwa said, “We were eager to do our best, but it was wiser to understand our own condition and pace ourselves. Going all out at the start may not be sustainable.”

CPT Firdaus (left) completing the individual BA circuit under CPT Wilson’s watchful eyes. PHOTO: SCDF

When the timer started, he focused on each task methodically and completed the circuit within the allotted time. “It was the most challenging activity for me, but I found the journey of steady improvement very rewarding,” he said with a smile.

As they completed one activity after another, the candidates grew more cohesive as a team.

“During the team-based BA circuit, we motivated each other by counting down each set, until we completed it together,” CPT Firdaus shared. “Taking a breather, we patted each other on the back and shared a few words of encouragement, before readying ourselves for the next activity.”

Using a chisel and mallet, each candidate worked overnight to breach a hole through a 150mm-thick concrete slab. PHOTO: CPT WILSON TAN WEI SHENG

Breaching through the thick concrete slab with simple tools tested the grit of the candidates. It would take them about five hours of sustained effort to complete the task. PHOTO: SCDF

The final activity was a true test of their unity and determination.

“We had to move as one unit. If some moved ahead while others trailed behind, it would break the formation and compromise the casualty evacuation. By adjusting our pace constantly, we moved as one and completed it together, strengthening our bond,” CPT Firdaus said.

CPT Firdaus (left) carrying the “casualty” in the final activity. PHOTO: SCDF

With the completion of the final activity, all eight candidates qualified for the DART Specialist Course, which will commence on 30 March 2026.

(Back row, from left) CPT Koh Woon Siang from the Fire Safety Department, SGT3 Muhammad Jufri Bin Jaffry from Jurong Island Fire Station, SGT3 Muhammad Adli Bin Adam from Bishan Fire Station, and SGT3 Muhammad Adiputra Bin Mohd Jeferee from Bishan Fire Station. (Front row, from left) SGT3 Muhammad Al-Khusairi Bin Abdul Nasir from Jurong Fire Station, CPT Muhammad Firdaus Bin Zulkfle from the Fire Investigation Unit, SGT3 Muhammad Saifuddin Bin Mohamad Haron from Sengkang Fire Station, and CPT Ling Hsih Hwa from the Fire Safety Department. PHOTO: SCDF

“Over the past few months, the candidates have dedicated significant time and effort to train and condition themselves for this selection. Completing it marks the first step of their journey to become a DART Specialist,” CPT Wilson said. “Over eight weeks, the intensive DART Specialist Course will equip them with specialised competencies in urban search and rescue, height rescue, and other operational skills required of DART Specialists.”

“Wearing the DART tab comes with great responsibility. We must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and be exemplary role models in SCDF. That is why the course will dedicate time to strengthen the resilience and character of our candidates,” he added.

(From left) SGT3 Muhammad Khairi Bin Abdullah, CPT Wilson Tan Wei Sheng, WO1 Muhd Shahrul Bin Pungut, CPT Ahmad Faizal Bin Abdul Hanan, WO2 Mohd Shahafashah Bin Selamat, and WO2 Muhammad Firdaus Tay Bin Kassim. These DART instructors, together with instructors from the Urban Search and Rescue Branch of the Civil Defence Academy, closely supervised the candidates throughout the DART Selection. PHOTO: SCDF

Looking forward to the course with resolve, CPT Hsih Hwa said, “All of us shared the same goal, which was to complete the selection and qualify for the DART Specialist Course. I am glad that our perseverance saw us through.”

“The DART Specialist Course will undoubtedly be tougher, but I look forward to learning from the instructors and becoming a better officer,” CPT Firdaus said.

Stay tuned for part 2, where Rescue995 follows their journey as they strive to become DART Specialists.