Chief of Staff (COS)
The Chief of Staff (COS) is the senior Singapore national representative and is responsible for all states of affairs for Singapore personnel in HQIADS. He holds overall direction of HQIADS staff activities including but not limited to, exercise planning, safe and effective implementation of FPDA exercises and HQIADS paper submissions to the committee. He undertakes the roles of Exercise Director during Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD, Chief Joint Safety Officer (CJSO) during Exercise BERSAMA LIMA, and Observer for the SUMAN Series.
COS’ peacetime responsibilities are to:
(a) Be responsible to CIADS, through DCIADS, for the operational, plans, and staff functions of HQIADS;
(b) Serve as the HQIADS delegate for the FPG, FCC, FDCC & FDMM;
(c) Contribute to HQIADS capacity building objectives through leadership, innovation, and recognition of outstanding performance;
(d) Maintain professional/military skills and military service readiness requirements.
Chief of Staff
COL Edwin Koh Boon Yit
COL Edwin Koh Boon Yit “Ah-joe” joined the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in September 2002 and began his training to become a Weapon System Officer (Fighter) (WSO(FTR)). He flew the F-15SG and F-16D and has accumulated over 1,800 flying hours.
Over his 22 years in the RSAF, COL Koh has served with distinction in various appointments. In 2008, he was a core group member to operationalise the F-15SG capability. He is a qualified instructor WSO(FTR) who contributed considerably to aircrew generation. He played an instrumental role in inaugurating the F-15SG to 149 Squadron in Apr 2010. COL Edwin Koh also played a significant role in enhancing operational readiness and was in the command team that achieved Full Operational Capabilities (FOC) for the F-15SG community. COL Koh has also served with distinction in the Integrated Systems Doctrine Group, Air Combat Command and in HQ RSAF, the Chief of Airforce’s Office.
COL Koh graduated from the French Command and Staff College in June 2016.
In the history of the RSAF, COL Koh is the first WSO(FTR) to have successfully completed a tour as Commander Tengah Air Base, Commander (Covering) Changi Air Base, and commanded a Fighter Squadron, the 149 Squadron. This marks a major milestone in the RSAF’s history and signifies the coming of age of the WSO(FTR) community.
During his tenure as Commander Tengah Air Base, COL Koh has led Tengah to achieve mission success safely and pushed both operational and training boundaries. He has also forged a strong sense of identity and team spirit within Tengah Air Base.