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You have endured nine months of intensive training. You are tougher - physically and mentally. You have made new friends, honed your leadership skills and gained an understanding of the challenges the Home Team faces in making our country safe and secure for our people. You are now ready to take on command roles in the SCDF.

As SCDF senior officers, it is your responsibility to marshal men and machinery to effectively save life and property. The incidents you manage will demand the best from you. You have to lead your men on the ground, make quick, professional assessments and prescribe the right course of action. The incidents will also put you in contact with the public. Often they will be in distress. You must be able to win their confidence. Your operational and people-management skills will be tested on almost every occasion.

Graduating from this Basic Officers’ Course is only the first step in your SCDF career. You have a long exciting road ahead of you. But whichever part of your career you may be in, always discharge your responsibilities professionally and with honour. Look out for opportunities to grow. You will find the challenges tough but the rewards satisfying. I am sure you will do Singapore and the SCDF proud.

Before I conclude, I would like to thank your families and friends who are here today, for their support and encouragement. Their support will continue to be vital, as each of you pursue your career. 

Once again, I congratulate all of you. May you all have a satisfying and rewarding career in the Civil Defence. Thank you.

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