This commissioning parade is a significant and momentous occasion for you, the graduands. It celebrates your successful completion of 10 months of rigorous and arduous officer cadet training. Only the best qualify for the Officer Cadet School and make it. You have triumphed, both mentally and physically, over the toughest of military training. You are now well equipped to be commissioned as officers of the SAF. With this honour also comes the solemn responsibility of leading men in safeguarding the sovereignty and security of Singapore.

2 The terrorist attacks in the US on 11 September last year has escalated the political and security uncertainties, and worsened the economic downturn in the world and in this region. It has also given rise to new forms of security challenges that transcend national borders. This has dramatically altered the way nations conceive of and address security concerns within their own territories. Small, open economies like Singapore are especially vulnerable. We need a strong defence force to respond decisively and effectively to deter and counter any external threats of aggression. Failure to respond or to check any security threat with equal vigour would undermine investors’ confidence in our country as well as disrupt our social cohesion.

3 Terrorist attacks such as those of September 11 not only harm innocent lives but also threaten to tear a society apart. They strike at the psychological, social and economic foundations of a nation. This is why we have Total Defence. It ensures that we have the societal strength and cohesion to withstand the stresses brought about by terrorist threats and attacks that would otherwise tear us asunder. It also ensures that we have the wherewithal to deal effectively with a direct threat and attack on Singapore and Singaporeans.

4 The recent arrest of members of a terrorist organisation in Singapore linked to the Al-Qaeda network is a timely reminder to us that we can never, and we must never, take our security for granted. But, we should also be re-assured that with a strong Total Defence, we will be able to deal with such terrorist threats and stay on top of the situation.

5 Military Defence is a vital component of Total Defence. This is why the heightened tensions around us have meant increased demands on both the commanders and men in the SAF. SAF soldiers, for example, are now called upon to assist in maintaining security at key locations throughout the island. Officers like you not only have to take on additional responsibilities, but you also have to explain to your men the need for this added vigilance.

6 The SAF’s pivotal role in defending the country, however, does not stop here. Since 1989, SAF personnel have served in many UN missions world-wide. Despite our limited resources, as part of Mindef’s policy as a responsible member of the international community, the SAF will continue to contribute to regional and international peace and security.

7 For you who are standing here today, your role is particularly important. As a newly commissioned officer, you represent the future of the SAF. You have to keep your charges together by instilling in them the team spirit necessary to fulfil their missions. As their commander, you must lead by example, so that your men can always look up to you as their role model. In order to bring the best out of soldiers, you must be ever ready to demand even more from yourself.

8 As their leader, you are responsible for the training, morale and discipline of your men. They must be well-trained and prepared for their missions. Your exemplary conduct and values will be their inspiration to overcome the many seemingly insurmountable challenges that they may face. Through this process, you will produce soldiers with the ability and will to fight, and soldiers that you can be proud of.

9 Besides good leadership, discipline and fitness are the vital ingredients in an operationally ready force. High standards of discipline will ensure that your men remain alert and vigilant even over prolonged periods of time. Good physical fitness will help them go that extra mile when the situation calls for it. You want your men to keep going when the going gets tough. These are qualities that will prove decisive in battle. And these are the qualities that will ultimately help preserve the lives of the men under your charge and minimise casualties. More than your men, you must show that you have such qualities.

10 As officers in the SAF, you will now undertake the sacred task of safeguarding Singapore’s security and sovereignty. This commissioning parade epitomises the nation’s trust in you. The challenges ahead will be daunting. But the training you have received, and the values that have been instilled in you in OCS, will put you in good stead to serve with the tenacity and courage that you will need to see the task through.

11 Congratulations on your commissioning. I wish you every success in your service to the nation.

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