Graduands of the 67/07 Officer Cadet Course,

Parents,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very pleased to be here this evening to witness your commissioning as Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). This parade represents a milestone in your lives. Through 38 arduous weeks of mentally challenging and physically strenuous cadet training, you have demonstrated your mettle and worth as a leader. Your commissioning marks the completion of the first leg of a journey that began when you first set foot on SAFTI. Today is especially significant as it also marks the start of your journey as SAF Officers.

2          As we commemorate the 40^th anniversary of National Service this year, it is worthwhile reflecting on the SAF’s primary mission. The SAF’s mission remains that of deterring potential aggressors, and should that deterrence fail, secure a swift and decisive victory over the adversary. All Singaporeans must keep in mind that Singapore’s growth and prosperity has been underpinned by your continued investment and commitment to defence and security over the years. This consistent approach has allowed us to build, develop and maintain a very strong SAF. As Singapore continues to prosper in the decades ahead, we must not be complacent about our commitment to defence and security, nor lose sight of the SAF’s mission. A strong SAF has and will continue to protect and preserve the peace, stability and economic progress that has taken so long for us, as a nation, to painstakingly build and achieve.

3          In today’s uncertain security environment, the SAF’s mission has grown to involve a wider range of conventional and non-conventional operations. The SAF is involved in security operations at key installations such as Jurong Island and Changi Airport. As a responsible member of the international community, elements from the SAF are also deployed for multinational peace-support operations overseas. These would include the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor Leste and more recently, the multinational efforts in the stablisation and reconstruction of Afghanistan. On the home-front, SAF units stand ready to be activated and deployed for contingency operations. These additional responsibilities are now part and parcel of the SAF’s widening operational spectrum.

4          Now, in order to meet these expanded demands and to deal with the wider spectrum of threats that Singapore faces, the SAF is undergoing a transformation. The 3^rd Generation SAF will be developed into an integrated, networked and cohesive force focused on its mission and ready for the full spectrum of operations. The SAF can be called upon at a moment’s notice to protect our national security interests. While we have restructured the SAF and grown significantly in our use of cutting-edge technology, the full potential of the 3^rd Generation SAF will only be realised if we are able to harness and develop the qualities and potential of the SAF’s commanders and soldiers, sailors and airmen to the fullest.

5          The 3^rd Generartion SAF requires its officers to not only be competent in deploying the hardware and mastering the software, but also to possess the right heartware. By heartware, I mean your strong sense of purpose to serve in the defence of Singapore and a commitment to lead your soldiers to the best of your abilities. As part of your officer cadet training, you have been imbued with the essence and values of effective military leadership. In your Service and Formation Training Institutes, you were trained to understand and leverage on cutting edge battlefield technology and complex concepts of warfare. I am delighted to know that your training today is holistic and all-encompassing that gives you both the knowledge and skills to be a leader in the 3^rd Generation SAF.

6          As officers, you will shoulder the responsibility as well as the privilege of leading our citizen soldiers, who may not be much younger than yourselves. Through National Service, our young men who come from various backgrounds, will learn to live, train and fight together. As Singapore’s population becomes more diverse, the role of National Service, in particular, as a key pillar of nation building will feature even more prominently. As their leaders, lead by example so that your men will trust and follow you. Respect them as individuals even as you strive to foster teamwork, and you will be able to unlock the potential of every soldier as you strive to build a cohesive fighting unit.

7          As Officers and as leaders, your decisions must be guided by the SAF Core Values. What you do will shape the attitudes and values of the men you lead. At all time, you must demonstrate unfailing dedication in all that you undertake. Your strong sense of purpose and desire to excel must provide a source of continuing motivation to your men. When demanding high standards of performance in training, you must train your men thoroughly for the rigours of military operations, look after them and never compromise on their safety.

8          The SAF is proud and privileged to have officer-cadets and officers from the region and beyond attending courses in SAFTI. I am delighted to learn that amongst our graduands today is a member of the New Zealand Defence Force who has excelled while on course.

9          I congratulate each and every one of you on having done yourselves, your families and your nation proud. As newly commissioned SAF Officers, I am confident that you will exemplify and uphold the SAF Core Values and live up to the fine tradition of professional excellence, leadership by example and dedication to your country.

10        As you receive the symbols of your officership in a few moments, you join the corps of SAF Officers who were commissioned in SAFTI, to embark on a journey of faithful service to the SAF and to the nation. I exhort you to always uphold the highest ideals of SAFTI and may the motto always inspire you: “To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome”.

Thank you.