A total of 397 cadets, comprising 326 from the Singapore Army, 35 from the Republic of Singapore Navy and 36 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, will be commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) on 12 December 2020. The cadets are receiving their ceremonial swords and letters of appointment at commissioning ceremonies organised at the Formation level over the next few days, in recognition of this significant milestone in their journey as new officers of the SAF.

In her recorded speech, President Halimah Yacob, as the Reviewing Officer for the proceedings, commended the SAF's contributions in the fight against COVID-19. She said, "The defence community has made a difference in many ways – from providing medical support, setting up care and recovery facilities, managing migrant worker dormitories, to enhancing national testing and contact tracing capacities, and more. It gives us added confidence, as a government and as a people, to know that we can always count on your expertise, resources, and acumen when we are faced with complex problems like this pandemic."

President Halimah also underscored the importance of National Service in a more uncertain external environment, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. She said, "Our conscription policy is in place, first and foremost because of the existential need to raise a force capable of defending our homeland. But it has, over time, also become a cornerstone of our shared identity as a people, and a key thread of our social fabric. The bonds that are forged through National Service – regardless of race, language or religion – will help us stand firm against the threats of tomorrow that seek to sow discord, distrust, and division".

Addressing the graduands, President Halimah highlighted that as future officers of the SAF, they will have to lead the organisation in dealing with current and emerging threats. She said, "As leaders in these unprecedented times, you must embrace change and uncertainty, know when to discard old assumptions and operating models, and when to stay the course and forge ahead. In everything that you do, always show care and compassion for those around you."

The ceremonies mark the completion of 38 weeks of rigorous training at the Officer Cadet School. The realistic training conducted during the course sharpened the cadets' combat, planning and leadership skills. The newly commissioned officers will go on to assume command, instructional or staff appointments in the SAF.