Speech by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at The Chevrons' 50th Anniversary Celebration on 16 Mar 2024, 1030hrs, at The Chevrons

PSes,

CDF,

Service Chiefs,

Members of The Chevrons,

Introduction

Congratulations to all of you and to all the SAF NCOs on the Golden Jubilee of The Chevrons.

I thought Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Chua gave a very good speech. Thank you.

All of us, I think, remember the SAF NCO club. I did not realise before today that you took it over from the British's Britannia club. Although the NCO club still remains at Beach Road, if you look downstairs, at the ground floor, the foundation stone commemoration marble piece is here. I think it is a part of your history, and a tradition that we would like to keep.

Like the names, that we use, we still use Encik, ROD, reservists etc, because they are more catchy. But we have expanded and we have changed, and today, the NCO Corps includes the WOSpecs and Military Experts (MEs).

In celebrating this Golden Jubilee, what we really want to do is pay tribute to the generations of Enciks, Warrant Officers, NCOs who have been instrumental in transforming the SAF into what it is today – four services capable of prosecuting missions across the spectrum of security challenges.  

Yesterday, I sent off our personnel who will be contributing to the aid airdrops for humanitarian relief in Gaza. The mission will have its risks, but I know that our personnel are well-trained. They were also able to put the mission together in a short time – that's the SAF.

Just like the SAF, the NCO Club has also been transformed through the years. It started out in 1974, when we took over the Britannia Club. Dr Goh wanted it to be a place where warrant officers and specialists could bond, as well as have recreational and educational activities - a place they could call their own. Today, the heritage building remains a physical reminder to older Singaporeans. It was a place where most Singaporeans knew they could buy duty free beer. And Singaporeans did – in cartons!

The current Chevrons in Jurong where we gather was first opened in 2002. It's been continuously upgraded, the chalets and function rooms were upgraded, and new bungalow units were done in 2017. Good thing we did so, because it was well used during the COVID-19 pandemic when Chevrons was repurposed as a Government Quarantine Facility.

I am glad that Chevrons is able to provide our WOSpecs and MEs a meeting place with many facilities, programmes and activities for them to enjoy with their families and friends. It's the least we can do to show our appreciation for your service to the SAF and our country.

Critical Role of WOSpecs and Military Experts in the SAF

Without our NCOs, the honest truth is that the SAF would not be where it is today. As Chief Warrant Officer Chua said, the WOSpecs and MEs are repositories of soldier fundamentals. Without which no military can fight as one cohesive and nimble force no matter how well-equipped you are. Fundamentals like discipline, order, respect for authority, integrity, tenacity to complete the mission, dedication to fellow soldiers, safety and other SAF core values.

If you ask NSmen what do you remember of their days in NS – yes, some will remember this and that but invariably, they have a memory of their encounters with an NCO, particularly a staff sergeant or warrant officer. Tiger Hong is here today. People remember him, people like him, people like the late Shamsudin bin Shadan, who is called the King of the Parade Square, you could hear him before you see him. My own memories, Staff Sergeant Ali – not a well-known character – but I am sure if I meet with my 5th SMC, all of us would remember him and his antics. But those are our memories, and without that, military experience is not the same. The sense of "One for all, all for one", the sense that "I will sacrifice myself for you, I will do what it takes to complete the mission."

Over the years, we have expanded those responsibilities and roles because we recognise that NCOs are not only the repository of fundamentals, but our Enciks and MEs have strong expertise and capabilities. So today, we include key appointments such as Commanding Officers in training schools, Master Chiefs, Chief Experts, and Master Trainers. For example, in 2011, SWO Lee Sung Cheng assumed command of the Specialist and Warrant Officer Advanced School. He was the first Warrant Officer to be appointed so, prior to him were all half colonels or colonels. Since then, more than 20 Warrant Officers have followed as COs, because SWO Lee showed that it could be done. Well done.

More opportunities will be available, including overseas courses, seminars and customised programmes with Institutes of Higher Learning. The SAF recently signed a MOU with SIT to allow our WOSpecs and MEs to fulfil their degrees and to recognise what they do in the SAF as official courses.

The Chevrons' Golden Jubilee

I am glad that all these snippets are captured in your Golden Jubilee book 'Holding Spaces for 50 years'. I think it's a fitting reminder in tribute to your pioneers.

So it's great to see all of you, representing different generations of our NCOs. As CWO Chua said we are committed to ensure that Chevrons continues to have the best facilities and programmes to foster esprit de corps and a sense of belonging among WOSpecs and MEs, along with their families. Congratulations to all of you on your Golden Jubilee.