1063 Graduate as SAF Specialists and Military Experts

Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information and Ministry of Health, Dr Janil Puthucheary reviewing the contingents at the 56th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade this evening.

Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information and Ministry of Health, Dr Janil Puthucheary inspected the 56th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade at Pasir Laba Camp this evening. A total of 1063 graduands, comprising 836 from the Singapore Army, 92 from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), 66 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), and 69 from the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), graduated as Specialists and Military Experts of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Addressing the graduands at the parade, Dr Janil emphasised the importance for a strong and credible SAF in a world that is faced with increasingly complex security challenges and threats. He said, “In the face of uncertainty and complex challenges, we must come together to ensure that our way of life is protected and defended well. Our soldiers here have very much demonstrated their commitment and their resolve to do so, and their families and loved ones have also contributed to the defence of our nation by providing the support, love and care that is very much needed in our soldiers’ journey.”

Dr Janil also highlighted the dynamic nature of the security environment today, and reminded the Specialists and Military Experts of the important role that they play as leaders. He said, “We live in increasingly challenging times, and we navigate a world that is uncertain and rapidly evolving … I urge you to innovate, to think outside the box, and to adapt your leadership styles to suit the evolving needs of your units, so that all of you can be best-positioned to reach your full potential as leaders and soldiers.” Further highlighting the importance of leadership, he added, “Remember also the encouragements and lessons learnt from your Commanders, your Trainers, and the strength that you drew from fellow Cadets during this journey. Following that inspiration, lead by example, demonstrating the good qualities you have gleaned from this experience, from the people you have walked the journey with. Treat your soldiers that you will lead with the highest standard of excellence, respect and support.”

The graduation parade marked the completion of the 22-week Specialist Cadet Course for graduands from the Singapore Army, the RSN, the RSAF and the DIS, where they trained under rigorous and realistic conditions to sharpen their respective vocation expertise. The newly graduated Specialists and Military Experts will go on to assume command, training and staff appointments in the SAF. Present at the parade were senior SAF commanders, as well as families and friends of the graduands.

Dr Janil presenting the Golden Bayonet to Military Expert 1 (ME1) Anish G Narayanasamy from the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) during the graduation parade.

Third Sergeant (3SG) Mohamed Syafiee Bin Mohamed Ali from the Singapore Army having his Chevron rank affixed by his family at Pasir Laba Camp this evening.

The Specialists and Military Experts tossing their headdresses at the end of the parade.

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Speech by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Health, at the 56/2023 Specialist Cadet Course Graduation Parade on 17 August 2023