German Army Chief Receives Prestigious Military Award

The Chief of Staff of the German Army Lieutenant General (LTG) Jörg Vollmer has been conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [or Meritorious Service Medal (Military)] by President Halimah Yacob. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to LTG Vollmer at an investiture ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.
 
LTG Vollmer was conferred the award for his significant contributions in strengthening defence ties between Germany and Singapore. LTG Vollmer has been an advocate of the Singapore Army's training in Germany. His strong support has enabled the successful conduct of Exercise Panzer Strike, an annual armour exercise conducted by the Singapore Army. This exercise provides the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) servicemen with invaluable training opportunities to improve their skills, thereby contributing to the operational readiness and professional development of the Singapore Army. During his tenure, the Singapore Army also successfully completed the transition of its training activities from the NATO-Bergen Training Area to the Oberlausitz Military Training Area.
 
Under LTG Vollmer's leadership, the German Army fostered a closer friendship and stronger professional ties with the Singapore Army. Both Armies interact regularly through joint training, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses as well as the annual Army Staff Talks. These frequent exchanges have strengthened the understanding, rapport and camaraderie among the officers and men from both armies.
 
On receiving the award, LTG Vollmer said, "It is a great honour to receive the Meritorious Service Medal and I would like to express my profound thanks. I have noted the profound professionalism of the Singapore Army on many occasions, and we will continue to cooperate with the SAF as outstanding partners and friends of Southeast Asia in Germany during joint exercises."
 
LTG Vollmer, who is in Singapore from 18 to 19 October 2017, called on Dr Ng, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim, and Chief of Army Major-General Melvyn Ong. LTG Vollmer also inspected a Guard of Honour contingent at MINDEF prior to the investiture.