Speech by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at The 75/09 Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade

Officers being commissioned today from the 75/09 Officer Cadet Course,
Parents,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

To all of you on parade today, I join your families and friends in congratulating you for successfully completing the Officer Cadet Course. For 38 weeks, you underwent tough and rigorous training, and you have proven yourselves worthy of the pledge in the Officer's Creed "to lead, to excel, to overcome". This parade marks your commissioning as Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).Through the sacrifices, solidarity and steadfastness of the generations of Singaporeans who have come before you, Singapore has not only survived in the face of adversity, but succeeded and surpassed expectations. Opportunities are available for every child.

There is peace and harmony among our ethnic communities. This is home, where we can pursue our hopes and dreams. We never stand still. We are alive to the forces shaping our region and the world, and always evolving to meet new challenges, confident that we have got the fundamentals right - political stability, a clean system, a competitive economy, an educated workforce, a cohesive society, and a strong SAF that has underpinned the peace and security of our country. We take nothing for granted - not least where security is concerned. We live in a turbulent world, where new challenges in the security landscape have expanded and become more complex. We have to anticipate them where possible, and adapt and respond quickly where we have not. The SAF has therefore broadened and deepened its capabilities to not just ensure our survival from conventional threats of war, but also to overcome a whole spectrum of non-conventional challenges ranging from terrorism and piracy to pandemics and natural disasters. In recent years, the SAF has increasingly taken part in international peace support missions and disaster relief operations. The world has become more interconnected, and our security has to be seen in this wider context.

To enable it to better meet these challenges, the SAF has been transforming itself into a network-centric force with new equipment and systems. We cannot prevail by relying on sheer numbers of soldiers. But we can make the best use of the abilities of our soldiers through superior organisational structures, weapons, systems, operating concepts, doctrines, tactics and training.

This is the 3rd Generation SAF that you will play a part in building as newly-commissioned officers. There will be new and heavier responsibilities. The men and women under your command will have new roles too, and they will be looking to you for leadership, guidance and support. Lead with conviction and lead by example. They will watch what you do. Whether they respect you, trust you and follow you will depend on your actions more than your words.

The SAF is a national service force. Many of you will lead full-time national servicemen. Like you, they come from diverse backgrounds that reflect the changing demographics of our country. They will start with different beliefs, expectations and attitudes towards National Service. As their commander, make good soldiers out of them. Given the wide range and novel nature of the security challenges we face, it is critical that your men are operationally ready at all times. Train them well and train them hard, but look after them and always have their safety at heart. As their leader, you are responsible for the welfare, readiness, morale and discipline of your soldiers. Be also their mentor, guide and friend. Help them to adjust to life in National Service and to understand that the sacrifice they make in national service safeguards their future, their families and Singapore.

Win over the hearts and minds of your men, for it is the resilience and fighting spirit of our people that will ultimately make the difference. Motivation, leadership and mutual trust are key. Build cohesive units and develop in them the resilience, and steel within, to stay the course. Imbue in them a deep sense of purpose and inspire them. Only then will they follow you resolutely into the heat of battle, confident that you will do your utmost to lead them to victory and bring them back home safely.

One of the officers being commissioned today is from the New Zealand Defence Forces. Your graduation from the SAF Officer Cadet School bears testament to the close ties and warm friendship between our armed forces and our two nations. Build upon the close friendships forged over the past months with your colleagues from the SAF. These ties will strengthen the bonds between our nations well into the future.

As you stand, proud, and ready on this parade square, always remember the oath that you swear today - to carry out that solemn duty of leading the men and women under your charge into battle when called upon, to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Singapore - to defend your families, your friends, and our future. I am confident that you possess the fighting spirit and skills that the SAF demands from its officers to provide the forward-looking and vigorous leadership it needs in the 3rd Generation SAF. I congratulate each one of you, and wish you the very best as commissioned officers of the SAF and as future leaders of Singapore. Go forward from here - Lead, Excel and Overcome. Thank you.