Speech by Minister of State for Defence, Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, at the 05/10 Specialist Cadet Course Graduation Parade

Graduates of the 05/10 Specialist Cadet Course,Parents,Ladies and Gentlemen,May I congratulate everyone on parade today for successfully completing the Specialist Cadet Course. It was a tough and rigorous course, which tested your physical and mental abilities and you are here today because you have passed that test. This graduation parade marks not the end of the course but rather the beginning of your service as Leaders in the SAF. As Leaders, you are entrusted with the duty of leading men and women under your charge into battle when called upon, to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Singapore, your families, your friends and our future.

Singapore has continued to be a premier place that Singaporeans and many envying foreigners aspire to build their homes. Our country has come through the recent financial ordeal relatively better than others. We are able to achieve this because 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. However, we cannot take these for granted. The security landscape around us has become more complex and uncertain and the challenges have widened. The SAF has expanded its capabilities to meet not just conventional threats of war but also a whole spectrum of non-conventional challenges. To enable the SAF to meet these challenges, the SAF has transformed itself into a network-centric force with new equipment and systems, new organisational structures and new operating concepts, doctrines and tactics. As a responsible member of the international community, the SAF has also participated in numerous non conventional operations ranging from counter terrorism and counter piracy to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as well as international peace support missions. As a newly graduated Specialist, you will be an integral part of this 3rd Generation SAF and the SAF will excel if every soldier and commander excel in what they do.

You will bear heavy responsibilities as leaders and commanders. The men and women under your command will be looking to you for leadership, guidance and support. Just like you, they come from different backgrounds and will learn to live, train and fight together. As their commander and leader, you will have to lead them with conviction and lead them by example. To earn their trust, you must ensure that you are technically and tactically proficient all the time. You must know your job in order to lead and train them well. Your actions more than words will determine whether they will trust and follow you. At the same time, show genuine concern for them and even while you train and push them hard, look out for their safety and their welfare. You are to spend more time with your men. Be their guide, friend and mentor, but do not take their respect and loyalty for granted. Speak with them, listen to them and understand their challenges as you also help them understand what the SAF expects of them. You are the critical link between the soldiers and the SAF Leadership.

As you stand proud and ready on this parade square, known as the Leaders Square, always remember what you have been trained to do and always lead with PRIDE. I am confident that the Specialist Cadet Course has equipped you with a strong foundation in leadership and combat skills. Do not forget your areas of expertise, be it weapon handling, soldiering and navigation skills, technology or fitness. Forge a strong partnership with the officers to create a cohesive unit. And always strive to execute your mission successfully, whatever it may be, in training and in exercises. When faced with unfamiliar situations and challenges, overcome adversity with courage, fortitude and fighting spirit and serve in this new role with honour and integrity.

To all the parents and family members that are present here today, we want to say a "Thank you very much" for your continual support to National Service and your understanding. As army commanders, your loved ones will have to fulfil greater leadership roles in service to the nation. We are deeply appreciative that you stand firmly behind them as they discharge their time-honoured duties.

In closing, let me congratulate each and every one of you on having done yourselves, your families and your nation proud. The rank that you are about to wear is an affirmation of the nation's trust and confidence in you. Perform your duties to the best of your abilities and live up to the Specialists' creed of excellence, leadership by example and dedication to Singapore. I wish you the very best as Specialists of the SAF.

Thank you, and with PRIDE you lead.

More Resources

988 Graduate as SAF Specialists