Speech by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, for the 77/09 Commissioning Parade

Newly Commissioning Officers of the 77/09 Officer Cadet Course,Parents, Ladies and Gentlemen,

To all of you on parade today, congratulations for successfully completing the Officer Cadet Course. The course has been demanding and rigorous. You have passed the test. But this Parade is not a graduation parade that marks the end of the course. It is a Commissioning Parade that marks an important beginning - the beginning of the service that you will pledge today to give to our nation and our people. This is a solemn and serious pledge, a solemn and serious duty that you pledge to fulfil - with your lives should that be required - as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces. While fighting vehicles, equipment, doctrines and tactics have transformed and improved tremendously over the years, the key qualities of an officer remain unchanged. The late Dr Goh Keng Swee, our first defence minister, charged the officers and men of the SAF to be self-critical, honest and tough.

These, he said, were the qualities that victorious armies possessed. Most importantly, it was the "steel in your soul" that will ensure that the SAF will not buckle or take the easy way out in the heat of war. Mental resilience and sense of commitment is even more critical today. Many of you will be leading full-time national servicemen, wherever you are posted to. This is a responsibility that you must undertake with complete dedication and commitment, for the key to the strength of an armed force, and to the outcome of any conflict, is how resolutely we do battle, and how well trained, how brave and how determined our soldiers are. As Singapore's population becomes more diverse, the role that national service plays in nation building becomes even more important. For many new enlistees, entry into National Service can be quite a challenging and disorienting experience. Your men will come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and varying levels of education. They will also possess different beliefs, outlooks and perspectives.

However, regardless of their background, they will need to learn to live, train and fight together. As their commander, you will be responsible for the readiness, welfare, morale and discipline of your soldiers. Your mission is to imbue in them a strong sense of mission and purpose, and mould them into a cohesive and effective fighting team. Train them well and push them hard. But even as you demand high standards from your men, look after them always and ensure that tough and realistic training is carried out safely. Take time also to listen to their problems and concerns and encourage the weaker ones. The bonds you build with your men are lasting bonds that will strengthen our nation.

Most importantly, lead by example. You and your men will undergo rigorous, strenuous and stressful training together. They will be watching you closely to see how disciplined and determined you are in motivating them to achieve the mission. Your discipline will assure them that you will do the right thing. Your determination will inspire them to unlock their own potential to go all the way with you. Only when you show care and conviction, match your words with actions, be self-critical, uphold high personal and unit standards, and have that "steel in your soul" to achieve success in tough conditions - will you earn the trust and the respect of your men. Only then can you look them in the eye, ask them to put their lives on the line, and follow you into battle.

This commissioning parade marks the beginning of your journey as an officer of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). This is a proud moment for you, your parents and for all of us here today. The task now falls squarely upon your shoulders to provide the forward-looking and vigorous leadership that the SAF needs to tackle the security challenges confronting our nation. Over the past 38 weeks, you have been trained - to lead, to excel, and to overcome any obstacles that come your way with courage, fortitude and determination. Live by these values. There are new learning opportunities every day where you reaffirm these values. Serve with pride, honour and integrity and continue to uphold the proud tradition of excellence and professionalism established by those who have served before you. I am happy to see that with you today is a newly commissioning officer from the Royal Thai Army. I wish you all the best in your career when you return home. I am confident that the friendships forged here with your fellow officers from the SAF will remain with you always; and will strengthen the bonds between our armed forces, and the friendship between our nations.

Let me congratulate each and every one of you again. This is a proud moment for you and your families. Do your duty as commissioned Officers of the SAF, and as future leaders of Singapore. Our nation and our people ask that, and expect that of you. May the OCS motto always inspire you: "To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome."Thank you.

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421 Commissioned as SAF Officers