Speech by Reviewing Officer, Minister for Manpower Gan Kim Yong, for the 76/09 Commissioning Parade

Graduands of the 76/09 Officer Cadet Course,
Parents, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

To all of you on parade today, congratulations for successfully completing the Officer Cadet Course. The training that you have gone through over the past 38 weeks has been tough and rigorous. 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). 

As you begin your journey as an officer of the SAF, you are entrusted with the duty of leading the 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. 

In this 3rd Generation SAF that you play a part in building, 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 by example and lead with conviction. They will watch what you do. Your actions more than your words will determine whether they will trust and follow you.

Many of you will lead full-time national servicemen. Just like you, they come from different backgrounds and walks of life. They will start with different beliefs, expectations and attitudes towards National Service. As their commander, make good soldiers out of them. Be also their guide, friend and mentor. Help them to adjust to life in National Service and help them to understand the importance of having a strong defence for Singapore. 

The security challenges we face are new and wide ranging. It is critical that your men are operationally ready at all times. Train them well, push them hard, but look after them and always have their safety at heart. Win over the hearts and minds of your men, and mould them into a cohesive fighting unit with a deep sense of mission and purpose. 

To be a good leader, you must be physically fit and mentally tough. 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 determination. 

Among us today is a cadet from the Royal Thai Army. 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 what you have been trained to do - to lead, to excel, to overcome. You embody the character, qualities and attributes that the SAF demands from its officers to provide the forward-looking and vigorous leadership it needs as it embarks on its transformation to the 3rd Generation SAF. I am confident that you will be able to uphold the proud tradition of excellence and professionalism established by those who have served before you.

Lastly, let me once again congratulate you for having done yourself, your family and your nation proud. I wish you all the best as commissioned officers of the SAF and as future leaders of Singapore.

Thank you.

More Resources

Becoming an Officer of the 3rd Generation SAF