Speech by Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Air Force Training Command Inauguration Parade

Distinguished guests,
Men and women of the Air Force Training Command,
Good evening.

It gives me great pleasure to be here this evening at the inauguration of the Air Force Training Command (AFTC). In 2008, the RSAF completed the main part its 3rd Generation transformation with the reorganisation of the RSAF into five mission-oriented functional commands. This simple statement does not adequately convey the substantial efforts that were involved in that task; nor the impact of the changes on the men and women of the RSAF. Change is never easy but this reorganisation into functional commands was vital to enable the RSAF to become a more operationally responsive and effective force, able to meet the increased tempo and variety of operations expected for the SAF.

As always, organisational restructuring also meant that both leaders and servicemen required new roles, orientations and capabilities. The RSAF will need to continually develop its people who make up these five commands - the pilots, air traffic controllers, technicians and air defence operators. In this regard, the creation of the Air Force Training Command will enhance the RSAF's ability to produce and train highly professional and competent 3rd Generation airmen for the RSAF. And indeed, the vision of the AFTC is to develop and nurture "World Class People for a First Class Air Force".

As we upgrade existing or acquire better platforms, more will be required of RSAF airman to ensure that these fighting capabilities are maintained, sharpened and ready for action. Operating a modernised, state of the art 3rd Generation RSAF, will require its airman to be highly skilled and adept at operating the RSAF's technologically advanced platforms and systems. The AFTC must also train and produce leaders, who have that acumen to appreciate the changes in the battlefield, and confidence to make key decisions that put us ahead. To do this well, RSAF commanders must possess a keen understanding of how the various components of the RSAF and the larger SAF work together in today's networked environment. This will require AFTC to teach him also to appreciate the operational and strategic aspects of his vocational job.

To cater for the training and development needs of the 3rd Generation airman, the RSAF's training system has been restructured to bring foundational training for manned and unmanned flying, ground-based air defence, C3 (command, control and communications) and engineering under a centralised training command. In AFTC, our airmen will develop strong vocational competencies, to operate well in an integrated environment - alongside other air force vocations, as well as with their counterparts in the Army and the Navy. This entails a better understanding of operations, capabilities, and working culture across services.

As the centre of foundational training for all air force vocations, the AFTC also plays a central role in strengthening the RSAF's operational capabilities, as it ensures that its training is operationally relevant and realistic. In this regard, AFTC consults regularly with the operational commands and HQ RSAF on training standards, and the instructors in AFTC who come from the operational commands will seamlessly impart the latest in operational thinking and tactics to the trainees in AFTC.

AFTC must always keep itself abreast of RSAF's roles and missions. As new technologies emerge and fighting concepts evolve, AFTC must adapt its training methods and syllabus to equip our airmen with the right knowledge and skills. This is where the AFTC's Training Development Group plays an important role – by researching the latest advancements in air warfare while taking into account the changes in the security landscape and operating environment. This ensures that AFTC can always deliver training and education that are current and relevant to the RSAF's operational needs.

For example, I was heartened to learn that AFTC employs advanced training simulators that incorporate virtual reality technology to enhance training realism. One such training aid is the Virtual Reality Aircraft Recognition (VRAR) simulator, which provides a 3-D environment to train ground-based air defence trainees to identify and detect aircraft, under varying day and weather conditions.

Another important role for AFTC is to inculcate core values in our people at their foundational years, so that they will always have both physical and mental fortitude to overcome the heavy demands in today's operational environment.

The RSAF has flown with the best air forces in the world and have held our own against them. We have also performed well in international peace support operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. This is possible because we place very strong emphasis on the training and development of our World Class airmen. Today, this very important responsibility falls on Air Force Training Command. I am confident that you will rise to this challenge and I wish you every success. Thank You.

More Resources

New Air Force Training Command Streamlines Foundational Training of All Airmen