Speech by Minister For Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam, at the 78/09 Commissioning Parade on 18 September 2010, 1800 hrs at SAFTI Military Institute

Newly Commissioning Officers of the 78/09 Officer Cadet Course,
Parents,
Ladies and Gentlemen,My congratulations to all of you for successfully completing the Officer Cadet Course. It has been 38 weeks of tough and rigorous training. You will now be commissioned as officers of the SAF. This parade marks the beginning of your service as officers to our nation and people that you will pledge today - to defend our country, with your lives should that be required.

It is a solemn and serious pledge. 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.

The men under you will come from diverse backgrounds that reflect the changing demographics of our country. They bring with them many different beliefs, expectations and attitudes. As their commander, you will have to make good soldiers out of them. Mould them into a cohesive fighting unit with a deep sense of mission and purpose. Be 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.

As their leader, you will be responsible for the readiness, training, morale and discipline of your soldiers. Train them well and push them hard. But even as you demand high standards from your men, look after them and always have their safety at heart. Lead by example. Your men will watch what you do closely, more so during the times when you are undergoing rigorous, strenuous and stressful training together. Uphold high personal standards and discipline, match your words with actions, and show care and conviction. Only then will you win over the hearts and minds of your men.

To be a good leader, you must also be physically fit. 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.

I am happy to see that with you today an officer from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. 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.

It now leaves me to congratulate each one of you again. This is a proud moment for you and your families. I wish you the very best as you do your duty as commissioned officers of the SAF and as future leaders of Singapore.

Thank you.

More Resources

294 Commissioned as SAF Officers