Speech by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at the 04/10 Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade

Graduands of the 04/10 Specialist Cadet Course,
Parents,
Ladies and Gentlemen, To all of you on parade today, congratulations for successfully completing the Specialist Cadet Course. It was a tough and rigorous course, which tested your physical and mental abilities. You are here today because you have passed that test. But your families and friends have not come here to only celebrate the end of this course; we have come to honour your entry into the Warrant Officer and Specialist Corps. This graduation parade marks the beginning of the service you have pledged to give to our nation and which you have trained for - to lead men and women into battle when called upon and to defend the country with your lives, should that be required.

As Specialists in the 3rd Generation SAF, you will face new challenges and take on greater responsibilities in an increasingly complex operating environment. The SAF is ready to respond to a full spectrum of operations that includes fighting conventional wars, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counter-piracy. At the same time, you will also have unprecedented access to new capabilities and technologies, enabling specialists to make quick decisions and shape the battlefield as never before. For instance, as leaders of small units, you will be equipped with networked systems to call upon the full resources of the rest of the SAF. For you to make the tough decisions on the ground, you will require not just your deep expertise in specialised skills, but also a good understanding of the big picture and the mission imperatives. Your role as a Specialist in the 3rd Generation SAF is thus more demanding and challenging because of how the SAF has fundamentally transformed the way it fights.

While threats, technologies and military tactics will continue to evolve, your role as a leader in the SAF remains unchanged. As a leader, you are responsible for the men and women under your charge - for their discipline, their training, and their well-being. They will come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and varying levels of education. The National Servicemen you lead may start with different beliefs, expectations and attitudes towards National Service. Help them understand the importance of having a strong defence for Singapore and build their belief in themselves and in the mission of the SAF. Motivate them and make good soldiers out of them. Train them well and mould them into cohesive fighting units.

You will often need to push your men and yourself to their physical and mental limits. Your men may initially dislike you because of that but they will thank you later, when they find that you have made them better soldiers, well trained and fully committed to their unit and mission. Inculcate in them the "fighting spirit" as you train them. It is this "never-say-die" attitude that will ultimately make the difference and see you and your men through the toughest times. For your men to follow you into the heat of battle, they must first respect you and have confidence in you as their leader. However, you need to first earn their respect and confidence through your actions. They will look to you for two things - for leadership and for care for them. You must lead by example, as they will observe you and take dressing from your conduct and standards. Whatever you expect them to do, you yourself must first be prepared to do. Whatever standards you set for them, set even higher standards for yourself. At the same time, show genuine care for them. Even while you train and push them hard, look out for their safety. As Specialists, you are able to spend more time with your men. Be their guide, friend, and mentor. Talk to them, listen to them, 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.

Know your job well and forge a strong partnership with your officers, in order to lead the men under you. Always be mindful of the training you have received and the values that have been instilled in you. These will put you in good stead to lead with pride, excel in your field, overcome adversity with your fighting spirit and serve in this new role with honour and integrity. I congratulate each and every one of you on having done yourselves, your families and your nation proud. The rank that you are about to don 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.

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873 Graduate as SAF Specialists