Speeches
Speech by Mr S R Nathan, President, at 79/10 Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade at SAFTI Military Institute
15 January 2011
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Graduands of the Officer Cadet Course,
Parents,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To all of you on parade today, I join your families and friends in congratulating you for successfully completing the Officer Cadet Course. You have overcome 38 weeks of arduous and demanding military training that have tested your mental and physical limits, to take your place as Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). With this honour also comes the solemn responsibility of leading the men and women under your charge into battle when called upon, to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Singapore - to protect your families, your friends, and our future. This remains the primary mission of the SAF.
However, security challenges today have expanded to include non-traditional threats such as terrorism, piracy and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This underscores the need for the SAF to be able to take on a wider set of roles to keep Singapore and Singaporeans secure.
To enable it to better meet current and future threats, the SAF has been transforming itself into a modern networked force that makes the best use of the abilities of its soldiers through superior organisational structures, equipment and fighting concepts. As newly commissioned officers, you will play a key part in building our 3rd Generation SAF, and shoulder new and even heavier responsibilities.
You must constantly strive to upgrade your skills and capabilities by keeping yourself current with the latest doctrines, tactics, systems and technology. This is not a choice but a necessity to meet the security challenges posed by uncertainty and disruptive changes.
As you assume command, always remember to uphold the integrity of the SAF through your exemplary bearing and personal conduct. Hold steadfast to the SAF Core Values and draw inspiration from the Officers' Creed. Live by these values. They form the spiritual bedrock of the SAF and will be an indispensable companion to you.
The SAF is a national service force. The men under you will come from all walks of life and with different backgrounds that reflect the changing demographics of our country. They will bring with them many different beliefs, expectations and attitudes. As commanders of National Servicemen under your charge, imbue in them a deep sense of purpose and inspire them. Help them to understand the significance of their contributions to the defence of Singapore. They must feel that they all have something precious worth defending and a part to play in shaping the future of our country. Only then will they be motivated towards sharing the common goal of defending our home and way of life.
Above all, the men and women you command must feel, and be reassured, that they are led by leaders whom they respect and are willing to entrust their lives to. My charge to you today is to be leaders who are professional, committed, caring and who always act with integrity. Win over their hearts and minds, for it is the resilience and fighting spirit of our people that will ultimately make all the difference.
Lead by example. Inspire your men and women to follow you by demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and discipline. Spare no effort when training your men and women and never compromise on performance standards. But always have their safety at heart. Lead wisely. Your men will respect you if they can see that you genuinely care for them. They will then follow you because of the strong bonds of respect and trust you have forged with them, even in situations of danger.
This is indeed a proud moment for you, your parents and for all of us here today. I congratulate all of you on your commissioning as officers of the SAF. The training you have received, and the values that have been instilled in you in OCS, will stand you in good stead to serve and take on any challenges with the tenacity and courage that you will need to see the task through. Carry out your duties to the best of your abilities. I wish you the very best in your future roles as leaders in the SAF and I charge you to always uphold the OCS motto: "To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome".
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