Speech by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Manpower Tharman Shanmugaratnam, at the 81/10 Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade

Graduands of the 81/10 Officer Cadet Course,
Parents,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

To all of you on parade today, congratulations on your successful completion of the Officer Cadet Course. It has been 38 weeks of tough and rigorous training and you are now ready to be commissioned 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 - with your lives should that be required. This remains the primary mission of the SAF.

However, the security challenges we face today are new and wide ranging, and it requires the SAF to take on a wider set of roles to keep Singapore and Singaporeans secure. To better meet current and future threats, the SAF has been transforming itself into an advanced networked force that makes the best use of the abilities of its soldiers through superior organisational structures, networked systems and fighting concepts.

This is the 3rd Generation SAF that you will play a part in building. There will be new and heavier responsibilities. Those under your command will have new roles too, and they will look to you for leadership, guidance and support.

To be a good leader, you must be proficient in tactics and doctrine, physically fit and mentally tough. You must also inspire them to follow you by demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and discipline. Always strive to do your best, and execute well each task or mission you are given. Lead by example and lead with conviction. Your men will watch what you do closely and more so during the times when you are undergoing rigorous, strenuous and stressful training together.

Train your men well and push them hard. Inculcate in them the fighting spirit to overcome unfamiliar situations and challenges with courage, fortitude and determination. Even as you demand high standards from your men, it is important that you show care for them and ensure that the tough and realistic training is carried out safely. Win also their hearts and minds, for it is the loyalty and resilience of our people that will ultimately make the difference, and see you and your men through the toughest of times. Take time to listen to them; coach and motivate those who are lagging behind. Listening builds trust, and your men will respect you if you demonstrate genuine concern for them.

Many of the men under you will be full-time National Servicemen. Like you, they will come from diverse backgrounds that reflect the changing demographics of our country, bringing with them different beliefs, outlooks and perspectives. As their commander, you will be responsible for their readiness, welfare, morale and discipline. Make good soldiers out of them. Imbue in them a deep sense of mission and purpose, and mould them into a cohesive and effective fighting team. Help them to understand the significance of their contributions to the defence of Singapore. They must feel that they all have something 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 our way of life.

I am happy to see that with you today is a newly commissioning officer from the Royal Thai Army. 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 always remain with you, and they will strengthen the bonds between our armed forces, and the friendship between our nations.

This is indeed a proud moment for all of you, your parents and all of us here today. I congratulate each one of you, and wish you the very best as commissioned officers of the SAF. Go forward from here - Lead, Excel and Overcome. Thank you.

More Resources

424 Commissioned as SAF Officers