The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is promoting 402 officers, 75 military experts (ME), and 41 warrant officers from the Army, Air Force and Navy to the next higher rank this year. The promoted personnel include regulars and Operationally-Ready National Servicemen.

At a promotion ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this evening, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented certificates to personnel promoted to the ranks of Senior Warrant Officer (SWO), Chief Warrant Officer (CWO), ME7 and ME8, as well as Colonel and above. Chief of Defence Force Major-General (MG) Ng Chee Meng presented certificates to personnel promoted to the ranks of Master Warrant Officer, ME6, Lieutenant-Colonel and Senior Lieutenant-Colonel. Also present at the ceremony were spouses of the promoted personnel as well as senior MINDEF officials and SAF officers.

Among the list of promotees this year are MG Ng himself, who is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General, Chief of Air Force Brigadier-General Hoo Cher Mou who is promoted to the rank of Major-General, and Director Military Intelligence/Chief Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Rear Admiral (One-Star) Joseph Leong Weng Keong who is promoted to Rear Admiral (Two-Star).

In addition, six Colonels are promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General and Rear Admiral (One-Star), and one ME7 is promoted to the rank of ME8. Among the list of warrant officers promoted this year, three SWOs are promoted to the pinnacle rank of CWO.

The SAF promotion exercise is part of an ongoing effort to recognise, reward and groom officers, MEs and warrant officers who have performed well and demonstrated potential to contribute further to the SAF. All promotions will take effect from 1 July 2013.