Speech by Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office, Mr Heng Chee How, at the 17/2013 Specialist Cadet Course Graduation Parade

Graduates of the 17/2013 Specialist Cadet Course,
Parents,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A very good evening.

To the graduands on parade, let me congratulate all of you on 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. All of you have shown the ability, drive and determination to push the limits and excel. At the same time, I also want to recognise all the people who helped you to reach this milestone - your parents and loved ones who have stood behind you throughout this journey. I am sure their strong support and encouragement have significantly contributed to your fine achievements.

Your graduation today marks the end of a key phase of your training but more importantly, it signifies a new beginning of your service to the nation as a Specialist of the SAF. You are now entrusted with the heavy responsibility of defending our nation and our people. The generations before you have done their duty to keep Singapore safe and secure and it is now your turn to step up and take responsibility to defend our home, to protect our families and friends and to secure our future and way of life. This is a solemn and serious duty which you must undertake with steadfast dedication and commitment.

You are not alone in this undertaking. Earlier this year, MINDEF convened the Committee to Strengthen National Service to consult Singaporeans on how we can strengthen Singapore, strengthen the SAF and strengthen NS. As part of this journey, we asked Singaporeans how we can strengthen commitment to NS and support our National Servicemen. Since then, we have received a lot of feedback, including some who have expressed that they would like to take on bigger roles in NS, including leadership roles, to contribute more to safeguarding our defence and security. This is heartening because it shows that our next generation is now finding its own reason to serve and are willing to take on heavier responsibilities. Others have also provided feedback that there should be more opportunities for the broader community, such as women, new citizens and 1st Generation Permanent Residents, to contribute to our national defence, whether as part of the SAF Volunteer Corps or otherwise. The progress so far has been encouraging and we hope to hear more positive and constructive views.

While we seek to further strengthen National Service as an institution, your role as Specialists in the 3rd Generation SAF remains a critical one. To perform your duties effectively, you need to first understand our operating environment. The security challenges today are wide-ranging, ever-evolving and unpredictable. Like the weather, you cannot say for sure but you are not just a 3rd Generation SAF, you are an all-weather SAF. To stay ahead of these threats, the SAF has over the years broadened and deepened its capabilities by leveraging new technologies, weaponry and platforms. Today, the SAF is a full-spectrum and modern armed forces with sophisticated systems and equipment. However, the strength of the SAF lies not in its advanced military hardware but in its people.

The fluid nature of today's operating environment has also changed the way we conduct our operations. We now see greater decentralisation of operations and more autonomy given to our ground troops. With these changes, it becomes even more crucial to have strong leaders among our junior ranks and this includes each and every one of you on parade today. In this regard, all our SAF leaders - Officers, Military Experts, Warrant Officers and Specialists - are equally important and their partnership will help ensure mission success for the SAF.

Train your soldiers well and train them hard so that they can better contribute to the defence of Singapore. Learn to maximise their strengths, unlock their potential and motivate them to give their best during National Service. Always be mindful of their safety and welfare at all times. Be genuine in your actions and words to earn the respect and trust of your men. Spend time with them, and be their guide, friend and mentor.

As a leader, you must always lead with conviction and lead by example. Be prepared to do what you expect your soldiers to do, and help them achieve the standards that you set for them. Lead with pride, excel in your field, overcome adversity with your fighting spirit and serve in this new role with honour and integrity.

Today's Graduation Parade represents a significant milestone in your journey in National Service and the SAF. I am confident that the Specialist Cadet Course has equipped you with a strong foundation of leadership and combat skills. The rank that you are about to wear 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 welcome all of you as Specialists of the SAF, and wish you all the best as you serve our country to the best of your abilities. Singapore and our people depend on you to keep our country safe and secure for the years ahead.

WITH PRIDE WE LEAD