Speech by Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, at the 89/12 Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade

Good evening,
Parents,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

To all of you on parade, I am delighted to join your families and friends to congratulate you on being commissioned today.

At the ground-breaking ceremony of SAFTI Military Institute in June 1990, here at the head of this parade ground, then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew said: an officer "must be ready to serve not just for himself but for the sake of a greater good: his comrades, his men, his unit and his country". As you take your oath as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), you join others who have come before you, ready to defend our nation and our people.

A strong SAF has played a key role in ensuring the safety and security of our country. The SAF has allowed us to shape our own future, and steer a steady course, in spite of being a small country in a part of the world where the interests of many powers converge. The world we live in has become more complex. New security threats continue to emerge. We must anticipate them where possible, and adapt and respond quickly where we have not. The capabilities of the SAF and the training and the readiness of our serviceman and women give us the assurance that we can do so.

Over the years, the SAF has broadened and deepened its capabilities to not just deter aggression and ensure that we can defeat aggressors. The SAF has been deployed to meet a wide range of security challenges ranging from terrorism and piracy to pandemics and natural disasters, working together with like minded partners from the region and beyond. For example, the SAF has increasingly taken part in international peace support missions and disaster relief operations. This recognises that the security of nations has become increasingly intertwined, and what happens in some even distant part of the world can impact upon our security.

Through these operations, the SAF has shown its mettle and professionalism.  Nearly 500 have served in Afghanistan, and some 1200 in the Northern Arabian Gulf, and another 1200 in the Gulf of Aden. Many others, including NSFs (full-time national servicemen) and NSmen (operationally-ready national servicemen), have served on peacekeeping missions and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. This demonstrates the competence, commitment and capabilities of our servicemen and the SAF, as well as Singapore's commitment to contribute to a more secure and safer world.

Advanced weaponry and modern technology have transformed the SAF and enabled us to build a modern and high-tech military force. But it is our people that make the SAF strong. And the key qualities of our officers - those who lead the SAF - remain unchanged. As officers, you have the responsibility to develop the men and women under your command. They will look to you for leadership, guidance and support. Lead by example and demonstrate a strong sense of conviction in whatever you do. Ultimately, whether they respect you, trust you and follow you will depend on what you do, more than what you say.

Train them well and train them hard, but also look after them and always have their safety and well-being at heart. Help them to adjust to life in National Service, and to take personal ownership over national defence. Take time also, to listen to their concerns and problems. As their leader, you are responsible for the welfare, readiness, morale and discipline of your soldiers. You are also their mentor and guide. The bonds that you build with them are lasting bonds that will strengthen our nation.

They will be watching you closely to see how disciplined and determined you are.

Your discipline will assure them that you will do the right thing to achieve success even in tough conditions. Your determination will inspire them to unlock their own potential to go all the way with you. Only when you show care and conviction, and match your words with actions, will you earn the trust and the respect of your men. And only then can you look them in the eye, ask them to put their lives on the line, and follow you into battle.

I am also happy to see that one of the Officers commissioned today is from the Royal Thai Army. Your graduation here bears testament to the close ties and warm friendship between our armed forces and our two nations. You are among officers from six countries who have trained with our young SAF officers in OCS (Officer Cadet School) over the years. This augurs well for the future, as the world has become more interconnected, and countries have to work together to tackle security challenges together.

The course has been demanding and rigorous. You have passed the test. But this Parade is not a graduation parade that marks the end of the course. It is a Commissioning Parade that marks an important beginning - the beginning of the service that you will pledge today to give to our nation and to our people. This is a solemn and serious pledge, a solemn and serious duty that you pledge to fulfil as commissioned officers of the SAF.

As officers of the Singapore Armed Forces we pledge to fulfil this duty and lay down our lives doing so if needed. This is our home that we defend. Our families and friends that we protect. And our future that we secure. 40 years ago, I commissioned from SAFTI as an officer, in a parade such as this, with my comrades, supported by our families and friends, as yours do today. We, and those who have come before you, have done our duty to keep us safe and secure. And the values of service we were imbued with in OCS continue to guide us.

I congratulate all of you, and wish you the very best as commissioned Officers of the SAF. Serve with pride, honour and integrity. Continue to uphold the proud tradition of excellence and professionalism established by those who have served before you.  Always be guided by the OCS Motto - to Lead, to Excel and to Overcome. I wish you all the best.