982 Graduate as SAF Specialists

"A/P Ibrahim presenting the Golden Bayonet to SCT Marvin Soh from the 18th Divisional Air Defence Artillery Battalion.

Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Transport, Associate Professor (A/P) Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim reviewed the 15th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade at Pasir Laba Camp this evening, where 982 Specialist Cadets (SCT) graduated as specialists of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Speaking to graduands at the parade, A/P Ibrahim emphasised the important role and greater responsibilities that 3rd Generation SAF specialists undertake in an increasingly complex operating environment. "As leaders of small units, you will be equipped with networked systems to call upon the full resources of the rest of the SAF. For you to make tough decisions on the ground, you will require not just your deep expertise in specialised skills but also a good understanding of the big picture and mission imperatives," he said.

A/P Ibrahim highlighted the specialists' challenge as leaders to help their subordinates understand the deeper purpose of National Service (NS). "It is only with this ownership (of NS) and commitment that our nation's security can be sustained," he said. A/P Ibrahim also noted that inspiring Singaporeans to take ownership of NS was a task that required a nation-wide effort, as highlighted by Ministry of Defence's convening of the Committee to Strengthen National Service which will "consult widely with the public on how to strengthen National Service, the critical institution for Singapore's success and survival."

The parade marked the completion of the 22-week Specialist Cadet Course, where the graduands went through rigorous and realistic training to develop leadership and combat skills. The course also deepened their understanding of the other vocations in the SAF. Present at the parade were the families and friends of the graduands and senior SAF officers.

A/P Ibrahim speaking with the Golden Bayonet recipients from the Combat Service Support Command, (from left) 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Tony Chen, 3SG K Karthikeyan Rajah Jefferson and 3SG Norafiq Bin Ismail, after the graduation parade.

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Speech by Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Transport, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim at the 15/2013 Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade