Australian Chief of Army Receives Prestigious Military Award

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen congratulating Lieutenant General (LTGEN) David Morrison at the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) investiture ceremony.

The Chief of Army of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Lieutenant General (LTGEN) David Morrison, has been conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [or the Meritorious Service Medal (Military)] by President Tony Tan Keng Yam. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to LTGEN Morrison at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence this morning.

LTGEN Morrison was awarded the medal in recognition of his significant contributions in strengthening the defence ties between the Australian Army and the Singapore Army. LTGEN Morrison has been instrumental in supporting the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) training in Australia, including the conduct of the annual Exercise Wallaby at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and the renewal of the Oakey Agreement in June 2012. LTGEN Morrison has also promoted closer cooperation between the two armies through his support for the conduct of the annual bilateral armour exercise, Exercise Matilda. Under LTGEN Morrison's leadership, the Australian Army provided strong support for the SAF's deployments in Afghanistan, and this close cooperation has strengthened the professional rapport and camaraderie between the officers and men of the two armies.

On receiving the award, LTGEN Morrison said, "I am honoured to accept the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) and I thank the people and the Government of Singapore for this recognition. I have had the privilege of working closely with the SAF throughout my career. It is a most dedicated and professional national institution and I am delighted to have been considered for this award. I will wear it with pride, certain in the knowledge that Singapore and Australia will continue to work constructively and with purpose to ensure the prosperity of both our countries and the region."

The SAF and the ADF have a long history of military cooperation in the form of visits, professional exchanges, and the cross-attendance of courses. Australia and Singapore also interact multilaterally under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus. These interactions have strengthened the close and longstanding defence relationship between the two countries.

LTGEN Morrison, who is in Singapore from 16 to 18 September 2013, called on Dr Ng, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, and Chief of Army Major-General Ravinder Singh, prior to the investiture. LTGEN Morrison also spoke to the officers of the 44th Command and Staff Course and 2nd Command and Staff Course (Executive) on the topic "Raising, Training and Sustainment of Land Forces in Contemporary Operations" at the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College this morning.

The Chief of Army of the Australian Defence Force, LTGEN Morrison inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF.

LTGEN Morrison speaking to the officers of the 44th Command and Staff Course and 2nd Command and Staff Course (Executive) at the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College.