301 Commissioned as SAF Officers

Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr S Iswaran inspecting the Officer Cadet contingents at the 96th Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade held at SAFTI Military Institute.

Mr S Iswaran, Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, reviewed a commissioning parade at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening. A total of 301 cadets, comprising 240 from the Army and 61 from the Air Force, were commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Speaking at the parade, Mr Iswaran highlighted that Singapore's peace and stability was a result of the foresight and hard work of our pioneers, and he emphasised the need for the current and future generations to continue to strengthen National Service. He said, "This transformation (of the SAF) was only possible because of the spirit and hard work of our pioneers, who were determined to build a strong and free Singapore that succeeding generations after them can call home. It is the duty and privilege of current and future generations of Singaporeans to uphold this pioneering spirit, to continue to build a strong SAF to protect our home, our way of life and our loved ones." He reminded the graduands that as leaders, they have the important role of instilling in their soldiers a deep sense of purpose and mission in serving the nation. He exhorted the graduands that, "As their leader, you must lead by example, train them well and mould them into a cohesive fighting force. You will be responsible for their training, morale and discipline. You must imbue your soldiers with a sense of mission, a higher purpose of serving, and inspire them to commit to the nation's defence."

The parade marked the completion of 38 weeks of rigorous training at the Officer Cadet School. The realistic training conducted during the course sharpened the cadets' combat, planning and leadership skills. The newly commissioned officers will go on to assume command, instructional or staff appointments in the SAF. Also present at the parade were senior Ministry of Defence officials and SAF officers, as well as families and friends of the newly commissioned officers.

Mr Iswaran presenting the Sword of Honour to Artillery Officer Cadet OCT Jeremy Low Jie Wei from the Singapore Army.

OCT S Kurumbaesun having his officer rank epaulettes affixed on his uniform by his parents MWO Sathiamoorthy S/O Shanamugam and Madam Santhi D/O Subramanium.

More Resources

• Speech by Mr S Iswaran, Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Second Minister for Trade & Industry, at the 96/14 Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade on 18 Apr 2015 at Safti Military Institute