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

Graduands of the 96/14 Officer Cadet Course,

Parents, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening.

To all graduands on parade today, I join your families and loved ones in congratulating you on successfully completing the Officer Cadet Course. The past 38 weeks of rigorous military training have not been easy, but all of you have proven yourselves worthy to be commissioned as Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces. You have been honed physically, mentally and emotionally, and have acquired new skills and leadership competencies. You are now ready to take your place in training and leading our soldiers to defend the sovereignty and security of Singapore.

In his book, Hard Truths, Singapore's founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew said, "Without a strong economy, there can be no strong defence. Without a strong defence, there will be no Singapore. It will become a satellite, cowed and intimidated by its neighbours." It was Mr Lee's and his pioneer generation of comrades' resolute conviction of the need for Singapore to be able to defend ourselves that started our journey towards building a strong and capable SAF. Indeed, a strong SAF is the cornerstone of Singapore's success. So let us remain steadfast in the commitment to this vision of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, even as we celebrate our nation's 50th birthday this year.

Over the past five decades, we have transformed Singapore from a less-developed Third World country to a vibrant global city at the forefront of development. We have transformed the SAF from its humble beginnings where it had only two wooden-hull boats, a CESSNA training aircraft and six high-frequency radio sets, into a modern, effective and capable force that is respected by other militaries. Today, we are confident of the SAF's ability to achieve its core mission - to enhance Singapore's peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to achieve a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor. This transformation 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.

50 years ago, no one thought we could defend this island. 50 years on, no one doubts that we will. Even so, we must never take for granted the peace and security that we have enjoyed for the past 50 years. The world we live in today is inter-connected and complex. As a small island state with an open economy, we are susceptible to regional and global volatilities. Great power rivalries and regional tensions stemming from territorial disputes add to the uncertainty in our geostrategic environment. We face unconventional security challenges, such as extremist ideology, terrorism, piracy and pandemics.

Amidst this evolving security environment, the SAF has consistently proven itself as a professional, operationally ready force that rises to the occasion when activated, and gets the job done. In recent years, the SAF has embarked on a journey to transform its war-fighting capabilities, and today stands ready and capable of conducting a wide spectrum of operations. The SAF demonstrated its operational readiness when it responded rapidly to contingencies, such as the forest fires in Chiang Mai and the search and locate operation for the AirAsia aircraft QZ8501. These overseas missions were executed effectively, while back at home our soldiers, sailors and airmen continued with their round-the-clock operations to keep our land, seas and skies secure.

While cutting-edge weaponry and advanced fighting concepts are vital to keeping the SAF's edge sharp, it is the ultimately the men and women of the SAF that make it strong and a force to be reckoned with.

The SAF is a National Service force, and NS will continue to be a cornerstone of Singapore's survival and success. As you assume leadership responsibilities, you will realise that our soldiers come from all walks of life, and that they come with different aspirations, expectations and perspectives on National Service. 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. Show them that we  have something precious worth defending and lead your soldiers with courage, conviction and a genuine heart. Only then will you be able to earn the abiding respect of your soldiers.

As a leader, there will be times when you will face unfamiliar situations and challenges. When facing such adverse circumstances, maintain a clear presence of mind and adaptability. Display the same resilience and grit as our forefathers and inspire your unit to overcome adversity with courage, fortitude and determination. For it is only through leadership by example that we will be able rally our soldiers and motivate them to give their best to protect our country and our loved ones.

I am pleased that amongst you today are Officers from the Royal Thai Army and the Vietnam People's Army. Your graduation from OCS bears testament to the close ties between our Armed Forces and the warm friendship between our countries. Build on the camaraderie forged over the past months, for these ties will not only strengthen the bonds between our nations but also aid greatly in enhancing regional peace and stability through mutual understanding and practical cooperation in defence well into the future.

To all on the parade square, this is a proud and defining moment for you and your families. Your commissioning affirms our Nation's trust and confidence in you. Generations of SAF Officers have come before you, and they have served our country with pride, honour and integrity. Now, I charge you to live up to this tradition of service, excellence and dedication.

The training that you have received and the Values that have been imbued in you place you in good stead to serve as leaders in the SAF. Always hold fast to the SAF's Core Values and draw strength and inspiration from the Officers' Creed.

Once again, congratulations on your Commissioning. I am confident that you will carry out your duties to the best of your abilities and always uphold the OCS motto: 'To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome.'

Thank you.

More Resources

• 301 Commissioned as SAF Officers