Newly Commissioned SAF Officers To Continue Pioneers' Legacy

Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security, and Minister for Home Affairs Mr Teo Chee Hean inspecting the Officer Cadet contingents at the 97th Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade, held at SAFTI Military Institute.

Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Mr Teo Chee Hean reviewed a commissioning parade at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening. A total of 568 officer cadets, comprising 464 from the Army, 61 from the Navy and 43 from the Air Force were commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). 

To commemorate 50 years of the SAF, officers from the inaugural Officer Cadet Course (OCC) and their instructors were present at the parade. Addressing the graduands, DPM Teo highlighted that the SAF had become a modern and capable armed forces, and gave credit to the resolve of the pioneer batch of officers in building the SAF up amidst great geopolitical uncertainty during the late 1960s. He said, "In spite of the daunting circumstances, our first batch of officers stepped forward and persevered in their mission with courage and steadfastness, and laid the foundation for the SAF that we have today." DPM Teo also reminded the graduands to continue the efforts of generations of servicemen in the defence of Singapore. He said, "While the SAF is called upon to carry out a range of tasks, never forget the fundamental mission, the reason for the existence of the SAF. Why we as a country have invested significant resources, and called upon generations of Singaporean sons to do their duty for the nation, through National Service - We ourselves must be able to defend Singapore."

During the post parade dinner, the first batch of officers and instructors were recognised and honoured with the launch of the Second Edition of 'One of A Kind', a book that recounts their experiences during the inaugural OCC. They were also present to witness the handing over of the first copy of the book by pioneer officer Colonel (Ret) Ramachandran Menon to Sword-of-Honour recipient Second Lieutenant Ahmad Arif Bin Ibrahim, to symbolise the passing of the leadership torch from the first batch of officers to the newly commissioned officers.

The parade marked the completion of 38 weeks of rigorous training at OCS. The challenging and 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.

DPM Teo presenting the Sword of Honour to Air Warfare Officer OCT Lim Yu Heng Lenz from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

OCT Arjun Rajendran having his officer rank epaulettes affixed on his uniform by his father.

The newly-minted officers tossing their peak caps to mark the completion of their 38-week course.

COL (Ret) Ramachandran Menon handing over the second edition of the book ‘One of a Kind’ to 2LT Ahmad Arif Bin Ibrahim to signify the passing of the torch of leadership.

More Resources

• Speech By Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs at the 97/14 Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade