Graduands of the 23/2015 Specialist Cadet Course,
Parents,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A very good evening.

To the graduands on parade, let me congratulate all of you on successfully completing the Specialist Cadet Course. You have persevered through 22 weeks of rigorous military training, and have proven your ability, your drive and your determination to graduate as Specialists of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). At the same time, I want to recognise your parents and loved ones who have stood beside you throughout this journey, and provided strong support and encouragement.

You graduate at a momentous time for Singapore. As Singapore celebrates 50 years of independence this year, we are both thankful and humbled by how far we have come as a nation. We live our lives in a beautiful city. We pursue our dreams with optimism, knowing that our families and loved ones are safe. All this is possible because we have a strong defence. We count on the SAF to keep Singapore safe 24/7 from threats from the air, sea and land. We put our trust in an operationally ready SAF that protects our home from aerial threats with a multi-layered air defence system, patrols our seas and guards key installations. And we are proud of an SAF that brings relief and assists our friends when disaster strikes, such as in the Air Asia QZ8501 search operations and the Nepal earthquake.

The path from the SAF's early years to becoming the strong, respected and professional force that it is today was neither easy nor straightforward. The Army in the 1960s started with a few radio sets, the Air Force had one Cessna and the Navy had two wooden hull boats. Luckily for us, our pioneers in the SAF stared down fate and took things into their own hands. Today the SAF is a modern armed force with sophisticated systems and equipment capable of carrying out all operations in peacetime and when called upon. 

However, the strength of the SAF lies not in its military hardware but in the continued competence, commitment and fighting spirit of its people. 

In order to continue strengthening the experience and the value of National Service,  MINDEF and the SAF are putting in place building blocks to strengthen NS for the future. When the recommendations by the Committee to Strengthen National Service are fully implemented, NSFs will get to experience a stronger NS training system with more regular trainers, the latest training methods and technology. These regular trainers will provide our NSFs a better appreciation of why they train and what they are defending, and turn our boys into men far more effectively. We will also expect our NSFs and NSmen to maintain high fitness levels, and for the pre-enlistees to take greater ownership of their own fitness levels. In addition, we will also seek to better recognise that the skills NSFs gain in the course of their NS training.

As new leaders of the SAF, the future chapters of the SAF are yours to write. You determine if the SAF can become smarter, sharper and stronger. The graduation today marks the end of a key phase of your training but more importantly, it signifies a new beginning of your service to the nation as Specialists of the SAF. You are now entrusted with the heavy responsibility of leading men and women into battle when called upon, to defend our nation and protect your families and loved ones.

When you assume leadership positions in your new units, we will expect you to play a big part in shaping the NS experience of the men under your charge, both during the two years of active service and in the ten years of NS. Train your soldiers well, train them hard, and help them achieve the standards that you set for them. Maximise their strengths, unlock their potential and motivate them to give their best. Help your men understand and internalise the importance of NS. Lead by example and with conviction, empathise with your fellow soldiers, and engage them sincerely - be their friend, their guide and their mentor.

Today's Graduation Parade represents a significant milestone in your journey in National Service and the SAF. I am confident that the Specialists Cadet Course has equipped you with a strong foundation of leadership and combat skills. The rank that you are about to wear is an affirmation of the nation’s trust and confidence in you. I welcome all of you as Specialists of the Singapore Armed Forces, and wish you all the best as you serve our country to the best of your abilities. Singapore and our people depend on you to keep our country safe, secure and strong for the years ahead.


WITH PRIDE WE LEAD