969 Graduate as SAF Specialists Amid COVID-19

Family members affixing the 3rd Sergeant ranks on the newly-minted SAF Specialists.

A total of 969 cadets comprising 836 from the Singapore Army, 50 from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), 62 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), and 21 from Joint graduated as Specialists of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) today.

In light of the COVID-19 situation, the cadets received their bayonets during the decentralised ceremonies held at their respective vocational Training Institutes. The ceremonies recognise the significant milestone in cadets' journey as new commanders of the SAF. Cadets brought home their ceremonial uniforms to capture the symbolic graduation photo where their family members or loved ones affixed the new ranks on them.

Addressing the graduands in a recorded video message, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and National Development Ms Sun Xueling said that the SAF has always played a key role in giving assurance and strength to our nation and our people during difficult times, and that the SAF has once again risen to the occasion in helping Singapore combat COVID-19. She said, "In recent weeks, the SAF has deployed its personnel to help manage and take care of our migrant workers in their dormitories, and have made a real difference on the ground. Vacant facilities in SAF camps have also been prepared, in double quick time, to help house some of our migrant workers. These are meaningful and important efforts."

Ms Sun also said that the SAF must continue to maintain a high level of operational readiness to defend Singapore's peace and security. She reminded graduands that as they assume the role of Specialists and leaders in the SAF, they will be entrusted to guide and shape their soldiers into men and women who are ready to defend Singapore. "As leaders, you are expected to live up to high ethical standards and your soldiers will look up to you as role models. Train your soldiers hard, but always keep their safety and well-being as a top priority," said Ms Sun.

The graduands from the Singapore Army, the RSN, the RSAF and Joint had completed the 22-week Specialist Cadet Course, where they trained under rigorous and realistic conditions to develop leadership and combat skills, and to deepen their respective vocational expertise.

Commander of the SAF Medical Training Institute Senior Lieutenant Colonel (DR) Tan Nan Guang presenting the Silver Bayonet to 3rd Sergeant Matthew Ho from the Singapore Army.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and National Development Ms Sun Xueling delivering her speech in a recorded video to the graduands of the 43/2019 Specialist Cadet Course.

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Speech by Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development to Graduands of the 43/2019 Specialist Cadet Course