1,038 Graduate as SAF Specialists

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How, inspecting the contingents on parade at the 35th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade at Pasir Laba Camp.

Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Heng Chee How, reviewed the 35th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade at Pasir Laba Camp this evening. A total of 1,038 Specialist Cadets comprising 910 from the Singapore Army, 62 from the Republic of Singapore Navy and 66 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force graduated as Specialists of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). 

Addressing the graduands, Mr Heng underscored that National Service (NS) has fulfilled Singapore's critical need for defence and security for the past five decades. He said, "(NS) has provided the peace and stability upon which we have built our country. NS has also been an integral part of our nation-building efforts and has given us a unique sense of pride and cohesiveness in our society; regardless of race, language, or religion." Mr Heng also reminded the graduands of the important role that Specialists play as leaders in the SAF to defend the nation from the threats that lie ahead. "As leaders and Specialists of the SAF, the task to defend Singapore from challenges and threats rests squarely upon your shoulders… You must lead by example through your character and competence, empathise with the needs of your soldiers and inspire commitment through engagement… As our soldiers train hard and realistically to defend Singapore as leaders, remember to take care of your soldiers – your men will respect you if they see that you really care for them… The expectations placed on you will be significant, but trust the training that you have been given, and always be guided by the SAF's core values," he said. 

The graduation parade marked the completion of the 22-week Specialist Cadet Course, where the graduands trained under tough and realistic conditions to develop leadership and combat skills, and deepen their understanding of the vocations in the SAF. Present at the parade were families and friends of the graduands and senior SAF officers.

Mr Heng presenting the Golden Bayonet to 3SG Rahil Bhatia.

3SG Mohamed Iqbal's mother affixing the 3rd Sergeant rank chevron onto his uniform at the parade.

The Specialists tossing their headdress at the end of the graduation parade.

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Speech by Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How at the 35/2017 Specialist Cadet Course Graduation Parade

Leaders who inspire, empathise and motivate