Recognising Over 500 Personnel from the SAF

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen interacting with the promotees after the ceremony at the Ministry of Defence.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are promoting 461 Officers, 75 Military Experts (ME), and 40 Warrant Officers from MINDEF Headquarters, Army, Navy and Air Force to the next higher rank this year. The promoted personnel include Regulars, Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and Defence Executive Officers (DXOs).

This year, a record number of 61 senior NSmen are promoted to the next higher rank. This is a reflection of their strong commitment to National Service. Many of these NSmen have continued to volunteer, beyond their obligations to serve in senior positions in the SAF. Their promotion is a recognition of their commitment, sacrifice and service to the nation.

At a promotion ceremony held at MINDEF this evening, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented certificates to personnel promoted to the ranks of Senior Warrant Officer (SWO), Chief Warrant Officer (CWO), DX16 under the Defence Executive Officer scheme, ME7, Colonel (COL), Brigadier-General (BG), Rear-Admiral (RADM) (One-Star) and Lieutenant-General (LG). Chief of Defence Force (CDF) MG Melvyn Ong presented certificates to personnel promoted to the ranks of Master Warrant Officer (MWO), ME6, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) and Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC). Also present at the ceremony were spouses and guests of the promoted personnel as well as senior MINDEF officials and SAF officers.

The promotees for this year include CDF, MG Melvyn Ong, who is promoted to the rank of LG. In addition, seven Colonels are promoted to the rank of BG and RADM (One-Star). Among the list of warrant officers promoted this year, two SWOs are promoted to the pinnacle rank of CWO. 

The annual promotion exercise is part of the ongoing effort to recognise, reward and groom officers, MEs, warrant officers and DXOs who have performed well and demonstrated potential to contribute further to MINDEF/SAF. All promotions will take effect from 1 July 2018.

Dr Ng presenting the promotion certificate to Chief of Defence Force Major-General Melvyn Ong.