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was of paramount importance to Dr Goh as he was the architect for the establishment of
SAFTI. He was not deterred by the lack of manpower or logistic deficiency. After Singapore
left Malaysia, time was critical to build and develop Singapore’s defence. To make up for
the shortage of regulars for the Instructors’ Preparatory Course, he supplemented trainees
with personnel from the Police, Volunteers and a group of NCOs from the Regulars and
Volunteer Corp. As an interim measure, he directed Jurong Primary School to be used as the
Training Centre. This was typical of his resourcefulness in the build-up of Singapore’s defence.
He proudly presented us with the Course Certificate signed by Mr Bogaars and LTC Vlj.
Immediately after this event, those who were posted to SAFTI, went to the Pasir Laba
Officers’ Mess and the NCOs’ Mess to arrange for their accommodation. Our first task
was to conduct the running and physical fitness tests for the 300 recruits in June, 1966.
XIII. CONCLUSION
The full co-operation and sincere understanding between the Israeli advisors and the mature
trainees in the course were keys to its success. After initial misunderstandings over the
backgrounds of the trainees, the Israeli advisors boldly revamped the syllabus to include
realistic inputs from their experiences in battle. They did it with total commitment even
though they may well have wanted to quit after the extraordinary meeting. They really opened
up our perspectives and we participated enthusiastically in the course. The advisors made
us realise that we were quite vulnerable and needed to be strong and independent to defend
our country. They taught us that peace cannot be guaranteed and that we must always be
prepared for war. Nobody would come to our aid when we are in trouble, nor could we be
dependent on the United Nations (UN). By the time the UN forces arrived, we would have
been overrun by the enemy. The advisors had respectable credentials and were exemplary in
their loyalty and patriotism.
Coming from different backgrounds, services and ranks to work together, was definitely
a unique experience for us. Slowly but surely, we developed a strong sense of belonging.
We learned that under trying circumstances, we needed to be considerate and patient for
a common cause. The advisors, in the arrangement of mixed appointments, regardless of
ranks, in the various exercises, helped us to understand this point and to work together in
times of need. We also learned from one another’s different and varied experiences. The
Police Officers who were senior in service and older, put aside their discomfort, to work
closely with us, in the interest of nation-building. The SVC Officers and NCOs felt that
being mobilised was justified because the course not only upgraded their skills but also
enriched their understanding about nationalism. In addition, the NCOs were very happy
as they had an opportunity to train with officers, working together on the same level for a
common cause. They believed that the officers would have confidence in their abilities and