One of a Kind (2nd Edition)

379

Today we make history, for today I, on behalf of the people of Singapore confer on 117 of

our young men commissions in our Republic’s Army. It is a great day for us and especially

for you who have so successfully completed your training to become the first Singapore

trained officers in our army. I understand also that a few days ago you celebrated the 1

Anniversary of your Armed Forces Training Institute (S.A.F.T.I.) with a full scale exercise

which simulated real life conditions. From all accounts, you acquitted yourself honourably

in this ‘baptism of fire’. You are therefore now fully trained and equipped to shoulder the

heavy tasks that will fall to you as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces. The people of

Singapore will now be watching you and by you, they will judge the standards of our training

and our Army.

As commissioned officers in the Singapore Armed Forces you have been entrusted with the

great responsibility of building up and commanding our nation’s Army. In your hands will

be placed the National Servicemen who will be called up to service presently. You will be

expected to inculcate in them the high standards of training and discipline you have received

so that in the end, Singapore will have a first class Army equal to any in this part of the

world. Your service will require your total loyalty and in this, you must never falter. You must

always uphold the honour of our nation and our Army and to this end, a Code of Conduct

has been promulgated for you and your men to follow at all times. You will be expected as

officers to uphold this Code of Honour and to maintain the highest standard of behaviour

which will be a personal example to your men and the citizens of Singapore.

I have been told that the training you received at the Singapore Armed Forces Training

Institute was a tough and rigorous one. During this time, you have had to make many personal

sacrifices and encountered many hardships. This intensive training, as you must realise now,

was a test in itself. It was necessary in order to determine your qualities of leadership and

now you have proved that you possess these basic qualities. Your presence here this evening

is a fitting end to the first stage of your career. Let me therefore be the first to congratulate

you on your success.

Bear in mind, however, that by graduating successfully does not mean that you know all

the answers. This is only the beginning of your military education and it is for you now, as

officers, to further this knowledge.

SPEECH BY INCHE YUSOF BIN ISHAK,

PRESIDENT, REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE,

AT THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY

ON TUESDAY, 18

JULY, 1967

SPEECH BY PRESIDENT INCHE YUSOF BIN ISHAK