Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for Education Ms Indranee Rajah reviewed the 36th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade at Pasir Laba Camp this evening. A total of 1,021 Specialist Cadets comprising 906 from the Singapore Army, 72 from the Republic of Singapore Navy and 43 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force graduated as Specialists of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). 

Addressing the graduands at the parade, Ms Indranee said, "All of you have a stake in our country and in protecting our way of life. The baton has now been passed to you to serve our country with pride and honour." Ms Indranee added, "To lead by example, you must first earn their respect. Be compassionate, humble, and care for your men and women. Always have their best interests at heart. Train them hard and train them safely." 

She also reminded the graduands of the important role that Specialists play as leaders in the SAF to defend the nation from emerging and non-conventional threats that lie ahead. "The SAF has gone from strength to strength amidst a complex and evolving security landscape. However, what has not changed is the quality and commitment of its people. Indeed, our people's commitment to defence and to Singapore has been the firm foundation on which a strong SAF has been built. The sacred duty of our country's defence has been passed on from generation to generation. Decade after decade since our Independence, generations of NSFs and NSmen have served faithfully, dutifully, and sacrificially." 

The graduation parade marked the completion of the 22-week Specialist Cadet Course, where the graduands trained under rigorous 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.