421 Commissioned as SAF Officers

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean reviewed a commissioning parade this evening at the SAFTI Military Institute, where a total of 301 Army, 43 Navy and 77 Air Force officer cadets were commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The parade marked the completion of 38 weeks of rigorous training, during which the officer cadets were put through realistic training scenarios to develop their combat, planning and leadership skills. These newly commissioned SAF officers will go on to assume operational, instructional or staff appointments in the SAF.

Speaking at the parade, Mr Teo encouraged the officers to "provide the forward-looking and vigorous leadership that the SAF needs to tackle the security challenges confronting our nation." Mr Teo also emphasised the important role that officers played as commanders in developing a strong sense of mission and purpose in their men and mould them into a cohesive and effective fighting team. He said, "Only when you show care and conviction, match your words with actions, be self-critical, uphold high personal and unit standards, and have that 'steel in your soul' to achieve success in tough conditions - will you earn the trust and the respect of your men."

Also present at the parade were Chief of Defence Force Major-General Neo Kian Hong, Members of Parliament, senior Ministry of Defence officials and SAF officers as well as families and friends of the newly commissioned officers.

More Resources

Speech by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, for the 77/09 Commissioning Parade