Speech by President S R Nathan at the 59/05 Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade

Graduands
Parents
Ladies and Gentlemen

This evening’s commissioning parade marks a momentous occasion for you and your family. Let me first congratulate you, the graduands, for the leadership qualities that you have exemplified and the hardwork that you have put in to become officers of the SAF. You are also the pioneer batch of officer cadets that has successfully completed the redesigned 38-week Officer Cadet Course. Training time in Officer Cadet School has also been adjusted with the reduction of National Service duration from 21/2 to 2 years. These changes notwithstanding, there can be no compromise on the competence, passion and dedication of the officers that the OCS continues to produce for the SAF.

The SAF continues to face challenges that are now more complex, varied and unpredictable. In the past, the SAF focus was mainly to guard against conventional threats. Now, the SAF has also to deal with non-conventional operations such as anti-terrorism, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.  But as the defender of the nation, the SAF must continue to adapt and maintain a state of high operational readiness and vigilance at all times, to safeguard the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Singapore.

From today, as newly commissioned officers, you must play your part in meeting the needs of the SAF and doing your duty for Singapore. As commissioned officers of the SAF, you will also have an important role in the 3rd Generation SAF. You must gear up for a wider spectrum of operations, both conventional and non-conventional. To keep abreast in this rapidly changing world of constant technological advancement, you need to constantly experiment with new and innovative ideas, technology and operational concepts. You must be able to understand the higher intent, think and act independently, and exercise initiative in taking actions on the ground.

In spite of the increased usage of and reliance on cutting edge technology and experimenting with new and emerging operational concepts in the next generation SAF, the most valuable asset the SAF possesses is still its people.  It is the will and professionalism of these people who will determine the character and capability of the 3rd Generation SAF. Your OCS training has set you on the first step in this 3G journey.

Besides being proficient in the latest military technology, you need also to coach your men well by the use of relevant training methods and approaches. Encourage your men to think out of the box, and create an environment where your men are not fearful of failure but instead, are highly motivated to try out new and innovative ideas.  In short, have an open mind, share best practices among your colleagues, and be ready to experiment with new learning methodology, cutting edge technology and innovative operational concepts.  In this way, you will both facilitate organisational learning and ensure quality training for your soldiers – two vital aspects of the 3rd Generation SAF.

In our multi-cultural and multi-racial society, you will have men that come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and different education levels.  You have the demanding task as an SAF officer to forge these men into a cohesive team of Singaporeans, ready for the sacred duty of defending Singapore.

The duty, which now falls on you as a junior officer is one which calls for you to interact closely with your men, and to nurture these young men into soldiers, team players and even leaders.  You will need to ensure that they are both physically and mentally resilient.  Strong bodies and agile minds are the two most effective weapons in any uncertain security environment.

As you nurture your men for the role of defending the nation, always hold steadfast to the SAF Core Values and let the Officers’ Creed be a guiding inspiration for your actions. Be a role model for your men and inculcate in them too the SAF Core Values.

Very soon you will be departing from this ground as commissioned officers.  I am sure you will carry with you fond memories that you have had, the closed-knitted bonds and friendships that you have forged with your fellow course mates, and the defining moments that have changed your life.  Treasure these precious moments, the place and the people whom you have trained and worked with.  The friendships and camaraderie forged here will last a lifetime, with careful nurture.

The 38 weeks of the Officer Cadet Course has trained you to be a better person, an expert and a leader. The responsibilities for young newly commissioned officers will be demanding but challenging.  The very fact that you are standing as graduating Officer Cadets on this parade square this evening shows the confidence and faith the nation has entrusted upon you, who have lived proudly by the tenets of SAFTI’s motto,

"To Lead, To Excel and To Overcome."

I wish you every success, and once again, congratulations!