Reaffirming their dedication to S’pore’s defence

More than 3,000 Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), Regulars and guests celebrated the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF’s) 61st anniversary in a parade held on 1 Jul.

For the first time, about 200 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets were invited to attend the parade in-person at SAFTI Military Institute.

This year also marks the rare occasion when the National Pledge was recited alongside the SAF Pledge, to commemorate the former’s 60th anniversary.

Up-close with SAF assets

This year’s celebrations saw the largest static display on parade grounds, featuring 12 army, navy and air force vehicles and equipment.

Guests had the opportunity to view the assets up close, and meet the SAF personnel who operate them.

People on parade

Being parade commander is a dream come true for Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Yu Jinliang, 42, a branch head in General Staff (Operations).

About 500 participants are marching in this year’s parade, and he is heartened to see the collective dedication of everyone involved.

“It’s not just about SAF Day, (but also a reflection) of (the men and women in) the SAF being given a mission, and doing their best to make sure they achieve what is given to them and expected of them.”

Alongside LTC Yu, Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Heng Song Po takes care of the participants’ discipline and regimentation.

Working with a team of trainers and support staff, the duo spent weeks sharpening their drills and footwork to precision.

At the parade, Mr Tharman presented the Best Combat Unit award to 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn).

This is the unit’s 40th win and 23rd consecutive award.

During the post-parade segment, Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing presented the Best Unit accolades and NSman of the Year awards to 12 active units, 18 National Service (NS) units and 20 NSmen in recognition of their achievements and contributions towards national defence.

Celebrating our winners

In a twist to the post-parade segment, winning units across the SAF gathered at the parade square to cheer on their commanders as they received their respective awards from Mr Chan.

Renewing their commitment to Singapore’s defence

This morning, 460 NSmen, together with their employers and civilian colleagues from 290 companies, took part in SAF Combined Rededication Ceremonies (CRCs) held at four locations.

Officiating the Zone 3 CRC at the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI), Mr Chan thanked the business community for their continued support of NSmen and their duty to the SAF.

He said: “If our businesses support our NSFs (Full-time National Servicemen) and NSmen, (then) we have NSFs and NSmen who are able to focus on their duties (and) put up credible capabilities for the defence of Singapore.”

Highlighting this year’s SAF Day theme, “平凡后的非凡” (Mandarin for “the extraordinary behind the ordinary”), Mr Chan paid tribute to the business community, all NSmen as well as their loved ones, stressing that Singapore’s everyday peace and stability is made possible by those who serve and those who stand behind them.

“For everyone in uniform, and the people supporting those in uniform, I want to thank you, because you are the people who are doing the extraordinary work behind for us to have an ordinary day in Singapore.

“For us to have every normal day, every ordinary day itself, is an effort amidst all the turmoil of the world. Thank you all for being the extraordinary behind the ordinary.”

Leading and reciting the SAF Pledge at the Zone 3 CRC was an important moment for Lieutenant (LTA) (NS) Lester Tan as it was a timely reminder of his duty as an NSman.

This is his second time leading the SAF Pledge at an SAF Day CRC.

Said the Detachment Commander from the 1 Cdo Bn: “Leading the SAF pledge this year is a massive honour. When I was reciting the pledge, it really hit home that this is not just a formal ceremony (but) a powerful reminder of why we are all here, and of our shared responsibility towards the country.”

“Serving our country is important, and it reminds us that the security and defence of our nation should not be taken for granted,” he added.

The 27-year-old recently completed his degree at the Singapore Institute of Technology and will begin his new job as a Cyber Security Testing Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

He continues to look forward to In-Camp Training (ICT) as it’s a time for him to reconnect with his NS buddies.

“ICT is a good platform for my NSF batchmates and me to catch up with one another, while continuing to do our part in ensuring the safety of our nation.”

Major (MAJ) (NS) Chew Jin Yi, the general manager of Straits Printers Pte Ltd, a family-owned business, believes strongly in giving back to the country.

An Intelligence Officer in 4th Singapore Armoured Brigade, he joined the ROVERS (Reservists on Voluntary Extended Reserve Service) Scheme three years ago and will be extending his service for another three years.

ROVERS are NSmen who serve beyond their NS training cycle.

“Singapore is a great country, and having benefitted as a citizen, extending my service is the best way to give back to my country,” MAJ (NS) Chew said.

The 39-year-old father of two young children is also thankful to his family, whose support enables him to complete his ICT with peace of mind.

“When I go for ICT, the family support is always there to take over any responsibilities (at home), and I am grateful for that.”

This year, MAJ (NS) Chew represented his trade association to receive the SAF Day certificate, an experience that has given him a strong sense of pride.

Emphasising the relationship between a strong defence and stable economy, he said: “Because we benefit from the safety that the SAF provides for our country, we are more than happy to serve. We also enjoy the stable business environment in Singapore because of that.”