AN OFFICER FOR ALL SEASONS

The Officer Cadet School's (OCS) robust training system provides the foundation for officers so they can cope well, even in missions they were never prepared for, said Minister for Health, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, at the OCS commissioning parade held at SAFTI Military Institute on 2 Apr.

Another 225 Army cadets and 36 Air Force cadets joined the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officer corps. Five officer cadets from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces were also commissioned.

Two of the SAF cadets, Infantryman Koh Wei Kiat and Weapons System Officer Ting See Ho, received top accolades as Sword-of-Honour winners.

In his speech to the newly minted officers, Mr Khaw recounted how the SAF soldiers had done Singapore proud in the recent tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia and Thailand.

"In Meulaboh, the Singapore badge on their sleeves has come to signify hope and friendship," he said. "This week, they were called upon again for another rescue mission, after the earthquake in Nias."

"The Officer Cadet School has prepared you thoroughly. You now have the knowledge and abilities to train and develop the men and women you will lead in defence of Singapore. You have a vital role in motivating and preparing them for any eventuality," he added.

This was the second cohort of SAF officers to be commissioned this year.

The parade marked the end of 42 weeks of intensive training. The cadets were trained and assessed in physical fitness, military knowledge, and leadership.