FOR COUNTRY, FOR PEOPLE

More than a year into his appointment as Chief of Defence Force (CDF), Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng shares his vision for the military force and the people under his charge.

Talk about walking the walk. When LG Ng took over the helm as Singapore's top military man in March last year, he wanted to understand better what soldiers on the ground go through.

So at 46, he relived the gruelling Combat Skills Badge (CSB) course, a rigorous test of participants' basic soldiering skills and physical and combat fitness. He also took part in a diving course with the Naval Diving Unit.

During the final 32km trek of the CSB course, LG Ng was joined by Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Sergeant-Major Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Joseph Koa, then-Sergeant-Major of the Army CWO Tang Peck Oon, Air Force Command Chief Military Expert (ME) 6 Andrew Koh and Master Chief Navy ME6 Phui Peng Sim.

"I saw the passion that they have for the military - these warrant officers have taught each generation of NS (National Service) boys basic soldiering skills with dedication."

The strength of the SAF lies precisely in the commitment and dedication of its people, he emphasised in an interview with local media on 26 Jun.

Making good progress

"After years of development, consistent public support and government investment in the SAF, we are in a position of strength and we have the capabilities to ensure that we fulfil our mission to protect Singapore.

In the past, the Services would stand alone. Today, they come together as an integrated force and we are able to fight as a networked force.

We are progressing very well with our 3rd Generation transformation. This is a continuous process where we will invest the talent and the resources consistently.

As CDF, I'll make sure my people are well equipped, not just currently, to do our job, but also in five to 10 years' time, so that when we send (them on) operations, they know that they carry the best equipment that we can afford them...(and that) the whole system of the SAF's fighting capabilities will be there to support them."

Ready to serve

"My vision is simple. The SAF will always stand ready for Singapore, for Singaporeans.

We stand ready 24/7 (to protect Singapore)... but even in other areas, the SAF stepped forward to assist our sister agencies to ensure that our way of life is not disrupted.

In 2003 (during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS crisis), the SAF went forward to assist our health authorities. And last year when the haze hit Singapore, the SAF was called upon (to help). Within 24 short hours, many of our people came back and delivered over one million masks to people who needed them.

(So while) we fulfil our core mission to enhance peace and security, we also value-add in other areas where we are useful.

For almost 50 years of NS, the SAF has also contributed to nation building, (forging) a certain Singaporean identity not just among the men, but (also) the loved ones, like mothers, sisters and spouses, who have supported them."

Looking ahead

"I don't look at the younger generation (who are often more vocal and questioning) as challenges; I see great opportunities.

I was a 21-year-old before; I embrace the idealism of the younger generation. I will take on their views, but now being 46, I will (also) try to imbue in them a balance of idealism and pragmatism.

And in that philosophy of commanders coming together, whether you're senior or junior, we have the best ingredients and culture...to forge the best ideas and implement the best policies for the SAF to continue to succeed."

People power

"In my outlook as a commander, people are the biggest asset in the SAF.

Many of my counterparts have generous accolades for the SAF personnel who worked alongside them. In operations as far-flung as Afghanistan, in the Gulf of Aden, commanders would write to me to extend the deployment of our people because we bring unique capabilities. They know that the SAF can be trusted and that the SAF delivers.

From demonstrations in different exercises...(to how) we get things done in operations like the Aceh tsunami, Christchurch earthquake and Typhoon Haiyan, we have always contributed meaningfully. These are all testimonies (of how we ve done well).

In my 30 years or so of service, I've seen many of my commanders and men...doing their utmost...for Singapore, for Singaporeans. Coming back to my origins as a Chinese High boy, I would say ????, ???? (Never forget your roots, do it for your country and people). That's what we are here for.

I'm glad that the SAF has successfully enhanced the security of Singapore in the past, and I hope on my watch we will ensure that the SAF will continue to succeed for the next 50 years."

"In my 30 years or so of service, I've seen many of my commanders and men doing their utmost for Singapore, for Singaporeans."
- LG Ng