PIONEER BATCH OF AIR WARFARE OFFICERS GRADUATE

As the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) continues on its transformation journey to become a 3rd Generation fighting force, it needs airmen who are able to orchestrate air warfare at the operational level, on top of displaying competence on the tactical level.

This is one of the main reasons behind the introduction of the new Air Warfare Officer (AWO) vocation, said Commander Participation Command Brigadier-General (BG) Wong Huat Sern, during his speech at the RSAF Combined Graduation Ceremony on 18 May.

Held at the Air Force Museum, the ceremony saw 92 new officers joining the RSAF's fold after a rigorous 38-week training course. Of the new officers, 56 graduated from the inaugural AWO course - which looks to strengthen the cadets' air warfare knowledge in the areas of Command, Control and Communication (C3), as well as Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD).

Calling it an "exciting time" to be a young officer in the RSAF, BG Wong also said that the RSAF has successfully reorganised itself to achieve its vision of being a "full-spectrum, integrated and ready Air Force".

In Jan 2007, the RSAF was re-organised into five operational commands followed by the unveiling of the Air Force Training Command (AFTC) in Mar 2010. The AFTC provides foundational instruction for all RSAF personnel. In addition, the RSAF has added many advanced platforms to its fleet such the Gulfstream 550 Airborne Early Warning Aircraft, the F-15SG fighter aircraft and the Seahawk S-70B Naval Helicopters.

On the back of these developments, BG Wong reminded the graduands of their duties as officers and leaders within the RSAF.

"Continue to hone your skills and attain mastery in your respective areas of expertise. Remember that a leader has to continually earn the right to lead, and earn the respect of those that follow you," said BG Wong as he welcomed the new officers.

His words were certainly not lost on the graduating cohort such as Officer Cadet (OCT) Glenn Low, who graduated from the 1st AWO Course (C3).

Being from the pioneer batch of AWOs meant that he and his course mates had to learn from scratch. "Having no predecessors, we had to put in more effort to learn," OCT Low told cyberpioneer.

"We learnt how to cope, by practising extra hard or staying up late to study. The course helped us a lot, not only in our competencies but also in becoming better leaders," he added. For his efforts, OCT Low won the Best Trainee Award AWO (C3).

Echoing his views was OCT Gumutha Murugathasan. The course was tough, but it has made us stronger and I am ready to take up any challenges, she said. OCT Gumutha graduated from the 1st AWO Course (GBAD).

"What I have learnt from the course is that nothing is impossible," she added.

Winning the Best Trainee award for the 1st AWO Course (GBAD) was OCT Pan Weihao.

The RSAF Combined Graduation Ceremony was officiated by BG Wong and attended by senior RSAF commanders, friends and families of the graduands, who were also present to share their joy.