SAF STARTS COURSE TO GROOM LEADERS FOR HIGHER APPOINTMENTS

The inaugural Command and Staff Course (Executive), or CSC (E) for short, was opened by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong at the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College on 6 Aug.

In his opening address, LG Neo noted the importance of imparting knowledge to the next generation of soldiers: "The new generation of leaders will find that they need to learn at a faster pace than before in order to run the 3rd generation...

"Given the increased complexities, it is difficult to know everything; there's a need for everyone to play their part. We need every soldier to be a leader so that there is a greater ownership of issues."

Forty SAF Officers and Military Experts (MEs) embarked on the first CSC (E).

Senior Directing Staff (Navy) and Course Commander of the 1st CSC (E), Colonel (COL) Tan Suan Jow, said: "This course aims to equip officers with knowledge, such as a better understanding of geopolitics in the region and how different nations use their armed forces for the security interests of the nation. There are also theoretical frameworks in place such that officers can learn to apply their leadership skills more effectively."

He also noted that officers who attend this course would be able to contribute significantly to the SAF: "By becoming more effective and efficient leaders, they would be able to lead and inspire their men, thus reinforcing their commitment to the SAF."

Major (MAJ) Marcus Woo, one of the officers selected to attend the course, was appreciative of the learning opportunity given. "This course would definitely broaden my horizons, allowing me to learn more about national security issues as well as the transnational challenges that the present-day SAF faces."

Added the Command Safety Officer of the Air Defence Operations Command: "I believe that the course would also aid in my personal development as I am able to hone my leadership skills as well as my people-management skills."

ME6 Koh Cheok Wei, another participant of the course, shared the same sentiments: "I feel that I will be able to better understand the integration of the three Services (Army, Air Force and Navy) across the SAF as well as to develop leadership skills required to lead the 3rd generation SAF, and to tackle the challenges that come with leading my men."

The CSC (E) is a one-year course which comprises a 14-week residential phase. During the non-residential phase, students would attend lectures, workshops and enrichment programmes on a part-time basis. The milestone course equips Officers and senior MEs with the necessary Professional Military Education for higher-level appointments.