THE CHALLENGES OF LEADERSHIP

In the past, a commander's sole concern would be how to win the war.

However today, military professionals must be "equally conversant about keeping the peace".

Speaking at the opening of the 39th Command and Staff Course (CSC) on 11 Jan, Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Lieutenant-General (LG) Desmond Kuek shared his views on the challenges of military leadership in a rapidly changing environment.

"The future will place even greater demands on the way we lead our people," he told the students.

One of the reasons is that military personnel today are different from their predecessors.

"This is a reality in every armed force which draws its ranks from the civilian populace, whether for regular or conscript service," said LG Kuek.

The introduction of networks and information technology also meant that militaries would have to adjust the traditional "top-down" approach and learn to operate as a network. Yet, the chain of command must always be respected.

LG Kuek also stressed that technology can never replace "fighting spirit and basic skills on the ground". When push comes to shove, a soldier needs to know "the intimate art of killing".

Besides the Singapore officers, listening to LG Kuek's speech were 14 international officers from Australia, Brunei, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand and the United States, and an officer from the Singapore Police Force.

"Young soldiers need their officers' support," said Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Wolf Illner, the first German officer to attend the CSC. "It is the duty of all officers to give their soldiers the assurance that they are being looked after."

"This is the most important value an officer must have," he added.

The first female foreign officer to attend the CSC is Major (MAJ) Hajah Wan Shalimar Binti HJ Suhaili, who was upbeat about the chance to meet course-mates from around the world.

"It has been a long time since I attended a course. I'll have to work a lot harder than the others just to keep up," said the technical officer from the Royal Brunei Air Force.

Before her enlistment, MAJ Shalimar's ambition was to become a pilot. Although that ambition did not materialise, the mother of three still loves her job in the armed forces and she treasures every moment of her 24-year career.

"Enjoy the journey of your career and your interest will come naturally," she said.

The CSC grooms officers for the role as mid-level leaders. It also trains them to develop strategic perspectives, and to operate in joint operations.