TO BE LEADERS OF MEN

"When you accept your officer's sword, you accept the responsibility of leading the men and women under your charge into battle when called upon," said Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at the Officer Cadet Course commissioning parade at SAFTI Military Institute on 14 Sep.

As the reviewing officer for the parade, Mr Teo addressed the 263 graduating officers who will soon have Full-Time National Servicemen (NSFs) under their command.

He encouraged the officers to earn the respect of their men and make "good soldiers" out of them.

"As their leader, you have to mould them into a cohesive fighting unit, inspire them to be committed, imbue in them a strong sense of mission and purpose, and instil the right values that will motivate them to give their best," Mr Teo said.

"Look after them and always have their safety at heart, so that they will follow you in the face of danger, knowing that you will do your best to lead them back safely again."

A good example of this selfless leadership, Mr Teo cited, was Second Lieutenant (2LT) Kok Khew Fai for his act of courage during a hand grenade live throw exercise in March.

As the platoon commander of his unit and bay safety officer during the live throw, 2LT Kok shielded his trainee from the fragmentation impact when the grenade slipped from the trainee's hand.

For his courageous act, Mr Teo presented the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Medal for Distinguished Act or the Pingat Jasa Perwira (Tentera) to 2LT Kok during the parade.

The commissioning parade marked the completion of 38 weeks of rigorous training at the Officer Cadet School, to prepare and groom the officer cadets for command and leadership positions in the SAF.

A total of 226 Army cadets, including two cadets from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, and 37 Republic of Singapore Air Force cadets were commissioned.

Members of Parliament, senior Ministry of Defence officials and SAF officers, as well as families and friends of the newly commissioned officers were also at the parade.