A CALLING TO DEFEND THE NATION

For Officer Cadet (OCT) Tan E-An of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, his father's National Service (NS) experience as a Commando played a big part in motivating him to take up the military career.

"What really inspired me was that he wasn't a Regular. He was a Full-time National Serviceman, and yet he passed out with the red beret (worn by the Commandos)...

"He chose to pull through all the tough training because he wanted to protect his family. That calling is what drives a lot of soldiers on," said the Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship (SAFOS) recipient, who aspires to become a fighter pilot upon completing his degree in Economics at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.

OCT Tan added: "If my generation can experience another decade of peace, I will certainly like to contribute to this outcome."

Together with four other SAFOS recipients, OCT Tan received his award certificate and ceremonial sword from Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Istana on 4 Aug.

In his keynote address, Dr Ng emphasised the importance of attracting talents. He noted that the SAF's transformation from two infantry battalions with two ships since independence, into one that is currently recognised and respected as highly professional and effective, was "greatly facilitated by strong leadership and committed servicemen".

In addition, Dr Ng highlighted the need for committed and innovative commanders who can motivate and inspire each new NS generation.

"We cannot take for granted that the values and messages that we transmit to any one generation can be automatically transmitted to the next... They must believe that what we have built over the last four decades is worth protecting.

"How do we know we have succeeded for each generation? We will know... when we see NSmen (Operationally Ready National Servicemen) willing to go the extra mile and make personal sacrifices to raise up a strong SAF," he said.

The four other recipients of this year's SAFOS are: 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Geeva S/O Gopal Krishnan and OCT Matthias Chia Boon Liang from the Army, as well as Midshipman (MID) Aaron Koh Zhan Wei and MID Thia Shan Zhi from the Navy.

2LT Geeva attributed his decision to sign on to his one year of experience in the military.

Said the platoon commander of 48th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment: "The soldiers that I lead have given me confidence in my ability, and the working environment that my peers and superiors have given me is very welcoming. These spurred me on to take the step to be a leader in the SAF. "

2LT Geeva plans to read Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom and will leave for studies next year.

MID Koh believes that there is no higher calling than serving the country in the area of defence, as studying history has made him realise the challenges and vulnerabilities that Singapore faces as a young nation.

He draws inspiration from his 14-year-old brother who suffers from congenital hydrocephalus - the build-up of excess fluid within the brain which is present at birth.

"Watching him grow, struggle and never give up was something that I took a lot of heart from. It made me push myself harder (to achieve my goals)," said the 19-year-old, who will be reading International Relations at the University of Pennsylvania.

Introduced in 1971, the SAFOS is the most prestigious scholarship after the President's Scholarship. It is awarded annually to outstanding servicemen who have achieved distinguished performance in their studies, co-curricular activities and officer cadet course.

After completing their tertiary education, the scholars will return to serve the armed forces and assume a variety of challenging appointments that will groom them for the highest level of leadership in the SAF and the Ministry of Defence.

To date, 281 cadets have received the scholarship and 127 scholars are currently in service.