GROOMING AND RECOGNISING SAF PERSONNEL FOR GREATER RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) efforts to groom and reward personnel who have done well in their areas of responsibility, a total of 499 officers, 147 warrant officers and 74 military experts from the three Services will be promoted to the next higher rank this year.

Receiving their certificates of promotion from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and Chief of Defence Force Major-General (MG) Neo Kian Hong in a ceremony held on 24 Jun, it marks the first time that the promotion ceremony for officers and warrant officers are being held together.

One of the promotees, Major (MAJ) Charles Silverster described his promotion as not only a recognition of his contributions to the SAF thus far, but also an affirmation of his ability to shoulder more responsibilities. "I think I speak for all SAF personnel when I say that we always try our best to deliver positive results whenever we are given a task," said MAJ Silverster.

"I am very encouraged by the promotion and I see it as an opportunity to give more back to the SAF," he said. Currently a Branch Head in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Air Operations Department, the 38 year-old will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC).

Military Expert (ME) 6 Ong Eng Hua viewed his own promotion with similar sentiments and went on to say that apart from an opportunity to contribute, his new rank also represents "an obligation" to perform well in his current and future appointments. He is currently Deputy Head, Naval Logistics Department at Headquarters Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

For some, news of the promotion added to the joy at home. Captain (CPT) Abdul Hannan Bin Jaafar will be adding a new member to his family in Oct, when his wife is expected to deliver their second child. "Definitely this promotion will be a stepping stone to more challenging appointments," said CPT Abdul.

"I want to thank all my commanders and peers for the support they have been giving me along the way. I am also very grateful for the recognition that the SAF has given me," said CPT Abdul.

Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) were also not forgotten. Amongst those being promoted was Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) (NS) Abu Bakar Bin Mohd Nor. The Commander of the 27th Singapore Infantry Brigade is a Senior General Manager in Keppel Shipyard, as well as a member of the SAFRA Management Committee. He will be promoted to the rank of Senior Lieutenant-Colonel (SLTC).

"I am humbled and honoured to be promoted, and it spurs me on to continue serving for as long as I can," said LTC Abu Bakar, who has extended his NS service past the usual liabilities. When asked how he finds time to fulfil his NS duties on top of his work and family commitments, he put it down to pure passion and a supportive family. "I am especially thankful for my wife. Without her support, I believe all this would not be possible," he said.

In addition, Chief of Defence Force Major-General (MG) Neo Kian Hong is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General, while Chief of Army Brigadier-General (BG) Chan Chun Sing and Chief of Air Force BG Ng Chee Meng will also be promoted to the next higher rank of Major-General (MG). Six Colonels are also promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General and Rear-Admiral (one star).

All promotions will take effect from 1 Jul.

24 Jun 10 - Recognising SAF Personnel