NEW CHIEF OF ARMY ASSUMES COMMAND

Brigadier-General (BG) Ravinder Singh assumed his appointment as Chief of Army at a change of command parade held at Pasir Laba Camp on 25 Mar.

Speaking at the parade, outgoing Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Chan Chun Sing thanked the many servicemen and women he had worked with over the course of his military career since he enlisted in 1987.

"I will place on record my appreciation for the team - that includes our brothers-in-arms from the Air Force, Navy, Joint Staff, defence industries, defence science organisations - for doing all that was possible to bring us forward and stay ahead of the challenges so that all of us can continue to enjoy a secured future," said MG Chan in his farewell speech.

He also expressed his confidence in BG Singh's commitment and leadership abilities: "We will always answer the call of duty whenever our Army and nation calls upon us... BG Ravi is our best testimony. When our Army called, he answered and answered emphatically."

"I have every confidence that our Army will continue to thrive with BG Ravi's leadership and drive. He has answered the call of duty and we will similarly rally to his leadership," he added.

On his thoughts on taking over as Chief of Army, BG Singh said: "I am honoured to be given this unique opportunity to lead the Army and serve the country. The Army will continue to maintain its operational readiness, enhance training efficiency and effectiveness, and continue our efforts to develop and nurture our people."

As part of the parade, MG Chan reviewed the Guard-of-Honour made up of contingents from the 9th Division/Infantry and Military Police Command. There were also 10 marching contingents from the other Army formations and a mobile column which included the Leopard Main Battle Tanks, the Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer and the Trailblazer Counter-Mine Vehicle.

BG Singh joined the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 1982 and was awarded the Overseas Training Award (Academic) in 1983. His previous appointments include Commanding Officer, 3rd Signal Battalion; Commander, 2nd Singapore Infantry Brigade; Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Plans), Head Joint Communications and Information Systems Department, Head Joint Plans and Transformation Department; Commander 6th Division and Chief of Staff - Joint Staff.

The parade was witnessed by Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong, and attended by senior SAF officers and servicemen from the Army.