NEW SAF SERGEANT-MAJOR TAKES OVER

Senior Warrant Officer (SWO) Joseph Koa took over as the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Sergeant-Major from SWO Jeffrey Chung at a change of appointment parade held at Pasir Laba Camp on 27 Apr.

SWO Chung, who joined the SAF in 1974, has held many appointments: Sergeant-Major of the Army, Institute Sergeant-Major of the Specialists and Warrant Officers Institute, Sergeant-Major of 3rd Division, and Directing Staff of the SAF Warrant Officer School. In August 2008, he reached the pinnacle of the Warrant Officers and Specialists (WOSpec) Corps with his appointment as SAF Sergeant-Major.

In his farewell speech, SWO Chung reminded all who were present: "Our Corps is only as strong as its weakest link. The strong within our Corps must continue to guide, encourage and motivate every single WOSpec to make him or her the best that they can be."

SWO Koa's previous appointment in the SAF include Sergeant-Major of 9th Division, and Sergeant-Major of Intelligence. Prior to his appointment as the fifth SAF Sergeant-Major, SWO Koa was Sergeant-Major Army.

The parade was witnessed by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong and senior SAF officers, as well as senior SAF Warrant Officers and Specialists.

The SAF Sergeant-Major, an appointment created in 1998, is responsible for upholding a high standard of discipline, conduct and bearing of personnel within the SAF. He also plays the role of leader and advisor to the SAF Warrant Officers, Specialists and Enlistees.