SERVICEMEN PLEDGE COMMITMENT TO DEFENCE AT SAF DAY PARADE

I used to be a mummy's boy, admits Lance-Corporal (LCP) Nemanja Oskorus. But now, his mother has National Service (NS) to thank for his new-found discipline and independence.

"Everything used to be done by mummy, mummy, mummy," said the Serbian-born, who has been in Singapore for almost 10 years. "Now I do things on my own."

LCP Oskorus, whose parents are both engineers working in Singapore, said that initially, he was not in favour of doing NS, but his experience "has been good" and "he has made many friends" from all walks of life.

He was one of 40 personnel who joined the Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Desmond Kuek, the Service Chiefs and other servicemen in reciting the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) pledge at the SAF Day parade held at SAFTI Military Institute on 1 Jul.

The driver from Transport Hub (East) told cyberpioneer that he now understood the importance of NS.

"Who knows when our country might be attacked one day? Of course, we wish it does not happen," he said. "Once you're in NS, you will grow to like it."

Officiated by President S R Nathan, the parade was also attended by Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen, Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee and senior officials from MINDEF and the SAF.

To commemorate 40 years of NS, this year's parade saw the increased participation of NSmen. The parade commander, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) (NS) Ken Thng, was one of them.

Being chosen out of the many NS officers in the SAF, he felt proud and honoured to be involved in the parade.

"We're a small country and we need a strong force to defend our country. Over the past 20 years, I've seen a lot of improvements in the SAF, especially in terms of equipment," said the Business Development Manager of Gunnebo Singapore Private Limited.

Had it not been for his employers and family, LTC (NS) Thng said it would not have that easy to juggle work and his NS obligations.

"I'm really grateful to my bosses and wife for their understanding and support," he added.

During the parade, Mr Teo presented the Best Unit and Best NS Unit awards to 21 SAF units, while Mr Nathan presented the State Colours to Major Poh Boon Hock, the Commanding Officer of this year's Best Combat Unit, the 1st Commando Battalion.

Mr Peter Tan(left), Chief Executive Officer of Sembawang KimTrans Limited, presenting a plaque to Mr Teo, as a declaration of employers support for NS.

New regimental colours were also presented to the Imagery Support Group.

A minute of silence was observed to honour servicemen who had sacrificed their lives in the course of service in the SAF.

A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Chinook helicopter, flanked by Apache helicopters, flew past with the state flag as the parade witnessed a fly-past.

At the post-parade reception, Mr Nathan presented specially-designed plaques to the 31 employers of the Minister for Defence Award (MiDAs) League, in recognition of their strong support for national defence and NS.

The League also renewed its pledge of commitment and support for NS by presenting a plaque to Mr Teo.

Mr Teo: SAF foundation to bright and exciting future

The Integrated Resorts, the Marina Barrage and the Singapore Flyer.

These are just some landmarks that we will be seeing in Singapore in the near future.

As Singapore enters a new phase of development, we will also see new businesses and industries.

In his SAF Day message, Mr Teo reminded NSmen that there is a bright and exciting future ahead, and "the SAF provides the foundation for this future".

He said: "Your readiness to serve, and your steady commitment to the defence of Singapore provide the ultimate guarantee for that better and brighter future for Singapore and for our children."

Mr Teo also paid tribute to the SAF and "the men and women behind the machines" for their dedication and commitment.

"The SAF's strength is derived not just from the number or sophistication of its guns, tanks, ships or aircraft," he said. "This is demonstrated in the manner our soldiers, sailors and airmen go about performing their duties - with professionalism, pride and confidence."

Admitting that while one of the main reasons back in 1965 to build a strong defence was to safeguard the security of Singapore, Mr Teo stressed: "The mission of the SAF is no less valid today - to deter aggression, and should deterrence fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor.

"The SAF remains the final guarantor of our freedom and independence, defending Singapore's territorial integrity and sovereignty against external aggression, safeguarding our families, and our right to decide our own future."