60 YEARS ON, THEIR COMMITMENT REMAINS STRONG

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) commemorated 60 years of national defence at the annual SAF Day celebrations on 1 Jul.

More than 2,000 servicemen and women participated in the SAF Day Parade officiated by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at SAFTI Military Institute.

This year’s parade featured the Trooping of Colours ceremony to mark 60 years of national defence.

SAF Day Parade highlights

Leading the parade was Parade Commander Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Shew Narian from Headquarter Guards.

The 39-year-old felt “a deep sense of pride in leading the parade with purpose”, especially in this special SAF 60 year.

With him was Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Military Expert (ME) 4 Lee Han Seng, a Chief Expert in Joint Intelligence Command, who kept a tight watch over the discipline and regimentation of the marching contingents.

ME4 Lee, 49, was the first SAF Day Parade RSM from the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS).

A highlight from the parade this year was the Trooping of Colours, the highest honour conferred on special ceremonies, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the SAF.

Escorted by the Military Police Guard-of-Honour (GOH) contingent, the Regimental Colours Party carried the State Colour of each of the four Services and moved through the parade.

The Trooping of Colours was last performed in 2023 to mark the DIS’s inaugural participation in the SAF Day Parade. Before that, it was performed at the SAF Day Parade to mark SAF 50 in 2015.

As part of the parade, Mr Tharman presented the Best Combat Unit award to 1st Commando Battalion.

Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing also presented Best Unit accolades to 18 active units and 12 National Service (NS) units. These awards are given out in recognition of the outstanding achievements by the units in their respective formations.

Rededicating themselves to Singapore’s defence

Earlier today, 409 Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and representatives from 339 companies took part in Combined Rededication Ceremonies (CRCs) held at five venues across the country.

These NSmen, together with their employers and co-workers, stood shoulder-to-shoulder to reaffirm their dedication to the nation’s defence.

Officiating the Zone 2 CRC at Capital Tower, Mr Chan thanked “all servicemen across all generations” for their continued service, and highlighted the crucial support from families in upholding National Service (NS) and Singapore’s broader defence and stability.

“The peace we enjoy is not something we take for granted,” he said. “When one family member serves, we all serve, and that is the strength of our SAF.”

Mr Chan also reminded all present that “there are no ex‑NSmen”, even when they have completed their NS obligations: “Many of them are contributing in grooming the next generation of NSmen as family members.”

Standing by their staff

In his speech, Mr Chan noted that support from employers is critical to ensuring that NSmen are able to focus on their In-Camp Training (ICT).

Corporal First Class (CFC) (NS) Mohamed Shahir Bin Mohamed Ayob, a Layer from the Mortar platoon in 779th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, is an NSman who is thankful for the support he has received from his employer.

The Assistant Manager in the Singapore Business Federation’s (SBF’s) Policy and Planning Team appreciates the swift process in place to help him transition between work and ICT. He had previously worked in Melbourne before coming back to Singapore.

“It’s really seamless – once I key my SAF100, approval comes (through the workflow system) within half an hour and my teammates just split the workload (among themselves),” said CFC (NS) Shahir.

The “systemised” approach means the team is proactive, not reactive, to NSmen fulfilling their NS duties.

The 31‑year‑old father of two young children is also grateful to his wife and in-laws, who help to take care of things at home during his ICT.

“When I go for ICT, it’s not just me that is doing something different... You need to have a level of understanding within the family, and everybody picks up the load – even my in-laws will come and help if needed.”

Ms Peggy  Ng, Executive Director for Human Resources & Transformation at SBF, said the pro‑NS approach begins at the job interview.

“We ensure that there’s work coverage…so (NSmen) don’t have to worry and can focus on their training when they go back for ICT. We also keep them informed on key developments so they can reintegrate smoothly when they return, without missing out,” the 50-year-old explained.

Ms Ng, who saw her husband complete his NS obligations and is seeing her son enlist next year, views good planning as essential: “The best way to support is to let them know we’ll help cover whatever responsibility as a family unit.”

“It’s also about planning ahead and communication, so they have peace of mind and can concentrate on their NS journey,” she added.