303 BEGIN JOURNEY AS OFFICERS

On a rainy evening on 7 Apr, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Swee Say reviewed a commissioning parade at the SAFTI Military Institute. Even though the heavy rain interrupted the graduation ceremony at the SAFTI Military Institute parade square, it did not dampen the spirits of the 303 officer cadets and their family members, and the ceremony swiftly resumed in the SAFTI Dining Hall.

Speaking at the parade, Mr Lim emphasised the important role that Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officers play as commanders in developing a "deep sense of mission and purpose" in their men. In his speech to the graduating batch, he said: "Lead by example. Inspire your men and women to follow you by demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and discipline. Spare no effort when training your men and women but never compromise on performance standards. Most of all, always have their safety at heart."

Mr Lim also encouraged the graduands to always strive to execute their mission successfully whatever it may be. He added: "When faced with unfamiliar situations and challenges, overcome adversity with courage, fortitude and determination."

The parade marked the completion of 38 weeks of rigorous training at the Officer Cadet School (OCS). The challenging and realistic training conducted during the course allowed the officer cadets to hone their planning, combat and leadership skills. Of the 303 cadets that were commissioned, 273 were from the Army and 30 were from the Air Force.

Air Force Sword-of-Honour recipient Officer Cadet (OCT) Sia Chin Hian felt that his time in OCS was well spent: "This nine-month course has developed me into a stronger person and reinforced my personal values. I have learnt to be more forgiving and flexible as different people have different thinking and come from different backgrounds.

"I have also developed people management skills: to lead my men in the right direction through leadership by example and to motivate them to do tasks to the best of their ability. Also, I have learnt to make the right decision under pressure."

Skills aside, OCT Sia also appreciates the strong friendships and bonds, as well as working relationships, forged with his fellow cadets during his course.

These sentiments were shared by OCT Said Mahadi Bin Said Iziddin from the Infantry formation, who was awarded the Sword of Merit: "An officer must possess great leadership qualities and must have a strong sense of discipline As officers, we have to be confident and humble, and to maintain our image and present ourselves well in front of our men."

He added, "We must also gain the respect of our men and to inspire them to fight with you."

With regard to the training in OCS, OCT Said conceded that it was tough and rigorous. "The overseas trips were especially demanding as I had to be away from my family. However, that motivated me to do well and completing the missions in overseas trips gave me a great sense of achievement and satisfaction."

OCT Alfonso Tan Hou Zhi also echoed the same sentiments. Furthermore, he felt that the course has greatly strengthened his character. Having lost half his little finger on his left hand due to a motorcycle accident two weeks prior to his enlistment, he struggled to keep up with training during his course. Nonetheless, it did not deter him from completing the course and signing on as a Regular.

The newly-commissioned officers will go on to assume command, instructional or staff appointments in the SAF.

Also present at the parade were Members of Parliament, senior Ministry of Defence officials and SAF officers, as well as families and friends of the graduands.