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SINGAPORE \u2013 During live firing exercises, Second Lieutenant (2LT) Joseph Tan, 19, saw how meticulous his instructors were in everything they did \u2013 from planning to execution \u2013 which helped him understand the gravity of his role as a newly minted officer. <\/p>\n
\u201cI saw the care they put into every single aspect of conduct to ensure it was smooth, we were able to learn effectively, and most importantly, it was safe for us,\u201d recalled 2LT Tan hours before the commissioning parade for the 139th Officer Cadet Course at Safti Military Institute on Dec 13. <\/p>\n
\u201cTheir professionalism made me understand the weight, the responsibility that officers have in caring for their men,\u201d said 2LT Tan, who is the latest recipient of the Sword of Honour, which is given to the best trainee in each batch. <\/p>\n
The army combat engineer said he considers it his duty to make a strong impact on the lives of those around him and give them a meaningful and safe national service experience. \u201cThese men have families and loved ones waiting for them at home,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n
At the parade, 405 cadets \u2013 comprising 320 from the Singapore Army, 49 from the Republic of Singapore Navy and 36 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force \u2013 were commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). <\/p>\n
Among them were two officers from the Royal Thai Army who trained alongside their Singaporean counterparts for nine months. <\/p>\n
\u201cSuch close training experiences enhance the learning of every cadet, and at the same time strengthen the longstanding partnerships with our neighbours,\u201d noted Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister\u2019s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development, who was the reviewing officer. <\/p>\n
Ms Indranee also emphasised the SAF\u2019s stabilising role in a global environment that has become \u201cmore uncertain, more divided, and more contested\u201d. <\/p>\n
She said: \u201cAmid this turbulence, Singapore remains steadfast and dependable. We hold firm to our principles, our belief in international law, and our support for a rules-based order. <\/p>\n
\u201cA strong SAF gives Singapore and Singaporeans confidence and peace of mind.\u201d <\/p>\n
The parade marked the completion of 38 weeks of rigorous training for the cadets at the Officer Cadet School. The cadets\u2019 guests were invited to affix epaulettes on them during the graduating parade, and 2LT Tan\u2019s proud parents did the honours. He is the first officer in his family. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy dad was talking about getting a case to put my sword, as well as the badges that he got during (his) national service days (as a specialist), to commemorate both of us having passed this,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n