A total of 877 cadets from the Singapore Armed Forces graduate as Specialists and Military Experts, signifying a new chapter in their service to the nation.
SINGAPORE, 21 November 2024 – Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Mr Desmond Tan officiated the 61st Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade held at Pasir Laba Camp. The event saw 877 cadets from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) completing their 22-week Specialist Cadet Course and graduating as Specialists and Military Experts. Among the graduands were 741 from the Singapore Army, 31 from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), 51 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), and 54 from the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS).
In his speech, Mr Tan highlighted the SAF’s critical role in safeguarding Singapore’s sovereignty and way of life, enabling the nation’s prosperity and success. He emphasised the SAF’s continuous enhancements to its capabilities in response to evolving security challenges. These advancements include new assets such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, Invincible-class submarines, and the Army’s Next-Generation Howitzers. Mr Tan also touched on the development of advanced training environments like the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Australia and SAFTI City, which simulate realistic operational conditions for service personnel.
The Senior Minister of State also reaffirmed the SAF’s operational readiness, citing recent deployments for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. “This year, the RSAF delivered medical and packed meal supplies to Gaza through Jordan and deployed transport aircraft to deliver aid to communities in our region affected by Typhoon Yagi and Tropical Storm Kristine. These efforts demonstrate the SAF’s capability to respond swiftly and effectively to global crises,” Mr Tan noted.
Addressing the graduands, Mr Tan underscored the responsibilities of leadership within the SAF. “As you embark on this new chapter of service, I encourage you to embrace your role as leaders. Uphold the core values of the SAF, which will guide your decisions and actions as you navigate the challenges ahead. Leadership is an opportunity for personal growth, even as you inspire and serve those around you,” he said.
The parade, attended by senior SAF commanders, families, and friends of the graduands, marked the culmination of intensive training designed to enhance the cadets’ vocation-specific expertise. These newly minted Specialists and Military Experts will now take on command, training, and staff appointments within the SAF, continuing to contribute to Singapore’s defence and security.
Source: MINDEF
