Today (1 July) is , or Singapore Armed Forces Day, is an annual event in Singapore that commemorates the formation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) on 1 July 1965. It is a day to honor and show appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the SAF.
Today, also serves a major milestone for me to stand-down and become Ex-National Service (Ex-NS) from my 25 years of Operational Ready National Service as MINDEF Reserve right after completion of my 2.5 years full-time National Service as Platoon Commander of 2nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (2 SIR).
- Fully completed my National Service as now listed as Ex-NS in July 2023.
- Listed as MINDEF Reserve since 1998.
- Commissioned as an Infantry Officer by Singapore Armed Forces Council on 29 September 1996 in SAFTI Military Institute.
- Received a Letter of Commendation for performing excellently with exemplary leadership in guiding the platoon to achieve Best Platoon Award for March 1997.
- Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 1st October 1997 by the Singapore Armed Forces Council.
- Discipline: The Singapore Army emphasizes discipline as a core value. Through rigorous training and adherence to rules and procedures, the army instills discipline in its personnel. This discipline helps foster a sense of responsibility, punctuality, and respect for authority.
- Teamwork and Camaraderie: The army places great importance on teamwork and building strong bonds among soldiers. Training exercises, missions, and shared experiences help develop teamwork skills, the ability to collaborate effectively, and the understanding of the importance of relying on and supporting fellow soldiers.
- Resilience and Determination: The Singapore Army aims to develop mental and physical resilience in its soldiers. Training is designed to push individuals beyond their limits, teaching them to overcome challenges, persevere in the face of adversity, and stay focused on their objectives.
- Leadership Skills: The army provides opportunities for individuals to develop leadership qualities and skills. Soldiers are trained to lead and make decisions in high-pressure situations, take responsibility for their actions, and inspire and motivate others.
- Adaptability and Agility: The Singapore Army recognizes the importance of being adaptable and agile in a rapidly changing environment. Soldiers are taught to think critically, problem-solve, and be flexible in order to respond effectively to evolving situations.
- Professionalism and Ethical Conduct: The army emphasizes professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct. Soldiers are expected to uphold high standards of behavior, exhibit professionalism in their interactions, and adhere to the army's values and code of conduct.
Glad the leadership experience gained during my National Service serves me well even up to today with constant reminding me that "Respect is to be Earned"... Lead by Example ...
Wish all my fellow servicemen and army buddies a Happy SAF Day today ...
