The Straits Times, July 1, 1992
By Felix Soh
THE Singapore Armed Forces, which celebrates 25 years of national service today, has come of age -- with full capabilities and strength, said Minister for Defence Dr Yeo Ning Hong.
In an interview with The Straits Times, he said: "The SAF has grown in strength, in capability and in maturity.
"It has more than 300,000 men, fully trained -- with the ability to use sophisticated weapon systems and equipment, with proven doctrines and tested in regular exercises in realistic scenarios."
In giving an overview of how the SAF has evolved through a quarter of a century from a mere two infantry battalions into a well-oiled fighting machine combining firepower and brainpower, the minister also made these points:
* Despite not having been tested in combat, the SAF has proven that it is more than equal to the missions that it has been tasked.
Dr Yeo cited instances like the SAF's successful rescue of hostages on the hijacked Singapore Airlines Airbus last year, its response to emergency search-and-rescue operations on the high seas and the sending of teams on humanitarian missions overseas.
* The most important quality which has made the SAF a motivated and truly professional armed forces is the principle and practice of meritocracy.
Said Dr Yeo: "Because we operate a meritocracy in the SAF, individuals are motivated to give their best, because they know that that is the only way to make progress in one's career."
* Unlike the situation in the armed forces of many other countries, in which there is unhealthy rivalry between the various arms, the three services of the SAF work in a cooperative and complementary mode rather than a confrontational and competitive one.
He said: "With all three services operating together, we create synergy, so that missions the SAF is tasked with can be accomplished, more often than not, with all three services involved."
* Now that the SAF is 25 and has reached a level of maturity, its priorities will be quality, quality and quality, said Dr Yeo.
Said Dr Yeo: "With quality manpower, using quality equipment and weapon systems effectively and operating with sound strategies and doctrines, the SAF will continue to be more than equal to its mission of safeguarding Singapore's sovereignty and protecting her vital interests, regardless of the uncertainties of the future."
Copyright © 1998 Singapore Press Holdings. All Rights Reserved.
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