Arapahoe SG this article probably was intended a few pointers aim at the leader of Singapore to reflect upon. But what I read between the lines it SAID : that our military leader does not have actual war time experience to lead a battle. when it comes to fighting against an experience enemy. It makes a different in winning the battle. SAF are more, and beyond capable of defending Singapore but we did not send any ground forces to both afghanistan and Iraq maybe its time to throw in some career officier to the firing line. what are your thoughts?
LazerLordz SG Has anyone thought about the fact that this article could have been directed to US policymakers to try and get more from us in terms of training soldiers to contribute more towards coalition operations?
Arapahoe SG it is highly possible. but it is also undenied fact that i believe with all the excerise we held together with US military personnel our military leader probably demonstrate some level of unrealistics planning and decision regards to expectation. So this is an awkward position that mindef need to address. Also if we look at the current environment MY and the chinese are sending troops to lebanon, the experience they gain on the ground are effectively beyond training. It is not unrealistics to assume that defending singapore maybe against a battle hardened fighting force.
LazerLordz SG We have to play a more active role, and I think it will be inevitable, at least in the coming decades when the Security Community is formed, and SG may have to play a far more active coalition role too..
Atobe SG Is it odd that only BGs make the grade as Ministers, while the SAF "retired" LGs and MGs are only good for Corporate Vice-Presidents in GLCs - with none yet to be appointed as CEO or Corporate President ? Does it tell the complete picture of the quality of our generals - above the rank of BG - or what ? It was great to see a 'farmer' BG to be the UN Military Force Commander in Timor Leste, and being well received, respected and commended by all the foreign Professional Military Officers under his command. He is currently the Deputy Special Representative for the Secretary General (DSRSG) for Security Sector and Rule of Law for United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). What possibly could be the reason for this BG not being included into the Ministerial ranks ? Perhaps the "farmer" origin remains the influencing factor. Past CDF were mostly scholars - except for the first LG in the SAF. LG (Ret) Winston Choo. LG (Ret) Winston Choo - Singapore Red Cross LG (Ret) Ng Jui Ping LG Bey Soo Khiang LG Lim Neo Chian MG Raymund Ng Teck Heng BG Wesley D'Aranjo BG Boey Tak Hap RA Kwek Siew Jin BG Michael Teo BG Gary Yeo BG Lee Fook Sun BG Patrick Choy BG Chin Chow Yoon BG Low Yee Kah The answer to the opening remark must be that the LGs are probably worn and trodden - reaching their run out date when they reached 45 after being stretched by the SAF; while the BGs still have more mileage to be taken, and with so many around, one can be picky.
googoomuck SG ...........and valour too. Someone admires Rommel. I admire Ariel Sharon. Both of them lead in front by saying to his men " follow me".
spencer99 SG Many of these "battle-hardened" platoon commanders and company commanders will go on to command Brigades and Divisions in the future.... but u r right, no point sacrificing young soldiers to produce "generals" in the future.... but the point is we are are non-battle proven force...
Arapahoe SG remember we are talking about military general and not politician. Sacrificing is part of the job.