http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/375851/1/.html
Commitment of
soldiers makes the difference in the
SAF
By S Ramesh/Ryan Huang,
Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 14 September 2008
2032 hrs
SINGAPORE : The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) provides its
soldiers with the best equipment, and trains them well. But Defence
Minister Teo Chee Hean said ultimately, it is the readiness and
commitment of soldiers - especially those in leadership positions -
to do their duty which makes the real difference.
He was speaking at a commissioning parade for officer cadets on
Sunday.
Mr Teo elaborated: "Make good soldiers out of them. Help them
understand the importance of having a strong defence for Singapore,
and build their belief in what they are doing. Be their guide,
friend and mentor. But do not take their respect and loyalty for
granted. You will have to earn it. The best way to lead is by
example.
"Whatever you say to them, the men and women under you will take
dressing from what you do. What you expect them to do, you yourself
must first be prepared to do. Train them well and push them hard,
for this is the best way to give them the confidence that they will
accomplish their mission and return home safely.
"Look after them and always have their safety at heart, so that
they will follow you in the face of danger, knowing that you will
do your best to lead them back safely again. Your actions, more
than your words, will determine whether they will trust and follow
you."
Minister Teo singled out Platoon Commander Second Lieutenant Kok
Khew Fai's actions on March 8 this year, as those epitomising what
it meant to be an SAF Officer - someone who was well trained and
prepared, quick thinking and decisive, brave and selfless.
Minister Teo presented Second Lieutenant Kok with a special state
award - the SAF Medal for Distinguised Act - for shielding a
recruit from a hand grenade blast during a Live Throw in Pulau
Tekong.
Second Lieutenant Kok, aged 20, is the first full-time National
Serviceman to get the award.
His recruit's grenade had landed behind them, just outside the
ditch in their throwing bay.
Second Lieutenant Kok immediately used his body to shield his
trainee, as they threw themselves down close to the wall. Both
escaped unhurt.
MINDEF said this was due to the bay's design which was revamped in
2004, and the men's familiarity with the safety drills.
The grenade involved has a damage radius of up to 100 metres in the
open. The safety distance, while behind cover, is recommended to be
30 metres.
The exercise was suspended for half an hour for safety checks,
before it resumed.
The recruit successfully completed his throwing exercise one month
later.
Meanwhile, Second Lieutenant Kok said: "I do not feel that my
actions that day was extraordinary. It is part of the drills that
we have been trained in. It is our responsibility, it is our role
of a commander to take care of the safety of our trainees, so they
are our responsibility, we take charge of them."
This is the SAF's sixth grenade exercise incident in over 40
years.
Only six others - including a New Zealander - have received the SAF
Medal for Distinguished Act. - CNA/ms
