The Singapore Armed Forces
Brief History of the SAF. Since its inception in 1965, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has grown from a small volunteer force to a formidable military force with broad multi-spectral capabilities. This remarkable transformation would have seemed improbable in 1965 when Singapore became an independent nation. The fledgling SAF then comprised the 1st and 2nd Singapore Infantry Regiments (SIR), the Singapore Volunteer Corps and two Navy ships, the RSS Panglima and the RSS Singapura. Much work needed to be done to build a credible defence force.
Brief History of the SAF. Since its inception in 1965, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has grown from a small volunteer force to a formidable military force with broad multi-spectral capabilities. This remarkable transformation would have seemed improbable in 1965 when Singapore became an independent nation. The fledgling SAF then comprised the 1st and 2nd Singapore Infantry Regiments (SIR), the Singapore Volunteer Corps and two Navy ships, the RSS Panglima and the RSS Singapura. Much work needed to be done to build a credible defence force.
Over the years, the SAF has seen its operational capability and readiness advanced by leaps and bounds as it acquired weapons and equipment that routinely test the boundaries of leading-edge technology. In the process, the challenge to integrate complex and sophisticated combat systems into the SAF to work as a coherent whole, has fallen on the shoulders of the men and women of the SAF. Their unfailing dedication to duty and tireless commitment has ensured that the spectacular remaking of the SAF into a modern fighting force is a reality. So while the SAF maintains its edge as an advanced fighting force with an impressive array of hardware; its people, or "heartware", are the real strength behind the force.
Mission
The Mission of the Singapore Armed Forces is to enhance Singapore's peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor.
SAF Pledge
We, members of the Singapore Armed Forces, do solemnly and sincerely pledge that:
We will always bear true faith and allegiance to the President and the Republic of Singapore.
We will always support and defend the Constitution.
We will preserve and protect the honour and independence of our country with our lives.
SAF Core Values
Loyalty to Country is what commits us as citizens to protect and defend our nation. The nation represents our homeland, all that is cherished by us, our family and our way of life. We have a responsibility to protect the nation. Loyalty is vital for the SAF because its mission is to defend the nation and, if need be for us to sacrifice our lives for Singapore.
Leadership is being able to influence and motivate one's peers and fellow soldiers - to imbue them with trust and confidence so that they will carry out a mission confidently and to their best ability. Leaders achieve this by demonstrating sound knowledge as well as abilities such as being able to communicate with their followers. Good leaders lead by example, personal presence and involvement. The defence of the nation can only be assured by commanders who are competent to lead. The SAF therefore demands the highest standards of leadership at all levels of command and expects them to lead, excel and inspire others to give their best to the nation.
Discipline in the SAF is obedience of orders, and the timely and accurate execution of assigned tasks. This is achieved through tough training geared towards operational readiness and combat effectiveness. The essence of discipline is doing what we have to, even when it is difficult and painful, and doing it to the best of our abilities. Discipline means inner strength, self-control, mental stamina, physical toughness and perseverance. A high standard of discipline must be maintained to train soldiers to withstand fear and tension. Disciplined soldiers can be depended on.
Professionalism is proficiency, and reliability in all we do. This would involve having a sound knowledge of what we have to do and doing it well. We know our roles and responsibilities, and we carry them out well. Professionalism is a continual strive for excellence, which rejects complacency. In the SAF, it also incorporates and emphasises a sense of duty and service, which compels everyone to train hard and give their best. It is the sense of professionalism which binds the SAF together. As a team, we strive to excel in all we do; to serve with pride, honour and integrity.
Fighting Spirit is the tenacity to succeed in what ever we do. In the SAF particularly, it is marked by determination, aggressiveness and perseverance in the spirit of a fighting fit defence force. Fighting spirit makes us courageous, bold and decisive, with the necessary aggressiveness to engage decisively in a battle and quickly put an end to it. Fighting spirit is also the dedication, stamina and edurance which enables us to overcome obstacles and achieve our mission with continued will and motivation despite all odds.
Ethics is exemplary conduct and moral strength. It enables us to know what is right from wrong, and to do the right thing both in peacetime and in war. It includes a sense of loyalty and responsibility to one's peers, subordinates and leaders. It encompasses being honest and accurate in our reporting, having integrity in our dealing with others, and not misusing our position against anyone. Ethics will also ensure we do not act against our country and are loyal to its laws and constitution. Such trustworthiness and uprightness of character must be unshakeable for the SAF.
Care for Soldiers is the genuine concern that we have for the well-being of our fellow soldiers and those in our command. This includes a personal touch, proper equipping, feeding, training and providing adequate rest both in peacetime and in war. It is training soldiers so well that they can protect themselves and survive in battle. This is the philosophy of more sweat in peacetime and less blood in war. Care is absolutely essential for cohesion, team spirit ultimately combat effectiveness. Commanders who care for the training, morale and discipline of their troops can be sure they have a fighting fir force at hand. They can also be sure of their loyalty. Care for soldiers also extends to the families of soldiers.
Loyalty to Country is what commits us as citizens to protect and defend our nation. The nation represents our homeland, all that is cherished by us, our family and our way of life. We have a responsibility to protect the nation. Loyalty is vital for the SAF because its mission is to defend the nation and, if need be for us to sacrifice our lives for Singapore.
Leadership is being able to influence and motivate one's peers and fellow soldiers - to imbue them with trust and confidence so that they will carry out a mission confidently and to their best ability. Leaders achieve this by demonstrating sound knowledge as well as abilities such as being able to communicate with their followers. Good leaders lead by example, personal presence and involvement. The defence of the nation can only be assured by commanders who are competent to lead. The SAF therefore demands the highest standards of leadership at all levels of command and expects them to lead, excel and inspire others to give their best to the nation.
Discipline in the SAF is obedience of orders, and the timely and accurate execution of assigned tasks. This is achieved through tough training geared towards operational readiness and combat effectiveness. The essence of discipline is doing what we have to, even when it is difficult and painful, and doing it to the best of our abilities. Discipline means inner strength, self-control, mental stamina, physical toughness and perseverance. A high standard of discipline must be maintained to train soldiers to withstand fear and tension. Disciplined soldiers can be depended on.
Professionalism is proficiency, and reliability in all we do. This would involve having a sound knowledge of what we have to do and doing it well. We know our roles and responsibilities, and we carry them out well. Professionalism is a continual strive for excellence, which rejects complacency. In the SAF, it also incorporates and emphasises a sense of duty and service, which compels everyone to train hard and give their best. It is the sense of professionalism which binds the SAF together. As a team, we strive to excel in all we do; to serve with pride, honour and integrity.
Fighting Spirit is the tenacity to succeed in what ever we do. In the SAF particularly, it is marked by determination, aggressiveness and perseverance in the spirit of a fighting fit defence force. Fighting spirit makes us courageous, bold and decisive, with the necessary aggressiveness to engage decisively in a battle and quickly put an end to it. Fighting spirit is also the dedication, stamina and edurance which enables us to overcome obstacles and achieve our mission with continued will and motivation despite all odds.
Ethics is exemplary conduct and moral strength. It enables us to know what is right from wrong, and to do the right thing both in peacetime and in war. It includes a sense of loyalty and responsibility to one's peers, subordinates and leaders. It encompasses being honest and accurate in our reporting, having integrity in our dealing with others, and not misusing our position against anyone. Ethics will also ensure we do not act against our country and are loyal to its laws and constitution. Such trustworthiness and uprightness of character must be unshakeable for the SAF.
Care for Soldiers is the genuine concern that we have for the well-being of our fellow soldiers and those in our command. This includes a personal touch, proper equipping, feeding, training and providing adequate rest both in peacetime and in war. It is training soldiers so well that they can protect themselves and survive in battle. This is the philosophy of more sweat in peacetime and less blood in war. Care is absolutely essential for cohesion, team spirit ultimately combat effectiveness. Commanders who care for the training, morale and discipline of their troops can be sure they have a fighting fir force at hand. They can also be sure of their loyalty. Care for soldiers also extends to the families of soldiers.
Articles extracted from: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/safday/safday2010/safdayparade/saf.html
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