Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How reviewed the NS55 Integrated Basic Military Training (BMT) Graduation and MINDEF Reserve Parade at The Float @ Marina Bay this morning. Approximately 4,000 recruits graduated from BMT, together with the stand-down[1] of 350 Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from the 906th Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR)[2] after completing their Operationally Ready National Service training cycle.
In his address, Mr Heng highlighted the importance of a strong defence through National Service (NS). He said, "Russia's invasion of Ukraine earlier this year cautioned us on the importance of maintaining a rules-based international order. It was also a sombre reminder that we must always have the will and the capability to defend ourselves against external aggression. A small state like Singapore must never take our territorial integrity and sovereignty for granted…Today's uncertain circumstances may be different compared to the challenges faced by NSmen a decade ago. However, the dedication and resolve of our soldiers to defend our homeland have remained constant…As we move into a new era, we must maintain strong public support for NS."
Mr Heng also thanked Singaporeans for their strong support for NS over the past 55 years. He said, "As we commemorate 55 years of NS this year, we take pride in the national servicemen across generations who have contributed their time, strength, and unflinching dedication to serve and protect what we cherish; our families, our friends and our freedom to choose our way of life. This is only made possible through the strong and sustained support from their families, friends, employers, colleagues, and the general public so that they are able to balance their NS duties with personal commitments."
In commemoration of 55 years of NS, 3SG (NS) Suhairi Bin Samsudin, from the 906th Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment, handed over the state flag to REC Lim Wee Hong, a graduating recruit from 2nd Company, BMTC School 4. This symbolised the passing of NS duties from one generation of NSmen to the next. 3SG Suhairi who is currently a teacher with Orchid Park Secondary School, had inspired his former student REC Wee Hong to take up basketball, emulating his footsteps to be a coach and bring the best out in others.
Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Aaron Beng and about 10,000 family members and friends of the graduands, also attended the parade.
The integrated parade will be the last parade held at The Float @ Marina Bay before the area is redeveloped into the NS Square next year.
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