A Singapore Soldier’s Prayer

SAF Day 2022

I remember on a cool sunny December day in 1973, I reported to (then) Central Manpower Base (CMPB) at Dempsey Road for National Service (NS). Today is the 55th Anniversary of National Service. National Service is the mandatory military service for male Singaporeans instituted in 1967 to create the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). I remembered pledging to “support and defend the Constitution” and to “preserve and protect the honour and independence of our country with our lives”.

It was for me a proud defining moment of Citizenship, this privilege to fight and defend my own Country.

Our Army instructors never allowed us to forget the “Enemies at the Gate” which we must always be ready for. Know that the First Lesson of Ancient Chinese strategist, Sun Tzu is: “Do Not Assume that the Enemy will not Come; But Be Prepared for His Coming.

WHATEVER WE CANNOT DEFEND AND PROTECT DOES NOT BELONG TO US.

In the years after National Service and University graduation, I had my military gear and boots stowed in my car, expecting to be mobilized anytime to fight and defend this Island Nation. Some of my friends had theirs stowed in their Offices. Such was our sense of the presence of constant real Threats to our Survival and the Well-being of our Loved Ones. The SAF has come a long way since maintaining its vigilance against Singapore’s enemies. Singaporeans and Residents alike can sleep peacefully because We know the SAF is on the Watch-Towers in the Air, on Land, and at Sea. We know, because most of us have already taken our turns on the Watch. TODAY IS SAF DAY 2022. Uroar, my Fellow Lions!

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