SAF to get new CDF and COA

SAF to get new Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Army
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 January 2010 1452 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will get a new Chief of Defence Force from end of March.

That's when Major-General Neo Kian Hong, currently Chief of Army, takes over from Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek Bak Chye as Chief of Defence Force.

Brigadier-General Chan Chun Sing, currently Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, will be the new Chief of Army from 26 March.

Mindef says the changes are part of the continuing process of leadership renewal in the SAF. It adds that Lt-Gen Desmond Quek will be returning to the Administrative Service.

As Chief of Defence Force since 23 March 2007, Lt-Gen Kuek has led the SAF's transformation into a modernised, integrated and networked fighting force capable of carrying out a wider spectrum of operations.

Mindef says he has put in place the building blocks of the 3rd Generation SAF by transforming its force structure and developing key capabilities and systems.

These initiatives have significantly enhanced the SAF's operational efficiency and combat capability to deal effectively with conventional and new security challenges.

Under Lt-Gen Kuek's command, the SAF has also actively participated in regional and global security operations, such as multilateral collaborations and peace support operations.

These have broadened and deepened the SAF's extensive network of defence relations with other armed forces and enhanced its international reputation as a credible, operationally ready force.

The incoming Chief of Defence Force, 46-year-old Maj-Gen Neo, joined the SAF in 1983. As Chief of Army, he built a network of dedicated people, equipped with cutting-edge technologies and enhanced fire power.

The new Chief of Army, 40-year-old Brig-Gen Chan Chun Sing, was previously Commander 9th Division and Chief Infantry Officer.

- CNA/yb/ir

Source of report: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1030919/1/.html

Work under BG Chan before during Reservist time.He was 9 Div Commander (Designate)...Aspiring leader...the type of commander who will go out to sweat & get muddy with his men.

This is the news link from Mindef website:
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_...15jan10_nr.html

BG Chan looks like he has a lot of infantry experience under his command...guess he's the man to ensure that 3G implementation will truly enhance each and every foot soldier

I think LG kuek should stay on longer and see through his O.N.E SAF vision. That will surely make the SAF a better working environment for all.

the same goes to some of his commanders...

like the previous 10SIB BCO.

can plan, can chiong sua, get dirty & muddy up the front line just to get first hand situation.... sometimes making his team of men worry for him. but his mobile team moved subtly.... no one knew their location.

he just fit perfectly in the picture of a military man.

A couple of years ago, our NS brigade were mobilzed for full equipping on late Saturday night. We only standown on Sunday afternoon. BG Chan (9 Div Comd Designate) commended the success though most of us were very sleepy & exhausted. Officially we were only granted half day pay but BG Chan openly declared as a token of appreciation for our efforts, all of us will get a full day pay instead.

Though BG Chan is an SAF Scholar, he comes from a poor family. His mum brought 4 siblings up singly. He told us that one of the goals of his scholarship is to relive his family financial burden.

I guess 20 years later, he can tell him mum he made the right choice.

The current 9 Div Comander is my NSF battalion CO. We are waiting to see how far he goes also.

This post has been edited by blowpipe on Jan 15 2010, 08:41 PM

Will we see a CDF/COA from the minority race or a female general?

I will not be surprised to see a COA/CDF from minority race. In fact, some may be deliberately groomed to take that position.

But a female COA/CDF will be a bit difficult unless there is existing female Division commanders??I never seen any from American armies also.

Female generals are possible coz there are already several female colonels around.

This post has been edited by blowpipe on Jan 15 2010, 09:29 PM

Does it really matter what race or gender the CDF/COA is as long as they are up to the job?

IMHO, yes not but not so soon..

Will be best if she does not look like mother but instead one of those sexy mediacorp actress.

Nice!! Too bad SAF has no full 4 star General rank..

No, but we have PM (3 star), SM (4 star) & MM (5 star).



This post has been edited by Iowa_BB61 on Jan 16 2010, 01:25 AM

Being in the Panther family for so many years since enlistment, glad to most of the COA/CDF from my division.